Chapter 5: Shallan's Drawings and the Spiritual Realm
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Shallan sits in the stone forum of Lasting Integrity, drawing portraits to relax. She notices she has unconsciously inserted a singer face with crownlike carapace into every sketch she made that day—similar to when an Unmale influenced her art at Urithiru. She recognizes this as an interpretation of Ba-Ado-Mishram, the Unmade she intends to find. Meanwhile, Adolin and the Edgedancer Godeke greet honorspren recruits, but only twelve appear out of hundreds. Among them is Notum, the honorspren Adolin saved from the Tukari. Notum speaks with Shallan and decides not to bond a human, choosing instead to remain in Lasting Integrity to build alliances. Kelek, the Herald, tells Shallan he cannot leave because his seon is pregnant and cannot travel. He examines Shallan’s sketch and reveals that her art may be tapping into Fortune, allowing her to glimpse the Spiritual Realm and draw possible selves or interpretations. He suggests she has been drawing Ba-Ado-Mishram because she plans to enter the Spiritual Realm to find the Unmade. The Windrunners, led by Drehy, arrive to transport the group, and Adolin jokes about how many Windrunners it will take to fly his horse home.
Key Events
- Shallan discovers hidden faces of Ba-Ado-Mishram in her sketches.
- Only twelve honorspren volunteer to bond humans; Adolin accepts them.
- Notum chooses not to bond, instead staying to help as an ally.
- Kelek refuses to return to Urithiru, revealing his brokenness and indecision.
- Kelek explains that Shallan’s art may be a manifestation of Fortune, drawing from the Spiritual Realm.
- Windrunners arrive; Adolin asks about flying his horse.
Character Development
- Shallan: Reconnects with her art and confronts her ability to unconsciously depict the Unmade. She shows empathy toward Notum and Kelek, respecting their choices. She continues to explore the implications of her dual bond with Pattern and Testament.
- Notum: Chooses principle over expedience, staying in Lasting Integrity rather than bonding a human reluctantly. His decision reflects a desire for authentic relationships.
- Kelek: Demonstrates deep paralysis and fear of making choices; he is withdrawn but still offers keen insight into Shallan’s powers, revealing his own weariness.
- Adolin: Remains optimistic and charismatic, greeting each recruit warmly and planning next steps, including the comedic concern for his horse.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Art as access to the Spiritual Realm: Shallan’s drawings reveal hidden truths, suggesting that creative acts can tap into Fortune and alternative possibilities. Kelek identifies this as a rare ability, tied to her dual Nahel bond.
- Choice and agency: Notum’s decision not to bond, Kelek’s refusal to travel, and Shallan’s respect for their autonomy highlight the weight of personal choice in a time of war.
- Brokenness and healing: Kelek admits he is broken and cannot be the hero others expect. Shallan acknowledges her own brokenness, creating a parallel between Herald and Radiant.
- The cost of bonds: The Nahel bond is treated as deeply personal; the chapter questions whether such bonds should be demanded for military ends.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter deepens the mystery of Ba-Ado-Mishram and sets up Shallan’s future quest into the Spiritual Realm. It also shows the limited success of Adolin’s diplomatic mission to the honorspren, emphasizing that trust is not easily won. Kelek’s revelation about Fortune adds a new layer to Lightweaver powers and foreshadows Shallan’s unique capabilities. The chapter balances introspection with plot progression, bridging the action of the trial and the journey ahead.
Study Questions
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Why does Notum decide not to bond a human, and how does Shallan respond?
Answer: Notum admits he loathes the idea of bonding a human even though he supports the cause. Shallan affirms his choice, saying he can be a good person and say no. -
What does Kelek reveal about Shallan’s drawing ability?
Answer: Kelek explains that her art may be a form of Fortune, allowing her to glimpse the Spiritual Realm and draw possible selves or interpretations, such as Ba-Ado-Mishram. -
How many honorspren agree to bond and become Windrunners in this chapter?
Answer: Twelve honorspren arrive to be bonded, though Adolin had hoped for more from a population of hundreds.
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