| Immortal Words | |
|---|---|
| Related to | Knights Radiant |
| World of Origin | Roshar |
The Immortal Words were a set of oaths sworn by the Knights Radiant in order to gain their Surgebinding abilities. There were five sets of Ideals for each order, with the first being the same among all orders, making it likely that the total number of Ideals is 41.
Purpose
The primary purpose of the Ideals was to serve as a guide to the Radiants for how they were to live their lives. These ideals were based off of the lessons taught in Nohadon's book, The Way of Kings.[1] As the book had forty parables, it seems likely that each parable described an ideal of the Knights Radiant, excluding the First Ideal.[2]
A nascent Surgebinder speaking an ideal of his order also increases his or her ability to infuse both themselves and other objects with Stormlight, they also seem to be far more efficient. It is also important to note that simply having the ability to infuse does not make one a Radiant, they are simply a Surgebinder. Only after all the Ideals are spoken and followed does one become a Radiant. The Ideals were not simply a means to greater power, they were a way of life for the Radiants.[1]
The First Ideal
“Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination.”
—The First Ideal of the Knights Radiant[1]
The First Ideal of the Knights Radiant was shared among all of the orders. Unlike the other Ideals, saying it does not seem to be a prerequisite to gaining further Surgebinding ability, as Kaladin first hears of it long after he first begins to infuse himself with Stormlight.
Ideals of the Radiants
After the First Ideal, the next four Ideals for each Order is different. When it is time for the next Ideal to be spoken, its words will appear in the mind of the Surgebinder.[3] Speaking the words will cause the Surgebinder to explode with Stormlight, accompanied by a loud cracking sound.[citation needed]
Ideals of the Windrunners
The Ideals of the Order of Windrunners may be tied to the divine attributes of protecting and leading, as those are related to Jezrien[4] This idea is enhanced by the Second Ideal of the Order of the Windrunners, which has to do with protection.
“I will protect those who cannot protect themselves.”
—The Second Ideal of the Windrunners[3]
“I will protect even those I hate, so long as it is right.”
—The Third Ideal of the Windrunners[5]
Ideals of the Skybreakers
“I will put the law before all else.”
—The Second Ideal of the Skybreakers[6]
Ideals of the Edgedancers
“I will remember those who have been forgotten.”
—The Second Ideal of the Edgedancers[7]
Ideals of the Lightweavers
The Order of Lightweavers acknowledge no Ideals other than the First Ideal shared by all Knights Radiant. Members of the Lightweavers do however need to speak "Truths" to advance, which is similar to the process of speaking the Ideals in other Orders. These Truths seem to be more individual than the Ideals however.[8]
Ideals of the Bondsmiths
The Ideals of the Order of Bondsmiths seems to be tied to uniting men and possibly surgebinders. They seem to be the Ideals closest connected to governance.
“I will unite instead of divide. I will bring men together.”
—The Second Ideal of the Bondsmiths[9]
Notes
- ↑ a b c The Way of Kings chapter 59#
- ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 58#
- ↑ a b The Way of Kings chapter 67#
- ↑ The Way of Kings Ars Arcanum#
- ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 84#
- ↑ Broken reference - Missing date declaration: What is the Skybreaker's Second Ideal?
— 17th Shard forums - {{{date}}}# - ↑ Words of Radiance interlude I-9#
- ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 87#
- ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 89#