Lopen
A Herdazian listener who served as a soldier, briefly held the throne, and bonded a corrupted mistspren named Tumi.
Lopen is a Herdazian listener and former soldier who serves under Kaladin Stormblessed. As a member of Bridge Four, he bonds with a corrupted mistspren named Tumi, distinct from the honorspren typically associated with Windrunners. The source explicitly identifies him as a Listener, noting his brief stint as king amidst assassination attempts on Elhokar and his role in the story 'Lopen the First of Alethkar'. He also appears alongside Rysn in the novella 'Dawnshard', which is set in the one-year gap between Oathbringer and Rhythm of War.
- Affiliation
- Listener / Former soldier under Kaladin
- Spren Companion
- Tumi (corrupted mistspren)
Lore & Background
Lopen is identified in the source as a Listener and a former soldier under Kaladin. His unique bond is with a corrupted mistspren named Tumi, rather than an honorspren like Sylphrena or Pattern. This distinction separates his nature from the standard Windrunner profile often assumed by fans. He is featured prominently in two specific short works released as part of the 2024 Story Deck collectible cards: one detailing his time as king during assassination attempts on Elhokar, and another where he travels Shadesmar alongside Jasnah Kholin, adapted from a cut section of Words of Radiance. These stories were later bundled into a single volume in 2025.
In Their Own Story
The source highlights Lopen's involvement in the narrative events surrounding the assassination attempts on King Elhokar, where he held the title 'Lopen the First of Alethkar'. This event is detailed in a short story co-authored by Sanderson and Isaac Stewart. Furthermore, his adventures extend beyond Roshar; the story 'Elsecaller', co-written with Dan Wells, adapts a cut concept from Words of Radiance where Lopen travels Shadesmar. These specific plot points confirm his active participation in high-stakes political and magical events during the timeline of the series, specifically bridging the gap between the major novels.
Reader's Guide
For readers seeking information on Lopen, the source directs attention to two specific short stories released by Dragonsteel in 2024. 'Lopen the First of Alethkar' covers his brief reign and defense against assassins, while 'Elsecaller' details his journey to Shadesmar. Both works were originally part of a Story Deck set before being bundled into a volume in 2025. Fans should note that while Sanderson has suggested 'Elsecaller' could be expanded into a novella one day, there is currently no plan for such an expansion.
Did You Know?
- Lopen appears in the novella 'Dawnshard', which takes place in the one-year gap between Oathbringer and Rhythm of War.
- He is featured in two short stories released as collectible cards by Dragonsteel in 2024, later bundled into a single volume in 2025.
- The story 'Elsecaller' adapts a cut section from Words of Radiance where Lopen travels Shadesmar with Jasnah Kholin.
- Lopen briefly held the title 'First of Alethkar' amidst assassination attempts on King Elhokar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Lopen in The Stormlight Archive?
Lopen is a Herdazian farmer conscripted into Dalinar Kholin's army who overcomes his physical limp to become a member of the King's Guard.
What Radiant Order does Lopen belong to?
He serves as a Windrunner, utilizing the Surges of Gravitation and Adhesion to fly and combat enemies despite his injury.
How did Lopen get his limp?
His distinctive limp resulted from a fall off a roof before he was forced into military service during the war against the Parshendi.
Why is Lopen's character significant to fans?
He symbolizes resilience and proves that physical limitations do not define one's worth or potential as a Knight Radiant.
Does Lopen bond with a spren?
Yes, he forms a bond with an honorspren which grants him his Stormlight abilities and helps solidify his identity as a Radiant.
More in Characters & Orders
Related in The Stormlight Archive
Links follow this subject's own source article.
Elsewhere in the The Stormlight Archive universe
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