Rhythm of War (9781429952040)
“Rhythm of War” is the fourth installment in Brandon Sanderson’s epic fantasy series, The Stormlight Archive. Set on the planet Roshar, the novel continues the conflict between Dalinar Kholin’s coalition of Knights Radiant and the forces of Odium, a malevolent god seeking dominion. The story delves deeper into the psychological and emotional struggles of key characters, including Kaladin, Shallan, and Navani, as they grapple with war, trauma, and the mysteries of ancient magics. Themes of resilience, identity, and the cost of power are explored amidst intricate world-building and high-stakes battles. The book expands the Cosmere universe, revealing new layers of lore and setting the stage for future confrontations.
112. Terms
bySanderson, Brandon
The chapter opens with Dalinar and the Windrunners returning to their Emuli warcamp, exhausted and disheartened after a failed mission. Dalinar grapples with feelings of defeat, questioning his inability to understand his powers, rescue Navani, or reclaim Urithiru. Just as his despair peaks, messengers arrive with unexpected good news: Navani has made contact, and the tower’s Oathgates are functional again. Though relieved, Dalinar recognizes his physical and emotional exhaustion, opting to rest before reuniting with Navani and meeting with Jasnah and the Prime after the impending highstorm.
As Dalinar retreats to his quarters, the Stormfather reveals that Urithiru is now secure, thanks to the Sibling’s awakening and Navani’s bond with a spren. This revelation leaves Dalinar emotionally overwhelmed, longing for solitude to process the implications. However, his respite is abruptly interrupted when he steps into a surreal golden field—a vision unlike any he’s experienced before. Confused and wary, he realizes this isn’t a typical highstorm vision but a direct confrontation with Odium, who appears before him in a transformed, almost fractured state.
Odium, barely containing his anger, accuses Dalinar of conspiring with Ishar and questions his defiance. Dalinar remains composed, using silence and posture to mask his fatigue. Odium’s frustration reveals his fear of Dalinar’s growing power and independence, especially after losing control of Urithiru. Dalinar deduces that Odium’s sudden appearance stems from his failures and insecurity, realizing that the god fears those who refuse to submit to his will. This insight emboldens Dalinar, who reflects on Cultivation’s gift as the source of his resilience.
The chapter culminates in a tense exchange, with Dalinar taunting Odium about his limitations and hinting at the knowledge he gained from Ishar. He asserts that a human wielding a god’s power without its restrictions is a threat Odium cannot ignore. The confrontation underscores Dalinar’s evolving understanding of his role and the shifting balance of power between them. The chapter ends with Dalinar standing firm, embodying the defiance Odium fears, while the god’s vulnerability becomes increasingly apparent.
FAQs
1. How does Dalinar’s emotional state evolve throughout the chapter, and what key events trigger these changes?
Answer:
Dalinar begins the chapter in a state of exhaustion and despair after failing to understand his powers or rescue Navani. The weight of failure is palpable as he “tows his failure like a cart” with exhaustion spren swirling around him. His mood shifts dramatically when messengers bring news that Navani is safe and Urithiru is functioning again, filling him with relief. However, this emotional reprieve is short-lived as he is suddenly pulled into a vision with Odium, where he must confront his fears and fatigue. The chapter showcases Dalinar’s resilience as he pushes through his weariness to face Odium, ultimately realizing that the god fears him—a revelation that renews his determination.2. What does Odium’s appearance and behavior in the vision reveal about his current state and relationship with Dalinar?
Answer:
Odium’s appearance has changed significantly since Dalinar last saw him: his skin glows as if light is escaping, and his eyes are completely golden, suggesting instability or strain. His tone is clipped and angry, indicating frustration over recent failures, particularly the loss of Urithiru and the awakening of the Sibling. Odium accuses Dalinar of working with Ishar and reveals that their Connection is growing stronger, allowing him to reach Dalinar more easily. This interaction highlights Odium’s fear of Dalinar’s defiance and his inability to control him, underscoring a key theme—that Odium, despite being a god, is threatened by humans who resist his influence.3. Analyze the significance of the Stormfather’s revelation about the Sibling and its implications for the broader conflict.
Answer:
The Stormfather’s announcement that the Sibling has “fully awakened” and that there may be another Bondsmith (Navani) is a pivotal moment. This development suggests a major shift in the balance of power, as Bondsmiths wield immense abilities to bind realms and influence spren. Odium’s reaction—his sudden appearance and accusations—confirms that this is a direct threat to his plans. The Sibling’s awakening not only secures Urithiru but also introduces a new variable in the war, potentially enabling Dalinar and his allies to counter Odium’s strategies more effectively. This underscores the importance of spren bonds and the growing resistance against Odium’s dominion.4. How does Dalinar’s confrontation with Odium demonstrate his growth as a leader and Bondsmith?
Answer:
Despite his exhaustion, Dalinar refuses to crumble under Odium’s intimidation. He employs a commander’s tactic—maintaining strong posture and controlled silence—to project strength even when weary. His realization that Odium fears him marks a turning point; it shifts his perspective from feeling overwhelmed to recognizing his own power. By referencing Ishar’s teachings and questioning Odium’s limitations, Dalinar shows strategic thinking and a deeper understanding of his role. This confrontation highlights his growth from a broken warlord to a leader who can unsettle a god, proving his resilience and tactical acumen.5. What thematic role does the setting of the golden field play in Dalinar’s vision with Odium?
Answer:
The golden field, shimmering as if infused with Stormlight, creates a surreal and ominous atmosphere, distinct from Dalinar’s usual highstorm visions. The reddish-orange sky evokes a sense of foreboding, mirroring the tension between Dalinar and Odium. The field’s unnatural beauty contrasts with the dark conversation, symbolizing the duality of Odium’s power—alluring yet dangerous. The isolation of the setting (no doorway back, no visible escape) reflects Dalinar’s feeling of being trapped in the conflict, while the hilltop where Odium stands reinforces the god’s居高临下的 presence. This setting amplifies the stakes of their confrontation and the psychological weight of their struggle.
Quotes
1. “Roshar will be united in its service of the greater war.”
—Musings of El, on the first of the Final Ten Days
This epigraph sets a ominous tone for the chapter, hinting at the cosmic conflict brewing on Roshar and foreshadowing the confrontation between Dalinar and Odium.
2. “He felt the weight of failure pulling him down, strong as gravity. He sagged as he dismissed the Windrunners to go rest.”
This vivid description captures Dalinar’s emotional and physical exhaustion after his failed mission, establishing the vulnerable state in which he encounters Odium’s vision.
3. “Humanity is mine, Dalinar. All emotions belong to me. This land, this realm, this people. They live for me. They always have. They always will.”
Odium’s chilling declaration reveals his fundamental worldview and claim over Roshar, showing why he sees Dalinar’s resistance as such a threat to his dominion.
4. “You are a god. You hold vast powers, yet they bind you as much as they free you. Tell me, what do you think of a human bearing the weight of a god’s powers, but without that god’s restrictions?”
Dalinar’s insightful challenge to Odium represents a key turning point in their confrontation, highlighting the unique advantage humans may have over gods in this cosmic struggle.
5. “Odium feared men who would not obey him. He feared Dalinar.”
This realization marks the chapter’s climax, showing Dalinar’s growing understanding of his own power and why he represents such a threat to Odium’s plans.