Includes SPOILERS for The Stormlight Archive books 1-4, and for Wind and Truth’s prologue.
Summary
I can’t wait for book 5 ofThe Stormlight Archive, especially after the prologue chapters seem to have confirmed one of my favorite theories.Wind and Truth, the fifth volume ofThe Stormlight Archive,is set to be released in December 2024 and will conclude the first arc of Brandon Sanderson’s fantasy epic. Another five-novel arc will follow after, picking up the saga’s events roughly a decade later on Roshar’s timeline. For now,Wind and Truthshould see the culmination of several key storylinesestablished inThe Way of Kings.
My favorite aspect ofThe Stormlight ArchiveandBrandon Sanderson’s Cosmere universeis its characters. The author is renowned for his world-building and magic systems, but his characters and the deeply emotional arcs they undergo are what keep me reading. Shallan Davar has been at the center of this story since book 1, instantly becoming one of my favorites through her arc and connection with Jasnah Kholin inThe Way of Kings.While her fate inWind and Truthis far from certain, one theory seems certain to meafter the revealed prologue chapters.
Evidence Supports The Stormlight Archive Theory That Shallan’s Mother Is Chanarach
One of the most commonWind and Truththeoriesthat I’ve discussed previously is the idea that Shallan’s mother is the Herald Chanarach (viaReddit). If you’re like me, and it’s been a while since you’ve readRhythm of War, here’s a refresher:Chanarach is one of the ten original Heralds, servants of the Almightywho are each associated with one of the Ten Essences. For thousands of years before the events ofThe Stormlight Archive, the Heralds lived in solitude after abandoning their Oathpact with the Almighty.
Shallan’s Radiant appearance inRhythm of Warhas a notably similar look to Chanarach’s artwork in theRhythm of Warbook.
So, breaking down the evidence pointing toward Chanarach being Shallan’s mother, readers have picked up on some important details. InWords of Radiance,Brandon Sanderson’s best book,Shallan describes her mother as “brave,” which is one of Chanarach’s Divine Attributes, tied to the Ten Essences. Shallan’s Radiant appearance inRhythm of Warhas a notably similar look to Chanarach’s artwork in theRhythm of Warbook.
The most important evidence based on the previous novels, perhaps, is thatShallan’s mother apparently went into a frenzy after discovering Shallan was a Surgebinder, even trying to murder her. The only reasonable explanation for this is that she was a Herald, as they were led to believe that the return of Surgebinders was a sign of a new Desolation. The Herald Nale has even been traveling the world, killing potential Surgebinders.
I’m More Positive This Stormlight Archive Theory Is True After Wind & Truth’s Prologue
RHYTHM OF WARby Michael Whelan
Throughout writingWind and Truth, Brandon Sanderson shared some early chapters with readers. In March 2022, he shared the prologue for the fifth volume, a POV chapter centered around Gavilar Kholin in his final moments before he’s assassinated, and there are some major reveals. During a conversation with Gavilar,the Stormfather reacts to the fact that a Herald has just died, revealing this crucial piece of information for the first time. We know that Shallan’s incident with her mother occurred around the same time fromWords of Radiance.
In self-defense, Shallan kills Chanarach, incidentally starting the Desolation.
With all of this in mind, we can more concretely tie events together. Chanarach discovered Shallan was a Surgebinder and tried to kill her. In self-defense, Shallan kills Chanarach, incidentally starting the Desolation. Six years later, Chanarach and Taln both return from Braize (referred to as Damnation in Vorin). It’s important to note that the prologue was from 2022 and was still a work-in-progress at the time. However, all of these factors are still important and seem highly plausible.
How Shallan’s Mother Being Herald Chanarach Could Impact Book 5
If Shallan is truly Chanarach’s daughter, it could have serious implications for her overarching narrative. Much of Shallan’s story in the first arc ofThe Stormlight Archivehas been about coming to terms with herself and her past. She’s grown significantly through acknowledging her “truths,” similar to how Dalinar and Kaladin have sworn oaths. I could seeher final truth being her acknowledging that by killing her mother, she caused the Desolationand the events ofThe Stormlight Archive, allowing her to come into her own as a full Lightweaver in order to help save the world.
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.
