Chapter 162
Chapter 240
Overview
Dalinar, having assumed the power of Honor, stands at the brink of direct conflict with Taravangian/Odium. Confronted with an impossible choice between killing his grandnephew Gavinor or serving Odium, Dalinar enters a final vision where he meets Nohadon and discovers that the answer lies not in victory through force, but in enabling others to continue the fight. He renounces his oaths as Honor, fundamentally altering the course of the conflict.
Summary
Dalinar ascends to godhood as Honor itself, gaining infinite perspective and power. In this state, he considers destroying Taravangian to save Roshar, but recognizes that the Power of Honor carries destructive tendencies rooted in pride and the need to be proven right. As the two powers prepare to clash, Dalinar sees a vision of Kholinar's destruction and realizes that direct conflict between them would devastate the world. He pulls back from the fight.
Dalinar is drawn into a vision where he meets Nohadon, the ancient king, in a timeless kitchen. Through conversation and bread-baking, Nohadon guides Dalinar to recognize that every choice carries consequences, and that defeating Odium requires something different than personal victory. Dalinar realizes that Honor itself is developing as a separate consciousness—appearing as a child in the vision—and that it can learn and grow over time. He understands the true dilemma: Taravangian will use any outcome—peace or war—to his advantage.
Dalinar concludes that he cannot defeat Odium through direct confrontation, but others can. The answer involves buying time for Honor to mature and develop while denying that same time to Taravangian. Dalinar recognizes that his companions—Adolin, Renarin, Jasnah, Shallan, and especially Kaladin—represent the real hope for Roshar's future. The cost will be high and the solution imperfect, but he chooses to enable the next generation rather than solve the problem himself. Returning to the rooftop, Dalinar faces Taravangian one final time and speaks four words: 'I renounce my oaths.'
Characters
- Dalinar KholinThe protagonist who has assumed the power of Honor; faces an impossible choice with Taravangian/Odium and ultimately chooses to renounce his oaths
- TaravangianThe vessel of Odium who confronts Dalinar, seeking to force him into servitude or force him to kill Gavinor
- The StormfatherRemnant of the previous Honor god who becomes awestruck by Dalinar's ascension and eventually agrees with Dalinar's ultimate decision
- NohadonAncient king encountered in Dalinar's vision who guides him through philosophical discussion about difficult choices and the nature of victory
- GavinorDalinar's grandnephew held captive by Taravangian; his potential death forms the core of Dalinar's dilemma
- KaladinAppears in a separate scene where he battles with Nightblood while Ishar recovers; the Stormfather notes he will be key to preserving hope
- SylKaladin's spren companion who warns of danger and expresses concern about Kaladin's connection to Nightblood
- IsharRecovered barely conscious during Kaladin's scene; lacks his Surges and powers
- NaleAppears dazed after Ishar's recovery, unable to provide additional Stormlight
- SzethMentioned as still fighting spirits during the Kaladin scene
- Honor's PowerManifestation of the nascent consciousness of Honor, appearing as a child in Dalinar's vision; capable of learning and growth