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The Way of Kings (in-world) (edit)

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|world=Roshar
|books=[[The Stormlight Archive]]
}}{{update|book=sa3}}{{Copyright}}
{{for|The Way of Kings|the book by Brandon Sanderson|pre=This is for the in-universe text by [[Nohadon]]}}
 
'''''The Way of Kings''''' wasis a book of parables and stories written by [[Nohadon]] on [[Roshar]].
 
It was read by [[Gavilar Kholin]] in the years prior to his death. [[Dalinar Kholin]] began readinglistening fromto it after his brother's deathfuneral.
 
== Summary ==
The book was 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 it 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.
 
== Factuality ==
{{for|Nohadon|the author of ''The Way of Kings''}}
WrittenThe book was written by [[Nohadon]], itan isancient revealedking duringwho thelived eventsand ofreigned ''[[Theafter Wayone of Kingsthe [[Desolation]]''s. thatAs ratheris thanrevealed beingby anDalinar's account of his lifevisions, Nohadonhe wrote the book after he had already risen to power. Thus, while the bookit 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}}
 
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|53}} 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|sa|118}}
 
This book had enormous impact on both [[Gavilar Kholin]] and, later, [[Dalinar Kholin]]. After having this bookit 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}}
 
== Excerpts ==
 
=== Introduction ===
[[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 thea foreword.
 
{{quote
 
=== The eighth parable ===
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.
 
{{quote
 
=== The man and a stone ===
This is presumably an excerpt from another parable. It talks about the loneliness and burdens of kingship.
 
{{quote
 
=== Candles ===
Part of yet another, unnumbered parable. It is concerned with responsibilities that come with royal power.
 
{{quote
 
=== Stack of stones ===
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.
 
{{quote
 
=== Hogman's murder ===
Dalinar tells this parable to [[Taravangian]] while discussing kingshipmorality. 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.
 
{{quote
 
=== Postscript ===
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 as follows:
 
{{quote
}}
 
== AuthorTrivia ==
* Brandon Sanderson's favourite part of the book is the parable about the man carrying the heavy stone.{{wob ref|7739}}
▲Written by [[Nohadon]], it is revealed during the events of ''[[The Way of Kings]]'' that rather than being an account of his life, Nohadon wrote the book after he had already risen to power. Thus, while the book does exemplify the virtues of a ruler, it is meant to act as an allegory rather than a method by which to inspire others.
* 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}}
▲== Influence ==
▲This book had enormous impact on both [[Gavilar Kholin]] and, later, [[Dalinar Kholin]]. After having this book read to them several times, they become more and more honorable, which is a large contrast to typical [[Alethi]] behavior.
 
== Notes ==
<references/>
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{{Stormlight}}
[[category: literature]]
Rasarr
Editors, Keepers
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