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.
I-3. Into the Fire
bySanderson, Brandon
Taravangian reflects on his impending fate, acknowledging that his path was never meant to end peacefully. He has accepted that his death will come as a consequence of his deal with Odium, ensuring the survival of Kharbranth at the cost of his own life. The Diagram, once his guiding tool, has served its purpose, and he prepares to disband the organization built around it. His focus remains solely on protecting his city, even as he faces betrayal and execution by the Alethi.
In a poignant farewell, Taravangian gathers his closest friends—Adrotagia and Mrall—for a final meeting. He instructs them to dismantle the Diagram’s operations and disperse its members, emphasizing that their mission is complete. Adrotagia, understanding the necessity, agrees to leave, while Mrall struggles to accept Taravangian’s sacrifice. The king reassures them that his death will divert attention from Kharbranth, allowing it to remain safe.
Taravangian reveals his role as a diversion in Odium’s larger plan. By accompanying Dalinar and Jasnah to Azir, he will draw the Alethi’s focus when Jah Keved’s armies betray them. This strategic move ensures Odium’s true objectives remain hidden. Despite Mrall’s protests, Taravangian insists his sacrifice is necessary, as Odium no longer has use for him. His fate is sealed, and he accepts it with a mix of resignation and sorrow.
The chapter closes with Taravangian staring out at the mountains, contemplating the weight of his choices. He acknowledges the pain of his impending death but finds solace in knowing Kharbranth will survive. His legacy, marked by both cunning and sacrifice, underscores the tragic cost of his deal with Odium. The scene is a somber reflection on mortality, loyalty, and the price of power.
FAQs
1. What was Taravangian’s primary goal in making a deal with Odium, and how does this reflect his character development throughout the chapter?
Answer:
Taravangian’s primary goal was to ensure the survival of Kharbranth, his city and people, even at the cost of his own life. The chapter reveals his acceptance of this sacrificial path, stating, “His city, his family, his people—they would be safe.” This reflects his character as a pragmatic yet deeply devoted ruler who prioritizes the greater good over personal survival. His willingness to become “the bearer of our sins” and “the spire that draws the lightning” underscores his transformation into a tragic figure who embraces his role as a scapegoat for his people’s survival.
2. Analyze the significance of Taravangian’s instructions to Adrotagia about what to tell his daughter, Savrahalidem. What does this reveal about his emotional state and priorities?
Answer:
Taravangian asks Adrotagia to tell Savrahalidem that he was “singing when you last saw me,” believing this would comfort her more than the truth. This reveals his emotional intelligence and paternal care, as he tailors his final message to his daughter’s personality (“That is not my girl”). It also highlights his prioritization of his family’s emotional well-being, even in deception. His choice to frame his end as peaceful—rather than as a senile prisoner—shows his desire to shield loved ones from pain, contrasting with his otherwise ruthless pragmatism.
3. How does the chapter portray the limitations of the Diagram, and what does Taravangian’s decision to disband the Diagram’s organization signify?
Answer:
The chapter notes that the Diagram’s accuracy wanes over time (“the farther they progressed, the less accurate the Diagram became”). Taravangian declares it has “served its purpose” and orders its dissolution, stating, “there is nothing more pitiful than a tool that has outlived its usefulness.” This signifies his acceptance of the Diagram’s role as a finite instrument tied to a specific goal (protecting Kharbranth). His pragmatic dismantling of the organization reflects his broader theme of sacrificing tools—and himself—once they cease to serve a purpose.
4. Why does Taravangian insist on accompanying Dalinar’s expeditionary force to Emul, despite knowing it will lead to his execution? How does this serve Odium’s larger strategy?
Answer:
Taravangian explains that his presence is a diversion: “I must go with the expeditionary force… the Blackthorn will be so focused on me… that he will miss whatever Odium will be attempting.” By becoming the visible traitor, he draws attention away from Odium’s other plans, likely in Jah Keved. This aligns with Odium’s calculation that Taravangian’s sacrifice will maximize chaos. The chapter emphasizes Taravangian’s awareness of his expendability (“I am a potential weakness”), showcasing his role as a pawn in the god’s broader game.
5. Evaluate the symbolism of the hearthfire in Taravangian’s final scene with his friends. How does it encapsulate the chapter’s themes?
Answer:
The hearthfire—described as “his pyre”—symbolizes both warmth and destruction, mirroring Taravangian’s dual role as protector and condemned traitor. It represents his acceptance of death (“A real hearth… dancing with flamespren”) while also evoking the familial bonds he sacrifices for (his friends gather around it). The fire’s transient light reflects the fleeting nature of his legacy, as he chooses to “burn” his organization and himself. This imagery ties together themes of sacrifice, mortality, and the cost of ruthless pragmatism.
Quotes
1. “His goal had never been to emerge from the other side unscathed; it had always been to simply accomplish his goal before he was killed.”
This quote encapsulates Taravangian’s fatalistic resolve and self-sacrificial nature. It establishes early in the chapter his acceptance of personal doom in service to his greater mission of protecting Kharbranth.
2. “Tell them… there is nothing more pitiful than a tool that has outlived its usefulness. We must allow that which has served its purpose to die.”
A profound statement about purpose and expiration, showing Taravangian’s philosophical acceptance of his organization’s (and his own) obsolescence after achieving their goals. This represents a key turning point in disbanding his life’s work.
3. “I am the spire that draws the lightning. I am the bearer of our sins.”
A powerful metaphor revealing Taravangian’s role as a sacrificial figure. This quote demonstrates his conscious decision to become the scapegoat to protect his city, marking the climax of his personal arc in the chapter.
4. “I am a diversion… the Blackthorn will be so focused on me and the immediate threat to his soldiers that he will miss whatever Odium will be attempting in the meantime.”
This reveals the strategic depth of Taravangian’s final act - understanding his role as a decoy in Odium’s larger plans. It shows his tactical brilliance even in accepting his sacrificial fate.
5. “The Alethi gave no honors to traitors.”
A stark, simple statement that underscores the inevitability and indignity of Taravangian’s coming death. This closing thought reinforces the tragic nature of his sacrifice and the harsh realities of war.