The Stone Sky
Chapter 22: ODA: ME, AND YOU
by Jemisin, N. K.The chapter opens with Tonkee and others observing the Moon’s unchanging presence in the sky, despite its erratic shifts in shape and color. Tonkee, though not an expert, attempts to track its movement using an ancient writing tool, but her efforts are thwarted by seismic activity and her own limitations. Meanwhile, the Obelisk Gate dismantles itself, with the obelisks dematerializing and descending into Corepoint’s chasm. The onyx obelisk, however, is preserved in the ocean, a deliberate act by its creators to safeguard it for future use, though the narrator ominously hopes it remains undiscovered.
Nassun, grieving the death of a loved one, is found by Tonkee sitting beside their remains. The two share a moment of quiet sorrow, united in their loss. Later, Nassun and Danel retrieve Schaffa from Warren, where the other Guardians have turned to jewel. Schaffa, weakened and disoriented, comforts Nassun as the group gathers under the Moon, perhaps mourning or simply seeking solace in each other’s company. The scene underscores the emotional toll of the cataclysmic events they’ve endured.
Elsewhere, the narrator, Gaewha, and Remwha confront the aftermath of Nassun’s choices. Remwha, weary from millennia of existence, expresses his desire for an end, but Gaewha reminds him of their purpose: to improve the world. After a tense exchange, they and other ancient beings descend to the Earth’s heart, negotiating an end to the Seasons in exchange for the Moon’s return and the obelisks’ sacrifice. The Earth accepts, releasing trapped souls and signaling a new era of balance.
Months later, the narrator returns to find Nassun and the others adapting to their new reality, surviving on meager resources. Though they’ve shown resilience, their long-term survival depends on returning to the Stillness. The chapter closes with Nassun still lingering by the pylon, hinting at her unresolved grief and the uncertain future ahead. The narrative reflects on themes of loss, renewal, and the cyclical nature of history, leaving room for hope amid the devastation.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the Moon’s behavior in this chapter, and how does it reflect the broader themes of change and resolution in the story?
Answer:
The Moon’s unchanging size and shifting patterns symbolize the stabilization of the world after the climactic events. Unlike previous erratic behavior tied to geological instability, its steady presence signifies the success of Nassun’s choice to end the Seasons. This celestial change parallels the thematic resolution—just as the Moon stops its destructive flux, the war between Earth and its inhabitants concludes. The text notes the Moon “does not vanish” and “grows no smaller,” mirroring how the characters achieve lasting change rather than temporary fixes (e.g., the obelisks’ dismantling and the Earth’s acceptance of new terms).2. Analyze the relationship dynamics between Tonkee and Hjarka in this chapter. How does their interaction illustrate personal growth and the cost of survival?
Answer:
Tonkee and Hjarka’s exchange about the “Obelisk-builder windows” and Hjarka’s “rusting temper” reveals their evolving partnership. Tonkee compromises to maintain harmony, showing growth from her earlier stubbornness, while Hjarka’s protective anger underscores the stress of their apocalyptic reality. Their dynamic reflects the broader theme of adaptation—survival requires emotional flexibility, as seen when they later join Nassun in collective grief. The chapter frames this growth as necessary but difficult, emphasizing that relationships in crisis demand mutual concession (“Tonkee is learning to compromise for the sake of a healthy relationship”).3. How does the dismantling of the Obelisk Gate serve both a practical and symbolic purpose in the narrative?
Answer:
Practically, the Gate’s shutdown protocol removes a source of destructive power, with obelisks returning to Corepoint to prevent further misuse. Symbolically, it represents the end of an era: the onyx’s deliberate preservation (“against future need”) hints at cyclical history, while its sea burial acts as a funeral for the Niess people. The Gate’s dematerialization also mirrors the characters’ release from old conflicts—just as the obelisks sublimate into energy, the characters shed past identities (e.g., Schaffa’s aging, Nassun’s numbness) to embrace a new world order.4. What does Remwha’s (Steel) admission—”I only wanted it to end”—reveal about the toll of immortality and the chapter’s resolution?
Answer:
Remwha’s exhaustion highlights the corrosive effect of immortality and unchanging purpose. His weariness contrasts with Gaewha’s insistence on their original mission (“to make the world better”), underscoring the theme that survival without growth is meaningless. His eventual acceptance of truce (taking their hands) signifies that resolution requires relinquishing rigid ideals. This moment reframes the conflict as a choice between endless war and adaptive peace, mirroring Nassun’s earlier decision to break the cycle of violence. The Earth’s agreement to cease the Seasons confirms that even ancient adversaries can change.5. Why is Nassun’s numbness after the protagonist’s death significant, and how does it contrast with other characters’ reactions?
Answer:
Nassun’s numbness reflects the psychological cost of wielding ultimate power and losing a parent. Unlike Tonkee’s wonder at the sky or Schaffa’s physical decline, Nassun’s frozen grief (“completely solidified hand”) mirrors her earlier orogenic control—her emotions are petrified by trauma. This contrasts with the communal mourning of others (e.g., Danel’s care for Schaffa, the group’s silent memorial), emphasizing her isolation as the key actor in the world’s transformation. Her stillness hints at unresolved pain, suggesting that saving the world doesn’t heal personal wounds, a nuanced take on heroism’s aftermath.
Quotes
1. “YOU ARE DEAD. BUT NOT you.”
This stark opening line sets the tone for the chapter, immediately introducing themes of death, identity, and the duality of existence. It establishes the narrator’s unique perspective while creating intrigue about who “you” refers to in this context.
2. “Tonkee is learning to compromise for the sake of a healthy relationship.”
This simple statement carries significant weight, showing character growth amid apocalyptic events. It contrasts personal development with world-changing occurrences, highlighting how human relationships persist even during monumental shifts.
3. “I suppose we must hope that no intrepid young future orogene ever finds and raises it.”
This ominous reflection about the sunken onyx obelisk suggests the cyclical nature of power and danger. It foreshadows potential future conflicts while commenting on how solutions often contain the seeds of new problems.
4. “He says: ‘I only wanted it to end.’ […] ‘That isn’t what we were made for.’”
This exchange between Remwha and Gaewha encapsulates the central conflict between despair and purpose. Their dialogue represents the chapter’s philosophical core about the meaning of existence and the responsibility that comes with power.
5. “It’s been a challenging first forty thousand years. On the other hand … nowhere to go, but up.”
This wry conclusion blends humor with profound optimism after the resolution of the Earth’s crisis. It perfectly captures the narrator’s voice while suggesting both the scale of their experience and the hopeful future ahead.