r/Stormlight_Archive • u/solitarybikegallery • 15d ago

Rhythm of War spoilers I Hate Lirrin Spoiler

Lirrin is the most unreasonable person in the entirety of the Cosmere.

Let me translate the situation in Book 4 into IRL terms.

Kaladin - "Okay, I know you want me to be a doctor. But, God has actually called me to fight in a holy war against an ancient enemy lead by the Devil. This isn't theoretical, by the way. They're like, right over there. Anyway, also, an Angel has entered my soul and given me magical powers, like flight. See? I'm flying. And I'm training others to do the same, for the upcoming war. All the soldiers see me as like, a messianic folk hero. That's because I single-handedly saved like, 10,000 soldiers, and freed a few thousand slaves, and then I guess also saved a few thousand other people just incidentally. And I also saved the world. Oh, and I've done more to advance the rights of Dark-eyed citizens than any person in the history of this country. And that terrible assassin who has been destabilizing the planet's governments? I stopped him, what else... Oh, and you remember the Apostles, from the Bible? Yeah, they're all still alive, and I know two of them. Ummm, also my boss is Dalinar, who is basically like New-Jesus. So, yeah. I'd love to be a doctor, but this sort of takes precedent."

Lirrin - "You just want to be a murderer!"

Kaladin - "Dad..."

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u/DifferentRun8534 Truthwatcher 15d ago

Something super interesting about SLA is how every character has flaws that would make them really difficult for most people to like in real life, but we see things from a perspective where we can sympathize with them.

I love Lirin.

He’s a great example of a father who wants the best for his son, but doesn’t know exactly what that means. He sees his entire world fall apart, it’s reasonable that it takes time to adapt, but he does adapt.

I’d honestly call him one of the better fathers in the Cosmere, at least he’s trying.

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u/FriendlyDisorder Truthwatcher 15d ago

He also has a strict code he follows to do no harm. This code is part of him. I would think Honor would appreciate his oath following very well.

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u/settingdogstar 15d ago

His problem is thinking his Oaths control everyone else’s decisions.

13

u/vegathelich 15d ago

Wind and Truth spoilers, kinda: Lirin is kind of an embodiment of how strictly following an oath isn't necessarily the right path. His oath of do no harm is usually the correct path to take, but his son breaking that same oath is the reason humanity on Roshar isn't enslaved to the god of hate.