The Stormlight Archive · Character
Renarin Kholin
Also known as Prince Renarin, young Prince Renarin, Mashala
- Supporting
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 16
Renarin Kholin is offered resumed sword training in The Stormlight Archive (Book 1).
- Gender
- male
- Age
- 19
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 16
- Books
- 2
Renarin Kholin begins the series as the overlooked younger son of Dalinar, a bespectacled, gentle young man who wears a sword he cannot wield well and believes himself useless in a warrior family. By Rhythm of War he has become a Truthwatcher whose bond with the corrupted spren Glys, tied to the Unmade Sja-anat, sets him apart even among Radiants. That strangeness proves to be a strength: Renarin is invisible to Odium's foresight and clouds the futures of those near him, possibly explaining why Odium misjudged Dalinar. His quiet compassion for outsiders, shown in his healing and in his support for Rlain, turns his difference into a patient, steadfast courage.
Description
Renarin is a pale-faced nineteen-year-old with wide eyes, usually hidden behind spectacles; his hair color, eye color, height, and build are not specified. He holds himself with a straight back and exacting posture, though his expressions can turn hesitant or tremulous. His stiff blue Kholin uniform has a long coat buttoned to the neck and golden knots on the shoulders, and he wears a side sword. The spectacles and formal, slightly guarded bearing distinguish him without making him seem wholly at ease in martial dress. Renarin is a young man with a gangly, spindly frame and an awkward, slightly stiff posture. His hair is a striking mix of black and blond; the text does not specify his eye color or finer facial features. He is most often seen in standard Truthwatcher attire, formal and orderly against his somewhat uncertain bearing. A small puzzle box and a signet are distinctive objects associated with him, while his quiet, thoughtful presence makes him seem more at ease with objects and ideas than with attention.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
Adolin Kholinbrother
Renarin first acts as the gentle counterweight to his brother's temper and backs Adolin's warnings to Dalinar. Adolin proves fiercely protective of him and is hurt by mockery directed at Renarin.
Dalinar Kholinconflicting source relationships
Dalinar is Renarin's father and also his confidant and would-be sword instructor. Early on Renarin respects him but challenges him when needed, and Dalinar tries to ease his son's feelings of inadequacy. Later Dalinar accepts Renarin's unusual bond and visions, assuring him he is a true Radiant and not alone.
- E
Elhokarcousin
Elhokar is Renarin's cousin, and Renarin accompanies the family on the king's hunt.
Gavilar Kholingrandfather
Gavilar is Renarin's grandfather, and Renarin is present at his palace feast.
Navani Kholinconflicting source relationships
Navani starts as an aunt who shares lore about fabrials and the Old Magic with him. After she marries Dalinar she becomes his mother, and she worries over the strange nature of his spren and powers.
Shallan Davarsister-in-law
Shallan is his sister-in-law. She once thought him strange but grew to appreciate him and never joined in gossip about him.
Kaladinally
Renarin is a steady ally to Kaladin, helping him stand when he is emotionally and physically drained after Moash flees.
- S
Sja-anatbonded Radiant
The Unmade takes a protective interest in Renarin. Her concern for how he is treated shapes her dealings with Shallan and Mraize.
- T
Taravangianperson whose future is obscured
Taravangian discovers that Renarin is invisible to Odium's foresight and clouds the futures of those around him, possibly explaining Odium's misjudgment of Dalinar.
- G
GlysNahel bond partner
Glys is Renarin's bonded spren. Together they share unusual visions of possible futures and come to understand that their abilities can obscure Odium's foresight.
- R
Rutharhealer
Renarin heals Ruthar's throat with his Truthwatcher abilities after Jasnah wounds him in their duel.
- S
Shenconflicting source relationships
Renarin befriends the listener Rlain, judges him worthy, and sends a spren to him, which leads to Rlain's Radiant bond.
Story so far
BOOK 1The Way of Kings
- Joins the Kholin family on Elhokar's hunt, carrying a side sword he barely knows how to use
- Echoes Adolin's warnings to Dalinar about his visions and the family's declining standing
- Accompanies Dalinar as he investigates his visions and urges him not to stay outside as a highstorm approaches
- Discusses the visions, fabrials and the Old Magic with Navani
- Is offered resumed sword training and the chance to become a Shardbearer by Dalinar, who tries to counter his sense of uselessness
BOOK 4Rhythm of War
- Works as a Truthwatcher and finds that his bond with Glys, linked to Sja-anat, is unlike other Radiant bonds
- Describes a prophetic episode to Dalinar, who accepts him and reassures him he is still a Radiant
- Heals Ruthar's throat after Jasnah wounds him in their duel
- Recommends Rlain to the spren Tumi, helping Rlain become a Radiant
- Helps a depleted Kaladin to his feet after Moash flees and comforts frightened children during the evacuation, while Taravangian realizes Renarin is hidden from Odium's foresight
Appearances
Meet Renarin Kholin in Bookworm
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