ByDanielD
A major character in Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive series, Renarin Kholin is one of many characters that demonstrate Sanderson’s careful eye in regards to accurate representation. Renarin is neurodivergent and epileptic, and both of these aspects of his character deeply affect how he engages with the world. Through his point-of-view chapters, readers get a glimpse into a world they may be unfamiliar with — and for readers to whom it’s a familiar view, Renarin’s chapters hopefully let them feel seen.
As a Radiant and a member of house Kholin, Renarin ends up a key player in the unfolding narrative of the war on Roshar — though it’s likely he’d rather spend his time in quiet study of fabrial mechanics. In this article, we’ll summarize the key events of Renarin’s life, discuss his unique powers as a Knight Radiant bonded to a spren touched by Sja-anat, and describe his personality and appearance.
Renarin has sapphire blue eyes — he wore glasses until his Radiant bond healed his vision. Renarin’s hair is black with streaks of blond. He is slender, with delicate fingers and a straight-backed posture. His appearance is often seen as scholarly and refined, contrasting with typical Alethi warrior physiques. He wore a Kholin uniform while at the Shattered Plains until joining Bridge 4, after which he generally wore a Bridge Four uniform instead of his Kholin officer garb.
Renarin is soft-spoken, thoughtful, and introspective. He fidgets with small objects when anxious, and avoids eye contact. He is non-confrontational and hesitant, but also compassionate, and incredibly courageous and when his loved ones are in danger — his decision to join the 4v1 duel to help Adolin being perhaps the best example of this. Renarin’s acceptance of Jasnah’s potential execution also serves to highlight his selflessness and commitment to his family.
He is on the autism spectrum, and often struggles in social situations — he sometimes finds himself unable to understand what people are feeling, and doesn’t know what to do or say when interacting with people is isn’t very familiar with.
His desire to be accepted often clashes with his insecurities and societal expectations. Renarin is very curious, especially about fabrials, and has a quiet determination to contribute despite personal and cultural limitations. He hides his future sight abilities, fearing ostracization (Vorinism believes seeing the future is of the Voidbringers), until Dalinar convinces him that his future sight is a gift.
Renarin is resourceful and intelligent. However, his autism, his epilepsy, and later his visions, make it hard for him to fit comfortably into society. His lack of traditional martial prowess and social anxiety make him uncomfortable in battle, and especially in leadership roles. His self-doubt and fear of rejection often hold him back, but by the events of Wind and Truth, he is learning to overcome these weaknesses — he is even able to confess his romantic feelings for the singer man Rlain (if in a somewhat roundabout way).
Renarin originally wielded Adolin’s gifted Shardblade and Dalinar’s old Plate. The plate, although dead, makes Renarin virtually impervious to most conventional weapons, and even protects effectively against Shardblades. However, once he became Radiant, he heard the dead spren screaming whenever he wielded the dead Shardblade, and so struggled to use it.
Upon reaching the third Ideal, he became able to summon Glys as a living Shardblade. This blade is able to cut through any non-living material with ease. When it passes through something living, it severs that thing’s soul, causing limbs that are hit to wither; Shardblade cuts to the head or torso are always instantly fatal.
As a Truthwatcher, Renarin has access to two of the Surges. However, because Renarin is bonded to a spren that has been “corrupted” by Sja-Anat (the Unmade herself prefers the term “enlightened”), his powers work differently than normal Truthwatchers:
As a side effect of his unique version of the Illumination Surge, Renarin creates a kind of dark spot in the future for other beings who are able to view the possible futures. Because of his own knowledge of the future, his futures are more prone to being altered — this in turns affects the futures of those around him, and causes him to act as a kind of camouflage against omniscience for himself and those around him.
The Truthwatchers likely share the First Ideal with the rest of the Orders. While the rest of their Oaths are unknown, we do know that they are based on seeking Truth. Renarin’s Oaths differ from regular Truthwatcher Oaths, however.
We have not actually seen any of Renarin’s Oaths sworn in the books, so while it seems likely he has reached the Third Ideal (because he can summon Glys as a Shardblade), it’s only speculation — even the First Ideal listed above is an assumption.
Glys is Renarin’s corrupted/enlightened mistspren, who grants him Surgebinding abilities via the Nahel bond. Their relationship is complex due to Glys’s corruption by Sja-anat — Renarin initially believed that there was something wrong with him and his bond, especially since Sja-anat’s spren have some connection to Odium’s power. However, Renarin and Glys have formed a strong bond of trust. Glys serves as a mentor figure when it comes to Renarin’s Radiant powers, guiding his Knight through his visions and helping him to better understand and utilize his Radiant abilities.
Rlain is perhaps Renarin’s most important relationship at the end of Wind and Truth (besides his spren), as the two become romantically involved. Their relationship is marked by mutual understanding, as both feel like outsiders among humans (despite the generally accepting nature of Bridge Four). Renarin went out of his way to speak with Rlain, and even learned to understand singer rhythms. Renarin also played a key role in recommending Rlain as a candidate for bonding with a corrupted spren.
Renarin’s father Dalinar is a major figure in his life. Renarin reveres Dalinar, striving to live up to what he perceives as his father’s expectations. When Renarin was younger, Dalinar often ignored his weak son, who was not becoming the warrior that Dalinar and Alethi society expect most lighteyed boys to become. However, Dalinar now reassures Renarin of his worth and capabilities often, encouraging him to grow past his insecurities. Both have a unique experience — involuntary visions — which creates a bond between them. Dalinar also supports Renarin’s scholarly pursuits, even when others view them as unmasculine.
Adolin Kholin is Renarin’s older brother, confidant, and protector. The two share a strong bond built on love and mutual respect. When they were younger, Adolin protected Renarin from bullies who picked on Renarin because of his size and his epilepsy. Renarin often acts as a calming influence on Adolin, encouraging him to calm down when Adolin might make rash choices. Adolin consistently encourages his brother, and helps with his combat training. Renarin’s loyalty to his brother is apparent when Renarin risks his life for Adolin during the duel against the four Shardbearers.
Navani Kholin is, somewhat confusingly, both Renarin’s aunt and his stepmother. She supports Renarin’s intellectual pursuits, defending him against social mockery and encouraging him to take pride in his talents, such as his interest in fabrials. Since Renarin’s mother Evi died, Navani has served as a mother figure for Renarin and his brother.
Renarin’s cousin Jasnah Kholin is one of the few people who truly understands Renarin’s thoughtful nature. Though she once considered him a threat due to Glys’s corruption, she ultimately decides to trust him and promises to help him navigate the unique challenges his bond presents.
Zahel (Vasher) – Renarin’s Shardblade instructor and mentor. Zahel is fond of Renarin, appreciating his willingness to follow orders and his humility, which contrasts with other lighteyed boys. Zahel’s unconventional training helps Renarin build confidence in his Shardplate and swordsmanship.
A turning point in Renarin’s life comes when he joins Bridge Four. While he initially faced discomfort and suspicion from the other members (due both to his awkward nature and his high social status), he eventually became a valued part of the group. Having a place where he felt he fit in, even if it wasn’t a perfect fit, seems to have allowed Renarin to become more comfortable with accepting who he was (as opposed to trying to become what he felt was expected of him).
Kaladin Stormblessed provides Renarin with a sense of belonging, mainly by being the one who allows Renarin into Bridge Four. When Moash questions letting a lighteyes into Bridge Four, Kaladin replies that “…he’s a good kid. I think if any lighteyes could fit in here, he could”.
We hope this biography of Renarin had what you were looking for! Questions, suggestions, and thoughts on Renarin’s mysterious powers are all welcome in the comments below.
Art at the top of the page is a cropped version of a wonderful piece by Ari Ibarra
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