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Difference between revisions of "Death Rattle"

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|books=[[The Stormlight Archive]]
  
|books=[[The Stormlight Archive]]
 
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{{spoiler|sa4}}
  
 
{{update|sa4}}
  
{{update|sa4}}
 
{{quote
  
{{quote
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|Many cultures speak of the so-called Death Rattles that sometimes overtake people as they die. Tradition ascribes them to the almighty, but I find too many of them to be seemingly prophetic. This will be my most contentious assertion I am sure but I think these are the effects of Moelach persisting in our current times. Proof is easy to provide: the effect is regionalized, and tends to move across Roshar, this is the roving of the Unmade.
 +
|Many cultures speak of the so-called Death Rattles that sometimes overtake people as they die. Tradition ascribes them to the almighty, but I find too many of them to be seemingly prophetic. This will be my most contentious assertion I am sure but I think these are the effects of Moelach persisting in our current times. Proof is easy to provide: the effect is regionalized, and tends to move across Roshar. This is the roving of the Unmade.
 
|Hessi's Mythica, page 170{{epigraph ref|sa3|103}}
  
|Hessi's Mythica, page 170{{epigraph ref|sa3|103}}
 
}}
  
}}
−
'''Death Rattles''' are a phenomenon related to the [[Unmade]] [[Moelach]].{{wob ref|2840}} His presence causes some dying individuals to experience precognitive events in the form of cryptic utterances, in the final moments of life.{{epigraph ref|sa2|82}} The emergence of the Death Rattles appears to coincide with the expedition of King [[Gavilar Kholin]] of [[Alethkar]] where the [[Parshendi]] were first encountered. {{wob ref|4693}}
 +
'''Death Rattles''' are a phenomenon related to the [[Unmade]] [[Moelach]].{{wob ref|2840}} His presence causes some dying individuals to experience precognitive events in the form of cryptic utterances, in the final moments of life.{{epigraph ref|sa2|82}} This effect occurs only in the area around Moelach, who tends to move around [[Roshar]]. Death Rattles were apparently moderately common in [[Shinovar]] at some time between {{Rosharan date|1138}} and {{Rosharan date|1166}}, as [[Szeth]] recounts the phenomenon.{{book ref|sa4|16}}{{book ref|sa1|i|3}} The emergence of the Death Rattles in the East appears to coincide with the expedition of King [[Gavilar Kholin]] of [[Alethkar]] where the [[Parshendi]] were first encountered in {{Rosharan date|1166}}.{{wob ref|4693}}{{book ref|sa1|71}}{{book ref|sa4|45}} Later, during {{Rosharan date|1174}}, Moelach and the Rattles moved to the [[Horneater Peaks]].{{book ref|sa3|107}}
   
 
== Uses ==
  
== Uses ==
−
King [[Taravangian]] of [[Kharbranth]] keeps a record of Death Rattles taken from selected hospital patients (the terminally ill, the lowly, and the forgotten) who are slowly and intentionally bled to death solely for this purpose{{book ref|sa1|71}} by the king's [[Silent Gatherer]]s.{{book ref|sa1|endnote}} He does so in order to supplement the [[Diagram (literature)|Diagram]], {{book ref|sa2|i|14}} despite the Diagram itself calling Death Rattles and Moelach a distraction.{{epigraph ref|sa2|82}} The Diagram is aware of the possibility that Moelach, as Unmade servant of [[Odium]] may be feeding them bad information, but they believe the benefits of future sight outweigh the risks. They think the knowledge of what subjects the information contains is useful whether the information is correct or not.{{wob ref|8572}}
 +
King [[Taravangian]] of [[Kharbranth]] keeps a record of Death Rattles taken from selected hospital patients (the terminally ill, the lowly, and the forgotten) who are slowly and intentionally bled to death solely for this purpose{{book ref|sa1|71}} by the king's [[Silent Gatherer]]s.{{book ref|sa1|endnote}} He does so in order to supplement the [[Diagram (literature)|Diagram]],{{book ref|sa2|i|14}} despite the Diagram itself calling Death Rattles and Moelach a distraction.{{epigraph ref|sa2|82}} The Diagram is aware of the possibility that Moelach, as Unmade servant of [[Odium]] may be feeding them bad information, but they believe the benefits of future sight outweigh the risks. They think the knowledge of what subjects the information contains is useful whether the information is correct or not.{{wob ref|8572}}
  +
  +
== Notable Death Rattles ==
  +
{{for|Death Rattle/list|a list of all known Death Rattles}}
   
−
== Known Death Rattles ==
  
 
{{theory}}
  
{{theory}}
  +
−
=== Collected by the Silent Gatherers ===
  
 
{{quote
  
{{quote
 
|The love of men is a frigid thing, a mountain stream only three steps from the ice. We are his. Oh Stormfather... we are his. It is but a thousand days, and the Everstorm comes.
  
|The love of men is a frigid thing, a mountain stream only three steps from the ice. We are his. Oh Stormfather... we are his. It is but a thousand days, and the Everstorm comes.
−
|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1171|6|5|1}}, 31 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a darkeyed pregnant woman of middle years. The child did not survive.{{epigraph ref|sa1|prologue}}
 +
|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1171|6|5|1}}, 31 seconds before death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a darkeyed pregnant woman of middle years. The child did not survive.{{epigraph ref|sa1|prologue}}
 
}}
  
}}
−
This death rattle was spoken two years, four months and five weeks before the advent of the Everstorm.{{ref|text=The Everstorm was summoned on {{Rosharan date|1173|10|10|3}}{{article ref|Words of Radiance/Timeline|Words of Radiance timeline}}, putting {{Rosharan date|1171|6|5|1}} 2 years, 4 months and 5 weeks beforehand.}} This is slightly more than one thousand days, since two years by themselves are one thousand days. It is possible that these Rattles are less than fully accurate, that whoever gave this death rattle valued poetry over technically accurate detail or, given the specific phrasing, that this was perhaps a foreshadowing to the day {{Rosharan date|1171|10|10|3}} when someone else would prophecy that it would be 1000 days until the Everstorm.
 +
:::This rattle came exactly 1227 days before the advent of the Everstorm.{{ref|text=This rattle was collected on {{Rosharan numeric date|1171|6|5|1}}{{epigraph ref|sa1|prologue}} and the Everstorm arrived on {{Rosharan numeric date|1173|10|10|3}}{{book ref|sa2|50}}{{book ref|sa2|81}}}} It is possible that these rattles are less than fully accurate, or that whoever gave this death rattle valued poetry over technically accurate detail or, given the specific phrasing, that this was perhaps a foreshadowing to a time 227 days in the future when someone else would prophesy that it would be 1000 days until the Everstorm.
   
−
{{quote
  
−
|You've killed me. Bastards, you've killed me! While the sun is still hot, I die!
  
−
|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1171|7|3|5}}, 10 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a darkeyed soldier thirty-one years of age. Sample is considered questionable.{{epigraph ref|sa1|1}}
  
−
}}
  
−  
−
{{quote
  
−
|Ten orders. We were loved, once. Why have you forsaken us, Almighty! Shard of my soul, where have you gone?
  
−
|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1171|8|6|2}}, 5 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a lighteyed woman in her third decade.{{epigraph ref|sa1|2}}
  
−
}}
  
−
This seems to be from the perspective of one of the [[Knights Radiant]], likely from the [[Day of Recreance]]. The phrase "Why have you forsaken us, Almighty" likely refers to how, in the years before the Recreance, [[Honor]] did not support the newest generation of Radiants when they discovered the truth about the [[First Desolation]], and instead raved about his belief that their [[Surgebinding]] would destroy Roshar.{{book ref|sa3|113}} The phrase "Shard of my soul, where have you gone" seems to refer to how the Radiants lost their spren during the Recreance, as the [[Nahel Bond]] allows a spren to fill in some of the cracks in a person's soul.{{wob ref|2542}}
  
−  
−
{{quote
  
−
|A man stood on a cliffside and watched his homeland fall into dust. The waters surged beneath, so far beneath. And he heard a child crying. They were his own tears.
  
−
|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1171|9|1|4}}, 30 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a cobbler of some renown.{{epigraph ref|sa1|3}}
  
−
}}
  
   
 
{{quote
  
{{quote
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|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1172|1|2|3}}, 11 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers.{{epigraph ref|sa1|4}}
  
|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1172|1|2|3}}, 11 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers.{{epigraph ref|sa1|4}}
 
}}
  
}}
−
This Rattle appears to reference [[Shadesmar]], based on the description of the sun and sky, and a [[Cryptic]]. The Silent Gatherers considered this Death Rattle to be of particular note, likely because the subject apparently retained come consciousness while dying, evidenced by them asking "Healer, why do you take my blood?"{{epigraph ref|sa1|4}}
 +
:::The description of the sun and sky, as well as the appearance of a [[Cryptic]], indicate the speaker here was viewing [[Shadesmar]]. The subject also apparently retained some consciousness while dying, evidenced by them asking the Silent Gatherers "Healer, why do you take my blood?" In light of those conditions, the speaker may not have actually been affected by Moelach.
  +
   
 
{{quote
  
{{quote
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}}
  
}}
   
−
{{quote
  
−
|I'm cold. Mother, I'm cold. Mother? Why can I still hear the rain? Will it stop?
  
−
|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1172|4|10|1}}, 32 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a lighteyed female child, approximately six years old.{{epigraph ref|sa1|6}}
  
−
}}
  
−  
−
{{quote
  
−
|They are aflame. They burn. They bring the darkness when they come, and so all you can see is that their skin is aflame. Burn, burn, burn...
  
−
|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1172|5|10|4}}, 21 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a baker's apprentice.{{epigraph ref|sa1|7}}
  
−
}}
  
−  
−
{{quote
  
−
|Victory! We stand atop the mount! We scatter them before us! Their homes become our dens, their lands are now our farms! And they shall burn, as we once did, in a place that is hollow and forlorn.
  
−
|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1172|10|6|2}}, 18 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a lighteyed spinster of the eighth dahn.{{epigraph ref|sa1|8}}
  
−
}}
  
−
This may refer to humans conquering Roshar and exiling the Dawnsingers to [[Braize]]. It may also refer to the Dawnsingers conquering [[Kholinar]].
  
−  
−
{{quote
  
−
|Ten people, with Shardblades alight, standing before a wall of black and white and red.
  
−
|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1173|1|3|4}}, 12 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject an ardent member of the the Silent Gatherers, overheard during his last moments.{{epigraph ref|sa1|9}}
  
−
}}
  
−
This seems to reference to the Heralds bearing their Honorblades and standing against Odium and the Voidbringers.
  
   
 
{{quote
  
{{quote
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|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1173|3|2|2}}, 84 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a cutpurse with the wasting sickness, of partial Iriali descent.{{epigraph ref|sa1|11}}
  
|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1173|3|2|2}}, 84 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a cutpurse with the wasting sickness, of partial Iriali descent.{{epigraph ref|sa1|11}}
 
}}
  
}}
  +
:::Most likely refers to Honor, Cultivation, and Odium--three [[Shards]] out of sixteen total. It is unclear what "Broken One" means, however.
−
This rattle apparently refers to the sixteen [[Shard]]s of [[Adonalsium]], three of which ([[Honor]], [[Cultivation]], and [[Odium]]) are invested in Roshar.
  
   
−
{{quote
  
−
|I'm standing over the body of a brother. I'm weeping. Is that his blood or mine? What have we done?
  
−
|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1173|4|2|4}}, 107 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was an out-of-work Veden sailor.{{epigraph ref|sa1|52}}
  
−
}}
  
−
This rattle could be from the perspective of [[Kaladin]] at the time of [[Tien]]'s death, the question of "What have we done?" referring to their joining of the military. It could also be referring to the [[Jah Keved]] civil war.
  
−  
−
{{quote
  
−
|He must pick it up, the fallen title! The tower, the crown, and the spear!
  
−
|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1173|4|5|3}}, 8 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a prostitute of unknown background.{{epigraph ref|sa1|53}}
  
−
}}
  
−
This rattle likely refers to [[Kaladin Stormblessed]], with the tower and crown being the crest of [[house Kholin]], and the spear being Kaladin's weapon of choice. The "fallen title" may refer to the [[Knights Radiant]].
  
   
 
{{quote
  
{{quote
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|Observed on {{Rosharan date|1173|5|1|1}}, collected secondhand and later reported to the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a wealthy lighteyes.{{epigraph ref|sa1|54}}
  
|Observed on {{Rosharan date|1173|5|1|1}}, collected secondhand and later reported to the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a wealthy lighteyes.{{epigraph ref|sa1|54}}
 
}}
  
}}
−
This rattle appears to be from the perspective of the [[Herald]] [[Talenel]], the only Herald to be returned, through death, to wherever the Heralds went to be tortured between [[Desolation]]s at the end of the [[Last Desolation]].
 +
:::This rattle appears to be from the perspective of the [[Herald]] [[Talenel]], the only Herald to return to [[Braize]] at the end of the [[Last Desolation]].
  +
   
 
{{quote
  
{{quote
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|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1173|5|4|2}}, 73 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a beggar of some renown, known for his elegant songs.{{epigraph ref|sa1|55}}
  
|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1173|5|4|2}}, 73 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a beggar of some renown, known for his elegant songs.{{epigraph ref|sa1|55}}
 
}}
  
}}
−
This rattle is believed to refer to the Herald [[Shalash]], the daughter of the Herald [[Jezrien]], Herald of Kings and patron of the [[Order of Windrunners]].{{book ref|sa3|122}} Shalash is also [[Baxil]]'s mistress who destroys art, including depictions of a specific Herald, believed to be those of Shalash herself. It could also be a reference to Syl and how she becomes a [[deadeye]] after Kaladin agrees to help [[Moash]] assassinate [[Elhokar]].
 +
:::This rattle likely refers to the Herald [[Shalash]], the daughter of the Herald [[Jezrien]], Herald of Kings and patron of the [[Order of Windrunners]].{{book ref|sa3|122}} Shalash has defaced depictions of herself by scratching her face out of paintings or by destroying statues depicting her.
   
−
{{quote
  
−
|Light grows so distant. The storm never stops. I am broken, and all around me have died. I weep for the end of all things. He has won. Oh, he has beaten us.
  
−
|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1173|5|8|4}}, 16 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a Thaylen sailor.{{epigraph ref|sa1|56}}
  
−
}}
  
−  
−
{{quote
  
−
|I hold the suckling child in my hands, a knife at his throat, and know that all who live wish me to let the blade slip. Spill its blood upon the ground, over my hands, and with it gain us further breath to draw.
  
−
|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1173|6|2|2}}, 23 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a darkeyed youth of sixteen years. Sample is of particular note.{{epigraph ref|sa1|57}}
  
−
}}
  
   
 
{{quote
  
{{quote
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|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1173|6|7|4}}, 8 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a darkeyed dock-worker in his forties, father of three.{{epigraph ref|sa1|58}}
  
|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1173|6|7|4}}, 8 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a darkeyed dock-worker in his forties, father of three.{{epigraph ref|sa1|58}}
 
}}
  
}}
  +
:::This rattle refers to the Unmade [[Re-Shephir]] and her [[Midnight Essence]].
  +
   
 
{{quote
  
{{quote
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|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1173|7|2|2}}, 45 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a lighteyed child of five years. Diction improved remarkably when giving sample.{{epigraph ref|sa1|59}}
  
|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1173|7|2|2}}, 45 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a lighteyed child of five years. Diction improved remarkably when giving sample.{{epigraph ref|sa1|59}}
 
}}
  
}}
−
This rattle appears to be from the perspective of Kaladin during the [[Battle of the Tower]], moments before he swears the [[Immortal Words#Ideals of the Windrunners|Second Ideal of the Windrunners]]. The "final void" is a chasm over which he is jumping. The "friends behind, friends before" are the members of Bridge Four behind him and the army of [[Dalinar Kholin]] trapped by Parshendi before him. The "feast I must drink" is Stormlight stored in the gemstones knotted into the malen Parshendi's beards. The "words I must speak" is the Second Ideal. The "old oaths" are the [[Immortal Words]].
 +
:::This rattle appears to be from the perspective of Kaladin during the [[Battle of the Tower]], moments before he swears the [[Knights Radiant/Immortal Words#Ideals of the Windrunners|Second Ideal of the Windrunners]]. The "final void" is a chasm over which he is jumping. The "friends behind, friends before" are the members of Bridge Four behind him and the army of [[Dalinar Kholin]] trapped by Parshendi before him. The "feast I must drink" is Stormlight stored in the gemstones knotted into the malen Parshendi's beards. The "words I must speak" is the Second Ideal. The "old oaths" are the [[Immortal Words]].
   
−
{{quote
  
−
|The death is my life, the strength becomes my weakness, the journey has ended.
  
−
|Observed on {{Rosharan date|1173|7|2|1}}, 95 seconds pre-death, collected secondhand and later reported to the the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a scholar of some minor renown. Sample considered questionable.{{epigraph ref|sa1|60}}
  
−
}}
  
−
This rattle appears to reference the [[Immortal Words#The First Ideal|First Ideal]] of the [[Knights Radiant]]: Life before Death. Strength before Weakness. Journey before Destination.
  
   
 
{{quote
  
{{quote
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|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1173|8|2|4}}, 13 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a city guardsman.{{epigraph ref|sa1|61}}
  
|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1173|8|2|4}}, 13 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a city guardsman.{{epigraph ref|sa1|61}}
 
}}
  
}}
  +
:::This rattle likely refer to Kaladin swearing the [[Knights Radiant/Immortal Words#Ideals of the Windrunners|Fourth Ideal of the Windrunners]] while falling in the [[highstorm]] towards the end of [[Raboniel]]'s occupation of [[Urithiru]]. The events of this Death Rattle had not occurred as of the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]].{{wob ref|11616}}
−
This rattle may refer to Kaladin's dive off of Urithiru to save Lirin, mourning Teft's death while buffeted by the highstorm.
  
   
−
{{quote
  
−
|The darkness becomes a palace. Let it rule! Let it rule!
  
−
|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1173|8|4|5}}, 22 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a darkeyed Selay man of unknown profession.{{epigraph ref|sa1|62}}
  
−
}}
  
   
 
{{quote
  
{{quote
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|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1173|8|6|5}}, 142 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a Shin sailor, left behind by his crew, reportedly for bringing them ill luck. Sample largely useless.{{epigraph ref|sa1|63}}
  
|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1173|8|6|5}}, 142 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a Shin sailor, left behind by his crew, reportedly for bringing them ill luck. Sample largely useless.{{epigraph ref|sa1|63}}
 
}}
  
}}
−
This subject appears to have been aware of what the Silent Gatherers were doing, and somehow refused to speak of the visions he saw.
 +
:::It appears this subject is aware that the Silent Gatherers are killing people in order to obtain their death rattles and refuses to share his visions.
  +
   
 
{{quote
  
{{quote
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|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1173|8|6|5}}, 13 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a rickshaw puller.{{epigraph ref|sa1|64}}
  
|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1173|8|6|5}}, 13 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a rickshaw puller.{{epigraph ref|sa1|64}}
 
}}
  
}}
−
This rattle appears to refer to Kaladin and [[Shallan Davar]] returning to the Warcamps at the [[Shattered Plains]] following an ill-fated expedition. The "pit" is a reference to the chasms. the "two dead men" are Kaladin and Shallan, presumed to be dead after falling into a chasm. The "heart" is an emerald [[gemheart]] they harvested from a [[chasmfiend]] they encountered and killed on their return journey.
 +
:::This rattle appears to refer to Kaladin and [[Shallan Davar|Shallan]] returning to the warcamps at the [[Shattered Plains]] following their fall into the chasms. The "pit" is a reference to the chasms and the "two dead men" are Kaladin and Shallan, presumed to be dead after the fall. The "heart" is an emerald [[gemheart]] they harvested from a [[chasmfiend]] they encountered and killed on their return journey.
  +
   
 
{{quote
  
{{quote
Line 158: Line 100:
 
|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1173|8|8|1}}, 8 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a darkeyed young woman of fifteen who was reportedly mentally unstable since childhood.{{epigraph ref|sa1|65}}
  
|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1173|8|8|1}}, 8 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a darkeyed young woman of fifteen who was reportedly mentally unstable since childhood.{{epigraph ref|sa1|65}}
 
}}
  
}}
−
This rattle refers to the awakening of [[Thunderclast]]s.{{book ref|sa3|115}}
 +
:::This rattle refers to the awakening of [[Thunderclast]]s.{{book ref|sa3|115}}
   
−
{{quote
  
−
|That chanting, that singing, those rasping voices.
  
−
|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1173|8|9|3}}, 16 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a middle-aged potter who reported seeing strange dreams during highstorms during the previous two years.{{epigraph ref|sa1|66}}
  
−
}}
  
−
Possibly referencing the events of the [[Battle of Narak]], and the summoning of the [[Everstorm]].
  
−  
−
{{quote
  
−
|Let me no longer hurt! Let me no longer weep! Dai-gonarthis! The Black Fisher holds my sorrow and consumes it!
  
−
|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1173|9|1|3}}, 28 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a darkeyed female street juggler.{{epigraph ref|sa1|67}}
  
−
}}
  
−
The Silent Gatherers have noted a similarity between this death rattle and one they denote as "sample 1172-89".
  
   
 
{{quote
  
{{quote
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|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1173|9|2|1}}, 8 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was an Azish itinerant worker. Sample of particular note.{{epigraph ref|sa1|68}}
  
|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1173|9|2|1}}, 8 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was an Azish itinerant worker. Sample of particular note.{{epigraph ref|sa1|68}}
 
}}
  
}}
−
When all Heralds, except Taln, broke the Oathpact after Aharietiam they lied and told humanity that the Voidbringers finally were defeated.
+
:::When all Heralds, except Taln, broke the Oathpact after Aharietiam they lied and told humanity that the Voidbringers finally were defeated.
  +
   
 
{{quote
  
{{quote
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|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1173|9|2|4}}, 18 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a darkeyed mother of four in her sixty-second year.{{epigraph ref|sa1|69}}
  
|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1173|9|2|4}}, 18 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a darkeyed mother of four in her sixty-second year.{{epigraph ref|sa1|69}}
 
}}
  
}}
  +
:::This rattle appears to refer to Kaladin saving [[Elhokar]] from [[Moash]], an event during which Kaladin swears the [[Knights Radiant/Immortal Words#Ideals of the Windrunners|Third Ideal of the Windrunners]]. "The one who killed my promises" likely refers to the fact that Elhokar, through a string of related events, was responsible for Kaladin being unable to keep is promise to protect Tien in battle. "I raise my hand. The storm responds." refers to the fact that Kaladin's words are accepted and Syl returns to him as a Shardblade.
−
May refer to Kaladin saving the king from Moash during the storm.
 
−  
−
{{quote
  
−
|Above silence, the illuminating storms—dying storms—illuminate the silence above.
  
−
|Collected on {{Rosharan date|1173|9|2|4}} by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was an illiterate Herdazian.{{book ref|sa1|endnote}}
  
−
}}
  
−  
−
=== Other Death Rattles ===
  
−
{{quote
  
−
|They break the land itself! They want it, but in their rage they will destroy it. Like the jealous man burns his rich things rather than let them be taken by his enemies! They come!
  
−
|Observed circa {{Rosharan date|1173|missing-date=y}}. Subject was [[Gadol]], a member of [[Bridge Four]].{{book ref|sa1|17}}
  
−
}}
  
−
Refers to the soul of the Fused, destroying the whole world in order to destroy humankind.{{book ref|sa3|38}}
  
−  
−
{{quote
  
−
|He watches! The Black piper in the night. He holds us in his palm... playing a tune that no man can hear!
  
−
|Observed circa {{Rosharan date|1172|}}. Subject was [[Cenn]], a member of [[Kaladin]]'s squad in Brightlord [[Meridas Amaram]]'s army.{{book ref|sa1|47}}
  
−
}}
  
−
This is not a reference to [[Hoid]].{{wob ref|8240}} The "tune no man can hear" in question could be a Rhythm, perceivable only by the Singers and not humans. The Black Piper then could refer to one of the Unmade.
  
−  
−
{{quote
  
−
|And all the world was shattered! The rocks trembled with their steps, and the stones reached toward the heavens. We die! We die!
  
−
|Observed circa {{Rosharan date|1173|missing-date=y}}. Subject was [[Maps]], a member of [[Bridge Four]].{{book ref|sa1|57}}
  
−
}}
  
−
This could reference the clash of the [[Everstorm]] with the irregular [[Highstorm]] during the [[Battle of Narak]], which completely broke some plateaus and tossed the boulders high into the air.
  
−  
−
{{quote
  
−
|The day was ours, but they took it. Stormfather! You cannot have it. The day is ours. They come, rasping, and the lights fail. Oh, Stormfather!
  
−
|Collected circa {{Rosharan date|1173|9|missing-date=y}} by Taravangian. Subject was a young boy.{{book ref|sa1|71}}
  
−
}}
  
−  
−
{{quote
  
−
|So the night will reign, for the choice of honor is life...
  
−
|Observed circa {{Rosharan date|1173|10|missing-date=y}} by Taravangian. Subject was King [[Valam]] of [[Jah Keved]].{{book ref|sa2|i|14}}
  
−
}}
  
   
 
== Notes ==
  
== Notes ==
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{{partial}}
  
{{partial}}
 
{{stormlight}}
  
{{stormlight}}
  +
[[es:Susurro de muerte]]

Latest revision as of 20:19, 7 March 2024

Death Rattle
Related to Moelach
World of Origin Roshar
Universe Cosmere
This page or section needs to be updated with new information for Rhythm of War!
Be aware that in its current state, it may not include all additional content yet.

“Many cultures speak of the so-called Death Rattles that sometimes overtake people as they die. Tradition ascribes them to the almighty, but I find too many of them to be seemingly prophetic. This will be my most contentious assertion I am sure but I think these are the effects of Moelach persisting in our current times. Proof is easy to provide: the effect is regionalized, and tends to move across Roshar. This is the roving of the Unmade. ”

—Hessi's Mythica, page 170[1]

Death Rattles are a phenomenon related to the Unmade Moelach.[2] His presence causes some dying individuals to experience precognitive events in the form of cryptic utterances, in the final moments of life.[3] This effect occurs only in the area around Moelach, who tends to move around Roshar. Death Rattles were apparently moderately common in Shinovar at some time between 1138 and 1166, as Szeth recounts the phenomenon.[4][5] The emergence of the Death Rattles in the East appears to coincide with the expedition of King Gavilar Kholin of Alethkar where the Parshendi were first encountered in 1166.[6][7][8] Later, during 1174, Moelach and the Rattles moved to the Horneater Peaks.[9]

Uses[edit]

King Taravangian of Kharbranth keeps a record of Death Rattles taken from selected hospital patients (the terminally ill, the lowly, and the forgotten) who are slowly and intentionally bled to death solely for this purpose[7] by the king's Silent Gatherers.[10] He does so in order to supplement the Diagram,[11] despite the Diagram itself calling Death Rattles and Moelach a distraction.[3] The Diagram is aware of the possibility that Moelach, as Unmade servant of Odium may be feeding them bad information, but they believe the benefits of future sight outweigh the risks. They think the knowledge of what subjects the information contains is useful whether the information is correct or not.[12]

Notable Death Rattles[edit]

For a list of all known Death Rattles, see Death Rattle/list.
This page or section deals with theories or speculation.
Please read carefully and note that this is not necessarily canonical.

“The love of men is a frigid thing, a mountain stream only three steps from the ice. We are his. Oh Stormfather... we are his. It is but a thousand days, and the Everstorm comes. ”

—Collected on Shashahes 1171, 31 seconds before death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a darkeyed pregnant woman of middle years. The child did not survive.[13]
This rattle came exactly 1227 days before the advent of the Everstorm.[16] It is possible that these rattles are less than fully accurate, or that whoever gave this death rattle valued poetry over technically accurate detail or, given the specific phrasing, that this was perhaps a foreshadowing to a time 227 days in the future when someone else would prophesy that it would be 1000 days until the Everstorm.


“I'm dying, aren't I? Healer, why do you take my blood? Who is that beside you, with his head of lines? I can see a distant sun, dark and cold, shining in a black sky. ”

—Collected on Jesnanach 1172, 11 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers.[17]
The description of the sun and sky, as well as the appearance of a Cryptic, indicate the speaker here was viewing Shadesmar. The subject also apparently retained some consciousness while dying, evidenced by them asking the Silent Gatherers "Healer, why do you take my blood?" In light of those conditions, the speaker may not have actually been affected by Moelach.


“I have seen the end, and have heard it named. The Night of Sorrows, the True Desolation. The Everstorm. ”

—Collected on Naneses 1172, 15 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a darkeyed youth of unknown origin.[18]


“Three of sixteen ruled, but now the Broken One reigns. ”

—Collected on Chachanan 1173, 84 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a cutpurse with the wasting sickness, of partial Iriali descent.[19]
Most likely refers to Honor, Cultivation, and Odium--three Shards out of sixteen total. It is unclear what "Broken One" means, however.


“The burdens of nine become mine. Why must I carry the madness of them all? Oh, Almighty, release me. ”

—Observed on Palaheses 1173, collected secondhand and later reported to the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a wealthy lighteyes.[20]
This rattle appears to be from the perspective of the Herald Talenel, the only Herald to return to Braize at the end of the Last Desolation.


“A woman sits and scratches out her own eyes. Daughter of kings and winds, the vandal. ”

—Collected on Palahevan 1173, 73 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a beggar of some renown, known for his elegant songs.[21]
This rattle likely refers to the Herald Shalash, the daughter of the Herald Jezrien, Herald of Kings and patron of the Order of Windrunners.[22] Shalash has defaced depictions of herself by scratching her face out of paintings or by destroying statues depicting her.


“Re-Shephir, the Midnight Mother, giving birth to abominations with her essence so dark, so terrible, so consuming. She is here! She watches me die! ”

—Collected on Shashabev 1173, 8 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a darkeyed dock-worker in his forties, father of three.[23]
This rattle refers to the Unmade Re-Shephir and her Midnight Essence.


“Above the final void I hang, friends behind, friends before. The feast I must drink clings to their faces, and the words I must speak spark in my mind. The old oaths will be spoken anew. ”

—Collected on Betabanan 1173, 45 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a lighteyed child of five years. Diction improved remarkably when giving sample.[24]
This rattle appears to be from the perspective of Kaladin during the Battle of the Tower, moments before he swears the Second Ideal of the Windrunners. The "final void" is a chasm over which he is jumping. The "friends behind, friends before" are the members of Bridge Four behind him and the army of Dalinar Kholin trapped by Parshendi before him. The "feast I must drink" is Stormlight stored in the gemstones knotted into the malen Parshendi's beards. The "words I must speak" is the Second Ideal. The "old oaths" are the Immortal Words.


“In the storm I awaken, falling, spinning, grieving. ”

—Collected on Kakanev 1173, 13 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a city guardsman.[25]
This rattle likely refer to Kaladin swearing the Fourth Ideal of the Windrunners while falling in the highstorm towards the end of Raboniel's occupation of Urithiru. The events of this Death Rattle had not occurred as of the Battle of Thaylen Field.[26]


“I wish to sleep. I know now why you do what you do, and I hate you for it. I will not speak of the truths I see. ”

—Collected on Kakashah 1173, 142 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a Shin sailor, left behind by his crew, reportedly for bringing them ill luck. Sample largely useless.[27]
It appears this subject is aware that the Silent Gatherers are killing people in order to obtain their death rattles and refuses to share his visions.


“They come from the pit, two dead men, a heart in their hands, and I know that I have seen true glory. ”

—Collected on Kakashah 1173, 13 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a rickshaw puller.[28]
This rattle appears to refer to Kaladin and Shallan returning to the warcamps at the Shattered Plains following their fall into the chasms. The "pit" is a reference to the chasms and the "two dead men" are Kaladin and Shallan, presumed to be dead after the fall. The "heart" is an emerald gemheart they harvested from a chasmfiend they encountered and killed on their return journey.


“I see them. They are the rocks. They are the vengeful spirits. Eyes of red. ”

—Collected on Kakakes 1173, 8 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a darkeyed young woman of fifteen who was reportedly mentally unstable since childhood.[29]
This rattle refers to the awakening of Thunderclasts.[30]


“They named it the Final Desolation, but they lied. Our gods lied. Oh, how they lied. The Everstorm comes. I hear its whispers, see its stormwall, know its heart. ”

—Collected on Tanatanes 1173, 8 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was an Azish itinerant worker. Sample of particular note.[31]
When all Heralds, except Taln, broke the Oathpact after Aharietiam they lied and told humanity that the Voidbringers finally were defeated.


“All is withdrawn for me. I stand against the one who saved my life. I protect the one who killed my promises. I raise my hand. The storm responds. ”

—Collected on Tanatanev 1173, 18 seconds pre-death, by the Silent Gatherers. Subject was a darkeyed mother of four in her sixty-second year.[32]
This rattle appears to refer to Kaladin saving Elhokar from Moash, an event during which Kaladin swears the Third Ideal of the Windrunners. "The one who killed my promises" likely refers to the fact that Elhokar, through a string of related events, was responsible for Kaladin being unable to keep is promise to protect Tien in battle. "I raise my hand. The storm responds." refers to the fact that Kaladin's words are accepted and Syl returns to him as a Shardblade.

Notes[edit]

  1. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 103 epigraph#
  2. ↑ Words of Radiance Lexington signing
    — Arcanum - 2014-03-18#
  3. ↑ a b Words of Radiance chapter 82 epigraph#
  4. ↑ Rhythm of War chapter 16#
  5. ↑ The Way of Kings interlude I-3#
  6. ↑ A Memory of Light Seattle Signing
    — Arcanum - 2013-02-18#
  7. ↑ a b The Way of Kings chapter 71#
  8. ↑ Rhythm of War chapter 45#
  9. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 107#
  10. ↑ The Way of Kings endnote#
  11. ↑ Words of Radiance interlude I-14#
  12. ↑ Oathbringer release party
    — Arcanum - 2017-11-13#
  13. ↑ a b The Way of Kings prologue epigraph#
  14. ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 50#
  15. ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 81#
  16. ↑ This rattle was collected on 1171.6.5.1[13] and the Everstorm arrived on 1173.10.10.3[14][15]
  17. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 4 epigraph#
  18. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 5 epigraph#
  19. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 11 epigraph#
  20. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 54 epigraph#
  21. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 55 epigraph#
  22. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 122#
  23. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 58 epigraph#
  24. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 59 epigraph#
  25. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 61 epigraph#
  26. ↑ Skyward San Francisco signing
    — Arcanum - 2018-11-08#
  27. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 63 epigraph#
  28. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 64 epigraph#
  29. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 65 epigraph#
  30. ↑ Oathbringer chapter 115#
  31. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 68 epigraph#
  32. ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 69 epigraph#
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