Gallant

Major
First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 16

Gallant is knocked down by a chasmfiend's tail during a hunt, left scraped in The Stormlight Archive (Book 1).

Gender: male
First appears: Book 1 · Ch. 16
Books: 2

Gallant is a massive black Ryshadium stallion who, like all his kind, chooses his own rider, and he first appears as Dalinar Kholin's loyal warhorse on the Shattered Plains, weathering a chasmfiend's blow and the battlefield chaos of the war with the Parshendi. As Dalinar's duties as a Bondsmith leave him little time to ride, Gallant spends months in Adolin's care and forms a deep bond with Dalinar's son, though he still seems to miss his original rider. By Rhythm of War, Gallant's willful intelligence, his gentleness toward the wounded deadeye Maya, and the strange glimmering afterimage he leaves behind all hint that Ryshadium are far more than ordinary horses.

Description

Gallant is an enormous, powerfully built black stallion, two hands taller than an ordinary horse and among the largest horses Adolin has seen. His deep black eyes add to his composed, intelligent presence. As a Ryshadium, he has an imposing, self-possessed bearing; he is also shown wearing armor. His black coat and exceptional size are his defining visual features. Gallant is a large, powerful stallion with a midnight-dark coat and clear, watery blue eyes, each touched by a faint swirl of rainbow color. A faint shadow of light trails him when he moves, and a brief afterimage can linger when he tosses his head. His strength is balanced by a measured, careful way of stepping, and his alert bearing suggests a keen mind. Tack sits plainly against his dark coat, while his expressive gaze gives him a presence both noble and mischievous.

Connections

Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals

Adolin Kholinconflicting source relationships
Initially a fellow Kholin commander riding his own Ryshadium, Sureblood. After Sureblood's loss and months of caring for Gallant, Adolin becomes his trusted companion, treating the horse with respect and gratitude.
Dalinar Kholinconflicting source relationships
Gallant's original chosen rider. In Book 1 Dalinar relies on him in battle and protects him after he is wounded; by Book 4 Dalinar still loves the horse but rarely rides him, and Gallant seems to miss him.
M
Mayalaranrider
In Book 4 the injured deadeye spren Maya rides on Gallant's back, and the Ryshadium treats her with notable gentleness.

Story so far

BOOK 1The Way of Kings
- Carries Dalinar into battle as his Ryshadium mount on the Shattered Plains
- Is knocked down by a chasmfiend's tail during a hunt, left scraped and favoring a leg before recovering
- Dalinar risks Gallant to reach Sadeas, then takes care not to endanger the wounded horse further
- Shows a gentle side, nickering eagerly at the promise of crispmelons
- Appears ashamed after throwing Dalinar during battle
BOOK 4Rhythm of War
- Has bonded with Adolin after months in his care while Dalinar is occupied
- Refuses unwanted pack straps and accepts treats only on his own terms
- Carries the injured Maya with notable care, seeming to recognize her condition
- Displays a strange glimmering afterimage, hinting at the Ryshadium's supernatural nature
- Appears forlorn over Dalinar's absence