Editing The Way of Kings (in-world)

|related=[[Silver Kingdoms]], [[Nohadon]]

|universe=[[Cosmere]]

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'''''The Way of Kings''''' is a book of parables and stories written by king [[Nohadon]] on [[Roshar]]. Using [[Alethi]] [[glyph]]s, the title of the book is written with symbols for "pathway" and "king."{{book ref|sa3|111}}

It was read by [[Gavilar Kholin]] in the years prior to his death. [[Dalinar Kholin]] began listening to it after his brother's funeral.

The book is written as a narrative of the life of [[Nohadon]], an ancient king, as he acts as a ruler should, with honor and dignity. In particular, it focuses on a journey he undertakes between the cities of [[Abamabar]] and [[Urithiru]], with his decision to go serving as the framing device for the entire piece. Rather than taking an [[Oathgate]], as his family does, he instead travels alone and on foot, encountering a number of thought-provoking scenarios.

The book is composed of an introduction, where the narrator makes the decision to set out, forty parables concerning different aspects of kingship, and a postscript where he summarizes his experiences. Each known parable presents a situation or a problem that the narrator comes across, then a solution or strike of understanding and, finally, philosophical musings on how the situation relates to the duties of a king. In each story, the narrator always strives to lead by example, despite the objections of those close to him. In this manner, he gains the respect and loyalty of his followers.

== Historicity ==

{{quote

|I've grown fond of [metaphors]. You might say I wrote an entire book about them.

|[[Nohadon]] on his own work{{book ref|sa3|103}}

}}

The book was written by [[Nohadon]], an ancient king who lived and reigned after one of the [[Desolation]]s. As is revealed by Dalinar's visions, he wrote the book after he had already risen to power. Thus, while it does exemplify the virtues of a ruler, it is meant to act as an allegory rather than a method by which to inspire others.{{book ref|sa1|60}}

It's uncertain how many of the events the book describes are real, and how many are purely metaphorical. In another vision, Nohadon asserts that he did make the journey that forms the basis for the stories; however, the factuality of the individual parables is disputable.{{book ref|sa3|103}} In addition, it's possible that some details have been lost or altered over the ages.{{wob ref|7930}}

== Influence ==

At around five millennia old, ''The Way of Kings'' is one of the oldest known texts to have survived to the present day.{{wob ref|7930}} Unlike most other literature and documents from that era, which were preserved only in [[Dawnchant]] and thus, until recently, impossible to read, ''The Way of Kings'' was continuously translated, ensuring its survival in the public consciousness.{{book ref|sa3|i|2}} A major force behind this were the [[Vanrial]], an order of artists dedicated to preserving ancient texts and songs.{{book ref|sa1|45}}

Though [[Surgebinding]] predates [[Nohadon]], the ancient [[Knights Radiant]] were heavily influenced by ''The Way of Kings''. It's suggested that their [[Immortal Words|Ideals]] were based off the book.{{book ref|sa1|52}} In particular, it appears as though the [[Order of Bondsmiths]] owns much to its teachings, as the very first lines suggest their Third Ideal.{{book ref|sa1|118}}

This book had enormous impact on both [[Gavilar Kholin]] and, later, [[Dalinar Kholin]]. After having it read to them several times, they become more and more honorable, which is a large contrast to typical modern [[Alethi]] behavior. Interestingly, both began to receive [[Almighty]]'s visions through the [[Stormfather]] after they began to listen to ''The Way of Kings''.{{book ref|sa1|12}}

In addition, ''The Way of Kings'' is of great personal importance to Dalinar. Following his brother's death, he began to put himself back together after listening to [[Jasnah Kholin]] read it.{{book ref|sa3|105}} Over the following years, he re-listened to it multiple times and began to base his own outlook on the world on its teachings.{{book ref|sa1|12}} In addition, two of his visions, one of which didn't come from Stormfather, were concerned with [[Nohadon]] and his work. When the time came to confront [[Odium]] at the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]], Dalinar decided to carry the book with him rather than taking any weapon.{{book ref|sa3|115}} Odium destroyed this particular copy in an attempt to break Dalinar's spirit; however, by then he had taken its teachings to heart.{{book ref|sa3|118}}

[[Jasnah]] reads the entirety of ''The Way of Kings'' on the night of [[Gavilar]]'s funeral, but only an early section is quoted, describing how a meeting with a supposed prophet caused Nohadon to set out on his journey, and explaining the structure of the book. It's possible that this is part of a foreword.

This is the only parable to be presented in its entirety, as quoted by [[Dalinar Kholin]]. It elaborates on the principle of "[[Immortal Words#The First Ideal|journey before destination]]" through the story of Nohadon's family and friends reacting to his journey both before he sets out and after he arrives in Urithiru.

Yes, I could have traveled quickly. But all men have the same ultimate destination. Whether we find our end in a hallowed sepulcher or a pauper’s ditch, all save the Heralds themselves must dine with the Nightwatcher.

And so, does the destination matter? Or is it the path we take? I declare that no accomplishment has substance nearly as great as the road used to achieve it. We are not creatures of destinations. It is the journey that shapes us. Our callused feet, our backs strong from carrying the weight of our travels, our eyes open with the fresh delight of experiences lived.

In the end, I must proclaim that no good can be achieved of false means. For the substance of our existence is not in the achievement, but in the method. The Monarch must understand this; he must not become so focused on what he wishes to accomplish that he diverts his gaze from the path he must take to arrive there.

|The 8th parable from ''The Way of Kings'', quoted by [[Dalinar]]{{book ref|sa1|58}}

This is presumably an excerpt from another parable. It talks about the loneliness and burdens of kingship.

Part of yet another, unnumbered parable. It is concerned with responsibilities that come with royal power.

This particular section describes how a structure - here, a stack of stones, but the metaphor can be applied to both people and groups - will collapse if its very foundation is removed.

Dalinar tells this parable to [[Taravangian]] while discussing morality. It's unusual among others in that it does not provide a clear solution to the problems it presents; perhaps, the point of it is to say that sometimes, there are no good solutions and no clear-cut answers.

The epigraphs for last few chapters of ''[[Oathbringer]]'' (119-122) are taken from the postscript to ''The Way of Kings'', as Nohadon reflects on his journey. Put together, they read:

== Trivia ==

* Brandon Sanderson's favorite part of the book is the parable about the man carrying the heavy stone.{{wob ref|7739}}

* The book is known off-world, although it has not found its way to [[Scadrial]].{{wob ref|6865}}

* Brandon has briefly considered writing the entirety of ''The Way of Kings''. He eventually decided not to, stating it would be too much work for too little pay-off, and that he'd rather leave himself leeway to create new passages as necessary.{{wob ref|8997}}{{wob ref|11862}}

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