Rhythm of War (9781429952040)
114. Broken Gods
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with Rlain, now a Truthwatcher, traveling with Venli and her recruits to the Shattered Plains via the Oathgate. Still processing his recent bonding with the transformed mistspren Tumi—a unique spren touched by both Honor and Odium—Rlain reflects on being chosen for his role as the “Bridger of Minds.” Upon arrival, they meet Kaladin and the Fused, including Leshwi, who declares their intent to seek a third path beyond the war, following the listeners’ example. Kaladin offers refuge if needed, and the group prepares to journey east to reunite with other listeners.
Rlain shares a heartfelt moment with Venli, encouraging her to embrace her path of Radiance despite her past mistakes. As Venli departs with the others, Rlain remains behind, conflicted about his dual loyalties to both the listeners and Bridge Four. He fears the possibility of humans repeating history by enslaving the singers if they win the war, resolving to stay vigilant. Kaladin reassures him, and they turn their attention to honoring Teft’s memory, symbolizing the bonds of their Radiant brotherhood.
Meanwhile, Taravangian undergoes a profound transformation, ascending to become the new vessel of Odium. Overwhelmed by the godly power of passion and fury, he gains cosmic awareness, realizing his predecessor’s weakness and his own newfound potential. From his elevated perspective, he observes Szeth and the aftermath of Nightblood’s attack, noting how his mortal form is mistaken for Rayse’s corpse. This misconception grants him freedom to operate unseen, as the world believes him dead.
The chapter juxtaposes Rlain’s grounded struggles with loyalty and identity against Taravangian’s godlike ascension. Rlain’s journey highlights themes of redemption and vigilance, while Taravangian’s transformation sets the stage for a darker, more unpredictable future. Both narratives underscore the tension between personal growth and the broader cosmic conflict, leaving readers to ponder the consequences of power and choice in a fractured world.
FAQs
1. What is significant about Rlain’s bond with Tumi, and how does it differ from traditional Radiant-spren bonds?
Answer:
Rlain’s bond with Tumi is significant because Tumi is a unique hybrid spren—originally a mistspren who was transformed by Sja-anat into a being of both Honor and Odium. Unlike traditional Radiant spren who are purely of Honor or Cultivation, Tumi represents a bridge between opposing forces. This bond reflects Rlain’s own role as a “Bridger of Minds” between humans and singers. The text emphasizes that Renarin specifically suggested this pairing, recognizing its potential strength. Their bond symbolizes the possibility of reconciliation between conflicting factions in Roshar, making it politically and spiritually significant beyond typical Nahel bonds.2. Analyze Leshwi’s decision to seek a “third option” outside the war. What does this reveal about her character and the broader conflict?
Answer:
Leshwi’s choice to pursue a path separate from both Odium’s forces and the human coalition demonstrates her evolved perspective and desire to break cyclical violence. As a Fused who actively protected lives against her own kind, she represents a growing faction rejecting Odium’s extremism. Her respect for Kaladin (tipping her head in acknowledgment) and alignment with the listeners’ philosophy show a shift from blind obedience to principled independence. This “third option” mirrors Venli’s redemption arc and suggests that not all ancient singers are bound to Odium’s will, offering narrative potential for future alliances or new cultural developments among the singer people.3. How does Taravangian’s transformation into Odium’s vessel create dramatic irony in the chapter’s conclusion?
Answer:
The scene creates profound dramatic irony as Szeth and the assassin believe Taravangian is dead (consumed by Nightblood), while readers know he has actually ascended as the new Odium. This misconception grants Taravangian strategic anonymity—he can manipulate events while others underestimate his presence. The irony deepens when considering Taravangian’s past as a “benevolent” tyrant: his godly power is now fueled by Odium’s fury, yet he retains his calculating mind. This duality sets up tension between his stated goal of “saving humanity” and the Shard’s destructive nature, leaving readers to question whether his takeover is a salvation or a more dangerous threat than Rayse.4. Evaluate Rlain’s internal conflict about remaining with Bridge Four instead of joining the listeners. What broader themes does this struggle represent?
Answer:
Rlain’s dilemma embodies themes of divided loyalty and cultural identity. While he longs to reconnect with his people (asking Venli to greet Thude and Harvo), he chooses to stay as Bridge Four’s first singer Radiant—a symbolic guardian against human oppression. His fear that humanity might repeat the enslavement of singers reflects persistent racial tensions in the post-Everstorm world. By maintaining his dual role, Rlain becomes a living bridge between factions, much like his hybrid spren. This mirrors real-world struggles of marginalized individuals who must navigate majority cultures while preserving their heritage, adding sociological depth to the fantasy narrative.5. Contrast how Venli and Taravangian each grapple with feelings of unworthiness after transformative experiences.
Answer:
Venli’s whispered confession—”I don’t deserve any of this. I was weak”—shows guilt over past betrayals, but Rlain redirects her toward Radiant ideals of growth (“start doing better”). In contrast, Taravangian’s godhood amplifies his flaws; his intellectual brilliance is now paired with Odium’s all-consuming rage, with no moral counterbalance. While Venli seeks redemption through community (joining the listeners), Taravangian isolates himself through deception (letting others think he’s dead). Their arcs present two responses to unworthiness: Venli’s path follows Stormlight’s theme of journey before destination, while Taravangian’s mirrors the destructive potential of unchecked power divorced from accountability.
Quotes
1. “They should not be discarded, but helped to their potential. Their final Passions.”
This epigraph from “Musings of El” sets the thematic tone for the chapter, suggesting a redemptive arc for broken or flawed beings—a concept that resonates with both Rlain’s transformation and Taravangian’s ascension.
2. “We are awed by you, Rlain. The Bridger of Minds. We are honored.”
Tumi’s words to Rlain highlight his unique role as a mediator between cultures and ideologies, emphasizing his worthiness as a Truthwatcher and the value of his hybrid identity in the conflict.
3. “We fought against our own to preserve lives. We do not wish that to continue. We will find a third option, outside this war. The path of the listeners.”
Leshwi’s declaration encapsulates the chapter’s theme of seeking alternatives to cyclical violence, mirroring Rlain’s internal conflict about humanity’s potential to repeat past atrocities.
4. “He was aware of what he’d left behind in the mortal realm… They thought him dead. He was free.…”
This pivotal moment reveals Taravangian’s godhood and strategic advantage, as his “death” allows him to operate unchecked—a chilling twist on the chapter’s exploration of power and deception.
5. “He was the power of life and death, of creation and destruction… the power of raw, untamed fury. Of hatred unbound.”
This description of Taravangian’s new godly nature underscores the chapter’s central tension: whether divine power will be wielded for redemption or destruction, tying back to El’s opening musings.