Chanarach
Chanarach | |
---|---|
Abilities | Cognitive Shadow, Shardbearer (formerly) |
Titles | Herald of the Almighty, Patron of the Dustbringers |
Aliases | Chana, Chanaranach, Chan-a-rach[1] |
Homeworld | Roshar |
Universe | Cosmere |
“Chana help the man or woman who stood between Navani and one of her own. ”
Chanarach, also known as Chana, is one of the ten Heralds of the Almighty on Roshar, and the patron of the Order of Dustbringers.[3][4] Her current status and whereabouts are unknown, though she's still alive somwhere, as at least one person has -- knowingly or not -- met her in the present times.[5]
Appearance and History
Though Chana is likely of similar age to other Heralds, Vorin artwork tends to present her as a young woman.[6] She was born on Ashyn, and left it for Roshar when the planet was struck by a catastrophe.[7]
When humans and singers went to war, she and nine other people were made Heralds by Honor. Following every Desolation, she would travel to Braize and be tortured there until either she or one of the other Heralds broke, sending them back to Roshar and starting a new Desolation.[8]
At Aharietiam, Chanarach, like the rest, abandoned the Oathpact, leaving her Honorblade at the location of the final battle and departing for parts unknown.[9] What happened to her afterwards is unknown, though she is still alive.[5]
Abilities
As a Herald, Chanarach is unaging while on Roshar, and capable of returning from death, though at the cost of a Desolation.[8] She was likely a capable fighter, and wielded a Honorblade which made her a Surgebinder, granting her the use of the Surges of Division and Abrasion.[10] She has discarded her Blade, however, leaving her without Surgebinding.[11]
Perhaps tying in with her power over Abrasion, Chana is known for being incredibly fast, as Fleet beating her in a foot race is considered an noteworthy achievement.[1]
Culture
In Vorinism, Chanarach is known under the symmetrical name Chanaranach, though the diminutive Chana is also used.[3][1] Chan-a-rach is a far rarer spelling, only seen used in a song.[1] She is associated with the number 3 (chach), the Essence Spark, and the divine attributes of Brave and Obedient.[10] Phrases such as "Chana knows..." and "Chana help (somebody)" are common, and typically related to threat or protectiveness.[1][2] The name Chanada is likely derived from Chana.
As with all the other Heralds, she has a temple to herself in most modern cities.[12][13] This tradition appears to go back to the Desolations, as there was once a temple of Chanaranach in Stormseat.[3]
Theories and Speculation
It has been theorized that Liss, the assassin whom Jasnah hired to spy on Aesudan Kholin, is actually Chanarach in disguise. For now, Brandon and his staff refused to either confirm or deny this.[14][5]
Trivia
- Chanarach's portrait used in the chapter arches is called the Guard by the Dragonsteel Entertainment staff.[15]
Notes
- ↑ a b c d e Words of Radiance chapter 59#
- ↑ a b Words of Radiance chapter 75#
- ↑ a b c Words of Radiance chapter 77#
- ↑ Oathbringer Ars Arcanum#
- ↑ a b c Miscellaneous 2017
— Arcanum - 2017-06-01# - ↑ Chanarach chapter capstone
- ↑ Skyward Denver signing
— Arcanum - 2018-11-15# - ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 38#
- ↑ The Way of Kings chapter prelude#
- ↑ a b The Way of Kings Ars Arcanum#
- ↑ Prelude to the Stormlight Archive#
- ↑ Map of Thaylen City
- ↑ Map of Kholinar
- ↑ Legion Release Party
— Arcanum - 2018-09-19# - ↑ Miscellaneous 2020
— Arcanum - 2020-08-04#