Welcome to Roshar | The Stormlight Archive - Lore Primer

Welcome to Roshar! This video is intended to serve as a lore primer for The Stormlight Archive series of fantasy novels by Brandon Sanderson. Share it with a friend who just needs a little push to dive into this fantastic series. Get the series here: bit.ly/3fhVKIi
The Welcome to Roshar lore video begins with an explanation of the cosmere and the Roshar system. The video then discusses the main bodies within the Roshar system and the astronomical features of the planet of Roshar on which The Stormlight Archive is centered. We then pivot to discuss the geography of Roshar with a particular focus on the highstorms which shape its ecology. Next the lore video discusses the flora and fauna of Roshar as well as peculiar spren. Then we turn to the civilizations of Roshar with an overview of the major kingdoms of Alethkar, Thaylenah, Shinovar and more. We cover technology like the fabrial devices, shardplate, and shardblade weaponry. Finally we cover the cyclical history of Roshar with its desolations and set the stage for the start of the novels about 4,500 years into the Age of Solitude.
Stay tuned for more episodes on the works of Brandon Sanderson. We plan to cover aspects of his series The Stormlight Archive derived from The Way of Kings, Words of Radiance, Oathbringer, and Rythm of War. We may also look to explore other series such as Mistborn and The Wheel of Time.
I hope that these videos inspire you to read The Stormlight Archive series and helps get the fandom one step closer to seeing a full Stormlight Archive movie. Hope you enjoy! : )
Art Credit:
General Artwork by Penta Limited
Pure Lake Artwork by Connor Chamberlain: / cgwruqjjrdk
Music Credit:
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artlist.io/song/3154/exploration
artlist.io/song/3150/orchestr...
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artlist.io/song/5010/yule
#stormlightarchive
#cosmere
#brandonsanderson

[@xariasfury5782]

I doubt any of these comments were personally written by proper Vorin men. Cheers to the women who transcribed for them

[@ParkerSenpai420]

My husband sends his regards brightness.

[@francescosirotti8178]

And, like many, many aspects of Sanderson famed wordbuilding, this falls apart as soon as you think about it for more than a minute. Generals that can't write would be destroyed by the first one wo can: you can't have a military without written orders, written list of supplies and so on. There's a reason no culture ever thought it was a good idea for their military class to be illiterate........

[@xariasfury5782]

@@francescosirotti8178 they always had people to write for them tho. And even when they don't they at least had 'runes' which was a more character based type of simple writing so it's not as bad as you think. I also think chalking up any good general not being able to write as disadvantaged is a stretch because the romans lost plenty of battles to 'barbarians' when a lot of them didnt even have as sophisticated writing systems. As Matt Easton would say, it's more about context.

[@francescosirotti8178]

@@xariasfury5782 yes, you might lose a battle, but a war is won more by logistics than soldier. And forget logistics without writing and math and culture and grography... Barbarians were far from ignorant, and many of them were taught by the romans themselves. Sanderson is good at cultures, but really bad at warfare. Take the whole "Plate and blade" business : why does people ALWAYS face a shardbearer on an open field? I understand the Rule of Cool, but it's stupid in so many ways its not even funny. Expecially if you have supposedly very smart people around.

[@xariasfury5782]

@@francescosirotti8178 Agree on the overall to be sure. There's a reason why the Romans dominated aside from their efficiency, usually they studied war as well. As for the blade and plate, seems more like a setting thing. The shattered plains dont really have much in terms of trapping plate wearers and they can't not engage an army anyways if pressed to. I think i recall some few constrained spaces such as the hallway fight in the begining and Dalinar's flashback but generally it seems more of a setting problem for the enemy rather than the enemies being idiots.

[@Mikeztarp]

Be careful: on Roshar, "chickens" can refer to any kind of bird (including actual chickens).

[@maximeteppe7627]

yup, several instances of so called chicken actually being some sort of parrot. Not just parrots though, since there's and instance of a bright green "chicken" hunting. Like human ethnicities, common animal species most likely evolved quite a bit on roshar. notably Roshadium horses...though apart from purely biological differences (large stature, almost human like intelligence), I'm confident they have some kind of spren related magic going on.

[@isaacbruner65]

@@maximeteppe7627 I always thought the chicken thing had to do with the fact that most people on Roshar have seen very few birds (as there are no birds native to the continent), and the birds they're most familiar with are the domesticated chickens from Shinovar the lighteyes eat during feasts.

[@maximeteppe7627]

@@isaacbruner65 Yes, I just meant that one of those instances of a non chicken bird being called a chicken by the characters is a colorful bird that can talk....

[@isaacbruner65]

@@maximeteppe7627 right I know the "chicken" you're talking about, it appeared again in Rhythm of War

[@travisterry981]

Alethi would shit their pants if they came across a pissed-off ostrich.

[@brothertaddeus]

Read The Stormlight Archive so you don't accidentally act like an airsick lowlander!

[@rikgales123]

well....

[@v.lighting3530]

BOOOOOTS

[@leothenomad]

I can't, because I don't have a weapon!

[@danielb270]

but I am a stick

[@robertm.8653]

Always the next one

[@enochharker]

I'm an Alethkar native, but I have lived in the Frostlands with my aunt for many years. My aunt wrote this for me.

[@connorbrown7455]

Enoch, Greetings from Shadesmar! I've been trapped here for a few decades now, and the Cryptics I'm stuck with don't seem to understand the concept of gender, so... I taught myself to read! I do believe that I'm going to become famous for being the first Vorin-raised man to release a writing to the public! Also, Enoch, you should really talk to your wife. Some of the things she wrote about you in the undertext... Storms man, I can't repeat it here. ~Found in a bottle encased in ice on one of the southern Horneater peaks, 50 years post-series.

[@bookreaderman6715]

Hello from Azir!

[@lukesdewhurst]

Surely your aunt instead of writing "my aunt wrote this for me" would have sent something more like "this dullard better stope eating rock stew, his farts are horrendous"

[@eddieford9373]

Sounds like the beginning of a p*rno.

[@travisterry981]

Me, when talking to people about Stormlight: "Hello, would you like to join my religion?"

[@InvictaHistory]

I wanted this video to basically be a pamphlet our missionaries can distribute to new converts

[@Spyro5500]

@@InvictaHistory Praise the Almighty

[@MrFrostburner]

Have you heard from our Lord and Savior Crab?

[@zollieberdy4405]

@@MrFrostburner Stick

[@bryanduke1973]

Its like crossfit trying to get people to do muscle ups but not doing anything like a muscle up.

[@profwaldone]

Almost 20 minuts of introductery spoiler free lore. And there is so mutch spoiler lore left to go... this series is insane.

[@oliviagiordano5987]

Yusss ikkk!!

[@Krymsin-Zombie]

The fact that it is spoiler free is honestly remarkable

[@Kvothe_The_Bloodless]

I'm almost at the end of the 3rd book

[@GegenscheinVRC]

I like how, as you go through the books, you find that the facts in the video are 80% wrong or incomplete. I mean, its correct according to what characters know and believe at the start of the series, but then so many secrets and lost knowledge are later revealed.

[@DeezNuts-hf2xm]

There is only 4 books out rn but 10 are planned, its gonna be a crazy series

[@tinytownsoftware3837]

I love how Sanderson's work gets more and more complex. Elantris was good, an easy read. Mistborn got a lot more complex. Then Stormlight is a whole new game.

[@wrigglenight93]

As his name got more weight, the publishers let him take bigger risks.

[@tonykuriger573]

Stormlight is not a casual read. I struggled to get into it at first as it was just so vast. I'm on my second readthrough now and am enjoying it much more, picking up on tonnes of stuff I missed. It is fast becoming one of my favourite series and sets the benchmark for new fantasy but I certainly wouldn't suggest starting your Sanderson experience with Stormlight.

[@tinytownsoftware3837]

@@tonykuriger573 I've read his previous work (Elantris, Mistborn trilogy plus first book in followup trilogy) and they were pretty campy for me. Granted, I finished Malazan last year. So I think Stormlight will be right up my alley).

[@tonykuriger573]

@@tinytownsoftware3837 Still on the first book of Malazan. I was getting into it but then the whole kickstarter thing went nuts and I decided I needed to re-read Mistborn and Stormlight. I've heard Malazan takes a bit to hit its stride, so have high hopes for a payout.

[@petartodic4121]

@@tinytownsoftware3837 I read Mistborn and thought the writing style is pretty bad, but the story was tightly constructed and captivating so I finished all 3 books. Then I read Mistborn: Secret History and Way of Kings after that and in my opinion the prose gets better in those books.

[@tangodown2721]

This is epic. I can only imagine brandon smiles like a giddy school girl when he sees fan work like this.

[@oberynmartell11]

Its paid promotion. Brandon helped I guess

[@muhammadhashir6136]

@@oberynmartell11 bruh it’s paid promotion cuz of the sponsor and patron, Brandon doesn’t hang around to help fan channels

[@user-go1nk1xh3s]

Indeed too much air here

[@therae4988]

@@user-go1nk1xh3s Underrated comment

[@starmorpheus]

@@user-go1nk1xh3s Haha

[@darynherzberg7020]

Jasnah wouldn't be _entirely_ disappointed with this video.

[@sonoftanavast8916]

Tbf, what wouldn't she be dissapointed by?

[@ryanleeoakes2015]

This feels like a National Geographic documentary of a neighboring planet more than a description of my favorite series

[@otomotopia1]

Life before death, strength before weakness, journey before destination. Bridge Four for life!

[@CriKnight]

Bridge 4 for life!

[@joetheperformer]

Bridge Four IS life

[@omaralm8061]

“Journey before pancakes” you mean

[@caydenwillard2563]

Bridge Four!

[@karlwilker579]

Nah, I'm a stick.

[@gavinsmith9871]

I can't believe you made an entire Stormlight Archive video without mentioning the Knights Radiant, and it was still engaging. Good job. Life before death Radiant.

[@InvictaHistory]

Some details we decided to leave for the books

[@andrewholmes5392]

That would be a little spoilery IMO

[@WraithLK]

@@andrewholmes5392 Not really...You hear about them as this mythical group of knights capable of wielding Stormlight in book 1. This should set off alarms for any experienced readers. Also, it’s pretty obvious that Kaladin will become one from just looking at the cover of book 2.

[@andrewholmes5392]

@@WraithLK true

[@PAJackson]

We don’t know much about the ‘Lost Radiants at the beginning.

[@tyelerhiggins300]

Currently reading The Way of Kings for the first time. I love it. I love the world building, the characters, the interactions and dialogue, the lore, and everything else. The first time I saw a chasm fiend, I misread it as 'chasm friend'. Now I smile every time one is mentioned even though they're horrifying.

[@alexanderthegreat6682]

"I would like to pet this creature"

[@mip5041991]

I just started it as well !! Just made it to part 2

[@connorbrown7455]

Just don't let one of those chasm friends pet YOU... @Elhokar @Dalinar @Shallan @Kaladin

[@tonykuriger573]

Book 5, Kaladin levels up his taming skill and gets a chasm fiend as a mountable pet.

[@snowdrop9810]

@@tonykuriger573 nah it’s going to be rysn who rides a chasm FRIEND. That also flies.

[@nathanharmon8971]

Other people: What Hogwarts House are you? Me: What Order of the Knights Radiant do you belong to?

[@thewindofsuicune]

Truthwatchers

[@professordukenberry9071]

windrunners

[@Raginmunnd]

Willshapers

[@FirstnameLastname-bh9qs]

Everyone: saying different, inferior orders. Me, an Intellectual: Bondsmith

[@professordukenberry9071]

@@FirstnameLastname-bh9qs i like the ideals of the windrunners. make your choices based on personal integrity, (well, the personal integrity of you and your bonded spren) i am a rule breaker, i kinda resonate with this.

[@marqbarq5977]

Just “re-read” the three audiobooks of Stormlight Archives and it was just as an amazing story the second time. Highly recommended.

[@garrettwyckoff8711]

I’m almost done with my “re-reads.” I missed so many things the first time.

[@MusicbyDecibel]

@@garrettwyckoff8711 For real, so many easter eggs and bits of lore. I spend too much time on the wiki to be honest. Don't forget to read Dawnshard as well. I know I almost did.

[@cognitivedisability9864]

Honestly I dont like the audiobooks too much, I dont find the voice actors very creative compared to other books ive listened to. The sword itself by abercrombie and the first three books of malazan book of the fallen really spoiled me

[@MarMonkey2606]

no true alethi man reads!

[@mcfluffcakes]

Im about to hear it for the first time.

[@InvictaHistory]

I hope everyone appreciated the hard work and love that went into bringing the world of Roshar to life! However despite our best efforts, there are a few corrections that need to be made (please let me know if there are more): 2:03 - Typo on "Selas" moon 2:57 - Typo on "Highstorms" 10:28 - Art credit to Connor Chamberlain: instagram.com/p/CGwRUQJJrdk/ 12:07 - Should say "Tranquiline Halls" not "Hills"

[@macpalin4099]

There is also one other correction, At 10:09 you allude that this distinction between Darkeyes and Lighteyes is unique to Alethi. When a more accurate description would be that the Alethi follow the Vorin Religion that enforces this hierarchy between eye colors. In fact, the Thaylen peoples that you mention starting at 8:47 also follow observe distinctions between lighteyes and darkeyes. As well as the peoples of Jah Keved. This is slightly more nitpicky though.

[@kylebroflovski5333]

Awesome, really cool seeing some fantasy here too!

[@felixtasker1862]

Not as huge a detail, but still a needed correction- the violet moon is spelled Selas, not Salas, despite Vorin naming tendencies towards symmetry.

[@TheLastOldOne]

Can you do Wheel of Time as well?

[@_Stormfather]

@@felixtasker1862 no, it's definitely Salas. Near the end of Oathbringer, chapter 67: Mishim, you can see examples of it spelled out a couple times. All Salas.

[@sawyersprott]

This is one of my top three book series of all time. I’m glad there’s finally well made KZbin content on it

[@lukeseykora7417]

Out of curiosity, what are yhe other two?

[@TheKodiak72]

@@lukeseykora7417 If he likes he, he'd have to like Wheel of time aswell. Hell brandon wrote the last 2 books

[@bluerectangle5794]

@@TheKodiak72 *Last 3.

[@michaelbaziotis8287]

Imho... Brandon's SA is number 1 by an Alethian mile. Abercrombie's First Law series comes in a distant 2ed with Tolkien's LoTR's taking the bronze. Martin and Jordan, 3rd and 4th respectively! BRIDGE FOUR!!

[@mathewbyfield1004]

It's got 4 books...?

[@garrettwyckoff8711]

My ONLY issue with this was the image of the parshmen. They aren’t chained. Parshmen are too docile to run away. p.s.: It’s the Tranquiline Halls, not hills.

[@csernobillahun]

Ah, a man of culture

[@whatif718]

The voidbringers were not sent to the tranquiline halls either. They were sent to the other place (not mentioning it due to spoilers)

[@TheMakromag]

@@whatif718 The Vorin religion teaches that man used to reside in the Tranquiline Halls, but the voidbringers attacked and forced them out of their paradise. The men on Roshar have to learn to fight so they can join the Heralds in their eternal war to destroy the voidbringers and reclaim the Tranquiline Halls. The Desolations were attacks by the Voidbringers from the Halls onto Roshar, until their foothold there could be removed.

[@xerone10]

@@whatif718 Eh, it's actually not confirmed wheter or not that "place" is or is not the same place. I'm pretty sure that it is the same place, TH being before it got fucked up, and damnation being after.

[@whatif718]

@@TheMakromag your right. My bad. It’s been a while and the books are so long lol

[@althesilly]

I feel like patter watching this, “such good lies.” Buzzzzzzz!

[@GerryBolger]

That's good lie

[@Rowan_Woods]

you are brilliant with this comment!

[@talenelelin7599]

I am Talenel'Elin, Herald of War. The time of the Return, the Desolation, is near at hand. We must prepare. You will have forgotten much, following the destruction of the times past.

[@fildariusv7045]

You are no "Herald of War"! You are just a crazy guy! Heralds have a voice with the strength of a hundred trumpets! They descent from the skies! They do not come to a city, breaking its gate like a madman! You are a heretic!

[@JohnDoe-gf8wt]

Kalak will teach you how to cast bronze.

[@cardboardcrafter2482]

Okay, who wants to go dig the Honorblades out of storage and who wants to find the rest?

[@abbysaurus_rex]

I am Talenel'Elin, Herald of War. The time of the Return, the Desolation, is near at hand. We must prepare. You will have forgotten much, following the destruction of the times past. Kalak will teach you to cast bronze, if you have forgotten this. We will Soulcast blocks of metal directly for you. I wish we could teach you steel, but casting is so much easier than forging, and you must have something we can produce quickly. Your stone tools will not serve against what is to come. Vedel can train your surgeons, and Jezrien . . . he will teach you leadership. So much is lost between Returns . . . I will train your soldiers. We should have time. Ishar keeps talking about a way to keep information from being lost following Desolations. And you have discovered something unexpected. We will use that. Surgebinders to act as guardians . . . Knights . . . The coming days will be difficult, but with training, humanity will survive. You must bring me to your leaders. The other Heralds should join us soon.

[@danyf7429]

Me, who has read every single SLA book at least twice: Yes, I will in fact watch this introductory video, again. Great content mate!!

[@wulfrache]

They even have white chickens with these long necks. Oh and chickens that that are small and colorful and even repeat what you say sometimes. Rise Chicken, CHICKEN RISE!

[@wulfrache]

@@chiefenwolf6073 thats just ignorant.

[@dig8634]

I believe "chicken" is just their word for bird, since the word is used for creatures that sound very close to parrots and others. Plus, birds only exist in the west unless brought east by humans, so it makes sense that they wouldn't really have a word for it, and end up using the first bird they encounter as their word for bird

[@wulfrache]

@@dig8634 That's ignorant. Stop being ignorant.

[@joshuabaru2908]

RISE KFC!

[@richard127gm]

@@dig8634 Plus, birds only exist in the east (West) unless brought west (East) by humans. Just saying.

[@zenebean]

It is amazing to see the Stormlight series illustrated and narrated like this! We have the sketches in the books, but nothing like this

[@broksholk4771]

this video just convinced me to order the first book. heard good things about this series, looking forward to it

[@brettmurray2473]

If you enjoy detailed world building / magic and great plot you will be in for a treat.

[@yasspanda2559]

It'll be hard to get into for the first few chapters, at least for me, but trust the author.I breezed through the series once I got the hang of it. You're in for a ride 😉

[@omarnaranjo8930]

@@yasspanda2559 I agree. Actually, it wasn't until I found the books in Spanish, in my local library, that I could start enjoying them totally

[@NotBatman101]

Oh man you are in for an experience...

[@Psilonauto]

Started to read the first book after seeing the video and finished the 1000+ pages in 3 days. It jumped directly to Nr 1 in fantasy for me.

[@kimarkel]

"INHUMAN NOISE" STORMS !!!! THIS IS JUST WOW !!!!!! Seriously this is such an amazing work you did here, thank you !!!!!

[@iqaznili]

Arrived here after Brandon Sanderson instructed to do so.

[@SplashEazy]

Did Sanderson really recommend this video?

[@elessarbre]

You got the last one wrong goncho. It goes Life before death, strength before weakness, journey before pancakes.

[@codywalker1041]

Which cousin did you hear that from?

[@elessarbre]

@@codywalker1041 We are all cousins.

[@codywalker1041]

@@elessarbre true I'm just wondering which one told you that? They sound very wise indeed.

[@michaelbecker6265]

@@codywalker1041 probably her pancakefullness

[@animalbliss3713]

airsick lowlanders!

[@InvictaHistory]

UNLEASH THE SANDERLANCHE! Check out the books now: bit.ly/3fhVKIi

[@rolomaynard3724]

Stormblessed content

[@skyesfury8511]

This is like a Stormlight Archive Primer. Even though I've read the first 3.5 books several times, hearing the info about the world in this format really brings more color to the world of Roshar. Such an excellent video for an epic series!

[@jorgeclarkson4639]

17:19 "men of bridge 4 side carry!"

[@animalobsessed1]

I just started reading the books recently, and I wasn't at that part yet, but I guess I now know how Kaladin solves that problem

[@riley8385]

@@animalobsessed1 So, how did that side carry go?

[@animalobsessed1]

@@riley8385 welp. Unexpected consequences XD

[@musabluefire6313]

Wow, not only did you explain the world fantastically, you had some amazing art to back it up.

[@AJPzaworld]

My god, my dude, your voice is godlike. Just everything about this video is wonderfully done. Been trying to get into these books for quite a long while, so I will most definitely give it a chance after hearing about how wondrous the world sounds and looks like.

[@PAJackson]

Well worth trying the Audiobooks. They are amazingly performed. Just finishing the 55 hour long Rhythm of War. Not bad a for a single Audible credit.

[@ajigagah10]

My favorite quote from the Words of Radiance is "I am a stick"

[@nameymcnameface6657]

When I firsr read that, it brought a tear to my eye, and a song to my heart. Brandon Sanderson is a wordsmith like no other

[@muchtartidakbahagia]

Ayy fellow Indonesian

[@ajigagah10]

@@muchtartidakbahagia niceee

[@rattled1557]

@@muchtartidakbahagia ayyy rame jg yg baca stormlight ya

[@michaelsiudzinski1302]

Hahahhaa

[@kittysqueezer]

Amazing video!! My husband, who knows nothing about the series, commented how it sounds like a real documentary like you’d see on tv. So glad to see the love and passion this series insipires in video!

[@alansmithee419]

3:25 I've just realised the Shin must've been absolutely ravaged by the Everstorm.

[@finnstelzig7261]

I think that was mentioned in the book, but yeah 😅 I bet it fought them off guard

[@aaryeekd.mishra3487]

I believe they are protected on both sides by mountains

[@tobyharrison4702]

@@aaryeekd.mishra3487 true but high storms also have an entire super continent to cross when they reach the shin. so while the mountain range on the east is sure to provide some protection. It is bound to be quite bad for them

[@stevenmcclary534]

Fortunately for them the Everstorm works slightly differently. But yeah they were 100% hit the hardest and were the least prepared.

[@fildariusv7045]

@@stevenmcclary534 And even if most Shin got to cover, due to how Shinnovar differs so much from the rest of Roshar, I bet most of the wild animals and plant life is pretty much a disaster, lets remember that Shinnovar is almost identical to our world, so those threes and grass could not hide from the Storm and mammals have not evolved to survive them

[@david.armstrong]

This series is so underrated, everyone I know who has read it loves it, but it isn't super well known. I guess it needs a movie

[@nomekop777]

You'd need a lot more than a movie when each audiobook is roughly 2 days

[@david.armstrong]

@@nomekop777 I know, I mean it needs some kind of show/ series/ series of movies

[@justareader____]

@@david.armstrong I sure hope not. Hollywood would ruin it like they crapped all over wheel of time and the new Amazon LOTR show

[@brianreck5971]

"Journey before destination, you bastard."

[@Die_Oile]

Why weren’t any gloryspren there? The scene would have deserved some!

[@danielliu4472]

@@Die_Oile **SPOILERS** I guess it’s probably because Navani knew the Sibling didn’t really trust her and that he bonded her only because he had to lol

[@jimmi23693]

This is the best introduction to a book series I have ever seen, great job. Exactly what I have been missing when I want share a series with my family and friends. Would love to see a Welcome video for Mistborn, Wheel of Time and The Kingkiller Chronicle!

[@mber9109]

Why was there never a follow-up to this? This is amazing!

[@isaiahdebuck4097]

life before death, strength before weakness, journey before destination. I will protect those who cannot protect themselves. I will protect those I hate, so long as it is right. I accept that there are those I cannot protect

[@abbysaurus_rex]

*Journey before pancakes

[@twTheivid]

What an amazing video. I'm an avid Stormlight fan, yet I enjoyed this video's every second. Thank you for producing such a fantastic piece of content around my favorite book series and I hope people are interested in more Cosmere videos (for the purely selfish reason that is my wanting of more of these videos :D)

[@rahulbanerjee33]

This is really well done, just slightly brushing past spoiler territory but expertly avoiding it hahaha. My mind literally went "No, no, no" at a few points before breathing a sigh of relief 😂

[@muthias4582]

I will remember those who have been forgotten.

[@willypilly]

This is my go to video to show someone whenever I want to introduce them to The Stormlight Archive without spoilers. What an amazing video!

[@patrickcharzin3062]

Question: Who would win: A Space Marine, or a Jedi? Answer: a Knight Radiant

[@joshuafischer684]

Depends, really. What Order is the Knight and what Ideal have they achieved? How much Stormlight is available? Some Orders of Radiants would be easy pickings to a Space Marine, while others would make short work of one. Jasnah vs a Space Marine? You'd have a perfect figure for your game board. Renarin? Not so much. Jedi would be interesting against the Radiants, but Space Marines would stomp them all.

[@patrickcharzin3062]

@@joshuafischer684 The order doesn't really matter imo. As long as they are of the 4th ideal or above, a knight radiant is effectivly both a space marine and a Jedi

[@1estel1ch.42]

Unless it's a Librarian, then he's pretty much unstoppable

[@marcogypaetus9607]

BUT ORKZ IS DA BIGGEST AND DA STRONGEST

[@stevenmcclary534]

@@joshuafischer684 I think a space marine who knew the capabilities of a radiant might have a decent shot at taking down specifically Jasnah. Recall that it takes a whole lot more stormlight to soulcast something which has a strong cognitive imprint of itself, and that Jasnah has been knocked down in hand to hand combat by people without plate or blade. Jasnah’s main ability at range is her soulcasting, which would probably be extraordinarily expensive against blessed ceramite with a properly appeased machine spirit. That said, anyone of the fourth ideal with proper combat training and access to either Gravitation or Abrasion could probably cut through a squad of marines with relatively little stormlight expended.

[@ashwinnmyburgh9364]

Well, that convinced me, time to check these books out.

[@JacopoSkydweller]

I'm in the first quarter of book 2. Flying through them on Audible. They're hard to "put down".

[@BeautyInItself]

Life before death!!!

[@greghorne8996]

It's worth it

[@Fuahsawas]

I started sharing this with people when I tell them about the series, I think it does a great job not ruining anything important and gives just enough information to make it less confusing for people who struggle with slower-paced stories like this.

[@lorenzogiani7190]

Love how historical youtubers seem to love The Stormilight Archive

[@alexanderthegreat6682]

Sanderson really did his research to make his world as realistic as possible

[@adamnesico]

@@alexanderthegreat6682 The great storms are realistic, that is what happened in Pangea?

[@alexanderthegreat6682]

@@adamnesico Pangaea broke up due to tectonic plates drifting apart over millennia, but I was more referring to the "historical accuracies" of medieval cultures and warfare.

[@adamnesico]

@@alexanderthegreat6682 I was saying if Pangea had great storms like the ones if the books

[@alexanderthegreat6682]

@@adamnesico that's my bad, I don't know much about Pangaea

[@crash3s693]

Wonderful overview. Love it. Small nitpick about the artwork (at about 17:20): The bridges that are used on the Shattered Plains are more than double the length of the chasm they have to cross. Only that way they can be pushed across without toppling down into the chasm. The bridges we see there are just long enough to cover the divide.

[@stevenmcclary534]

There’s an even bigger nitpick to be seen there. It looks like they’re making an opposed crossing, but the force on the other side of the chasm is arranged in infantry blocks which the parshendi don’t use. Also there are mechanical bridges apparently arriving to the fight at the same time as carried bridges.

[@wrigglenight93]

@@stevenmcclary534 the latter is likely just so they can show both off in the art, which is fine

[@edwardcierniak7879]

Can we get a video on Mistborn, or Elantris?

[@jonnnyra]

That would be very nice

[@belfigue]

This video made me start to read the Stormlight Archive over a month ago. I didn’t even know about it before this video came out. It’s interesting to rewatch the video as I’m now deep into TWOK. Thank you, K&G!

[@erenliebert4576]

My favorite youtube channel talking about my favorite fantasy? I couldn't ask for more even if I wanted.

[@macpalin4099]

2 quick corrections: 1) At 10:09 you allude that this distinction between Darkeyes and Lighteyes is unique to Alethi. When a more accurate description would be that the Alethi follow the Vorin Religion that enforces this hierarchy between eye colors. In fact, the Thaylen peoples that you mention starting at 8:47 also follow observe distinctions between lighteyes and darkeyes. As well as the peoples of Jah Keved. This is slightly more nitpicky though. 2) At about 12:09 you slip up and say "Tranquiline HILLS" what you meant to say was the "Tranquiline Halls"

[@hunszaszist]

The pronounciation of chulls has also left me wanting.

[@macpalin4099]

@@hunszaszist Honestly, I was gunna let that one go because it might just be an accent thing. Sanderson himself admits that he mispronounces things that would be said differently in the worlds he writes about.

[@GoErikTheRed]

14:08 The sentence structure also gives the false impression that soulcasters are not ancient technology

[@hunszaszist]

@@macpalin4099 Fair enough! I guess it sounds harsh to me because I read the books in audio ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@macpalin4099]

@@hunszaszist I am the same way

[@Oranges6]

That intro gave me chills. I could not recommend the Cosmere enough, and the Stormlight archive is amazing.

[@brighter_than_apathy]

Storms, this is amazing. I'll show this to my friends who think the Stormlight Archive is overhyped (Those heretics) -From an Azish-Alethi Darkeyes, who may or may not be an Edgedancer ... Life before death Strength before weakness Journey before destination

[@baronvonjo1929]

I just finished the 4th and current last book. I never had a book make me nearly cry before. I didn't shed tears but my eyes were watering and my throat got that weird feeling. It was the buildup and memories of the characters and meaning amd it just got me.

[@L.J.Kommer]

Note- All five (including _Edgedancer_ ) audiobooks are nearly nine days worth of content, combined.

[@brettmurray2473]

6 days well spent

[@hampuslundstrom9249]

@@brettmurray2473 Thats the first read, what about the re-read?

[@fischkopp19]

@@hampuslundstrom9249 And the re-re-read? Started when WoK and WoR were out, and re-read again before O. Now re-reading again, before starting RoW

[@dig8634]

There are 6 now actually. Dawnshard was released at almost the same time as Rythm of War

[@brettmurray2473]

@@dig8634 Dawnshard audiobook not out

[@david.armstrong]

The first minute is like an epic trailer for the stormlight archive

[@BeautyInItself]

This has been a life changing series to read!!! The way this man writes, his insights to the human soul... I've never read anything else like it! Invicta, thank you so much for putting this together! I am a huge Sanderson fan. I have read the Stormlight Archive three times, and there were things I didn't even know in this video! Great job on the research! I'm dying for the next video! Please make more for your adoring fans!!!

[@ronniebowen638]

A huge thank you for NOT bombarding us with a metric ton of ads like other channels! I’ll keep watching and supporting as long as you keep it up.

[@stve01]

Wow, I need to read some of this... the description of the mundane by an outsider who is used to the extraordinary really hit me for some reason.

[@cilliansands6166]

This video is absolutely outstanding! Narrated in documentary style, the depictions, explanation, timeline and everything else is masterful and spoiler free. Wonderful job!

[@Rowan_Woods]

Ohhhh, this was so good!!!! Roshar is described so naturally through the eyes of her inhabitants that its easy to forget how alien the world actually would be if seen through our own eyes. I think that is my favorite part of the writing. The way that the entire story is told through the exclusive perceptions of the characters is just magnificent. Its impossible to describe the plot, you have to experience it, so this is a great way to explain 'what are you reading?' without giving away spoilers.

[@waleedkhalid7486]

Honestly, seeing my favorite fantasy world drawn out was amazing!

[@theta682pl]

8 months after watching this video, I've become addicted to sanderson. I had trouble getting into his works before, but after watching this video and seeing how unique roshar was I finally broke through and read the entire series.

[@thomasrevill7723]

I was already interested in reading this series after just learning about the shard plate and blades (also because Brandon Sanderson is an absolute don) but this has made me REALLY want to, so many cool ideas wrapped up in one world (and it's only one part of the whole Cosmere!)

[@rogthepirate4593]

Do it. You're missing out.

[@alexanderthegreat6682]

Speaking of the Cosmere, do you think that all of his books might end up being connected somehow? That would be interesting.

[@1AmGroot]

Just finished The Way of Kings and my god, this is the best book I've ever read.

[@SurferKroky]

It’s just an absolute masterpiece isn’t it

[@meshmesh5675]

Wait until you read Oathbringer

[@richardsundberg7856]

Tbh the starlight archive is just a work of genius. Its such a unique and interesting world, it just blows everything else out of the water. The little details are all so well done, and I think its sufficient to say: "there is more uniqueness then similarities to earth". Its a series that really forces you to think, is set to be the longest book series ever (and will actually be completed), and IMO its the pinnacle of world building.

[@CaspertheSarcasticGhost]

Are you gonna continue this as a series?

[@InvictaHistory]

We will do a couple follow up episodes on some specific aspects of the lore

[@CaspertheSarcasticGhost]

@@InvictaHistory awesome! Thank you!

[@ColonelOv9]

Wow, that was amazing! As a Cosmere fan, I’m blown out by the animations and art you used. That video was really great, thanks for sharing it with us.

[@kwibuw]

I want to express my joy meeting so many fellow readers and natives. It's a pleasure meeting everyone and I wish all of us a great journey through Roshar or its pages. I'd rate this video quite accurate and I enjoyed the pictures a lot. --- He actually didn't finished the books himself but pushes me to keep reading for him.

[@mindyenglish5305]

This video is really well done. I try to avoid fan made stuff about books I love. They always end up making me angry about something. Mispronunciations, different opinions, always something. This is just facts already in the books, presented perfectly.

[@daniellekirby7366]

The Stormlight Archive is amazing. Brandon Sanderson is one of the greatest authors ever. I love all his books.

[@YaBoiDREX]

The planet is amazing! I wish more fantasy books researched astronomy like this.

[@Jesmarie7]

This was such a good video about the book! I’m currently reading Stormlight Archive and this video helped fill in some gaps I had, since it’s very complex. Thank you!

[@kroneexe]

I always pronounced Chulls like "chills", but with a U.

[@GerryBolger]

One of the joys of reading. Unless the author makes a point of how a word is pronounced, it exists in your mind. Unless told otherwise, your pronunciation is perfect.

[@mornejordaan5174]

Same here

[@starmorpheus]

@@GerryBolgerYeah, that's why the audiobooks are great. You get the precise pronunciation and in this case, "Chulls" like "Chills" is correct.

[@ryanartward]

I want to see these books adapted to an animated TV show, using the same style as Star Wars the Clone Wars.

[@casimirojulianangelo4804]

Brandon has a rule about fan animations something to do licensing rights from the publisher.

[@Jeremy-mg9tl]

@@casimirojulianangelo4804 who said "fan" ?

[@nickbigler5381]

I'd rather see a game of thrones style show.

[@CarrotConsumer]

@@nickbigler5381 lol that would never work. All the crazy magic and flying about would demand a huge budget.

[@nickbigler5381]

@@CarrotConsumer Brandon himself said he wanted it to be live action.

[@petravanhoutte9189]

This video is just what I needed while waiting for my copy of Rhythm of War to arrive. I think the art here is my favorite of any of your videos, though I may be biased

[@ephraimcullen]

YOOOO! This is by far the highest quality roshar descriptions I've ever seen. Excelent visuals. Excelent work. I can tell you spent a long time with this :)

[@benikujaku4567]

I am absolutely amazed at how you managed to summarize the whole setting‚ allowing for a more comfortable reading and a very pleasing video‚ without putting even one spoiler in. Incredible job‚ good sir.

[@christofu148]

This is a wonderful little spoiler free intro to roshar. Great video!

[@oslonorway547]

Okay, I'm following this. ... Take me with you.

[@akernis3193]

This was really good! Well done. I was impressed by both how comprehensive it was, hitting on all the important aspects of the world, while still being brief and and never feeling dull. And I loved all the visuals that went along with it. And you did really well in explaining important concepts while avoiding any spoilers from the books. Excellent work ^^

[@shadediaz216]

I cannot express how cool I think this video is! You guys did a great job making it! I'm reading book 4 now, and I never imagined axehounds to look crestatian like that. The visuals are fabulous, and the information is very relevant to the story. Thanks for the hard work you did in creating this great primer video! :)

[@TheLemonyOne]

This series reminds me a lot of Neil Asher's books, an absolute tonne of lore and world building, with stories and plotlines running in different times and places and in the universe

[@logya]

Hi , woa , i never thought i will find something here on these genius novels . Thanks for that . Peace from France

[@22ccor]

I was trying to think of how to organize my thoughts to explain the plot/setting to other readers. This is so much better than I could have imagined!! I cannot thank you enough for explaining this in such an artistic and accurate way! Simply amazing, thank you!

[@Maribro4]

Recently been going through Brandon Sanderson’s lectures. This guy not only writes amazingly but also teaches writing phenomenally

[@TallTaleGael]

On chapter 27 of RoW this is a badass intro I sent to my dad. I’m trying to get him to read book 1 I bought it for him for his birthday.

[@joshuafischer684]

What did you think of chaper 107. You know... THAT one.

[@janeh9962]

now THIS is a video i will gladly send to all my non-stormlight reading friends

[@belak025]

This makes me so happy

[@SRosenberg203]

This is such a fantastic intro the Stormlight Archive; this is incredibly comprehensive, without giving away any spoilers whatsoever. Great video!

[@bassaddict5436]

Brandon sanderson has got to be one of the best authors the mistborn series is the best I've read it 5 times and never gets old

[@Vikn01]

This is such an incredible series. I am so psyched that RoW released. The entirity of the series (and all of the cosmere tbh) feels extremely unique. Usually a series like this would be way too "anime" for me, id that makes any sense...but Sanderson's writing, world building, plot structure, and characterizations make for one of the best series I've read. I'm feeling particularly blessed seeing as Ken Follet's prequel to his Kingsbridge series, "The Evening and the Morning", has recently released as well. Being another of my all time favorite book series I feel like I have been in excitement shock and unable to figure out which to read first. I even stopped paying attention so intently as the wait for SA:WoW, ASOIAF:WoW, Kingkiller#3, and The Expanse #9 was demoralizing, so these releases really pleasantly shocked me.

[@mastercastr2332]

I am just starting these on audible and HOLY HELL does this help put things in perspective. I had a lot of the setting imagined close enough but I strughled with the people and their exact difference in features. Long time sub of the channel, thank you for all the content

[@doctordonnanoble]

I have never paid attention to a documentary this much before! Phenomenal work, and I ended up learning more about the series than I thought I knew. Please do make more 🙏

[@saggybones]

Oh man I would love it if someone did videos like this with Malazan Book of the Fallen

[@matthewwhite3967]

There's a channel by a guy called Iskar Jarak who does Malazan videos that go into lore and world explainations. Still, they're not on the level of this video. Unfortunately Malazan hasn't found the huge audience that Sanderson has found, which sucks because the Malazan series are easily the best fantasy books out there.

[@FrancT-]

@@matthewwhite3967 I think that has to do with the fact that they're not easy to read and is written and told in a very complex way that may stunt some readers from growing attached to the characters and the world(s). It is a great series indeed, but i don't think it will ever find a massive audience.

[@neutral_10]

Not large enough

[@christianclair5159]

This is incredible! Like a National Geographic special. Thank you for this!

[@ForgeMoon]

Okay, this video is just an piece of art! the artwork, background music and your voice fit perfectly together!

[@warmachine3007]

Thank you for making this! Sanderson is my favorite writer and I appreciate you bringing his work to life. Stormfather be praised.