Rhythm of War (9781429952040)
111. Unchained
by Sanderson, BrandonDalinar returns from a vision with the Stormfather, disoriented but exhilarated after speaking the Words of his Bondsmith oath. Though he is physically flying with Windrunners, he feels constrained compared to the freedom he experienced in the vision. His focus shifts to the urgent situation at Urithiru, trusting Kaladin to handle it, while he prepares to confront Ishar, the Herald, in Tukar. As his team approaches the desolate camps near Ishar’s pavilion, Dalinar reflects on the stark contrast between the barren landscape and the lush regions of the West, noting the strategic movements of Ishar’s forces.
Upon arrival, Dalinar and his Windrunners observe Ishar’s soldiers, who are prepared but not overtly hostile. Sigzil, the Azish Windrunner, expresses concern about the situation, but Dalinar reassures him, emphasizing their preparedness as Radiants. Sigzil volunteers to speak with Ishar first, landing safely and returning with unsettling news: Ishar claims to be the Almighty reborn and awaits Odium’s champion, likely referring to Dalinar. Despite the Herald’s apparent madness, he is willing to talk, prompting Dalinar to order their descent into the ring of soldiers.
Dalinar and his team land cautiously, with Windrunners forming a protective circle around him. He steps forward to meet Ishar, noting the Herald’s imposing presence and warrior-like demeanor, which defies his expectations of a frail scholar. Ishar addresses Dalinar as Odium’s champion, a claim Dalinar firmly denies, asserting his intent to ally against Odium instead. The tension between them is palpable, as Ishar’s delusions of divinity clash with Dalinar’s pragmatic leadership and mission to unite forces against their common enemy.
The chapter culminates in a tense standoff, highlighting Ishar’s descent into madness and Dalinar’s resolve to navigate the Herald’s instability for the greater good. The encounter underscores the challenges of uniting fractured allies in the face of Odium’s threat, while also exploring themes of leadership, sanity, and the burdens of power. Dalinar’s determination to reason with Ishar, despite the risks, reflects his unwavering commitment to his cause, even as the Herald’s erratic behavior casts doubt on the feasibility of their alliance.
FAQs
1. How does Dalinar’s experience with the Stormfather’s vision affect his perception of his current flight with the Windrunners?
Answer:
Dalinar’s experience with the Stormfather’s vision creates a stark contrast with his physical flight. While flying with the Windrunners is objectively miraculous—covering 100 miles in under 30 minutes—Dalinar feels “clunky and slow” after having briefly been the wind itself during the vision. This highlights his momentary transcendence of physical limitations in the vision, making his real-world flight seem mundane by comparison. The chapter emphasizes this duality: he acknowledges the wonder of Radiant-powered flight while yearning for the deeper Connection he experienced as pure motion (e.g., “for a brief time he’d known something better”).
2. Analyze the significance of Ishar’s self-identification as “Tezim, first man, aspect of the Almighty.” How does this reflect broader themes in the chapter?
Answer:
Ishar’s claim embodies two key themes: the distortion of Heralds over millennia and the blurred boundaries between divinity and madness. As a Herald, Ishar was once revered as a near-divine figure, but his current delusion of being the “Almighty reborn” demonstrates how prolonged existence has fractured his sanity. This mirrors Shalash’s warning about the Heralds’ worsening “personal quirks.” The title “Tezim” (likely a Tukari honorific) also reflects cultural syncretism, showing how ancient beings are reinterpreted through local beliefs. His challenge to Dalinar as “Odium’s champion” further explores mistaken identity and the unreliability of prophecy.
3. What strategic and interpersonal considerations influence Dalinar’s decision-making during the approach to Ishar’s camp?
Answer:
Dalinar balances military pragmatism with leadership philosophy. Strategically, he relies on Radiant advantages (Stormlight reserves, Bondsmith renewal) but accepts Sigzil’s caution about scouting first—demonstrating adaptability despite his impatience. Interpersonally, he respects Sigzil’s authority by approving the plan (“one did not build good officers by ignoring their suggestions”) while quietly retaining Szeth’s capabilities as a contingency. His assessment of Ishar combines Shalash’s insights (expecting boldness, not subtlety) with real-time observations of the camp’s defensive ring, showing layered decision-making that weighs intelligence, risk, and trust in his team.
4. How does the chapter use environmental details to underscore the impact of war on the region?
Answer:
The ravaged landscape—”denuded” hills, bonfire scars, and stripped resources—visually reinforces war’s ecological toll. The contrast between Tukar’s naturally fertile west and the barren Unclaimed Hills historically dependent on trade emphasizes how armies consume environments. Specific details like hogshide leathers (adapted from local herds) and lack of Soulcasters ground the conflict in material realities, showing conscripted soldiers outfitted with whatever scraps remain after prolonged conflict. This “scorched earth” imagery parallels Ishar’s psychological state: both land and legend are stripped bare by endless conflict.
5. Compare Dalinar’s and Szeth’s roles in this mission. What does their dynamic reveal about hidden power structures?
Answer:
While Dalinar is the visible leader, Szeth operates covertly—his Stormlight use masked as Sigzil’s assistance. This mirrors their broader narrative roles: Dalinar as the unifying Bondsmith, Szeth as the concealed weapon. Their pairing reflects Dalinar’s strategic duality—open diplomacy backed by lethal contingency. Szeth’s silent presence also contrasts with Ishar’s performative divinity, suggesting true power often operates unseen. The trust Dalinar places in Szeth (revealing his capabilities to Sigzil) further subverts expectations, as the once-“Truthless” assassin becomes a keystone in delicate negotiations.
Quotes
1. “These Words are accepted.”
This pivotal moment captures Dalinar’s personal triumph as he reflects on speaking the next Ideal of his Bondsmith oaths. It represents a key step in his spiritual journey and Radiant progression.
2. “He was flying. Covering a hundred miles in less than half an hour. His current travel was a wonder, an incredible achievement. But for a brief time he’d known something better.”
This passage beautifully contrasts Dalinar’s awe at modern Radiant abilities with his longing for the transcendent experience he just had in the vision. It highlights the tension between human achievement and divine connection.
3. “Shalash warned that all of them had changed over the millennia, their… personal quirks growing more and more pronounced.”
This insight into the Heralds’ deterioration over time provides crucial context for understanding Ishar’s behavior and foreshadows the mental instability Dalinar will encounter. It’s key to the chapter’s exploration of divinity’s fragility.
4. “He claims to be the Almighty… God, born again, after being shattered. He says he’s waiting for Odium’s champion to come and fight him for the end of the world.”
This revelation about Ishar’s delusional state dramatically raises the stakes of Dalinar’s mission. It presents both the immediate conflict and hints at larger cosmological truths about the Heralds’ fractured minds.