Includes SPOILERS for The Stormlight Archive through Wind and Truth.
Brandon Sanderson’s most controversial Wind and Truth twist could end up paying off better than anyone imagines in The Stormlight Archive’s second arc. Sanderson’s Cosmere universe, most notably The Stormlight Archive, is considered among the premiere titles in contemporary epic fantasy, celebrated for its expansive nature and a vast assortment of characters for practically any reader to enjoy. This made Wind and Truth, the conclusive book for the first arc of The Stormlight Archive, one of the year’s most exciting events for fans of the genre.
The Stormlight Archive books are planned to be a ten-volume journey, meaning Wind and Truth’s ending marks the halfway point. It’s not the ending, but it is an ending, and that suggests a certain degree of drama that raised expectations for the book. As of now, a month after the book’s release, Wind and Truth holds a 4.58/5 star score on Goodreads. This is by no means a bad score, but it’s worth exploring why it’s the lowest-rated in the series so far. One point of contention regarding the contest of champions between Dalinar and Odium stands out.
Gavinor Being Odium’s Champion Has Had A Split Reaction From Readers
Fans Predicted The Gavinor Plot Twist Years Ago
First, it should be noted that a significant portion of The Stormlight Archive’s fanbase had reached the theory that Gavinor would be Odium’s champion all the way back in Oathbringer when he began to become a character of importance. This is because one of the epigraphs of The Way of Kings featured a death rattle that mentions someone holding a suckling child with a knife to its throat. Many readers perceived this as Dalinar having to decide whether to execute young Gavinor, and this was confirmed by the Wind and Truth chapter being titled “The Suckling Child.”
“I hold the suckling child in my hands, a knife at his throat, and know that all who live wish me to let the blade slip. Spill its blood upon the ground, over my hands, and with it gain us further breath to draw.”
While Sanderson through readers for a loop with the twist of Gavinor growing several years and being trained by Odium, the fact that so many had predicted this happening is a notable factor in the mixed reaction this narrative choice received. The choice to have Gavinor remain in the Spiritual Realm and be aged up all of those years was one of many events in Wind and Truth that some readers found to feel contrived. It’s a complicated discussion, but there are certainly some points to make in favor of this choice and how it sets up a compelling arc.
The Gavinor Plot Twist Makes Sense For Wind And Truth’s Ending
The Twist Suits Dalinar’s Arc In The Stormlight Archive
At the end of the day, this moment is more about Dalinar than anyone else. The Stormlight Archive has an ensemble cast, but arc 1 has been Dalinar’s story, and this decision was the true test of how far he’s come. In a sense, it’s the final penance for all of what he did in Oathbringer’s flashbacks. He’s faced with an impossible choice with no chance of victory, and having Gavinor be part of it forces the reader to reckon with the idea that even great heroes, or those who have redeemed themselves, still can’t be all-encompassing.
It’s as if Sanderson is saying that even Dalinar can’t do everything, but even against impossible odds, he does his best.
Dalinar may have come a long way from being the Blackthorn. He’s also come a long way since The Way of Kings. However, even this vastly improved Dalinar still forgets to take care of Gavinor amidst all the chaos. It’s as if Sanderson is saying that even Dalinar can’t do everything, but even against impossible odds, he does his best. His solution isn’t permanent, but it’s one that will inspire the best in others going forward and instill a sense of hope for the future of Roshar that wouldn’t have existed otherwise.
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Possibly the most important thing, symbolically, that Dalinar does at this moment is shield Gavinor with his last ounce of strength. Now, Gavinor is among those who have the opportunity to witness a better Roshar in the future. The greatest defiance against Taravangian’s version of Odium is to prove that there is always hope, even when the hero is faced with an impossibility. Taravangian’s views suggest that the few must suffer to help the many. The fact that there can still be hope for Gavinor after everything that was done to him is the complete antithesis of Taravangian’s perspective.
What Gavinor’s Ending Means For The Stormlight Archive Arc 2
Gavinor Will Be Back As A Complex Character In Arc 2
Gavinor Kholin is going to be roughly 30 years old in the next book, assuming The Stormlight Archive’s timeline picks up after a decade. It’s impossible to imagine where Gavinor will be when readers see him next, but given what’s known about how Brandon Sanderson writes characters, assumptions can be made about what he represents in the next arc. Given the divisive reaction to Gavinor in Wind and Truth, Sanderson is going to have to justify this decision by making him one of the most fascinating characters in the next five books, and it’s certainly possible.
Considering all that Gavinor has been through, he’s the symbolic representation of this story’s themes. Beyond Dalinar or Szeth or even Talanel, Gavinor is the epitome of a character who, by all accounts, should be hopeless. He spent years of his life essentially being transformed into a machine of hatred. The purpose of Taravangian using him is to break him down into something that isn’t human, but The Stormlight Archive suggests a strength to the human spirit that can withstand this level of torment, or at least try.
Gavinor Kholin Could Be Brandon Sanderson’s Most Complex Character Yet
Gavinor Has Been Through More Than Almost Anyone
In literature, there’s something inherently beautiful about a character who represents a specific ideal to a story, as stated regarding Gavinor, but who also has an individual personality and actions of his own. Gavinor isn’t just a representation of Brandon Sanderson’s thematic queries; he’s also a character who’s going to be forced to make choices and find his place in the story, just like everyone else. This is an exciting idea, and it’s going to be really exciting to see where Sanderson takes him now that he’s potentially reached his lowest point.
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Importantly, Gavinor doesn’t have to be redeemed to be a fascinating character. The reader doesn’t have to walk away from The Stormlight Archive loving him for his sacrifice like they would have with Dalinar. It’s the journey, not the destination, that matters. Gavinor could remain a villain, doing terrible things on Roshar for years. But what’s important is that Sanderson writes him to demonstrate the shreds of humanity that remain within him, proving that no matter what has happened to him, he still has the capacity for good.
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.
- Created by
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Brandon Sanderson
- Character(s)
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Kaladin Stormblessed
, Shallan Davar
, Dalinar Kholin
, Adolin Kholin
, Jasnah Kholin
, Szeth-son-son-Vallano
, Navani Kholin
