Rhythm of War (9781429952040)
I‑11. Adin
by Sanderson, BrandonAdin, a thirteen-year-old potter’s son, dreams of becoming a Windrunner despite his humble origins. He believes spren choose Radiants based on bravery, not status or age, and takes every opportunity to prove himself—even glaring at invading soldiers in Urithiru’s halls. His determination is fueled by stories of young Radiants and his own observations, like a girl leaving food for a widow. Adin’s defiance is tempered by caution, as he avoids outright confrontation but remains resolute in his aspirations, convinced that spren value courage above all else.
Adin’s father, though outwardly compliant with the occupying forces, embodies quiet bravery by tending to fallen Radiants under the watch of the Fused. Adin admires his father’s subtle resistance and hopes spren will recognize such qualities in him. Despite his eagerness to fight, Adin reluctantly obeys his father’s warnings to avoid drawing attention, though he continues to seethe inwardly. The chapter highlights the tension between Adin’s youthful impatience and his father’s measured, practical courage.
The routine of pottery-making feels absurd to Adin amidst the occupation, but he channels his frustration into his work, believing even mundane tasks can demonstrate strength to potential spren. His father reinforces this, arguing that pride in craftsmanship reflects the discipline needed to fight Fused. Adin begrudgingly accepts the lesson, though he remains fixated on his goal. Their interactions reveal a deeper dynamic: Adin’s father may have hidden knowledge or experience with Radiants, adding intrigue to his advice.
The chapter closes with a sense of impending upheaval as rumors of disturbances in Urithiru spread. Master Liganor, the shop owner, decides to close early, hinting at unrest. Adin’s father remains unshaken, focusing on his pottery, while Adin’s curiosity and anticipation grow. The juxtaposition of their reactions underscores the chapter’s themes: bravery takes many forms, and Adin’s journey to becoming a Radiant is as much about patience and perseverance as it is about defiance.
FAQs
1. What are Adin’s aspirations, and what does he believe are the qualities that spren look for in potential Radiants?
Answer:
Adin aspires to become a Windrunner, one of the Knights Radiant, despite being just a potter’s son. He believes that spren choose Radiants based on bravery rather than social status, age, or physical perfection. The chapter shows Adin’s conviction that spren observe people when they think no one is watching, looking for acts of courage—like glaring at enemy soldiers or helping others in need. He cites examples like the highmarshal (likely Kaladin Stormblessed) who rose from humble origins and a girl younger than him who was chosen for her kindness. Adin’s understanding reflects the ideal that Radiants are chosen based on their character, not their background.2. How does Adin’s father demonstrate bravery, and what lesson does he try to teach Adin about work and becoming a Radiant?
Answer:
Adin’s father shows bravery by tending to fallen Radiants under the watch of the Fused and engaging in secret nighttime activities, likely resistance efforts. He teaches Adin that even mundane tasks like making pottery plates matter, as taking pride in one’s work reflects one’s character. He argues, “Men who make sloppy plates will be sloppy fighting Fused,” implying that discipline and attention to detail in everyday life are qualities spren might value. This lesson contrasts with Adin’s eagerness to skip to the “exciting” parts of being a Radiant, emphasizing that true bravery includes patience and dedication to one’s duties.3. Analyze the significance of the setting (Urithiru under occupation) and how it shapes Adin’s behavior and mindset.
Answer:
Urithiru is under enemy control, with singers and Fused patrolling its halls, creating an atmosphere of tension and oppression. This setting forces Adin and others to balance defiance with survival—glaring at invaders when possible but bowing their heads when necessary. Adin’s determination to become a Windrunner stems from this environment; he sees Radiants as symbols of resistance. The occupation also normalizes acts of subtle rebellion, like his father’s secret activities or Master Liganor’s decision to close the shop due to unrest. The setting underscores the theme that bravery isn’t always loud; sometimes, it’s found in small, defiant acts and quiet perseverance.4. How does Adin’s perspective on Shar, the seamstress’s daughter, reveal his understanding of how spren choose Radiants?
Answer:
Adin initially dismisses Shar, assuming her bossy attitude might disqualify her, but then corrects himself, remembering that spren value bravery, not personality traits. His internal monologue—”The spren don’t care if you’re bossy. They just want you to be brave”—shows his evolving understanding. He also acknowledges her uncle being a Windrunner might give her an advantage but trusts that spren are “more discerning.” This reveals Adin’s belief that the selection process is meritocratic, focused on actions (like glaring at enemies) rather than connections or temperament. His competitive yet fair-minded attitude reflects his earnest desire to prove himself worthy.5. What might the disturbance in the atrium symbolize, and how does it create suspense in the narrative?
Answer:
The atrium disturbance symbolizes brewing conflict or a potential turning point in the occupation, hinting at larger events unfolding off-page. It creates suspense by interrupting the characters’ routine (like Master Liganor closing the shop) and sparking curiosity—Adin worries he missed seeing “Stormblessed” (Kaladin) in action. The unknown nature of the disturbance leaves readers questioning whether it’s a rebellion, a Radiant appearance, or an enemy maneuver. This tension mirrors Adin’s restless ambition, as both he and the narrative seem poised for a moment of reckoning where bravery will be tested beyond mere glaring.
Quotes
1. “The spren didn’t just pick kings and queens. They watched everyone, looking for warriors.”
This quote captures Adin’s foundational belief that Radiant potential isn’t limited by social status. It introduces the chapter’s theme of ordinary people aspiring to greatness under oppression, challenging traditional hierarchies in the process.
2. “You had to be brave, even when you thought nobody was watching. That was what the spren wanted.”
This represents the core ethos Adin believes will earn him a spren bond. The quote powerfully distills the Radiant ideal of integrity and courage beyond performative heroics, showing Adin’s understanding of true virtue.
3. “Never underestimate the value of a job well done, Adin. You want a spren to notice you? Take pride in every job you do. Men who make sloppy plates will be sloppy fighting Fused.”
Adin’s father delivers this practical wisdom, connecting mundane excellence to heroic potential. The quote beautifully bridges the ordinary and extraordinary, suggesting Radiant qualities manifest in daily discipline before battlefield glory.
4. “He hoped the spren would look at people’s parents when choosing their Radiants. Because Adin’s father was extremely brave.”
This reveals Adin’s growing awareness that bravery takes many forms. His father’s quiet resistance (tending fallen Radiants under Fused surveillance) contrasts with Adin’s performative glaring, showing different expressions of courage under oppression.