Editing Dalinar Kholin

|children=[[Adolin]], [[Renarin]], [[Shallan Davar]] (Daughter-in-law)

|relatives=[[Jasnah]], [[Elhokar]], [[Gavinor]], [[Kaves]], [[House Davar]]

|'residence={{tag|Kholinar|cat=Residents of Kholinar}} <small>(formerly)</small>, {{tag|Shattered_Plains#Warcamps|text=The Alethi warcamps|cat=Residents of the Alethi warcamps}} <small>(formerly)</small>, {{tag|Urithiru|cat=Residents of Urithiru}}

|first appeared=[[The Way of Kings]]

'''Dalinar Kholin''', also known as the '''Blackthorn''', is an [[Alethi]] member of the [[Order of Bondsmiths]], bonded to the [[Stormfather]]. He is the King of [[Urithiru]] and the de facto leader of the reformed [[Knights Radiant]].{{book ref|sa2|89}} He is the younger brother of [[Gavilar Kholin]], and uncle of [[Elhokar Kholin]] and the current Queen of Alethkar, [[Jasnah Kholin]]. He is currently married to Brightness [[Navani Kholin]], Gavilar's widow. He has two sons, [[Adolin]] and [[Renarin]], from [[Evi]], his first wife. Before he renounced the title, letting Adolin take over in his place, Dalinar was the [[highprince]] of the [[Kholin princedom]].

Dalinar is an aging, but powerfully-built man in his fifties, with a warrior's face which he keeps clean-shaven.{{book ref|sa3|107}} He has black hair that is gray in the temples, and blue eyes.{{book ref|sa1|12}} He is often described as the opposite of handsome, with numerous bruises and an "unfortunate" face. His nose was broken at some point during his youth, and it has been crooked ever since.{{book ref|sa2|38}} He has numerous old scars on his chest and arms, a remnant of hundreds of battles fought, to the extent where doctors are worried about his ability to use his sword arm.{{book ref|sa2|83}} When he acquired Shardplate, he chose to leave it unpainted, which gave it a slate grey color. He also removed any unnecessary decoration or adornment from his plate.{{book ref|sa1|12}} He wears a sapphire signet ring with his house's glyphpair on it.{{book ref|sa1|26}}

His violent and wrathful nature, while often intensified by the Thrill, was not entirely based on in it. He did genuinely feel bloodlust and hatred.{{wob ref|11348}}

Dalinar blindly followed orders given to him by Gavilar, even if he didn't understand the reason for the orders. For instance, he attacked Yezriar's princedom simply due to the fact that Gavilar ordered it, even though he personally had no idea why.{{book ref|sa3|3}}

{{image|Dalinar book botanicaxu.jpg|side=left|width=200px|Holding ''[[The Way of Kings (in-world)|The Way of Kings]]''}}

In the present day, Dalinar Kholin is a man defined by duty, striving to act in an honorable and righteous manner.{{book ref|sa3|122}} He is, however, keenly aware of his own failings in this regard, and his tendency towards the extreme. He seeks out causes that he can believe in and which he can dedicate himself to, such as the [[Alethi Codes of War]] or ''[[The Way of Kings (in-world)|The Way of Kings]]''.{{book ref|sa1|64}} He considers the latter in particular to be a particularly important part of his current self, as it was the book that began to heal him following his brother's death, and it is this book he constantly refers to for advice.{{book ref|sa3|105}}{{book ref|sa3|115}}

Dalinar considers himself wholly a soldier and general with no talent for back-room politicking.{{book ref|sa1|69}} He also does not believe himself to be an intelligent man, and openly admits to his own foolishness.{{epigraph ref|sa3|24}}{{epigraph ref|sa3|30}} He is unflinchingly honest and straightforward, preferring to speak plainly rather than engage in any delicate diplomatic dance.{{book ref|sa3|12}} He has a bad habit of trusting people, such as [[Torol Sadeas]] and [[Amaram]], based on prior association, to the point of ignoring even the most obvious alarm signs.{{book ref|sa3|69}}{{book ref|sa3|58}}

Dalinar cares little for social propriety, considering the opinions of others to be wholly irrelevant to himself so long as they don't actually impede his actions.{{book ref|sa3|12}}{{book ref|sa3|67}} Furthermore, he began to completely shirk the gender norms of society as he grew, learning how to read and write; and defending Renarin from mockery for his own failure to live up to the norms expected of him, and giving him solidarity.{{book ref|sa3|122}}{{epigraph ref|sa3|4}}{{book ref|sa3|44}} He also was, after a while, comfortable with marrying Navani due to their mutual love, despite what Vorin tradition dictated about marrying one's brother's widow.{{cite}} He is fully aware that people see him as a godless heretic for this, among other things, but doesn't care and sticks by his choices and beliefs. He is also aware of how his breaking of the rules enforced upon him by the system makes people feel threatened, but he continues regardless.{{epigraph ref|sa3|1}}{{epigraph ref|sa3|3}}{{epigraph ref|sa3|27}}

He doesn't, however, deal well with not being in control; he finds the idea of events important to him being impossible for him to influence distressing, and has a bad habit of going over regular chain of command to claim power for himself.{{book ref|sa3|65}}{{book ref|sa3|4}}

As an extension of this, like his brother, he has a tendency to treat people, even those he loves, like tools.{{wob ref|12619}} He tends to believe that he knows what is best for people, and through this, can get rather commanding and controlling. An example of this controlling nature can be seen in how he forces Kaladin to retire as a soldier as he felt that it was best for him given his increasing trauma, refusing to take no for an answer.{{book ref|sa4|10}} It can also be seen in how he believes that some people, such as various Alethi Highprinces, need to be forced into doing what is right, that they cannot be trusted to make their own decisions.{{book ref|sa1|69}}{{book ref|sa4|50}}

His complete opposition to the concept of democracy is likely a reflection of this controlling nature of his, his distrust of other people to make the right decisions or get things done, and in his views on what the role of a leader is in society.{{wob ref|11298}}{{book ref|sa1|69}}{{book ref|sa4|50}} This nature of his can be found rooted in the Way of Kings, that which he uses as a foundation of his morality and worldview.{{book ref|sa1|12}}{{book ref|sa3|105}}{{book ref|sa3|115}} It teaches that a monarch, or any ruler, provides stability and strength to his people, that he and his orders are the firm foundation upon which society stands.{{book ref|sa1|28}}{{book ref|sa2|38}}

Another aspect of his controlling nature arises from his interpretation of his behavior as the Blackthorn as being rooted in a lack of control, which led him to try to overcompensate through always being in control. He does this as he fears returning to the person that he used to be.{{wob ref|11298}} His tendency to fully and single-mindedly dedicate himself towards things and ideals is another method for keeping himself from returning to what he was.{{book ref|sa1|64}}

He can be somewhat egalitarian in his assessment of others, in particular soldiers, and will often promote men based not on eye color or social status, but rather on the ability they display.{{book ref|sa3|3}} This extends beyond the [[Vorin]] ranks system, as Dalinar is willing to give a chance to people he doesn't normally associate with fighting, like [[Parshmen]] or women, if he considers their skills valuable or if they are recommended to him by someone trustworthy.{{book ref|sa2|46}}{{book ref|sa3|117}} This doesn't mean he's entirely free of bias, however, and when the worlds of the court and the military collide, he can often end up referring back to the established social order, possibly without fully realizing it.{{book ref|sa2|62}} His respect for parshmen and parshendi likely has some root in his childhood of being raised by a Parshman nurse, due to his mother dying and his father never being fit to raise him.{{book ref|sa1|26}}

Despite his egalitarian assessment of others, he tends to be rather racist and judgmental towards foreign nations and cultures. Such as [[Tu Bayla]], which he views as a group of lowly nomads, and becomes angry at being lumped in with them.{{book ref|sa3|42}}

He feels extreme guilt and self-hatred for various aspects of his past life; such as the burning of Rathalas and killing of his wife, which mentally broke him enough that it laid the foundation of his change in character.{{book ref|sa3|105}}{{book ref|sa3|115}} The memories of this haunted him enough that he shook and cried in bed every night once they began to return to him.{{book ref|sa3|100}} Another thing that continues to haunt him is the fact that he didn't properly follow the Codes of War on the night of Gavilar's assassination, leading to him blaming himself for his death.{{book ref|sa1|12}} He feels that he must honestly admit his past mistakes, and take full responsibility for them, for he believes that taking responsibility is the first step towards becoming a better man.{{epigraph ref|sa3|13}}{{epigraph ref|sa3|14}}{{epigraph ref|sa3|15}}{{book ref|sa3|119}} He also sees the shame and the pain he experiences due to his actions to be paramount, as he refuses to give them up under any circumstances.{{book ref|sa3|118}}{{book ref|sa3|119}}

Due to this, he feels great shame at how he went to the Nightwatcher to remove his memories so that he would stop feeling pain. He believes that the person he became due to that was a falsehood, a mere pretense of being a better person.{{book ref|sa3|100}} His loss of memory, and its return, is a major motivating factor in his views on the importance of pain and taking responsibility, for he learned what it was like to lose them, and therefore learned of their value.{{book ref|sa3|118}}{{book ref|sa3|119}}

He admits that he is a hypocrite, but believes that sometimes a hypocrite is simply a person in the process of changing, and feels that that interpretation applies to himself.{{book ref|sa3|38}} He believes that he is still going through important growth and change, and has yet to reach his complete self.{{book ref|sa3|38}}

He follows the Alethi Codes of War with an ardent zeal, due to a variety of reasons; he does not believe that one gains from following the codes, but that it stops oneself from becoming that which they loathe; he also feels a deep guilt for not following them on the night of Gavilar's assassination, and blames his death on himself.{{book ref|sa1|66}} These codes have deeply influence the way that he leads, such as his belief that a leader should never order his followers to do anything that he would not himself do.{{book ref|sa1|65}} His belief in the inherent goodness of the Codes was enough that, once he became the Highprince of War, he attempted to enforce the Codes on all warcamps on the Shattered Plains.{{book ref|sa1|69}}

{{sidequote

|So today, you and your men sacrificed to buy me twenty-six hundred priceless lives. And all I had to repay you with was a single priceless sword. I call that a bargain.

|Dalinar to Kaladin{{book ref|sa1|69}}

|side=right|size=300px

}}

He deeply values human life, far more than anything else. This growing value of human life in his heart led to his taste for battle waning away, with his thirst being redirected into a love for [[greatshell]] hunts.{{book ref|sa1|12}} Due to this belief in the intrinsic value of human life, he traded Oathbringer for a group of darkeyed slaves, and considered it to be a bargain.{{book ref|sa1|69}}{{wob ref|1109}} The value that he ascribes to human life, even to that of darkeyed slaves, has led him to refuse to use bridge crews in his army during the War of Reckoning.{{book ref|sa1|6}} It also leads to the safety of others being one of the first things to cross his mind when danger arises, even before his own well-being.{{book ref|sa1|13}} Despite enjoying the hunt, he feels a great melancholy whenever killing larger and more majestic animals such as chasmfiends, and he believes that there is an intrinsic connection between a man and the beasts he hunts.{{book ref|sa1|15}}

He is willing to sacrifice his own life for what he deems as a worthy cause, such as protecting Elhokar Kholin, the only thing he has left of his brother, from being crushed by a chasmfiend in a hunt gone wrong.{{book ref|sa1|13}}

He is a very practical man that dislikes fancy outfits of lace and silk, much preferring more practical uniform and armour.{{book ref|sa1|15}} He finds such outfits to look like ridiculous costumes on others, and laments at their popularity in the modern day. He also finds that Plate looks better on others as well.{{book ref|sa1|15}} His desire for practicality over substance has also left him to choose grey Shardplate over Shardplate painted flashy colours.{{book ref|sa1|13}}

{{image|Dalinar by Grant Hansen.jpg|The Blackthorn riding into battle|side=left|width=250px}}

In his younger years, Dalinar Kholin has been considered one of the greatest warriors of the modern world, and though in the present day his reputation has faded somewhat, he is still incredibly dangerous.{{book ref|sa1|12}} Throughout his life, Dalinar has seen every aspect of war, from open-field combat to logistics and sieges.{{book ref|sa3|3}}{{book ref|sa3|11}} His only blank spot appears to be naval combat, as though they are not landlocked, the [[Alethi]] do not typically war on sea.{{book ref|sa3|107}}

He is not able to summon the Stormfather as a Shardblade in normal circumstances, as he is forbidden from doing so.{{book ref|sa2|89}} In extreme and desperate circumstances, Dalinar is able to summon the Stormfather as a blade for a very short period, but doing this damages their Bond and appears to cause the Stormfather great pain.{{book ref|sa3|100}}{{wob ref|15682}}

Dalinar is the head of the Kholin household, and as such holds authority over all other members of his family. His nephew [[Elhokar]] and Elhokar’s son [[Gavinor]] are exceptions, as they are in the royal line and thus above and outside Dalinar's authority. The Kholin family is made up of his sons [[Adolin]] and [[Renarin]], his sister-in-law-turned-wife [[Navani]], and his niece [[Jasnah]]. Besides these members Dalinar has a large extended family, but it is unknown how much authority he has over them.{{book ref|SA3|67}} As the Kholin highprince, Dalinar owns all of the land belonging to his princedom.

Dalinar’s presence is often regarded as incredibly powerful, perhaps even unconsciously so. At the feast before Gavilar’s assassination, Navani notes that Dalinar seems to attract his own cluster of lighteyes, likening the arrangement to planets orbiting around a star, at once hungry for and fearful of the fire.{{book ref|sa4|prologue}} When meeting with the highprinces for a council on the Shattered Plains, Shallan likens him to a boulder as he stands, causing everyone to stop arguing and listen to what he has to say.{{book ref|sa2|38}}

Like all Surgebinders, Dalinar can draw or breathe in [[Stormlight]], which gives him superhuman strength, speed, and healing capabilities.

As a [[Bondsmith]], Dalinar can bind inanimate objects, allowing him to restore broken things from pieces to their original shape. The ability seems to manifest as Dalinar hearing the broken pieces talk to him, though it's uncertain whether this happens every time.{{book ref|sa3|59}}

==== Honor's Perpendicularity ====

Dalinar has other abilities, seemingly connected to the Stormfather's particular relation to [[Honor]]. He can summon [[Honor's Perpendicularity]], which provides a temporary way to move between Roshar and [[Shadesmar]], as well as a near-infinite amount of [[Stormlight]] while open.{{book ref|sa3|119}}{{book ref|sa4|5}} Outside of it, he can also refill [[sphere]]s with Stormlight and supercharge other [[Surgebinder]]s with it, although it's uncertain whether this is part of the standard Bondsmiths' toolset, or an ability unique to him.{{book ref|sa3|122}}{{book ref|sa4|3}}

Dalinar was born in about {{Rosharan date|1120}},{{wob ref|5569}} the second son to the Kholin princedom in Alethkar. His mother died when he was young and he was primarily raised by a parshman nurse.{{wob ref|11297}}{{book ref|sa1|26}} Dalinar got along better with his grandparents than his father, who died at some point prior to 1141.{{wob ref|15942}} In his youth, Dalinar deeply respected his elder brother [[Gavilar Kholin|Gavilar]], and although envious of him at times,{{book ref|sa1|18}} he followed his brother into a war to unite Alethkar under the Kholin banner. Dalinar tried women’s food as a boy, but he found it distastefully sweet. Sometime during his youth, Dalinar visited [[Sela Tales]] and the [[Purelake]].{{book ref|sa1|22}}

In his youth, Dalinar had feelings for [[Navani]], but he realized that Gavilar was also interested in her. For Gavilar's sake, he stepped aside. Later, Navani admitted to having an interest in Dalinar during this time, but since Gavilar was the one who chased her, she chose to accept his proposal.

The day before Dalinar’s wedding Sadeas organised a feast in his name, Dalinar would remember this feast with fondness.{{book ref|sa2|2}} Sometime later, five years after his fight with Kalanor, the war ended, although the fighting didn’t, and Evi got pregnant with their first child. Even though the couple loved eachother, their relationship was strained by Dalinar's willingness to kill and Evi's horror at it. Gavilar received a demand from [[Rathalas]], telling Dalinar to return the Blade to their heir. Though Gavilar was upset that Dalinar didn't deal with the Tanalan heir, Evi was happy to find out that Dalinar had spared the Tanalan boy so many years ago. Dalinar was happy both to have pleased Evi and also at the news of a Rift rebellion, for if they were going to rebel, he would have the opportunity to fight.{{book ref|sa3|36}}

The Thrill didn't let Dalinar sleep until the assault on the city of Rathalas. A group of messengers from the city came out with a flag of truce, but Dalinar ordered them shot dead before they could approach the camp. Dalinar ordered the attack to take place at night. With the oil that he had ordered Soulcast, Dalinar, Sadeas, and their combined forces began to burn Rathalas. Only when much of the Rift is up in flames did Dalinar order his forces in. All the while Dalinar made a genuine attempt to hold the Thrill at bay, knowing that enjoying this act of revenge would take away the last sliver of decency he had left.

A year later, in {{rosharan date|1167}}, the Parshendi signed a formal treaty with Alethkar in the Alethi capital of [[Kholinar]]. Within hours of signing the treaty, the Parshendi sent [[Szeth]], the Assassin in White, to assassinate Gavilar. While the Alethi king was assassinated in the middle of the feast, Dalinar was in a drunken stupor, completely unaware and unable to help.{{book ref|sa1|prologue}}{{book ref|sa1|15}} Even after this time, Dalinar was still struggling with his alcoholism, though he hadn't lost his temper with his sons since the time that Renarin reached out.{{book ref|sa3|105}} He would go to great lengths to find alcohol despite the best efforts of those around him.{{book ref|sa4|prologue}} Gavilar's last words were written beside his body, addressed to Dalinar, saying that he must find the most important words a man can say. Dalinar recognized the quote from ''The Way of Kings''.{{book ref|sa3|105}}

At Gavilar's funeral, Elhokar swore revenge against the Parshendi on behalf of all the Alethi. Dalinar was pleased that this could be something to unite the Alethi people in spirit, finally. While he told Adolin to go swear the Vengeance Pact on behalf of the Kholin house, he wandered off to drink. He was on his way when he heard the words from ''The Way of Kings'' in the hallways. When he followed the voice, he found his niece [[Jasnah]] reading the book. Though he was still desperate for a drink, he sat down and requested that she continue. She read the book to him, start to finish. When she finished, she and Dalinar embraced, and she left.{{book ref|sa3|105}}

Adolin found Dalinar the moment after, to ask about the Kholin forces that they will send to the Shattered Plains. Dalinar decided then and there that he needed to be a better man. He told Adolin that he had been a poor father, but that he was so proud of his sons. Dalinar created a plan so that he could leave for the Shattered Plains separate from the other forces, and that a delay would not be considered unusual by anyone else.{{book ref|sa3|105}}

On his separate way to the Shattered Plains, he visited the [[Nightwatcher]]. The Thrill was notably absent. As he approached, he again experienced visions of Rathalas burning, and its people screaming, more real than it had ever been since that night. More visions came of killing the Parshendi, of killing Elhokar and taking the throne for himself, invading other lands, and becoming emperor over all. He knew that this was his future.{{book ref|sa3|114}}

Finally, the Nightwatcher came to him and asked what the Son of [[Honor]] and the Son of [[Odium]] wanted from her. He asked her whether he could ever be forgiven. The Nightwatcher grew aggravated, as she could not grant this request, but another [[Cultivation|being]] approached. A matronly woman with brown skin and a brown dress, calling the Nightwatcher ‘child', commanded Dalinar to attend her instead.{{book ref|sa3|114}}

Though at first, this woman seemed like she would reject him, telling him to seek out Honor instead, Dalinar insisted. She told him she would not change him, but she would prune him. The cost would be high. She warned him she would also take Evi. Dalinar agreed to her terms.{{book ref|sa3|114}}

Afterward, Dalinar found himself outside, unable to remember the specifics of his agreement. He could not fathom that he would ask for forgiveness, of all things, and found it silly in hindsight that he would come to the Nightwatcher. He assumed that he had asked for and been given the boon of peace. He resolved then and there to stop drinking, to stop moping. He decided at this moment to start following the [[Alethi Codes of War]] - he had failed to follow the Codes and it had cost his brother his life. He asked for a copy of ''The Way of Kings'' to be brought to him along the way to the Shattered Plains.{{book ref|sa3|114}}

He suggested to Elhokar that they withdraw from the Shattered Plains. Like Adolin, Elhokar was horrified at the suggestion and was alarmed at what his uncle was thinking. Dalinar changed tactic, stating that they had lingered on the Plains for far too long and that they needed a new strategy to defeat the Parshendi. He asked Elhokar to make him the [[Highprince of War]] so he might have the power to enforce changes in the other warcamps. Elhokar refused to give him the title unless Dalinar could prove that it was possible for the Highprinces to productively work together.{{book ref|sa1|18}}

Adolin told Dalinar that the girth strap on Elhokar's saddle was cut after all, but it wasn't clear whether it was an accident or not. They decided that Elhokar was being paranoid but they know they couldn't rule out his suspicions. Dalinar had a fit in front of his men for the first time, one where he met a pair of Knights Radiant, but refused to be ashamed. He claimed it was good for his men to actually see it for themselves instead of believing rumors. Almost right after this, Elhokar publicly announced that there was a plot on his life, and that based on the evidence of the cut girth strap, he was naming Sadeas to be the [[Highprince of Information]] to investigate the assassins. This allowed Sadeas as much power as Dalinar would have had as Highprince of War; it was a direct snub by Elhokar for refusing to take the attempt on his life seriously.{{book ref|sa1|22}}

Later he found out that eight of the Highprinces have refused to go on a joint assault with him, leaving him only Sadeas to partner with. Dalinar was disturbed by his failure in this, and at the changes in himself. He confided his feelings in [[Navani]], who had recently arrived at the Plains, and confessed that he was going to abdicate to Adolin. She disagreed and encouraged him to stay the course.{{book ref|sa1|28}}

Dalinar and Sadeas set out on their joint expedition. They used Sadeas' method of crossing chasms, a point of contention between them because Dalinar thought they wasted too many lives. When they started fighting the Parshendi on a distant plateau, Sadeas pulled his troops and bridges out, leaving Dalinar, Adolin, and the whole Kholin army surrounded by the Parshendi, stranded with no way out. Adolin yelled that he had told Dalinar not to trust Sadeas and Dalinar agreed. They were fighting a losing battle, waiting until they died. Dalinar squared off against the Parshendi Shardbearer, but he was losing.

[[Szeth]] came after Dalinar on the night of another highstorm. Dalinar, Adolin, and Kaladin went to fight him, but Szeth handled them with ease. Dalinar shouted that he would never let Szeth take Elhokar's life, but Szeth said he was here to kill Dalinar. Szeth swung his Blade down and Dalinar caught it in his hands, a maneuver known as the [[lastclap]], giving Kaladin enough time to tackle Szeth out of the palace.{{book ref|sa2|32}}

Dalinar visited Kaladin in prison, letting him know Elhokar would release him soon. He explained some of Elhokar's actions, including that of exiling Brightlord [[Roshone]] - not aware that Roshone was responsible for the death of Kaladin's brother, [[Tien]]. Dalinar told Kaladin that though his feelings were not misplaced, the only way he was going to change things was by being a leader beyond reproach.{{book ref|sa2|62}}

Dalinar received word that Shallan found the entrance to Urithiru and ordered all troops to evacuate there immediately.{{book ref|sa2|85}} Before he could follow, Szeth appeared. Dalinar tried to convince Szeth to leave but quickly realized that Szeth was not in his right mind. They began fighting, but as before, Szeth was too much for him. Roion tried to help Dalinar but was quickly killed. Szeth used the [[Surge]] of [[Gravitation]] to send Dalinar shooting up into the sky, ensuring his death by letting him fall from a great height. Dalinar was rescued from this fall at the last second by Kaladin, who used his new powers as a [[Windrunner]] to lower Dalinar safely back to the ground.{{book ref|sa2|85}}{{book ref|sa2|86}} Dalinar knew that Kaladin was what he has been looking for all this time.

Afterward, having retired to a smaller room with Navani, Taravangian, and some others, they received Azir's response to his plea which Teshav read aloud. The Azish said that they had decided to seal off the Oathgate until they could destroy it. They explained that a magical portal into the middle of their city was too large a danger to allow to stand. They said that they would maintain trade relations with Alethkar but asked that Dalinar stop asking them to open the Oathgate.{{book ref|sa3|28}}

When he found [[Ialai Sadeas|Ialai]] in her chambers, with Amaram at her side, he set the blade on the floor and turned to leave. Ialai expressed her surprise that he was giving it to her unconditionally and Dalinar, wearily, told her that he was not the one who had killed her husband. Afterward, Amaram lectured Dalinar, calling him a hypocrite, and Dalinar stormed off to his chambers. When he reached his outer common room he found Taravangian sitting by the [[heatrial]] that Navani had installed there. The two of them sat together in silence for a while as Dalinar contemplated his failure to assemble a coalition. Taravangian broke the silence and they discussed the nature and origin of morality. Dalinar brought up the story of the [[The Way of Kings (in-world)#Hogman's murder|Hogman's Murder]] from ''the Way of Kings'' and they discussed what they would have done if they had been the judge in the story. Taravangian said that he would kill all four men as that would be the best for society, but Dalinar did not think it was so clear cut.{{book ref|sa3|28}}

Several days later, during the next highstorm, Dalinar had the Stormfather bring Fen into a vision with him. He chose the [[Dalinar's visions#Starfalls|Starfalls vision]] so she could see the Knights Radiant first-hand in their former glory. He had the Stormfather insert Fen into the story in the place of [[Heb]], whose role Dalinar had played in his first run-through of the vision, and he took the place of the female Knight who came to help the villagers. Dalinar entered the vision flying through the air having been Lashed there by his Windrunner companion. Before they reached the village Dalinar tried to question the other Knight about the nature of Shardplate but was unsuccessful. When he reached the ground, he retraced his footsteps and found Fen in the center of the village leading an organized resistance against the [[Midnight Essence]]. She recognized Dalinar and the Stormfather slowed the vision for them so they could talk.{{book ref|sa3|34}}

|1=<span style='font-variant: small-caps'>Wouldn't you? Would you swear it? Swear upon an unknown? These Heralds swore they would hold back the Voidbringers, and what happened to them? There is not a man alive who has not broken an oath, Dalinar Kholin. Your Radiants hold in their hands the souls and lives of my children. No. I will not let you do as your predecessors did. You know the important parts. The rest is irrelevant.</span>

|Dalinar to [[Kdralk]] after stabbing him in his chest.{{book ref|sa3|59}}

{{image|Communion of Snacks by Marie Seeberger.jpg|side=right|width=300px|Speaking with [[Lift]]}}

When Dalinar arrived in Azimir and emerged from the Oathgate control building he found himself surrounded by a contingent of armed and armored Azish soldiers. He declared that he was unarmed and handed over his first attack, a four-page essay written by Queen Fen arguing about the economic value of the Oathgates. While the [[vizier]]s and [[scion]]s were reading the essay Dalinar tried, and succeeded, to use Spiritual Adhesion to forge a [[Connection]] with a nearby servant and understand what the Azish were saying. The viziers noticed this and were impressed, but after further deliberations, they decided that Fen's essay was not persuasive enough. Upon hearing this, Dalinar reached into his packet and gave the viziers Navani's six-page essay which contained schematics and details of many of the fabrials they had developed. As they were in the middle of reading Navani's essay Dalinar reached into his packet and retrieved the third and final essay, ''[[Verdict]]'', written by Jasnah. The viziers were extremely impressed by Jasnah's writing and it persuaded them to bring his arguments before the Prime and his council. They then led him to a waiting room for him to sit in while he waited for their decision. While Dalinar was pacing in the waiting room Lift arrived and ate his lunch. After a bizarre conversation with Lift, Noura returned to tell Dalinar what they had concluded. He said that while Jasnah's essay had been a work of art, in the end it was Navani's more sincere paper which had persuaded Azir to come to Urithiru and join the coalition. He told Dalinar that representatives from [[Emul]], [[Tashikk]], [[Yezier]], [[Alm]], [[Desh]], and [[Liafor]] would be joining them as well. As Dalinar was reentering the Oathgate building, Noura told him that he had expected Dalinar to be more of a savage than he was. Dalinar told him that he had changed from the man he once had been. This conversation triggered a wave of recovered memories to flood through Dalinar. The memories of Evi and what had happened at the [[Rift]] overwhelmed him, and when he arrived in Urithiru he stumbled and collapsed to the floor.{{book ref|sa3|65}}

{{image|Dalinar vs The Blackthorn.jpg|side=left|width=300px|Dalinar remembering what he did to [[Evi]] and [[Rathalas]]}}

Odium stumbled back in surprise as he heard what Dalinar had said. Dalinar shouted at Odium that ''he'' had been the one to kill the people of Rathalas, not Odium. He said that while Odium had been there with him it had been ''his'' choice that caused Evi to die. He said that he accepted responsibility for what he had done and that Odium could not take it away from him. As Dalinar shouted at Odium he noticed that gloryspren were gathering around him and circling him in the air. Odium asked Dalinar what he hoped to gain by doing this. Dalinar replied that if he pretended that he had not done the things he had done it would mean that he could not grow to become a better person. Dalinar felt a familiar warm calming light within him and he heard the words ''Unite Them'' echoing in his head. Dalinar said that a journey cannot be a journey if it does not have a beginning. A thunderclap sounded in his head and he felt the Stormfather return to him, surprised and frightened by what was happening. Dalinar then swore the Third [[Immortal Words|Ideal]] of the [[Bondsmith]]s:{{book ref|sa3|119}}

=== The War Continues (1175 - ) ===

==== Alliance with the Reshi ====

{{image|Fourth Bridge by Esther Shrader.jpg|side=right|width=300px|With [[Navani]] aboard the ''[[Fourth Bridge]]''}}

==== Recruiting the Mink ====

After he approved of Kaladin's plan to test the ''[[Fourth Bridge]]'' by flying to [[Hearthstone]] to evacuate all of its residents along with the [[Dieno|Mink]] and his men, the Windrunners flew Dalinar and Navani out to meet the airship as it flew back from the [[Steamwater Ocean]].{{book ref|sa4|3}} After they arrived, Kaladin introduced Dalinar to his father, [[Lirin]]. Before he departed Kaladin warned Dalinar that he had fought a new type of Fused earlier in the day and that he thought they would soon return in greater numbers. Dalinar recharged Kaladin's Light and he flew off to alert the other Windrunners.{{book ref|sa4|3}}

After Kaladin left them Dalinar and Navani were discussing Dalinar's [[Bondsmith]] abilities when the Mink snuck up and interrupted them. Dalinar had a brief exchange with the Herdazian general about their past and Dalinar promised to use the ''Fourth Bridge'' to evacuate his troops from where they were hiding. Soon afterwards [[Lyn]] flew over to Dalinar and Navani to report that a large of Fused were heading their way.{{book ref|sa4|3}} During the ensuing battle Dalinar repeatedly summoned his perpendicularity for short periods of time giving the Radiants a strong advantage in the fight.{{book ref|sa4|5}} After the battle Dalinar had the Windrunners fly him and Navani back to the Oathgate at Narak so they could return to Urithiru, while the ''Fourth Bridge'' continued on its mission.{{book ref|sa4|9}}

After he arrived in Narak, Dalinar took a report on the situation in the Shattered Plains from the battalionlord in charge of the city. He instructed the officer to make it known that [[Ialai]] had killed herself and told him that they could begin a full occupation of the warcamps.{{book ref|sa4|10}}

Several months later, Dalinar was brought into a vision by Odium, in which he set the terms of their contest of champions: On the tenth day of the new month, they would each appoint a willing champion, who would be allowed to the top of Urithiru—unharmed by either side—to fight to the death. If Dalinar's champion won, Odium would return Alethkar and Herdaz to the coalition, fulfilling Dalinar's oath to [[Dieno|the Mink]]. If Odium's champion won, he would keep those two nations and Dalinar would serve his interests in the wider cosmere as a Fused. In either case, Odium would remain bound to the Rosharan system, but would keep the other lands he had won and be able to send agents to the wider Cosmere, and both leaders would be required to enforce the peace to the best of their ability.{{book ref|sa4|112}} Additionally, at least some of the protections specified for Hoid in Dalinar's initial proposal seem to be in effect.{{book ref|sa4|epilogue}}

Dalinar often has a strained relationship with Evi, partially because their marriage was political. He does love her, but felt that she was too good for him. Evi hates the way Dalinar kills so many people without mercy, and they often get into fights which often leave Evi in tears. Dalinar tries to evade the topic of his killing whenever he can, but avoiding the argument just makes it worse. Evi cares deeply for Dalinar despite her dislike of violence, and burns prayers constantly for both him and those he slays.{{book ref|sa3|71}} When Dalinar is about to march on the [[Rathalas|Rift]] and destroy it, Evi sneaks into the city to try find a peaceful solution through diplomacy. Dalinar kills all the messengers that come out from the Rift, and thus doesn’t realize that Evi is in the city. After he burns the city alive, Evi along with it, he realizes what has happened and is racked with guilt and grief, and is haunted by both her screams and the screams of the Rifters, likely from the same effect that caused Szeth to hear voices.{{book ref|sa3|76}}{{wob ref|2671}} His grief drives him to visit the [[Nightwatcher]], and his curse is to forget Evi and everything about her. He completely forgets her for several years, unable to hear anyone speak her name or see any pictures of her.{{book ref|sa3|114}} Over time, he eventually gains his memories of her back.{{book ref|sa3|76}}

Though he neglected both of his sons at first, Dalinar soon begins to love Adolin dearly. Adolin has always been a born fighter, and as a young boy would participate in Dalniar’s meetings to learn, and Dalinar enjoyed having him around. Between the burning of Rathalas and shortly after the discovery of the Parshendi, he despised Adolin due to how he reminded him of Evi.{{book ref|sa3|94}}

After visting the Nightwatcher and forgetting about Evi, Dalinar grooms Adolin as his eventual successor, drilling the Codes into him from his youth. They fight side by side on multiple occasions, and rely on each other. When Dalinar starts having visions from the Stormfather, Adolin initially doubts him, but soon believes his father and becomes one of his strongest supporters.

Dalinar has difficulty keeping up with his son's tumultuous love life, never being able to keep track of who he is with at any given time.{{book ref|sa1|12}}

Adolin, feels a complex mix of hero-worship and exhaustion with Dalinar. He believed that he was a deeply wise man, and felt ire towards those that mocked him and didn't show him respect.{{book ref|sa1|12}} At the same time, he judges his father's adherence to the Alethi Codes of War, and feels that he fell from the warrior that he once was. Though he still follows these orders without question, despite his feelings on the matter.{{book ref|sa1|12}} Eventually, however, Adolin came to understand the point of the Codes and appreciate his father's adherence to them.{{book ref|sa1|58}}

He blames all of this on his delusions, but he doesn't hate him for them; he simply believes that he is troubled, and was going mad and losing his wits.{{book ref|sa1|12}} One of the reasons for his anger when people insulted him came from his belief that he was losing his mind, unfair and unconscionable to be taking shots at him when he was in such a state.{{book ref|sa1|12}} He was deeply jealous of those that were able to see Dalinar at his prime,{{book ref|sa1|12}} though these feelings likely changed upon learning what he had done as the Blackthorn.{{book ref|sa4|21}}

From the start, Dalinar usually paid much less attention to Renarin than to Adolin, since because of Renarin’s condition he couldn’t ever be a good fighter.{{book ref|sa3|94}} Dalinar often suggests to Renarin that he become a scholar or an [[ardent]]. Between the burning of Rathalas and shortly after the discovery of the Parshendi, he despised Renarin due to how he reminded him of Evi.{{book ref|sa3|94}}

Later on, Dalinar grows more loving and supportive, and is encouraging to his son. Dalinar gives Renarin plate and blade, wanting him to be able to defend himself if the need arises.{{book ref|sa3|2}}{{book ref|sa1|18}} After Renarin becomes a Radiant, Dalinar learns to see his healing abilities as invaluable, and sees that Renarin is indeed strong, though in a different way than he had thought. Dalinar feels shame for his treatment of Renarin, and soon treats him with respect.{{book ref|sa3|12}}{{book ref|sa3|44}}

He tries to protect Renarin from various forms of insults and mockery, be they malicious or in good faith.{{book ref|sa1|12}}{{book ref|sa3|44}} This in part comes from thinking of Renarin as overly fragile, something Wit actively called him out on.{{book ref|sa1|12}} He is enraged by people referring to Renarin as useless for his inability to properly fight in the war, and gets sent into a nigh-murderous rage by such claims.{{book ref|sa1|15}}{{book ref|sa1|18}} Despite his respect for him, he does doubt his capability to fight due to his epilepsy, and tends to still think of him as simply "the boy", even after he has long since become a man.{{book ref|sa1|18}}

Renarin himself was hurt upon discovering that his father was the one who killed Evi. But, not wanting to lose another person important to him, he choose to blame Odium for her death instead.{{book ref|sa4|54}}

==== Gavilar ====

He deeply loved and respected his brother, enough so that he refused to allow criticism of him,{{book ref|sa1|61}} and introduced him to people that he felt that he should know.{{book ref|sa1|64}} While he did deeply respect him, he did feel anger at how, in his eyes, he took Navani from him; once he was angered enough to consider killing Gavilar so that he could be with her, though he did not go through with the attempt.{{book ref|sa3|26}} He loved him, but at the same time felt a deep and bitter jealousy towards him, and he always felt, and still feels, overshadowed by him.{{book ref|sa1|18}}

Gavilar's death left him deeply shaken.{{book ref|sa3|105}} He blamed himself for his death, feeling that if he followed the Alethi Codes of War he would have been able to be there to protect him.{{book ref|sa1|12}} This guilt was a large motivator in him choosing to finally go to the Nightwatcher, and helped spark his change into a better person.{{book ref|sa3|105}} One of his motivators in being so protective of Elhokar, and trying so hard to guide him to become a better king, is rooted in his guilt, and in him seeing Elhokar as a remaining piece of his brother.{{book ref|sa1|15}}

He wants to retain his legacy, not wanting to let the power of the Kholin House over Alethkar that him and his brother built up collapse due to infighting and Elhokar's incompetence.{{book ref|sa1|12}}

Gavilar himself felt an affection for Dalinar and after their mother died and their father suffered a brain injury and was left unable to take care of them, he took on a sort of paternal role over Dalinar.{{book ref|sa3|107}} However, despite this affection, he ultimately treated him as little more than a tool.{{wob ref|11434}}

Dalinar grew highly protective of [[Elhokar]] following Gavilar's death, having sworn to himself that he would not let the boy come to harm.{{book ref|sa1|13}} Over time, however, his tendency to take control begins to take precedence. However non-deliberately, Dalinar starts to pull the kingdom out of Elhokar's hands. Though Dalinar isn't happy about it, he does little to stop himself once he realizes it, and often forces his will on his nephew.{{book ref|sa3|12}}{{book ref|sa1|69}} He does see traces of Gavilar in Elhokar; this is, however, rare.{{book ref|sa2|56}}

Dalinar's relationship with [[Jasnah]] is perhaps the best among his relatives. The two bond together over ''The Way of Kings'' after Gavilar's assassination, and respect each other's knowledge and opinions.{{book ref|sa3|105}} They consoled each other over Gavilar's death, finding comfort in one another.{{book ref|sa3|105}}

Dalinar considers Jasnah to be the most trustworthy person in his family, often wishing that she would come to the Shattered Plains with him.{{book ref|sa1|22}} Jasnah likewise is willing to aid her uncle, offering heartfelt advice when needed.{{book ref|sa3|56}} After their campaign in Emul, Dalinar asks Jasnah to write the under text of Oathbringer. She agrees, though she promises to hold nothing back.{{book ref|sa4|101}}

=== Torol Sadeas ===

His relationship with Sadeas is a very complicated mixture of respect, hatred, mutual goals, and memories of their formal friendship.

Before Gavilar's Assassination, they are very close friends who worked to conquer Alethkar together. Dalinar, a cruel man himself, did not consider Sadeas in the wrong for his bloodthirst and complete disregard for the lives of his men.{{book ref|sa1|15}}{{book ref|sa1|18}}{{book ref|sa3|3}}

Following the assassination in {{rosharan date|1167}}, their relationship fractured and left them as bitter enemies. He despises Sadeas for his cruelty, and also blames him for not being with Gavilar when he was assassinated.{{book ref|sa1|15}}{{book ref|sa1|18}} At the same time, they are both united under a common goal of protecting Elhokar, seeing him as the only memory left of Gavilar, although their methods in doing so starkly differ.{{book ref|sa1|18}} Despite the fact that they try to work together, he is willing to break off any remaining positive relations to protect Renarin's honor and dignity when Sadeas insults him.{{book ref|sa1|15}}

Dalinar greatly enjoys seeing Wit torment Sadeas.{{book ref|sa1|15}}

=== Wit ===

He rather dislikes Wit, and finds him very odd.{{book ref|sa1|12}}{{book ref|sa1|15}} Though he does find himself feeling rather fond of him when he mocks Sadeas.{{book ref|sa1|15}}

Wit is well aware of this and tends to purposely agitate him as a joke.{{book ref|sa1|12}} Despite this, he doesn't seem to hate him, and happily gives him advice.{{book ref|sa1|12}} Wit himself believed that Dalinar was likely part of the Sons of Honor, and that Gavilar had confided in him his plans and knowledge of the cosmere. Although these suspicions were later proven incorrect.{{book ref|twok|54}}{{wob ref|7682}}

<!---

=== Meridas Amaram ===

=== Eshonai ===

=== Fen Rnamdi ===

=== Kaladin Stormblessed ===

=== Lift ===

=== Nergaoul ===

=== Rayse ===

=== Shallan Davar ===

=== Stormfather ===

=== Szeth ===

=== Taravangian ===

=== Venli ===

=== Yanagawn ===

--->

Dalinar is one of Brandon's oldest characters. He appeared in Brandon's first book, written when he was fifteen; there, he was named '''Jared'''. Like Dalinar, Jared was a younger brother to a well-liked king who was eventually assassinated; unlike Dalinar, Jared takes over the reins of the kingdom and takes his time to mold his nephew into a proper ruler, as the proto-[[Elhokar]] character (alongside proto-[[Jasnah]]) is initially kidnapped by the same assassins.{{bws ref|its-here-2|It's Here|post|pre|date=2010-8-31}} While the story itself was canned, Brandon took Jared with him further, into ''[[Dragonsteel Prime|Dragonsteel]]'', where he participated in the [[Shattered Plains]] plot that would eventually be moved to [[The Stormlight Archive]].{{wob ref|8838}}

The next known incarnation of Dalinar is '''Dalenar''', in [[The Way of Kings Prime|''The Way of Kings'' Prime]]. Like Jared before him, Dalenar loses his older brother to assassins, although it seems he doesn't become the next king himself. Dalenar has three sons: Sheneres, Aredor (who would eventually become [[Adolin]]), and [[Renarin]], with Sheneres dying at the start of the book while trying to protect the king.{{book ref|wok'|1}} At the end of the ''Way of Kings'' Prime, Dalenar is forced to kill Elhokar for the greater good (after Elhokar had started a civil war and executed Aredor); Brandon eventually took that out, having decided that Dalenar trying to help his nephew would make the plot more interesting.{{wob ref|11552}}

* Dalinar is one of the only five people who spoke in <span style='font-variant: small-caps'>small-caps</span>,{{book ref|sa4|107}}{{book ref|sa4|108}} the other four are: [[Odium]],{{book ref|sa3|i|6}}{{book ref|sa3|119}}{{book ref|sa4|i|4}} [[Syl]],{{book ref|sa2|84}}, [[Cultivation]]{{book ref|sa4|114}} and the [[Stormfather]].{{book ref|sa2|89}}

[[es:Dalinar Kholin]]