Parshendi

Lore & Background

The death of King Gavilar Kholin, orchestrated by the Assassin in White Szeth-til Sonson, served as the catalyst for a spiritual transformation within Parshendi culture. It was revealed that they were manipulated into a pact to summon the Desolation by bonding with Voidspren under the direction of the Fused (Voidbringers), rather than discovering this method independently. This forced alliance triggered the return of the Heralds' oaths and the onset of the new Desolation. As the conflict deepens, factions within the group begin to reject this dark path, seeking to reclaim their identity as Listeners—a people who once engaged in 'the Singing,' an ancient cultural practice, rather than serving the Void.

In Their Own Story

Wind swept through the chasms, carrying the scent of ozone and wet stone. Eshonai stood atop a ridge, her skin shimmering with the deep red hue of the warrior form she had recently claimed. Below, human armies marched in gleaming armor, oblivious to the storm gathering not just above, but within her people. She closed her eyes, listening for the rhythm pulsing beneath the chaos—a new song, one of fear and desperation mixed with a fragile hope. In the distance, chasmfiends clicked their shells like dry bones, a reminder of the harsh world they all shared.

Reader's Guide

The Parshendi society is structured around the concept of 'rhythm,' influencing their speech, actions, and social hierarchy. Members are categorized by specific forms they inhabit through spren bonding, ranging from the common worker form to specialized warrior and scholar forms. Leadership is fluid, often determined by who holds the appropriate spren bond and commands respect among peers.

Originally known as Listeners, this faction struggles between survival against human incursions and a spiritual quest for identity. Their role in the conflict is pivotal; they hold the key to starting or stopping the Desolation through their connection to Voidspren. This internal struggle creates significant political tension on the Shattered Plains, challenging the assumptions held by both sides regarding power and destiny.

Did You Know?

• The assassination of King Gavilar was committed by Szeth-til Sonson, a Shin Assassin in White, not a Parshendi.
• The Parshendi were manipulated into their Voidspren pact by the Fused, rather than discovering the method on their own.
• Their current spiritual transformation is canonically referred to as 'Reckoning,' while 'the Singing' refers to ancient cultural practices.

Origins and Cultural Stigma

The Parshendi, a distinct humanoid race characterized by their mottled red and black skin, occupy a tragic position within the geopolitical landscape of Roshar. Initially perceived as mere adversaries, their true nature is revealed through the assassination of King Gavilar, where the Shin assassin Szeth explicitly claims they orchestrated the attack. This revelation serves as the catalyst for Elhokar's declaration of war against them, framing the Parshendi as treacherous instigators in the eyes of Alethkar. Despite this hostile narrative, their existence is deeply intertwined with the world's ancient history and the recurring Desolations. While the text does not detail their internal society or motivations beyond this inciting incident, they are established as a formidable force capable of manipulating high-ranking assassins. Their presence on the Shattered Plains marks them as the primary military opponent for the Alethi forces, creating a conflict that drives much of the novel's tension and shapes the fates of characters like Kaladin.

The Catalyst for War

The defining moment in Parshendi history within the narrative occurs during the prologue events involving King Gavilar. The race is credited with sending Szeth-son-Vallano, a Shin exile wielding a mythical Shardblade, to eliminate the Alethi monarch. When confronted by the dying king, Szeth confirms that the Parshendi were behind the assassination, a confession that fundamentally alters the course of history for all involved nations. This act transforms the Parshendi from a background element into the central antagonist force, prompting Elhokar to launch a full-scale invasion across the Shattered Plains. The war that follows is not merely territorial but existential, rooted in this perceived betrayal. The assassination also introduces a mysterious black sphere given by Gavilar to Szeth with instructions for his brother Dalinar, hinting at deeper secrets regarding the Parshendi's intentions and their connection to the ancient Heralds and Voidbringers.

Military Conflict on the Shattered Plains

The ongoing war against the Parshendi defines the harsh reality of life on the Shattered Plains, a treacherous biome filled with vast chasms. Here, the Alethi army utilizes bridgemen as expendable bait to cross these gaps while under fire from enemy archers, many of whom are implied to be Parshendi combatants. This brutal tactical approach highlights the desperation and dehumanization inherent in the conflict. The fighting is intense enough that characters like Kaladin rise through the ranks by defeating Shardbearers, only to face betrayal over the spoils of war. The Parshendi's military capabilities are significant enough to necessitate such extreme measures from their opponents, forcing soldiers into life-or-death struggles daily. The conflict serves as a backdrop for personal redemption and tragedy, illustrating how the war against this race consumes individuals and reshapes societal structures within Alethkar.

Mystical Connections and Ancient Myths

The Parshendi are inextricably linked to the world's ancient mythology surrounding the Desolations and the Voidbringers. While the text primarily focuses on the Heralds' eternal battle against these monstrous forces, the Parshendi's involvement in King Gavilar's assassination suggests a complex role in this cosmic struggle. The narrative hints that their actions may be misunderstood or distorted by current generations, much like the worship of the Heralds as gods rather than warriors. Their connection to the mysterious black sphere and the broader context of stormlight magic implies they possess knowledge or power related to the ancient Knights Radiant. Although specific magical abilities are not detailed for them in these facts, their presence signals a resurgence of the old threats, challenging the belief that the final Desolation had already passed thousands of years prior.