Dalinar Kholin

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Lore & Background

Dalinar Kholin serves as a general and nobleman who strives to improve himself by adhering to specific codes of war. He is central to the resurgence of the Knights Radiant, eventually becoming a Bondsmith after bonding with a spren. This bond grants him leadership over the reformed orders, positioning him as a critical figure in the defense of Roshar against the Desolation. His actions include attempting to unite warring Highprinces based on visions he receives, moving away from traditional Alethi warfare toward a coalition built on shared purpose. The series notes that the biggest time skip occurs between the fifth and sixth books, suggesting his influence extends far beyond the initial five novels.

In Their Own Story

Dalinar's narrative arc is defined by his transition from a high-ranking general to the leader of the Knights Radiant as a Bondsmith. In The Way of Kings, he fights to unite his nation's nobility through visions he claims to hear. He saves Dalinar and his army from betrayal in the first book, though the text specifically notes Kaladin saving Dalinar; here, Dalinar frees Kaladin and his men at the cost of Dalinar's Shardblade. By Words of Radiance, he defends himself against Szeth-son-son-Vallano, known as the Assassin in White, while launching a final assault against the Listeners. His story continues through Oathbringer, released November 14, 2017, and Rhythm of War, published November 17, 2020, culminating in his established role as a leader who binds spren and men together.

Reader's Guide

Dalinar Kholin is characterized by his dedication to the codes of war and his evolution into a Bondsmith. He is a key figure in the first five novels: The Way of Kings (2010), Words of Radiance (2014), Oathbringer (2017), Rhythm of War (2020), and Wind and Truth (2024). Unlike other characters who may struggle with identity, Dalinar's path involves following visions to unite the fractured nations. He is a nobleman and general who interacts closely with his family, including his sons Adolin and Renarin. His leadership style focuses on unity rather than subjugation, and he plays a pivotal role in the broader Cosmere universe as part of the planned ten-novel series.

Did You Know?

• Dalinar Kholin is the father of Adolin, a highly skilled duelist, and Renarin, who bonds with a corrupted mistspren named Glys.
• In The Way of Kings, Dalinar frees Kaladin and his men at the specific cost of losing his Shardblade.
• The series features a significant time skip between the fifth book (Wind and Truth) and the sixth book, where characters from the first set may appear.
• Dalinar's leadership involves uniting Highprinces based on visions he hears, moving away from traditional war codes.
• Navani Kholin, Dalinar's wife after her husband Gavilar passed, later becomes a Bondsmith by bonding with the Sibling.

The Architect of the Radiant Order

Dalinar Kholin acts as the leader of the Knights Radiant after becoming a Bondsmith. His leadership is rooted in following the codes of war and acting on visions he receives, which drive his attempts to unite the Highprinces of Alethkar. He stands at the center of the reformed Radiant orders, serving as a unifying force during the Desolation. His role is critical in the first five books of the planned ten-novel series, with his influence expected to persist through the upcoming time skip between the fifth and sixth novels.

The Kholin Family Dynasty

He is the father of Adolin Kholin, described as Dalinar's firstborn son who is a highly skilled duelist, and Renarin Kholin, his second-born son who bonds with a corrupted mistspren named Glys. His brother Gavilar was the first King of the Alethi before passing away, leaving Navani Kholin as his widow. Navani, an inventor and scholar, later becomes a Bondsmith after bonding with the Sibling. Dalinar's interactions with these family members are central to the series' plot, particularly as they navigate war and political intrigue across the five published novels.

A Catalyst for Redemption

Dalinar Kholin plays a significant role in the arcs of other characters through his leadership and actions. He helps Kaladin Stormblessed, who was enslaved after capturing a Shardblade and Shardplate; Dalinar frees him and his men at the cost of his own Shardblade. This act allows Kaladin to become the leader of the Order of Windrunners. Additionally, Szeth-son-son-Vallano, the Assassin in White, learns from his interactions that his punishment was unfair, leading him to join the Order of Skybreakers. Dalinar's influence extends to Shallan Davar as well, who becomes a spy and leader of the Order of Lightweavers under the broader umbrella of the Radiants he helps lead.

The Evolution of the Narrative Arc

Dalinar's story is contained within The Stormlight Archive, a series planned for ten novels split into two sets of five. His journey begins in The Way of Kings (2010) and continues through Words of Radiance (2014), Oathbringer (2017), Rhythm of War (2020), and Wind and Truth (2024). The first draft of the book featuring his significant developments, Oathbringer, was finished on December 9, 2016. The series includes novellas like Edgedancer and Dawnshard that fill gaps in the timeline, such as the one-year gap between Oathbringer and Rhythm of War where Dalinar's story continues to unfold.