Includes SPOILERS for The Stormlight Archive through Wind and Truth!
Brandon Sanderson has set up one of the most exciting and terrifying narrative threads in the Cosmere in the latestStormlight Archivebook, creating his universe’s equivalent to Darth Vader.The Cosmere universehas rapidly expanded in recent years, as various titles likeMistbornandThe Stormlight Archivecontinue to push events forward, with a sci-fi space opera intended as the final destination. Readers have already seen glimpses of the Cosmere’s space age inThe Sunlit Man, but it will be fascinating to watch as the expansive universe gradually progresses to that state.
For fans ofStar Warswho love to read, Brandon Sanderson is an excellent author to check out. His novels embrace a similarly fascinating mix of fantasy and science fiction elements, with a direct focus on characters and tangible growth arcs for his protagonists. Not to mention,The Stormlight Archivebooksare connected to other titles throughan enormous shared universe with joint mythology, overarching storylines, and connecting characters, which feels a lot like what Disney is trying to accomplish with their multimediaStar Warsstories. If the Cosmere was missing anything, it’s Darth Vader, and now it has it.
Odium’s Dalinar Kholin Blackthorn Variant Explained
Odium Has A Young Blackthorn Version Of Dalinar At His Disposal
Theending ofWind and Truth, the most recent Cosmere book and arguably the most important Cosmere book to date, saw a climactic contest of champions between Dalinar Kholin and the evil god Odium. While Dalinar managed to (sort of) best Odium for the time being, forcing the god to flee Roshar, Dalinar sacrificed himself in the process, leaving the humans of Roshar without their greatest leader.The risk of Odium winning the contest was always going to be Dalinar becoming his general, leading Odium’s armies to conquer the Cosmere. In a sense, Odium got what he wanted.
Wind And Truth Sets Up The Hero Of Stormlight Archive Arc 2 & Now Readers Have To Catch Up On One Brandon Sanderson Book
Brandon Sanderson’s latest Stormlight Archive book sets up one of its primary protagonists for the next five volumes, especially for book 6.
While the true Dalinar is dead, Odium plucked a younger version of him out of the Spiritual Realm and connected him to his own will. Thisyounger Dalinar, from the era when he was known as the ruthless warrior, the Blackthorn, has been infused with the terrible crimes he’ll one day commit, ridding him of guilt and feeling. The new Blackthorn is a shade of the real Dalinar who will be used as Odium’s war dog, first on Roshar inThe Stormlight Archivearc 2 and then throughout the rest of the Cosmere if he succeeds.
The Blackthorn Will Be The Cosmere’s Darth Vader
The Blackthorn Should Be An Overpowered Menace
There are some interesting comparison points to make between this new Dalinar variant andStar Wars’Darth Vader, particularly in how they’re going to be used throughout the Cosmere. There’s a version of Darth Vader whomStar Warsfans will know from comics, books, or video games likeJedi: Fallen Order,who’s essentially anall-powerful, terrifying, force-wielding monster who goes around to various planets committing atrocities and winning over territories on behalf of the emperor.
Every Unknown Death Rattle In The Stormlight Archive (& What It Could Mean For Arc 2)
The Stormlight Archive’s Death Rattles are a continuing source of mystery to Cosmere fans. Here’s an updated list after Wind and Truth.
Most viewers will know Darth Vader from the films, in which he’s arguably redeemed inThe Return of the Jedithrough the actions of his son, Luke Skywalker. However, when familiarizing oneself with the horrible Darth Vader that exists between episodes 3 and 4, it’s a bit harder to consider him redeemed, given all that he’s done. This new Dalinar could be an unbelievable character if he’s made to represent something like that:a pure force of darkness feared throughout the Cosmere, working on behalf of a cruel god, doing things readers couldn’t conceive of Dalinar doing.
What The New Dalinar Means For Stormlight Archive Arc 2
The Blackthorn Should Be An Entity Of Destruction In Arc 2
With the idea of a new Dalinar and comparisons to make with Darth Vader, it wouldn’t be a stretch of the imagination to want him redeemed. After all, his son Adolin is becoming an altruistic hero in his own right on Roshar, and the two of them were left with unresolved feelings after Dalinar’s death. Thiscould make Adolin the perfect opponent for the evil Blackthorn, but that doesn’t mean redemption is the proper conclusionfor this variant. Though it’s a common theme inThe Stormlight Archive, readers have already seen Dalinar be redeemed.
This new variant should simply just be the Blackthorn, with readers feeling the terror that the original Alethi warlord’s enemies felt all those years ago.
Bringing Dalinar back through the Blackthorn would cheapen the character’s death inWind and Truth. This new variant should simply just be the Blackthorn, with readers feeling the terror that the original Alethi warlord’s enemies felt all those years ago. This Dalinar shouldn’t become a hero inThe Stormlight Archive; he should be a relentless monster to the bitter end, serving as Odium’s agent on Roshar, constantly reminding the heroes of their fallen king and waging war.
The Stormlight Archive
The Stormlight Archive is an epic fantasy series by Brandon Sanderson, set on the storm-ravaged world of Roshar. The series follows multiple characters, each with their unique storylines, as they navigate political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and powerful magic. Central to the story are the Knights Radiant, legendary warriors with magical abilities who must return to save their world from impending destruction. The series explores themes of honor, leadership, and the burden of power.
