The Stormlight Archive · Character
Stormfather
- Minor
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 1
Stormfather is a minor character in The Stormlight Archive (Book 1).
- Gender
- male
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 1
- Books
- 2
First invoked in The Way of Kings as little more than an oath and a half-mythic divine presence behind the highstorms, the Stormfather is revealed by Rhythm of War to be a vast, very real spren carrying the remnants of Honor's presence and bound to Dalinar Kholin as a Bondsmith. Stern, guarded and prone to fatalism, he appears as a face in the sky yet commands spren, storms and even the perception of time on an inhuman scale. Through his bond with Dalinar and his contentious affection for his 'daughter' Syl, he is pushed from distant force of nature toward a guide and witness who must reckon with choice, mercy and responsibility.
Description
Referenced as a divine or powerful entity. The Stormfather has no stable, human body; he manifests as an immense face shaped from storm phenomena, its features emerging from dark clouds and shifting rain. Thunder and wind seem to gather around him, while his presence can open into a blackness with the impression of infinite depth. He has no fixed skin, hair, eyes, clothing, or build, and his appearance changes with the scale and manner of his manifestation. Even when only a face is visible, he feels vast, severe, and elemental.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
Adolin Kholinally
The Stormfather's request persuades the gateway sentries to let Adolin's party into Shadesmar, authorizing his diplomatic mission.
Dalinar Kholinconflicting source relationships
Bonded to Dalinar as his Bondsmith spren, the Stormfather acts as guide, interpreter and witness to his powers and visions. Their bond is also contentious: Dalinar pushes him to exercise choice and mercy, the Stormfather protests the strain, and the circumstances of their bond, including his near-death and forced manifestation, are scrutinized at Adolin's trial.
Syldaughter
He calls Syl his child, and their relationship is affectionate but fraught; he warns her against giving too much of herself to humans, while she challenges his detachment and unwillingness to take responsibility.
- TS
the Siblingsuccessor in authority
With the Sibling, ancient parent of the gateway sentries, apparently dead or dormant, the sentries now obey the Stormfather in its place.
Story so far
BOOK 1The Way of Kings
- Invoked by Alethi characters as a divine or powerful entity, commonly in oaths and curses
- Associated in popular belief with the highstorms and the legacy of the Almighty
- Remains a mysterious, largely mythic presence rather than an active character
BOOK 4Rhythm of War
- Serves as Dalinar's bonded spren, guiding his use of Bondsmith powers and instructing him to touch Nale
- Helps Dalinar interpret visions of the Oathpact as the Radiants confront the growing crisis
- Secures permission from the gateway sentries, formerly loyal to the Sibling, for Adolin's party to enter Shadesmar
- His near-death and forced manifestation for Dalinar's Oathgate use become a central issue at Adolin's trial
- Clashes with Syl and Dalinar, who challenge his fatalism and refusal to take responsibility, even as he warns their demands strain his bonds
Key events
- Book 4
Ch. 124Ishar Attempts to Steal Dalinar's BondDalinar seeks Ishar's help to restore the Oathpact, but the mad Herald attempts to steal his bond to the Stormfather using his recovered Honorblade. - Book 4
Ch. 130Eshonai's Death in the ChasmDuring the Battle of Narak, Eshonai falls into a chasm while dueling a human Shardbearer, her final moments spent with the Stormfather as she accepts her death with wonder.
Appearances
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