Who is Dalinar Kholin?
Dalinar Kholin, a key character in Brandon Sanderson’s The Stormlight Archive, is a warrior and leader from the war-torn world of Roshar. Known as the Blackthorn, he’s the highprince of Alethkar who later becomes highking. Introduced in The Way of Kings (2010), Dalinar’s story is one of growth, from a brutal general to a man seeking honor and unity.
His Journey
Dalinar Kholin starts as a fierce soldier. He was fighting alongside his brother, King Gavilar, to unite Alethkar. His violent past, like the Rift massacre, haunts him. Soon after Gavilar’s assassination, Dalinar turns to the Way of Kings, a book about honor, to guide him. All that he could do, h battles alcoholism and guilt, especially in Words of Radiance (2014), where he quits drinking publicly, showing his resolve.
In Oathbringer (2017), Dalinar Kholin becomes a Bondsmith. He was bonded to the Stormfather, a powerful spren. This also lets him fix broken things—like objects and relationships—while he works to unite Alethkar against the Voidbringers, evil forces threatening the world. He even stands up to Odium, the god of hatred, refusing to let go of his past mistakes.
Recent Events
The latest book, Wind and Truth (November 2024), shows Dalinar leading a final stand against the fused, a type of enemy. Fans on Reddit and X love his emotional moments, like reconnecting with his son Adolin and admitting he can’t do everything alone. It makes him feel real.
Why He Matters
Dalinar’s story is about second chances. He’s not perfect—he’s made terrible choices—but he keeps trying to be better. That hits home for a lot of readers in 2025, especially with the world feeling so divided. His role as a Bondsmith, bringing people together, mirrors what Roshar needs to survive. He also inspires characters like Kaladin and Shallan to grow.
Dalinar’s Impact
Fans adore Dalinar. His famous line, “I will unite them,” is all over social media. In 2022, a Stormlight Premium Miniatures set showed him in black Shardplate, sparking tons of fan art and cosplay. The audiobooks, narrated by Michael Kramer, make his voice unforgettable. There’s even talk of an Amazon series in 2026 that might feature him.
Final Thoughts
Dalinar Kholin is the soul of The Stormlight Archive. His journey from a violent past to a leader of hope is powerful. As the series heads toward its end, fans can’t wait to see what’s next for him. Check out Sanderson’s website for updates or join fan discussions online.
Disclaimer: This is based on the series up to Wind and Truth (2024). Future books might change things.
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