Includes SPOILERS for The Stormlight Archive through Wind and Truth!
The Stormlight Archive’sfirst arc concluded withWind and Truth, and thenew book provided additional meaning to an iconic Kaladin line.Wind and Truth’sendingfinally caps off the first sequence ofThe Stormlight Archive, fulfilling fourteen years of narrative that began withThe Way of Kingswhile also introducing new ideas to pushBrandon Sanderson’s Cosmere universeforward. While not the final ending,Wind and Truthwas an ending and, importantly, offered references and callbacks to the journey so far.
Though it can be arguedwhichStormlight Archivecharacter had the best arcthrough the first five books, Kaladin is undoubtedly a fan favorite with some of the saga’s most epic moments. Kaladin has always been a character who’s easy to root for, with his inspiring leadership style, exciting fighting skills, and developing Radiant powers. That’s whyit’s so exciting to see his mortal arc end with him becoming not only a Herald but the King of the Heralds, replacing Jezrien.
Kaladin Uses The Line Twice In Wind And Truth
Kaladin’s first use of “Honor is dead” was inWords of Radiance, the novel that’s typically considered thebestStormlight Archivebook, with Kaladin’s arena fight scene being a highlighted moment. When all hope seems lost for Adolin in his duel against four Shardbearers, Kaladin jumps in with nothing but a spear, managing to win the day and earn the Kholin prince’s respect. Kaladin repeats this iconic line twice inWind and Truth,with the first being to Adolin in their brief conversation at the end of Day One, where Adolin assures him that Honor lives on through them.
Just after this line, Adolin suggests they later meet at Jez’s Duty, a winehouse in Urithiru, likely named after Jezrien, foreshadowing Kaladin’s ending.
Later, when Ishar and Nale are discussing the possibility of Szeth becoming the replacement Herald and re-forming the Oathpact,Kaladin repeats the whole line as he volunteers to take Szeth’s place. In truth, both Kaladin and Adolin were right. Honor was dead, for the most part, but now a fragment of it lives on in Kaladin, and the heroes live to fight another day.
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What Kaladin’s Line Really Means For Wind And Truth’s Ending
The Line Foreshadowed Kaladin Becoming A Herald
Kaladin can lead the other Heralds by example. He’s not Honor, the one who was supposed to lead them, but he’ll see what he can do.
It’s fun looking back onWords of Radianceand considering what the impact of this line means. Kaladin, in many ways, has always been Herald-like in that he’s spentThe Stormlight Archiveas a damaged soul whose life has revolved around protecting or failing to protect those around him. By taking the steps to begin repairing his own soul, Kaladin can lead the other Heralds by example. He’s not Honor, the one who was supposed to lead them, but he’ll see what he can do.
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.
