Difference between revisions of "Gallant"

'''Gallant''' is [[Dalinar Kholin]]'s [[Ryshadium]] steed on [[Roshar]].{{book ref|sa1|12}}

 

Gallant is described as a "full" (presumably purebred) Ryshadium.{{book ref|sa1|15}} He resembles an ordinary horse, but is approximately two hands (8 inches) taller than a typical stallion.{{book ref|sa1|12}} Even the largest normal horses look like ponies next to him.{{book ref|sa2|76}} He has the ideal build for a warhorse, and is more squat and robust than other Ryshadium.{{book ref|sa2|51}} He has a black coat and blue eyes with rectangular pupils.{{book ref|sa2|51}}{{book ref|sa1|15}}{{ref|group=fn|text=Gallant is also described as having "deep black" eyes,{{book ref|sa1|15}} but this is presumably in reference to his pupils.}}

 

Like other Ryshadium, Gallant has a [[spren]] bond that makes him self-aware to the point of near-sapience.{{au ref|Roshar}} Gallant chose his rider, Dalinar Kholin, and they have a special relationship.{{book ref|sa1|12}}{{book ref|sa3|10}} Dalinar is the only person that Gallant will allow to ride him, although he once grudgingly allowed [[Adolin]] to ride him temporarily at Dalinar's request.{{book ref|sa2|51}} Adolin felt very strange riding Gallant in lieu of his own Ryshadium, [[Sureblood]], and believed that if a battle broke out, Gallant would immediately throw him and seek to protect Dalinar.{{book ref|sa2|51}} Dalinar is able to recognize various complex emotions in the animal's features, such as shame and pride, and Gallant is very attentive towards Dalinar.{{book ref|sa1|15}} Gallant has a strong sense of responsibility toward his rider and a good understanding of the warcamp's routines: he once kicked his stall door down and went alone to the staging area for Dalinar's army when a groom was too slow at getting him ready for battle.{{book ref|sa1|26}} Gallant's intelligence means that he generally does not really need a groom at all, and he displays annoyance when inexperienced people try to lead him.{{book ref|sa2|8}} Adolin also believes that he likes to show off.{{book ref|sa3|10}} He enjoys [[crispmelon]]s and sugar lumps as treats.{{book ref|sa1|15}}{{book ref|sa3|10}}

 

It is not known exactly when Gallant first met Dalinar, but it was presumably at some point after the razing of [[Rathalas]] circa {{Rosharan date|1163}}, when Dalinar was still riding a conventional horse.{{book ref|sa3|71}} By the time of the [[War of Reckoning]], Gallant and Dalinar almost always rode into battles and [[chasmfiend]] hunts together. Gallant was one of only twelve Ryshadium in the warcamps at the [[Shattered Plains]],{{book ref|sa1|12}} and merely seeing him could inspire the soldiers of the Kholin army.{{book ref|sa1|26}} Dalinar would often begin battles wielding [[Oathbringer]] from atop Gallant, then dismount when he believed that Gallant could be in danger from close-quartered fighting.{{book ref|sa1|56}}

 

Gallant moved with Dalinar to [[Urithiru]] after the [[Battle of Narak]]. He was given his own large field in the Kholin section of the tower despite cramped quarters for other animals. Gallant seemed to be kind to Adolin while he was mourning [[Sureblood]], although that kindness did not extend to allowing Adolin to ride him.{{book ref|sa3|10}}

 

<references group=fn />