Chanarach
Chanarach | |
---|---|
by Karla Ortiz
| |
Abilities | Cognitive Shadow, Shardbearer (formerly) |
Titles | Herald of the Almighty, Patron of the Dustbringers, Herald of the Common Man[1] |
Aliases | Chana, Chanaranach, Chan-a-rach[2] |
Homeworld | Roshar |
Universe | Cosmere |
“Chana help the man or woman who stood between Navani and one of her own. ”
Chanarach, known as Chanaranach'Elin in Vorin Doctrine, or by the diminutive Chana, is one of the ten Heralds of the Almighty on Roshar, and the patron of the Order of Dustbringers.[4][5] Her current status and whereabouts are unknown, though at least one person has — knowingly or not — met her in recent times.[6]
Appearance and History
Though Chana is likely of similar age to other Heralds, Vorin artwork tends to present her as a young woman.[7] She was born on Ashyn, and left it for Roshar when the planet was razed by human Surgebinding.[8][9][10]
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.[11]
At Aharietiam, Chanarach, like the rest, abandoned the Oathpact, leaving her Honorblade at the location of the final battle and departing for parts unknown.[12] What happened to her afterwards is unknown, though she has been seen alive.[6]
Abilities
As a Herald, Chanaranach is immortal and capable of returning from death, though at the cost of a Desolation.[11] She was a capable fighter, and wielded an Honorblade that made her a Surgebinder, granting her the use of the Surges of Division and Abrasion.[13] She has discarded her Blade, however, leaving her without Surgebinding.[12]
Perhaps due to her power over Abrasion, Chanaranch is known for being incredibly fast, as Fleet beating her in a foot race is considered a noteworthy achievement.[2]
Culture
In Vorinism, Chanarach is known under the symmetrical name Chanaranach, though the diminutive Chana is also used.[4][2] Chan-a-rach is a far rarer spelling, only seen used in a song.[2] She is associated with the number 3 (chach), the Essence Spark, and the divine attributes of Brave and Obedient. Her body focus is the soul.[13] Phrases such as "Chana knows..." and "Chana help (somebody)" are common, and typically related to threat or protectiveness.[2][3] The name Chanada is likely derived from Chana.
As with the other Heralds, there is a temple to her in every modern city.[14][15] This tradition appears to go back to the Desolations, as there was once a temple of Chanaranach in Stormseat.[4]
She is thought of as the Herald of the Common Man.[1]
Trivia
- Chanarach's portrait used in the chapter arches is called the Guard by the Dragonsteel Entertainment staff.[16]
- Brandon has RAFO'd whether or not Chanarach is the assassin Liss,[17] and Peter did the same for a question regarding Shallan's mother.[18]
Notes
- ↑ a b Rhythm of War chapter 4#
- ↑ 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 Miscellaneous 2017
— Arcanum - 2017-06-01# - ↑ Chanarach chapter capstone
- ↑ Oathbringer chapter 111#
- ↑ Oathbringer chapter 113#
- ↑ Skyward Denver signing
— Arcanum - 2018-11-15# - ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 38#
- ↑ a b Prelude to the Stormlight Archive#
- ↑ a b The Way of Kings Ars Arcanum#
- ↑ Map of Thaylen City
- ↑ Map of Kholinar
- ↑ Miscellaneous 2020
— Arcanum - 2020-08-04# - ↑ Legion Release Party
— Arcanum - 2018-09-19# - ↑ Dragonsteel Mini-Con 2021
— Arcanum - 2021-11-22#