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.
41. The Most Dangerous
bySanderson, Brandon
The chapter opens with Venli, a listener, reflecting on her role in the invasion of the tower city. Though she feels drawn to seek guidance from Leshwi, a fellow Fused, she remains with Raboniel, the Lady of Wishes, in the basement. Raboniel appears unconcerned about the ongoing battle, instead focusing on inspecting the murals in the hallway. Venli realizes she has been brought along merely as a servant, highlighting Raboniel’s detached and calculating demeanor. The contrast between the chaos above and Raboniel’s calm scrutiny sets the tone for the chapter.
Raboniel critiques the human-made murals, dismissing their artistic approach as overly forceful and impermanent compared to the natural methods of the singers. Her disdain for human creativity reflects her broader contempt for their culture and connection to Honor. Meanwhile, the sounds of battle echo through the hallway, signaling the arrival of the Fused forces. The tension escalates as the Pursuer, a fearsome Fused, appears and seeks permission to hunt down a specific Windrunner. Raboniel grants his request but insists on restraint, emphasizing her larger goal of ending the war permanently.
The interaction between Raboniel and the Pursuer reveals her strategic brilliance and newfound power. She hums a unique, dangerous rhythm, hinting that Odium has granted her her own rhythms—a sign of her elevated status. Venli recognizes that Raboniel, not the Pursuer, is the true threat. Raboniel’s cold determination to break the endless cycle of war contrasts with the Pursuer’s single-minded obsession with vengeance. When Venli challenges the Pursuer’s lack of honor, he dismisses her, clinging to tradition as justification for his actions. His madness, though subtle, underscores the toll of the Fused’s prolonged existence.
The chapter concludes with Venli reflecting on the Fused’s rigid mindset, comparing it to her own past stubbornness. Raboniel’s final remarks about humans as “children of Honor” reinforce her belief in their inherent flaws. As she moves deeper into the tower, the stage is set for her ominous plans. Venli’s growing unease and Timbre’s uncertain pulses foreshadow the moral and physical conflicts to come. The chapter masterfully blends introspection, dialogue, and action, deepening the reader’s understanding of the characters’ motivations and the looming confrontation.
FAQs
1. How does Raboniel’s critique of human art reflect her broader perspective on humanity?
Answer:
Raboniel’s criticism of the mural highlights her belief that humans impose their will destructively rather than working harmoniously with natural materials. She contrasts human methods with those of the ancient singers, who would have used organic materials like shells to create longer-lasting art. This reflects her broader view that humans are reckless and short-sighted, much like their patron deity Honor, who she implies values control over sustainability. Her disdain for human “ownership” of things (Chapter 44, pg. 510) ties into her larger goal of breaking the cyclical nature of the war by upending human dominance.
2. Why does Venli initially consider the Pursuer the “most dangerous” Fused, and how does her perspective shift?
Answer:
Venli initially fears the Pursuer due to his terrifying appearance and single-minded focus on vengeance, exemplified by his obsession with killing the Windrunner (Chapter 44, pg. 510-511). However, she realizes Raboniel is far more dangerous when the Ancient One reveals her own rhythms—a sign of direct favor from Odium—and her grand plan to end the war permanently (pg. 511). Venli recognizes that while the Pursuer is trapped in tradition, Raboniel’s calculated, transformative power poses a greater existential threat.
3. Analyze the significance of Raboniel’s order to capture Radiants alive. What might this reveal about her plans?
Answer:
Raboniel’s command to spare resisting Radiants and deliver them to her (pg. 511) suggests she views them as tools rather than mere enemies. Given her disdain for humans’ destructive tendencies and her focus on breaking cycles, she may intend to corrupt or repurpose the Radiants’ bonds—possibly to undermine Honor’s influence. This aligns with her critique of humans as “children of Honor” (pg. 511) and hints at a larger scheme to weaponize the very forces that oppose her.
4. How does Venli’s internal conflict about the Fused’s “madness” reflect her character growth?
Answer:
Venli’s musings on the Pursuer’s rigid traditions (pg. 511) show her evolving self-awareness. She rejects the term “madness,” acknowledging it’s disrespectful to those with actual mental illness, and instead frames the Fused’s behavior as the result of centuries of unchallenged ideology. This mirrors her own past rigidity as a Listener and demonstrates her growing empathy and critical thinking—key traits in her journey toward independence from Odium’s influence.
5. What thematic contrast is highlighted by the Pursuer’s adherence to “tradition” versus Raboniel’s innovation?
Answer:
The Pursuer embodies the stagnation of Odium’s forces; his insistence on vengeance as “tradition” (pg. 511) renders him predictable, like a spren bound to a pattern. Raboniel, however, represents dangerous evolution—her new rhythms and ambition to “break the cycle” (pg. 511) show adaptability. This contrast underscores the chapter’s tension between old and new methods of conflict, with Raboniel’s creativity posing a far greater threat than brute force.
Quotes
1. “The Pursuer looked like a dark scar of black and red upon the light stone. As he moved forward, Venli found herself trembling. Surely this was the most dangerous Fused in all the army.”
This quote introduces the intimidating presence of the Pursuer, setting up his role as a formidable antagonist. It also reveals Venli’s perspective on power dynamics among the Fused.
2. “Raboniel smiled and hummed softly another rhythm that Venli had never heard. Something brand new. Something incredible. Dark, dangerous, predatory, and beautiful. It implied destruction, but a quiet and deadly destruction.”
This moment reveals Raboniel’s unique power and foreshadows her greater plans. The creation of her own rhythm shows she operates on a different level than other Fused.
3. “I care not for a single battle. We will end this war, Pursuer. Forever. We have spent far, far too long in an endless cycle. I will break it—and once I am finished in this tower, there will be no turning back, ever.”
Raboniel’s declaration shows her grand ambition to fundamentally change the war’s nature. This quote represents the chapter’s central tension about breaking cycles of conflict.
4. “Tradition is more important than honor, foolish one. I must kill those who have killed me. I have always killed those who have killed me.”
The Pursuer’s philosophy reveals the dangerous logic driving his actions. This quote encapsulates the chapter’s exploration of how rigid traditions can become destructive.
5. “Humans take as their own everything they see. Yet they do not understand that by holding so tightly, they cause the very thing they desired to crumble. They truly are children of Honor.”
Raboniel’s observation about human nature ties into broader themes of possession versus cultivation. This philosophical insight reflects the chapter’s deeper commentary on cultural differences.