The Siege of Kholinar

Lore & Background

Kholinar stands as a symbol of lost glory for the Alethi. Once the seat of power during the Age of Ascension, it now harbors enemies who wear human faces. The occupation is maintained by Parshendi and their allies, utilizing the city’s ancient defenses to hold off repeated assaults. The death of King Gavilar within these walls casts a long shadow over Dalinar Kholin. His inability to protect his brother drives his war strategy, pushing him toward reckless charges in hopes of reclaiming the capital. This personal grief intertwines with political maneuvering among Highprinces who view the siege as leverage for power. Ultimately, the status of Kholinar shifts the focus from simple conquest to survival. As the true nature of the Desolation is revealed, the city becomes a focal point where ancient magic and modern warfare collide.

In Their Own Story

Rain lashed against Kaladin’s face as he looked toward the distant skyline. Kholinar loomed ahead, its white stone gleaming faintly through the storm clouds. It was a ghost of what it once was, now held by enemies who wore human skin. The wind carried the scent of ozone and wet earth, masking the blood that had soaked into the stones of the capital. He tightened his grip on his spear, feeling the weight of the mission pressing down like armor. Inside those walls, secrets waited to be unearthed, and friends lay in danger. The city did not welcome him; it watched with a thousand silent eyes.

Reader's Guide

The conflict over Kholinar serves as a central strategic goal for House Kholin throughout the Desolation era. Dalinar Kholin commands Alethi forces from the Shattered Plains, attempting to push back Parshendi lines toward the capital city. This occupation fuels intense political tension within Alethkar, as Highprinces vie for control of the war effort while the city remains lost to enemies. Kaladin Stormblessed later witnesses the occupied city firsthand during his service in Words of Radiance. His mission involves navigating dangerous enemy territory to rescue a captive scholar, highlighting the peril within Kholinar’s walls. Meanwhile, Dalinar seeks redemption for failing to protect his brother, Gavilar, who was assassinated inside the capital by an assassin. The narrative progression reveals that reclaiming Kholinar is not merely military but deeply spiritual. The city’s fall symbolizes the corruption of Alethkar and the urgent need for a new order among the Radiants. As secrets about the Parshendi and the Voidbringers emerge, the siege becomes a backdrop for larger revelations regarding Honor and Odium.

Did You Know?

• King Gavilar was assassinated in Kholinar by Szeth-son-Val.
• The city remains under Parshendi control during Kaladin’s infiltration mission.
• Dalinar blames himself for the fall of the capital and his brother's death.