Kaladin is by far my favorite Stormlight character, my favorite Cosmere character, and probably my all time favorite fantasy character. No other character has moved me as much as Kaladin. There are so many ups and downs on his emotional rollercoaster of a journey. When he is on a high I’m so elated. When he is on a low, it breaks my heart. I cried so many tears over the course of Kaladin’s journey, especially in RoW. I just want him to be happy ♥️
I second that. He'd stolen the spot of my favorite character and remained rooted there. I'd never spilled as many tears for any character as I had for him.
Captain Kaladin of Bridge Four.... Man it's hard for me to pick any other character in Stormlight for a favorite. Kal goes through hell and still finds it in him to do right by others. The part that cemented Kaladin as an all-time character for me, was getting through to Shen/Relaine and not denying him place in Bridge Four.
I think what really makes Kaladin (and Shallan, Dalinar, Szeth) a protagonist that stands out in the cosmere is his relationship with his spren, Syl which in my opinion is at the heart of his story. I love how Sanderson doesn't make Syl a medicine for his depression but rather that they both are helping each other as Syl has her own struggles. In RoW when Kaladin said he knows he's not alone but still feels like he is that's when i knew Sanderson really done his research cause as someone with depression this is exactly what it feels like
Spoilers for Row: As someone that has suffered (and still struggles with) depression, Kaladin didn't strike me as a relatable character, weirdly enough. Wasn't a fan, I don't know why. I think I wasn't ready to accept seeing somehow a reflection of my feelings in a fiction book. Now, it all changed with RoW. I think I read it in a better place, mentally, and specially the dialog between him and Syl where she kinds of asks him "tell me what to do to help you, I don't know what to do, just tell me"... I had to stop because it hit me really hard. It seemed like Brandon has taken conversations between me and my wife about this... Was a really, really strong feeling. Since that moment he has grown on me quite a bit. Great video!
Love what you’ve written here mate. Honestly, RoW was the book that really solidified this feeling I’ve described in the video and the scene you mentioned is absolutely on point. All the best man, hope you’re doing okay.
Someone close to me deals with depression and I have wanted to suggest this series to him because I think he could relate to Kaladin, but I haven't because I feared that he is still in that place you were at when you didn't like him. I think I'll suggest it anyway....see what he thinks.
Cheers mate! I understand your struggles and I hope you are doing better! It helps to take each day as a completely new experience. Some are better than others.
@@jasonbailey9139 do it man. I read the Way of Kings while I was just coming out of an EXTREAMLY hard depressive episode. I had contemplated suicide. As you can see, I didnt. But reading Kaladin standing by that cliff side, ready to jump and fighting back the pain, fighting back the hurt... It broke me. He didnt get fully healed, but he worked on it, got better, broke again, healed some more, and then broke for a final time. Because then he healded for a final time. And it all started with that decision to not jump. For me, that was when I knew that this was the series for me. To watch another struggle through the same issues as I do. I think it would help your friend too.
It's also that we all experience depression differently. I saw an interview with Sanderson recently where he talked about how he works to accurately depict mental illness, and the sort of experience that Kaladin has with depression isn't going to be the same as every single reader who has struggled with depression in their own lives. Instead of just using like a sort of "token" version of depression that encompasses all possible symptoms and experiences, he kind of describes a particular experience that this character is going through, and while it will be similar to some people and different from others. For me, I feel like Kaladin literally *could be me* (if I was much cooler and more badass and had gravitational magic). The reason he is my favorite fantasy protagonist of all time is because I've never identified so strongly with the personal experience of another fictional character. But not everyone experiences depression (or any mental illness) in the same way, and I think it's really interesting and important that Sanderson makes the point of describing it that way in his books.
The jump from the first chapter from Cenn's point of view, to the Kaladin chapter months into his enslavement, was immediately compelling to me (especially after the Preface AND the Prologue). I've heard people say the multiple starts to the story put them off, but I found it contributed to a sense of epic scale that was simultaneously grounded in this realistic character with identifiable struggles. It's one hell of an into, been a Kaladin fanboy ever since :P
This is actually something he's aware of. Brandon has said in his classes that putting multiple starts wasn't an inviting thing to his story but he has grown a fanbase that will trust him enough to deliver to keep reading so he can afford to take some risks and when his fans have read it their reaction will encourage others to do so as will.
Kaladin is definitely my favorite Sanderson character. I also suufer from depression and I think his character is a realistic exploration of the struggles and emotions people experience grappling with it. I agree with your point Christian that he is not just some farm boy who suddenly has powers. He was basically from a sort of middle-class family who experienced some form of depression even as a child. Then he starts on his path in order to protect his brother and becomes torn apart when he is thwarted in his basic instincts to protect people. He's really a well-written and nuanced character and I love how he still struggles with depression even after his circumstances change. Sanderson does a good job showing how depression and ptsd are issues people have to deal with throughout their lives. I also love how Syl interacts with him, particularly in ROW when she really takes a deep dive into trying to understand his feelings. Love your videos but do take care of yourself.
Kal is a character I’ve related to more than almost any other in anything. One of my favorites of all time. I generally connect to the underdog, the silly characters, the ones that make jokes as that’s how I am normally, but Kal’s struggle with depression is the one thing none of the other characters I’ve ever attached myself to has had. It’s so difficult and raw and real to read him. Kaladin has fought his way to my all time greats list, no question.
I didnt read the books as I have no time to read between work and other responsibilities, but I did pick the entire series in an audio book format, which i listened to while I drive to work, and never in my life has a character made me yell with joy or cry as Kaladin did. Absolutely brilliantly written, with both amazing highs and crushing lows. Sanderson has really encompassed what a real person with real life issues will be like.
I was a medic in the military for a while, and deployed to war in that role. Some of the things Kaladin said, some of the thoughts he had... broke me down for hours. His relationship with his father... there’s this kid. Eugene Sledge, from ww2. It’s like Sanderson ripped the real story from it’s forgotten history and weaved it into a narrative... Anyway. I’ve never seen a writer that understands the warrior mindset, or the reality that such a mindset manifests as depression and PTSD... better than Sanderson. It’s almost as if he served.
I fell in love with his character from the moment I started to read and learn about his journey. As someone who has struggled with depression my entire life... many times I found myself thinking “ finally someone gets it”...this is how I’ve felt; because even those who love us and try to help... don’t quite understand the feeling of emptiness and overwhelming almost paralyzing sadness that overshadows everything. Needless to say, I’ve cried more times than I can count while following Kaladin on his journey. I also love the fact that despite all his strengths and magical powers, there is not a magic fix to his depression.... just like in real life... the closest we can get to a “cure” is learning to love and forgive ourselves and allow and even ask for help from our loved ones. Knowing that despite the darkness; the sun will rise again. Absolutely love your videos. Glad to see your feeling better.
I feel like my journey as a reader has been an ever rising standard. The way the story is written and the messages in it are important and each time I’ve found an author to usurp the title of best in my mind, it is for damn good reason. That said, Kaladin is my all time favorite character. He is truly inspiring and just like any other person I find there are moments I disagree with him on decisions but his drive and motivation is what makes him work for me in spite of that. He may be fictional, but he feels more real to me than many other characters and has motivated me to become better for the people around me, especially as I have found myself wrestling with my own depression. I truthfully strive to be worthy of the Windrunner ideals. I can’t say I can accept the fourth, but I hope one day to. Journey before destination.
Kaladin is my favorite character in any fantasy ever. In a book bursting with incredible character development, Kaladin honestly is not the one that stands out the most. I think dalinar is the greatest arc I’ve ever read, BUT Kaladin is just so dang incredible. His actions, his thoughts, his dialogue makes him the most heart wrenching character. The most important aspect of Kaladin is that he never ceases to amaze. When you think he is down, when you think he is beaten, every single time he comes back stronger than before, and everything he does is to protect the people he loves. For this god like mortal that does feats of unimaginable scale, it is never about himself. I love him
Yea Kaladin, my man cru...Ahem i mean my most favrouite character. I know everyone prefers Dalinar, but Kaladin's arc in way of kings made me cry, and his arc in rhythm of war was also fantastic
@@hosihbhb6496 What I meant is that everyone says Dalinar's arc in oathbringer is the best arc. I like every arc, even way of Kings shallon arc, and Dalinar's arc was also brilliant, but didnt hit the same as kaladin's arc in WOK
I think syl really completes his story alongside the way the constant emotional struggle kinda balances out the fact that he is one of the most op characters in the series. He wins nearly every fight he ever has often seemingly effortlessly but the emotional weight he deals with contrasts this. So he is at the same time a larger then life badass capable of turning the tide of entire battles, and besting anyone put in his way. While also being a relatable character going through understandable emotional struggles. This kinda makes there almost seem like two kaladin and this is really reflected in the books too as everyone else looks at kaladin wind is like wow this guy is a badass, other main characters look at kaladin a new see a larger then life unkillable terminator. But you get to see the struggles going on with him and nobody else but syl can see it. Spoiler for rhythm of war. But another thing that’s great about this book is people are starting to understand, dalinar is beginning to see that he can’t just point kaladin at an enemy anymore and watch him pave a road to victory, adolin begins to try and really help him when he is down and kaladin himself starts to realize he needs to take better care of himself and works on figuring out how to do that. I think something that I don’t hear a lot of people talk about is in rhythm of war it isn’t the depression it’s the ptsd and depression, he was always able to handle the depression but the ptsd he has developed over the year fighting just has made it unbearable for him. I think the biggest problem is that fighting has always been a Cathartic thing for kaladin, when he fights the depression lifts we even see this when he fights leshwi in the opening of Rhythm of war, in that moment he is happy but the newly developed ptsd that he is suffering from makes it impossible to very difficult for him to engage in this activity which has always helped him.
Always put yourself first my man, you aren't a video productions machine. You're not required to make fans a video. It's not just 9 minutes to you. That said great video, I appreciate it.
Brandon has figured a way to write in such a way that we - kaladin - Syl all go through depressing Times and get through it together The archives is a self book and always will be (add epic scale epicness to it lol) ❤️
I absolutely love Kaladin. He's maybe not my all-time favourite character in the Stormlight Archive, but he is definitely up there. Brandon Sanderson handles his depression so well and portrays it realistically. It's so cool to see Kaladin's path and I'm actually (maybe spoiler?) so glad that he is getting better and learning how to live with his depression. I don't want to see Kaladin suffer ever again. He deserves the best.
In this fandom we all simp for Kaladin Stormblessed! 💙 To be human is to have mental health issues at some point in time. Brandon can speak to ANYONE on this earth with his masterful writing full of wisdom. Kaladin is the perfect vehicle to move that character empathy and development into our lives. And I want to say don't ever apologize about not "delivering a video" on time! I think the person who cares most about deadlines with respect to your videos is you -- they are just gifts for us! No one is pushing you. Take time to rest and heal up. Also Christian you would make a great therapist lol. I think I love your review channel the most because your videos are soft and relaxing (but full of sweet sweet nerdy passion.) Love from Canada and feel better!
Kaladin is also my favorite Stormlight character and one that I find I can relate to. Great video. I'm a character driven reader so this was right up my alley. I'd love to see more of these character discussions on other Stormlight characters, or just other fantasy characters in general. Glokta, or any First Law character, would make for great discussion as well.
Another great video! Also hope you get better soon. Also spoiler for RoW below. Kaladin while not my favourite character is probably the one that gets to me the most. He just feels so incredibly real that parts of his struggles have made me feel just really uncomfortable at times. And while theres the typical sanderlanche in the stormlight archive where I need to take a second to just process what the hell just happened, the only moment where I had to put down the book and just kinda take a break is at the beginning of rythm of war when Kaladin goes to his room and breaks. It was almost kinda surreal having a third person view of the thoughts and feelings that you can get at a time like that. The things Kaladin gets tells himself and the things everyone that cares for him say are things I've heard before, near word for word. It's only half a page and yet I feel as if I could write a damn essay on everything packed into it.
Thanks mate! Ugh, yeah dude that scene felt so incredible real I didn't feel for a moment that I was reading an epic fantasy series. That's what makes his character and this series in general really stand above others in my opinion. The discussions that we could have are endless, thanks for commenting as always man.
@@LostinDiscovery Keep up the great and also forgot to comment congrats on the 1k more subscribers in a week, that's insane considering the time between your two milestone streams.
Kaladin & Syl are my favorite companions ever they are just awesome Michael does a great job voicing them in the audiobook i never get tired of listening to them. I think Brandon does a great job of portraying mental & physical disabilities i am a paraplegic myself and i really related to a certain character.
That's amazing to hear! It's fantastic that Brandon did his research so thoroughly and brought characters like Rysn to life so well that people in similar situations can relate to them. Thank you for sharing this.
Kaladin is one of my favorite characters in general! (It doesn't help that I have a huge fan girl crush on him! :p) but his conversations with Syl in RoW hit me so hard, thinking about my relationship with my dad and my own personal mental struggles. It just felt like you were there with Kaladin. And slight spoiler, the way he treats other patients like himself is so impressive and touching and an excellent look into how Alethi society views mental illness, which can translate very well into our world view of mental illness in the present and past. Keep on, Kaladin! And everyone else who needs that extra boost! :D
Stormlight Archive=best series I ever read, with no contest, and it's only 4 books in. There are so many amazing characters here, but at the end of the day, Kaladin is my favourite, and that's a no-contest as well.
I have another thing to add to this incredible video. Whenever I see Kaladin happy with his friends and family, I couldn't help noticing that uncertainty or doubts in him. I think he feels like the people he loves so much are better off without him. In the past every single person he wanted to protect died and Kaladin feels that in attempts to save them, he might have brought death upon them. Look at Lirin and Hesina, they were fine back at home, Kaladin brought them to Urithiru and the next thing you know both of them are in danger. I am not saying Kaladin is the reason they are in danger, but as a character, I think he must have that dark feeling concerning the people he loves and feels he doesn't do enough to protect them.
I also started getting back into reading with The Way of Kings. I was going through a pretty rough time and used reading as a form of escapism, so when I was first introduced to Kaladin and seeing his struggles and depression it was an almost instant attachment. He is certainly one of my favorite characters and each book in the series has helped solidify that. Great video and keep up the awesome work! I've really been enjoying your videos since finding the channel. Also, I'm hoping your dad reads the other books in the series. I really enjoyed those videos of him reviewing WoK and WoR with you. Keep spreading the gospel of the Cosmere haha. Have a great day!
Thanks very much man! I'm glad we've both got 6 more books to enjoy our Kaladin attachment 😆 (assuming he continues past book 5!) Dad is slowly making his way through Oathbringer and trust me, it's going to be an entertaining review when we get to it :)
Kaladin's chapters in RoW were the hardest for me to read, and at the same time, the most interesting. Hardest because, I was suffering through a pretty serious bout of depression as well, and everything that he was feeling was something that was going on in my own head. Most interesting, because he is one of the most realistic and flawed characters I've ever read in fantasy. Sanderson did a great job writing Kaladin. And him saying his 4th ideal was just perfect. Damnit, I need to read it again now!
Books are such a solitary thing to experience and it's great to hear how another person resonated with a character or book in a similar (or different) way. This is such valuable content for that reason (as well as others!). Been reading a lot since COVID hit and content like this helps amidst a life of just work during social distancing. Congrats on 6k subs!
Reading Kaladin’s depression throughout the Stormlight Archive was partially what made me realise that I needed therapy. He is an excellently written character.
It's crazy, I usually hate characters like kaladin, but I loved him, and I couldn't put my finger on it. This video really put into perspective, and that scene in book 2 where he helps adolin... One of my favorite moments in any media, I reread that chapter like 3 times back to back to back
Thanks for the video. I concur; Kaladin is one of the best characters I have ever read. He is one of my favorite protagonists. The only thing I struggle with is waiting for him to overcome the struggle. I experience a great deal of anticipation to see how he’s going to progress to the next stage.
I hope you feel better soon, mate. You come first so I hope you’re looking after yourself. To me Kaladin is just the representation of vulnerability and resiliency. He feels down on himself but it’s resilient enough to keep going no matter the adversities. As someone who struggles really badly with mental health issues it’s a good role model to have.
Just discovered your channel love the stuff I’ve seen, I’m reading Stormlight Archives rn so I look forward to watching more of your videos as I progress
I love how you have grown my dude. You are starting to be more recognized and i couldn't be more thrilled about it. In a world with the daniel greenes and murphy neiphers you have this calming way with words. I LOVE IT MAN!!!!
(Spoilers for RoW) I grew up in a family with a shitty father and as the eldest child, I felt like the pressure was on me to hold my family together and to protect them. This was my role in life sincer I was 7 years old. Kaladin's journey throughout Stormlight hit the hardest and was just so real to me, right down to his intrusive thoughts when he was by himself: feeling like you dont deserve happiness, feeling like nothing but the people you're protecting matters, and the guilt and fear at not being able to save everyone you care about. I really feel like Kaladin's journey mirrors my own, right down to the Fourth Ideal: I accept that there are those I cannot protect. To swear that ideal, Kaladin had to let go of the biggest thing he clung to and that was his self-loathing and guilt and boy oh boy, me trying to do the same has a been a journey. Even his conversation with Hoid in his nightmares, and the story of The Dog and the Dragon, reminds me of my conversations with my therapist. I identified with Kaladin and Windrunners so much that I got a Windrunner tattoo on my forearm ^_^ it also has roman numerals for three underneath because the Ideal that struck me the most is Teft's Third Ideal: I must protect those I hate, even if the one I hate most is myself. Reminds me that I'm worth protecting too, regardless of my perceived failings. Anyway, rambling aside. I love this video as I loved all your videos. It's so nice to have a chat with friends about this and our favourite character. You're really fostering a wonderful and empathetic community on this channel and it's so great to be a part of it
Oh wow, I’m so sorry to hear that. Thank you so much for sharing your story in the comments here Your tattoo sounds amazing and I’m so glad that you’ve been able to identify with Kaladin through reading this series. Thanks so much! Honestly, the comments on this video have been amazing and it’s really showing the great little community we’ve built here.
@@LostinDiscovery yeah sorry for the rough content; just wanted to provide some context for what I was saying. My journey's been rough but it has been very worth it. I'm looking forward to Kaladin getting his happy ending too. And I'm looking forward to more discussions with lovely people!
Thanks so much! We love his character as well. 😃 And thank you for recording even while ill. Hoping you feel better soon!! Rest is good. Learn from Kaladin’s mistake. 💙
Yes, I love Kaladin! There have been so many times I have wished someone would just give him a hug, he really needs it! I am a cat person myself, but I think a dog would be best for Kaladin!
Especially in RoW (I won't mention any story spoilers) it's really hard not to feel with Kaladin. He's going through so much, has achieved so much and still can't accept all these things. And it was really saddening to see him that way. But THAT scene in the storm made it all worth it.
Love your channel! I always look forward to your uploads, especially those about Stormlight Archive. I agree with what you've said that anyone with depression can relate to Kaladin. I connected with him in TWoK and it became one of my most fave books. Made me tear up several times. I hope to finish RoW this month so I can watch your other videos.
Yeah, Kaladin genuinely had an effect on my life. My first tattoo is going to be the Windrunner insignia on my forearm. And hey, no worries about the lack of a video this past weekend! If Kaladin teaches us anything it’s that you need to take care of yourself. If the videos continue to be this high-quality then I’ll wait however long, mate!
I totally relate to the rediscovering of reading, I have been getting into it more and more since around the same time of 2016-17 or so. I read constantly all throughout school but afterward I did less and less until nothing ever. It wasn't until Game of Thrones that I became aware of the books and how highly they were regarded and once I started reading them I devoured them immediately. Now I'm on to the Cosmere and I want to start some of these other top rated books as well. With this channel it doesn't feel as intimidating as others sometimes do since we're both, relatively recently, continuing after a long pause.
I paused the video at 2:32 to say that when i read the chapter when kal arrives at bridge four w go on the bridge run for the first time, man I don't know what to say I cried a lot I felt so down. Obviously I have depression a lot it comes and goes at times and there's the thing in words of radiance where kal says he falling back to the man he was the uncaring man I just resonate with his mental suffering a lot.
I absolutely love Kaladin, easily my favorite Sanderson character followed closely by Dalinar and Adolin. BUT my favorite protag and probably my favorite character in fiction is Rand Al'Thor. Can't wait for you to get deeper into the series so you can experience what makes him such a well realized character!
@@LostinDiscovery Yeah he's pretty generic feeling in the first book but he goes to some really fascinating places! Then after you've finished the series and have perspective you start to notice just how much was set up early on. The series certainly isn't for everyone but I hope you enjoy it! Also I don't want to take away from how much I love Kaladin and the Kholin family, they are utterly fantastic and have brought me to tears more times than I can count, lol. Thanks for sharing your experience with him and helping people realize he is in now way just a edgy/ mopey guy!
When I read TWoK it was near the beginning of lockdown. My wife is a nurse and had to work on a covid floor. This was early on when no one truly knew how dangerous the virus is. I completely related to Kaladin's desire to save everyone but not being able to do so. I won't be shamed to admit that I cried in many of his chapters... still do. When Kaladin was so hard on himself for wanting to save everyone but not being able to... I felt that. What an amazing character.
Thank you for sharing! So great to hear how different people relate to Kaladin. I know I bawled through one pivotal scene toward the end of RoW. Tearing up now just thinking about it 😭
@@LostinDiscovery seriously, man. I know that sometimes it gets depressing when you don’t grow as quickly as you want but your videos are something special. Please don’t stop!
I think the windrunners (exclude Lopen, I don't understand what that guy is thinking) especially Kaladin and Teft are very relatable and both their struggles throughout the story and how they support each other serves to strengthen both of their character. Back when I was in junior high school, many people bullied me and often extort me because of my small stature (I am 19 years old now and my height is only 156 cm, so I am way shorter when I was 13 years old) but I find my only best friend who support me and we struggle together, for me he is my Teft and sometimes my Kaladin (even though he is cheerful) Entering the middle high school at 2017 using the newfound courage because of my struggle and my friendship before I become quite reliable, but people expects too much from me which drives me into depression because I was scared that I can't fulfill their expectations, after that the first time I read TWoK after I lose in a national scale competition which left me depressed because how my school was like "We've spent money for your training but you come without a medal" thing. TWoK inspired me a lot about how to not give up, and until now whenever I almost give up I will say "Okay, one more time" and I say it a lot. My best friend, Prasojo died February 2020, when we separated after junior high we promise to each other that we will work as hard as we can to reach our dreams. Feeling depressed because the only people that I often express my fragility and always support me, my health condition worsen for the remainder of year. So when RoW comes out and I read it like last December, those final chapters especially when Kaladin dream of Tien and spoke the 4th ideal I cried like a lot. I missed my only best friend soo much but I think I will try to move on, keep on remembering him, cherishing the days we spent together just like Tien said to Kaladin. I hope each of us especially who struggles with depression could find our way so that each time we fall, we will rise each time a better person.
Oh my goodness, thank you so much for sharing this. I'm terribly sorry for your loss and am glad this series can bring you some solace. ❤️ I hope you are doing okay.
Kaladin is one of those characters that I get protective over. I am ready to throw hands if someone hurts him and physically cringe when bad things happen to him. Sometimes I get sad that I can’t speak to him or maybe give him a hug cause my mans needs it. So I just end up reading his story like: “LET ME IIIIN!” I sometimes get this reaction when a character is being stupid and I just wanna slap em and talk some sense into them. But I rarely get it because I want to cradle them and maybe make a warm cup of tee or I dunno buy a dog for them.
Beautiful video. Another great video mate! Loving ur channel and the streams. Also looking forward for u to read more First Law. Kaladin made me cry in WoK as someone who has had depression. His journey is so beautiful and with every book I identify more with him. Currently reading RoW and it’s fantastic. He’s such a well written character, and as you do wonderfully put (paraphrased) “When you read him you’re not following a superhero, you are following a real guy”. Couldn’t agree more. Could you do a spoiler version of this for Dalinar, my favourite character of all time. You can’t do Dalinar spoiler free imo. OB spoilers: A man with a bloody past, who cannot remember his wife or who he was and has to face those memories in their full force. They weigh him down and sicken him, showing him what a monster he was. But instead of letting it weaken him and take him astray from his path of self improvement, he takes responsibility for his actions. He accepts the pain and guilt of what he did. He won’t let Odium take his pain again. He decided to become a better man and live with the pain. As the most important words a man can say are “I will do better”.
@@LostinDiscovery I think on it almost every day. Thx for the response and keep up the great vids. You have some of the most high quality well out together videos for serious fantasy fans. Criminally underrated. Hope to see you make it big one day.
I'm 100% starting WoK after I finish Hero of Ages. Sounds amazing, I'm already a huge Vin fan, so I'll probably love this dude too ☺️ And btw the animated art in the vid is amazing!
@@banjotiki3910 I started with The Stormlight Archive, then read Mistborn Era 1, then Warbreaker and now I just started Mistborn Era 2. I’m on a bit of a Sanderson/Cosmere binge lol. You should definitely grab Mistborn: Secret History if you haven’t already. It’s a novella that adds more insight into what was happening during books 2 & 3. It follows 1 character’s journey from the end of The Final Empire through Hero of Ages and gives additional details that we are not privy to in the main books. It also gives more insight into The Cosmere that connects to other Sanderson series including The Stormlight Archive.
@@banjotiki3910 haha. Once you start you get sucked in! You might want to read Warbreaker before The Stormlight Archive. Just a suggestion. There are things in Warbreaker that come up in Stormlight. Sadly I knew nothing about the Cosmere and the connections between Sanderson’s series before I started so I kind of read things in reverse order lol I am still really enjoying everything, but it would’ve been cool to have read Stormlight after I’d read Warbreaker.
I would like to see a video about all the cosmere connections. I've listened to all of the audiobooks several times and feel like there's a lot of connections that I've missed. Full spoilers and crazy theories and all.
Yeah, I have clinical depression and read so much of myself in some moments with Kaladin. Even when things are looking up he still feels wrong, and then there are some moments where he won't say outloud that anything is wrong, like he doesn't even know himself, but it's obvious to the people round him. I was getting a little tired of his arc kind of repeating in the first three books, but how it changes in ROW and where he ends up was beautiful.
Didn't really find much that was special in Kaladin until Rhythm of War, at least since Way of Kings. I think the reason for him working better for me in that book is the fact that he finally got a therapist, or at least, therapy became a thing in his life thanks to the folks he rescued from the asylum. Which made his battle with depression feel much more like a dynamic conflict with followable victories and losses, which is far more engaging than internal monologues about "the darkness." Which may be true to life, but also is comparatively stagnant because it's such a vague conflict that is difficult to make engaging from a narrative standpoint. RoW though? SO much better. The fact that his depression is something that was the center of the conflict specifically and the battles were fought head-on...it's so much more fun to read, even if most real depression is almost by definition more flavorless (it's sort of what makes it so dangerous, to some extent). In Way of Kings there was a similar element of specificity with the bridges and the forming of their bond. His slavery symbolized his mental illness, and that made his little victories incredibly satisfying. The other two books though? Not bad by any means, and lots of good stuff in there, but just...well, he usually was my least favorite viewpoint character in those two books.
No worries on the upload schedule man. I love the enthusiasm you have for all your video topics, so don't feel bad when you need to take a break to recharge and get well. I believe in one of the live streams Sanderson said he consulted with someone he knew that struggled with depression so that he could more accurately portray what Kaladin was going through.
Thanks very much man. That makes completely sense, the Kaladin scenes in RoW hit so hard and that's probably why. Sanderson really takes this seriously and it pays off.
I've heard its bad form to talk about missing upload schedules in videos. Best to just use the community feature for updates. No need to apologize to us for making free content anyway and as your channel grows and changes you may have to adapt to a different schedule anyway. Love the content!
When I tell people about the Stormlight Archive this is what I say: "ya know how Zuko in AtLA had some of the best character development? Yeah Brandon Sanderson has three of those characters and they're better than Zuko." And I mean that completely.
RoW spoilers . . . . . . . "Then he stepped inside and found an empty nothingness. His were the quarters of a highlord, supposedly luxurious and spacious. He had little furniture though, and that left it feeling hollow. Dark, the sole light coming from the balcony. Every honor he’d been given seemed to highlight how vacant his life really was. Titles couldn’t fill a room with life. Still, he turned and closed the door with a firm push. Only then did he break. He didn’t make it to the chair. He sank down with his back to the wall beside the door. He tried to unbutton his coat, but ended up bending forward with his knuckles pressing his forehead, digging into his skin as he hyperventilated, gasping in deep breaths of air while he trembled and shook." I've never read a better depiction of Depression than this. This whole scene hit me too close to home.
The Stormlight Archives are all about mental illness. Every major character has some level of it. I've been watching it from WoK on, just about every disorder or disease is reflected in a character. The theme of recognizing the illness and managing it is very prevalent. If anyone missed it, RoW went full-on with Kal's PTSD clinic. I'm a recovering alcoholic (10 yrs sober), so maybe it hit me a bit faster.
I think to a certain extent all the characters of the stormlight archive are reflective of different trauma. Kaladin is broken by his experience as a slave and a bridge man, I think Sanderson writes kaladin very well because depression isn’t something you just get better from over night, it doesn’t have an easy fix. I think Sanderson writes depression with a lot of nuance.
Am I the only one who finds Kaladin (certainly my favorite character) is under appreciated by the people in the book. It feels like shallan is (as of book 3) brightness radiant and Kaladin is captain Kaladin. I find it making me sad that he just is overlooked despite saving the whole army and Dalinar and Adolin multiple times.
@@gloop3621 does it really? More of the to not spoil glory goes to Navani Kaladin by the people in the city is a hero but Dalinar tells navani she was amazing not really to Kaladin.
Hope you're feeling better, can hear you're not 100% still though! Take it easy, no expectations here, we'll be here when you're feeling yourself again. Kaladin is awesome. But I think my favourite is Syl or Wyndle. Or spoiler for RoW... Chiri chiri!!!!!!!!!!!
I love him also but my absolute favorite comes from another author of another series called the Lightbringer series It's all of the "Guille" cast Kip Gavin Andross
After listening to the prologue of Stormlight 5, the part of the stormfather searching for a new Herald. Which one was he referring to? People think that Kaladin has to die right? But what if takes the place of Jezrien? After he was 'killed' he faded into nothing right?
I enjoy your show a ton, but I find myself having to watch a video in parts because of the ambient music. But I'm trying to get used to it. Your content is great and I will throw patreon support the moment it's up. Thank you for what you do
"You will be warm again." Kaladin's arc is just..... so impactful. When I read his chapters I frequently have the urge to hug him through the pages.
I felt the exact same way.
Kaladin is by far my favorite Stormlight character, my favorite Cosmere character, and probably my all time favorite fantasy character. No other character has moved me as much as Kaladin. There are so many ups and downs on his emotional rollercoaster of a journey. When he is on a high I’m so elated. When he is on a low, it breaks my heart. I cried so many tears over the course of Kaladin’s journey, especially in RoW. I just want him to be happy ♥️
I feel this completely.
I second that. He'd stolen the spot of my favorite character and remained rooted there. I'd never spilled as many tears for any character as I had for him.
I agree. The only character that equals kal for me is kip from the light bringer series. Both series have gotten me through some tough times
Captain Kaladin of Bridge Four.... Man it's hard for me to pick any other character in Stormlight for a favorite. Kal goes through hell and still finds it in him to do right by others. The part that cemented Kaladin as an all-time character for me, was getting through to Shen/Relaine and not denying him place in Bridge Four.
What about Hoid?
I think what really makes Kaladin (and Shallan, Dalinar, Szeth) a protagonist that stands out in the cosmere is his relationship with his spren, Syl which in my opinion is at the heart of his story. I love how Sanderson doesn't make Syl a medicine for his depression but rather that they both are helping each other as Syl has her own struggles. In RoW when Kaladin said he knows he's not alone but still feels like he is that's when i knew Sanderson really done his research cause as someone with depression this is exactly what it feels like
Absolutely. His conversations with Syl, especially in RoW were so raw and touching to read.
Spoilers for Row:
As someone that has suffered (and still struggles with) depression, Kaladin didn't strike me as a relatable character, weirdly enough. Wasn't a fan, I don't know why. I think I wasn't ready to accept seeing somehow a reflection of my feelings in a fiction book.
Now, it all changed with RoW. I think I read it in a better place, mentally, and specially the dialog between him and Syl where she kinds of asks him "tell me what to do to help you, I don't know what to do, just tell me"... I had to stop because it hit me really hard. It seemed like Brandon has taken conversations between me and my wife about this... Was a really, really strong feeling. Since that moment he has grown on me quite a bit.
Great video!
Love what you’ve written here mate. Honestly, RoW was the book that really solidified this feeling I’ve described in the video and the scene you mentioned is absolutely on point.
All the best man, hope you’re doing okay.
Someone close to me deals with depression and I have wanted to suggest this series to him because I think he could relate to Kaladin, but I haven't because I feared that he is still in that place you were at when you didn't like him. I think I'll suggest it anyway....see what he thinks.
Cheers mate! I understand your struggles and I hope you are doing better! It helps to take each day as a completely new experience. Some are better than others.
@@jasonbailey9139 do it man. I read the Way of Kings while I was just coming out of an EXTREAMLY hard depressive episode. I had contemplated suicide. As you can see, I didnt. But reading Kaladin standing by that cliff side, ready to jump and fighting back the pain, fighting back the hurt... It broke me. He didnt get fully healed, but he worked on it, got better, broke again, healed some more, and then broke for a final time. Because then he healded for a final time. And it all started with that decision to not jump.
For me, that was when I knew that this was the series for me. To watch another struggle through the same issues as I do.
I think it would help your friend too.
It's also that we all experience depression differently. I saw an interview with Sanderson recently where he talked about how he works to accurately depict mental illness, and the sort of experience that Kaladin has with depression isn't going to be the same as every single reader who has struggled with depression in their own lives. Instead of just using like a sort of "token" version of depression that encompasses all possible symptoms and experiences, he kind of describes a particular experience that this character is going through, and while it will be similar to some people and different from others.
For me, I feel like Kaladin literally *could be me* (if I was much cooler and more badass and had gravitational magic). The reason he is my favorite fantasy protagonist of all time is because I've never identified so strongly with the personal experience of another fictional character. But not everyone experiences depression (or any mental illness) in the same way, and I think it's really interesting and important that Sanderson makes the point of describing it that way in his books.
The jump from the first chapter from Cenn's point of view, to the Kaladin chapter months into his enslavement, was immediately compelling to me (especially after the Preface AND the Prologue). I've heard people say the multiple starts to the story put them off, but I found it contributed to a sense of epic scale that was simultaneously grounded in this realistic character with identifiable struggles. It's one hell of an into, been a Kaladin fanboy ever since :P
Absolutely agree with you! I think many of us Stormlight fans have had a similar experience :)
@@LostinDiscovery i was initally also putt off by it, but kaladin grew to be my most favrouite character, use just gotta try him
This is actually something he's aware of. Brandon has said in his classes that putting multiple starts wasn't an inviting thing to his story but he has grown a fanbase that will trust him enough to deliver to keep reading so he can afford to take some risks and when his fans have read it their reaction will encourage others to do so as will.
@@Thisone109 I have heard him say this too, and he's completely right. After Mistborn I knew I'd read basically anything he published!
Kaladin is definitely my favorite Sanderson character. I also suufer from depression and I think his character is a realistic exploration of the struggles and emotions people experience grappling with it. I agree with your point Christian that he is not just some farm boy who suddenly has powers. He was basically from a sort of middle-class family who experienced some form of depression even as a child. Then he starts on his path in order to protect his brother and becomes torn apart when he is thwarted in his basic instincts to protect people. He's really a well-written and nuanced character and I love how he still struggles with depression even after his circumstances change. Sanderson does a good job showing how depression and ptsd are issues people have to deal with throughout their lives. I also love how Syl interacts with him, particularly in ROW when she really takes a deep dive into trying to understand his feelings.
Love your videos but do take care of yourself.
100% agree with you, thank you for sharing that and I hope you're doing okay. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
Kal is a character I’ve related to more than almost any other in anything. One of my favorites of all time.
I generally connect to the underdog, the silly characters, the ones that make jokes as that’s how I am normally, but Kal’s struggle with depression is the one thing none of the other characters I’ve ever attached myself to has had.
It’s so difficult and raw and real to read him. Kaladin has fought his way to my all time greats list, no question.
I didnt read the books as I have no time to read between work and other responsibilities, but I did pick the entire series in an audio book format, which i listened to while I drive to work, and never in my life has a character made me yell with joy or cry as Kaladin did. Absolutely brilliantly written, with both amazing highs and crushing lows. Sanderson has really encompassed what a real person with real life issues will be like.
I was a medic in the military for a while, and deployed to war in that role. Some of the things Kaladin said, some of the thoughts he had... broke me down for hours. His relationship with his father... there’s this kid. Eugene Sledge, from ww2. It’s like Sanderson ripped the real story from it’s forgotten history and weaved it into a narrative... Anyway. I’ve never seen a writer that understands the warrior mindset, or the reality that such a mindset manifests as depression and PTSD... better than Sanderson. It’s almost as if he served.
Kal is my special boy 🥺 he deserves the world.
Your content is great. But more than that... Your voice is so soothing. I love listening to you.
I fell in love with his character from the moment I started to read and learn about his journey. As someone who has struggled with depression my entire life... many times I found myself thinking “ finally someone gets it”...this is how I’ve felt; because even those who love us and try to help... don’t quite understand the feeling of emptiness and overwhelming almost paralyzing sadness that overshadows everything. Needless to say, I’ve cried more times than I can count while following Kaladin on his journey. I also love the fact that despite all his strengths and magical powers, there is not a magic fix to his depression.... just like in real life... the closest we can get to a “cure” is learning to love and forgive ourselves and allow and even ask for help from our loved ones. Knowing that despite the darkness; the sun will rise again.
Absolutely love your videos. Glad to see your feeling better.
Thanks so much and thank you for sharing your comment, I loved reading it. I hope you're doing okay.
🙂
I feel like my journey as a reader has been an ever rising standard. The way the story is written and the messages in it are important and each time I’ve found an author to usurp the title of best in my mind, it is for damn good reason. That said, Kaladin is my all time favorite character. He is truly inspiring and just like any other person I find there are moments I disagree with him on decisions but his drive and motivation is what makes him work for me in spite of that. He may be fictional, but he feels more real to me than many other characters and has motivated me to become better for the people around me, especially as I have found myself wrestling with my own depression.
I truthfully strive to be worthy of the Windrunner ideals. I can’t say I can accept the fourth, but I hope one day to.
Journey before destination.
Kaladin is my favorite character in any fantasy ever. In a book bursting with incredible character development, Kaladin honestly is not the one that stands out the most. I think dalinar is the greatest arc I’ve ever read, BUT Kaladin is just so dang incredible. His actions, his thoughts, his dialogue makes him the most heart wrenching character. The most important aspect of Kaladin is that he never ceases to amaze. When you think he is down, when you think he is beaten, every single time he comes back stronger than before, and everything he does is to protect the people he loves. For this god like mortal that does feats of unimaginable scale, it is never about himself. I love him
Yea Kaladin, my man cru...Ahem i mean my most favrouite character. I know everyone prefers Dalinar, but Kaladin's arc in way of kings made me cry, and his arc in rhythm of war was also fantastic
Ditto. Those were the two books where Kaladin’s arcs made me cry.
Everyone perfers Dalinar? I mean i love Dalinar but Kaladin is just too good, he is my favorite character ever
@@hosihbhb6496 What I meant is that everyone says Dalinar's arc in oathbringer is the best arc. I like every arc, even way of Kings shallon arc, and Dalinar's arc was also brilliant, but didnt hit the same as kaladin's arc in WOK
@@muhammadhashir6136 Same for me Kaldain arcs always hit me harder because i connect to him more
@@hosihbhb6496 same. He's just so captivating. As much as I love Dalinar, Kal is just on another level. Someone needs to give him a hug tho 😩
Don't worry about the schedule, keep yourself healthy. Love seeing this channel grow!
Thanks man!
I think syl really completes his story alongside the way the constant emotional struggle kinda balances out the fact that he is one of the most op characters in the series. He wins nearly every fight he ever has often seemingly effortlessly but the emotional weight he deals with contrasts this. So he is at the same time a larger then life badass capable of turning the tide of entire battles, and besting anyone put in his way. While also being a relatable character going through understandable emotional struggles. This kinda makes there almost seem like two kaladin and this is really reflected in the books too as everyone else looks at kaladin wind is like wow this guy is a badass, other main characters look at kaladin a new see a larger then life unkillable terminator. But you get to see the struggles going on with him and nobody else but syl can see it.
Spoiler for rhythm of war.
But another thing that’s great about this book is people are starting to understand, dalinar is beginning to see that he can’t just point kaladin at an enemy anymore and watch him pave a road to victory, adolin begins to try and really help him when he is down and kaladin himself starts to realize he needs to take better care of himself and works on figuring out how to do that.
I think something that I don’t hear a lot of people talk about is in rhythm of war it isn’t the depression it’s the ptsd and depression, he was always able to handle the depression but the ptsd he has developed over the year fighting just has made it unbearable for him. I think the biggest problem is that fighting has always been a Cathartic thing for kaladin, when he fights the depression lifts we even see this when he fights leshwi in the opening of Rhythm of war, in that moment he is happy but the newly developed ptsd that he is suffering from makes it impossible to very difficult for him to engage in this activity which has always helped him.
Kaladin is my FAVORITE character.
Sanderson writes amazing characters that feel so real. The time and care he put into making them authentic really show. ❤
Always put yourself first my man, you aren't a video productions machine. You're not required to make fans a video. It's not just 9 minutes to you. That said great video, I appreciate it.
Thanks very much! I really wanted to make a video and was frustrated that I couldn't so it's all good :)
Brandon has figured a way to write in such a way that we - kaladin - Syl all go through depressing Times and get through it together
The archives is a self book and always will be (add epic scale epicness to it lol) ❤️
I absolutely love Kaladin. He's maybe not my all-time favourite character in the Stormlight Archive, but he is definitely up there. Brandon Sanderson handles his depression so well and portrays it realistically. It's so cool to see Kaladin's path and I'm actually (maybe spoiler?) so glad that he is getting better and learning how to live with his depression. I don't want to see Kaladin suffer ever again. He deserves the best.
Absolutely, and the fact that he is committed to helping others that are suffering the same as him is wonderful.
@@LostinDiscovery Yes, definitely. I absolutely loved that part.
I completely love the storyline of Kaladin bringing therapy to Roshar
In this fandom we all simp for Kaladin Stormblessed! 💙
To be human is to have mental health issues at some point in time. Brandon can speak to ANYONE on this earth with his masterful writing full of wisdom. Kaladin is the perfect vehicle to move that character empathy and development into our lives.
And I want to say don't ever apologize about not "delivering a video" on time! I think the person who cares most about deadlines with respect to your videos is you -- they are just gifts for us! No one is pushing you. Take time to rest and heal up.
Also Christian you would make a great therapist lol. I think I love your review channel the most because your videos are soft and relaxing (but full of sweet sweet nerdy passion.)
Love from Canada and feel better!
Thanks so much Lora this was so nice to read! Your support means so much!
Kaladin is also my favorite Stormlight character and one that I find I can relate to. Great video. I'm a character driven reader so this was right up my alley. I'd love to see more of these character discussions on other Stormlight characters, or just other fantasy characters in general. Glokta, or any First Law character, would make for great discussion as well.
Thanks! I'd love to do a dedicated Glokta video, I bloody love his character.
Another great video! Also hope you get better soon.
Also spoiler for RoW below.
Kaladin while not my favourite character is probably the one that gets to me the most. He just feels so incredibly real that parts of his struggles have made me feel just really uncomfortable at times.
And while theres the typical sanderlanche in the stormlight archive where I need to take a second to just process what the hell just happened, the only moment where I had to put down the book and just kinda take a break is at the beginning of rythm of war when Kaladin goes to his room and breaks.
It was almost kinda surreal having a third person view of the thoughts and feelings that you can get at a time like that. The things Kaladin gets tells himself and the things everyone that cares for him say are things I've heard before, near word for word.
It's only half a page and yet I feel as if I could write a damn essay on everything packed into it.
Thanks mate!
Ugh, yeah dude that scene felt so incredible real I didn't feel for a moment that I was reading an epic fantasy series. That's what makes his character and this series in general really stand above others in my opinion.
The discussions that we could have are endless, thanks for commenting as always man.
@@LostinDiscovery Keep up the great and also forgot to comment congrats on the 1k more subscribers in a week, that's insane considering the time between your two milestone streams.
No worries man, thank you!
Kaladin & Syl are my favorite companions ever they are just awesome Michael does a great job voicing them in the audiobook i never get tired of listening to them. I think Brandon does a great job of portraying mental & physical disabilities i am a paraplegic myself and i really related to a certain character.
That's amazing to hear! It's fantastic that Brandon did his research so thoroughly and brought characters like Rysn to life so well that people in similar situations can relate to them. Thank you for sharing this.
Kaladin is one of my favorite characters in general! (It doesn't help that I have a huge fan girl crush on him! :p) but his conversations with Syl in RoW hit me so hard, thinking about my relationship with my dad and my own personal mental struggles. It just felt like you were there with Kaladin. And slight spoiler, the way he treats other patients like himself is so impressive and touching and an excellent look into how Alethi society views mental illness, which can translate very well into our world view of mental illness in the present and past. Keep on, Kaladin! And everyone else who needs that extra boost! :D
Stormlight Archive=best series I ever read, with no contest, and it's only 4 books in. There are so many amazing characters here, but at the end of the day, Kaladin is my favourite, and that's a no-contest as well.
Agreed, agreed and agreed!
I have another thing to add to this incredible video. Whenever I see Kaladin happy with his friends and family, I couldn't help noticing that uncertainty or doubts in him. I think he feels like the people he loves so much are better off without him. In the past every single person he wanted to protect died and Kaladin feels that in attempts to save them, he might have brought death upon them. Look at Lirin and Hesina, they were fine back at home, Kaladin brought them to Urithiru and the next thing you know both of them are in danger. I am not saying Kaladin is the reason they are in danger, but as a character, I think he must have that dark feeling concerning the people he loves and feels he doesn't do enough to protect them.
For sure, he definitely can see himself as a burden on his loved ones. It's tough.
I like your way of speaking. It's really calming!
(And the fact that you're talking about my favorite books makes it even better :P )
Much appreciated!
Completely agree!!!
I think Examination of depression is really important and todays day and age. Great Video as always!
Me too, thank you!
I also started getting back into reading with The Way of Kings. I was going through a pretty rough time and used reading as a form of escapism, so when I was first introduced to Kaladin and seeing his struggles and depression it was an almost instant attachment. He is certainly one of my favorite characters and each book in the series has helped solidify that. Great video and keep up the awesome work! I've really been enjoying your videos since finding the channel.
Also, I'm hoping your dad reads the other books in the series. I really enjoyed those videos of him reviewing WoK and WoR with you. Keep spreading the gospel of the Cosmere haha. Have a great day!
Thanks very much man! I'm glad we've both got 6 more books to enjoy our Kaladin attachment 😆 (assuming he continues past book 5!)
Dad is slowly making his way through Oathbringer and trust me, it's going to be an entertaining review when we get to it :)
Kaladin's chapters in RoW were the hardest for me to read, and at the same time, the most interesting. Hardest because, I was suffering through a pretty serious bout of depression as well, and everything that he was feeling was something that was going on in my own head. Most interesting, because he is one of the most realistic and flawed characters I've ever read in fantasy. Sanderson did a great job writing Kaladin. And him saying his 4th ideal was just perfect.
Damnit, I need to read it again now!
Hope you're doing okay my friend!
Books are such a solitary thing to experience and it's great to hear how another person resonated with a character or book in a similar (or different) way. This is such valuable content for that reason (as well as others!). Been reading a lot since COVID hit and content like this helps amidst a life of just work during social distancing. Congrats on 6k subs!
Thanks so much man, really appreciate this comment :)
Reading Kaladin’s depression throughout the Stormlight Archive was partially what made me realise that I needed therapy. He is an excellently written character.
It's crazy, I usually hate characters like kaladin, but I loved him, and I couldn't put my finger on it. This video really put into perspective, and that scene in book 2 where he helps adolin... One of my favorite moments in any media, I reread that chapter like 3 times back to back to back
Thanks for the video. I concur; Kaladin is one of the best characters I have ever read. He is one of my favorite protagonists. The only thing I struggle with is waiting for him to overcome the struggle. I experience a great deal of anticipation to see how he’s going to progress to the next stage.
Great articulation of what's going on! Depression follows us no matter how 'successful' we are. But that doesn't mean its not beatable.
Thank you! 100%
I hope you feel better soon, mate. You come first so I hope you’re looking after yourself.
To me Kaladin is just the representation of vulnerability and resiliency. He feels down on himself but it’s resilient enough to keep going no matter the adversities. As someone who struggles really badly with mental health issues it’s a good role model to have.
Thanks very much Bruno. I'm with you on Kaladin.
Definitely take care of yourself!! We’ll still be here whenever you’re feeling better!
Thank you Shey!
Brilliant video! Love to hear the personal side. Feel better soon mate!
Thanks mate!
Just discovered your channel love the stuff I’ve seen, I’m reading Stormlight Archives rn so I look forward to watching more of your videos as I progress
I love how you have grown my dude. You are starting to be more recognized and i couldn't be more thrilled about it. In a world with the daniel greenes and murphy neiphers you have this calming way with words. I LOVE IT MAN!!!!
Thanks so much man!
(Spoilers for RoW)
I grew up in a family with a shitty father and as the eldest child, I felt like the pressure was on me to hold my family together and to protect them. This was my role in life sincer I was 7 years old. Kaladin's journey throughout Stormlight hit the hardest and was just so real to me, right down to his intrusive thoughts when he was by himself: feeling like you dont deserve happiness, feeling like nothing but the people you're protecting matters, and the guilt and fear at not being able to save everyone you care about.
I really feel like Kaladin's journey mirrors my own, right down to the Fourth Ideal: I accept that there are those I cannot protect. To swear that ideal, Kaladin had to let go of the biggest thing he clung to and that was his self-loathing and guilt and boy oh boy, me trying to do the same has a been a journey.
Even his conversation with Hoid in his nightmares, and the story of The Dog and the Dragon, reminds me of my conversations with my therapist.
I identified with Kaladin and Windrunners so much that I got a Windrunner tattoo on my forearm ^_^ it also has roman numerals for three underneath because the Ideal that struck me the most is Teft's Third Ideal: I must protect those I hate, even if the one I hate most is myself. Reminds me that I'm worth protecting too, regardless of my perceived failings.
Anyway, rambling aside. I love this video as I loved all your videos. It's so nice to have a chat with friends about this and our favourite character. You're really fostering a wonderful and empathetic community on this channel and it's so great to be a part of it
Oh wow, I’m so sorry to hear that. Thank you so much for sharing your story in the comments here
Your tattoo sounds amazing and I’m so glad that you’ve been able to identify with Kaladin through reading this series.
Thanks so much! Honestly, the comments on this video have been amazing and it’s really showing the great little community we’ve built here.
@@LostinDiscovery yeah sorry for the rough content; just wanted to provide some context for what I was saying. My journey's been rough but it has been very worth it. I'm looking forward to Kaladin getting his happy ending too. And I'm looking forward to more discussions with lovely people!
Man you are so relaxing, i always love to watch your videos when i’ve had a bad day and i need to calm down. You’re awesome man.
Oh thanks so much, that makes me so happy to hear that!
Thanks so much! We love his character as well.
😃
And thank you for recording even while ill. Hoping you feel better soon!! Rest is good. Learn from Kaladin’s mistake.
💙
Thank you mate!
Yes, I love Kaladin! There have been so many times I have wished someone would just give him a hug, he really needs it! I am a cat person myself, but I think a dog would be best for Kaladin!
He does! Kaladin + a dog companion is the dream.
And he even knows what a dog is
Especially in RoW (I won't mention any story spoilers) it's really hard not to feel with Kaladin. He's going through so much, has achieved so much and still can't accept all these things. And it was really saddening to see him that way.
But THAT scene in the storm made it all worth it.
THAT scene will always hit me so hard!
Love your channel! I always look forward to your uploads, especially those about Stormlight Archive. I agree with what you've said that anyone with depression can relate to Kaladin. I connected with him in TWoK and it became one of my most fave books. Made me tear up several times.
I hope to finish RoW this month so I can watch your other videos.
Thank you! Expect the tearing up to continue in RoW!
Strongly agree! He and Kvothe from Kingkiller are my fav protagonists I've ever read
Can't believe you're already at 6K! Don't worry about your schedule, it's worth the wait!
Thanks so much, I appreciate that!
Yeah, Kaladin genuinely had an effect on my life. My first tattoo is going to be the Windrunner insignia on my forearm.
And hey, no worries about the lack of a video this past weekend! If Kaladin teaches us anything it’s that you need to take care of yourself. If the videos continue to be this high-quality then I’ll wait however long, mate!
Thank you! That’s so cool about your tattoo!
Not a Bridge 4 tattoo?
I totally relate to the rediscovering of reading, I have been getting into it more and more since around the same time of 2016-17 or so. I read constantly all throughout school but afterward I did less and less until nothing ever. It wasn't until Game of Thrones that I became aware of the books and how highly they were regarded and once I started reading them I devoured them immediately.
Now I'm on to the Cosmere and I want to start some of these other top rated books as well. With this channel it doesn't feel as intimidating as others sometimes do since we're both, relatively recently, continuing after a long pause.
That's great to hear! GoT was what kick started my love for reading again followed by the Cosmere. It's an awesome journey we're on.
I paused the video at 2:32 to say that when i read the chapter when kal arrives at bridge four w go on the bridge run for the first time, man I don't know what to say I cried a lot I felt so down. Obviously I have depression a lot it comes and goes at times and there's the thing in words of radiance where kal says he falling back to the man he was the uncaring man I just resonate with his mental suffering a lot.
Absolutely adore Kaladin!!
Absolutely love Kaladin!! Thanks for talking about him
I absolutely love Kaladin, easily my favorite Sanderson character followed closely by Dalinar and Adolin. BUT my favorite protag and probably my favorite character in fiction is Rand Al'Thor. Can't wait for you to get deeper into the series so you can experience what makes him such a well realized character!
So far Rand has done absolutely nothing for me but with 14 books I know there's a lot of potential for growth!
@@LostinDiscovery Yeah he's pretty generic feeling in the first book but he goes to some really fascinating places! Then after you've finished the series and have perspective you start to notice just how much was set up early on. The series certainly isn't for everyone but I hope you enjoy it! Also I don't want to take away from how much I love Kaladin and the Kholin family, they are utterly fantastic and have brought me to tears more times than I can count, lol. Thanks for sharing your experience with him and helping people realize he is in now way just a edgy/ mopey guy!
(Edited my comment for further clarity and some additional thoughts on Stormlight/ the video! lol).
When I read TWoK it was near the beginning of lockdown. My wife is a nurse and had to work on a covid floor. This was early on when no one truly knew how dangerous the virus is.
I completely related to Kaladin's desire to save everyone but not being able to do so. I won't be shamed to admit that I cried in many of his chapters... still do. When Kaladin was so hard on himself for wanting to save everyone but not being able to... I felt that.
What an amazing character.
Man, thank you for sharing this amazing comment.
Thank you for sharing! So great to hear how different people relate to Kaladin. I know I bawled through one pivotal scene toward the end of RoW. Tearing up now just thinking about it 😭
LOVE YOUR VIDEOS! Keep it up!
Thank you!
@@LostinDiscovery seriously, man. I know that sometimes it gets depressing when you don’t grow as quickly as you want but your videos are something special. Please don’t stop!
No plans on stopping mate! Hopefully things keep going at 1k subscribers a week 😆 Thanks again man.
My favorite Kaladin moment is when he choked Gaz after stepping off the cliff and ultimately not jumping in the very first book.
I think the windrunners (exclude Lopen, I don't understand what that guy is thinking) especially Kaladin and Teft are very relatable and both their struggles throughout the story and how they support each other serves to strengthen both of their character.
Back when I was in junior high school, many people bullied me and often extort me because of my small stature (I am 19 years old now and my height is only 156 cm, so I am way shorter when I was 13 years old) but I find my only best friend who support me and we struggle together, for me he is my Teft and sometimes my Kaladin (even though he is cheerful)
Entering the middle high school at 2017 using the newfound courage because of my struggle and my friendship before I become quite reliable, but people expects too much from me which drives me into depression because I was scared that I can't fulfill their expectations, after that the first time I read TWoK after I lose in a national scale competition which left me depressed because how my school was like "We've spent money for your training but you come without a medal" thing. TWoK inspired me a lot about how to not give up, and until now whenever I almost give up I will say "Okay, one more time" and I say it a lot.
My best friend, Prasojo died February 2020, when we separated after junior high we promise to each other that we will work as hard as we can to reach our dreams. Feeling depressed because the only people that I often express my fragility and always support me, my health condition worsen for the remainder of year.
So when RoW comes out and I read it like last December, those final chapters especially when Kaladin dream of Tien and spoke the 4th ideal I cried like a lot. I missed my only best friend soo much but I think I will try to move on, keep on remembering him, cherishing the days we spent together just like Tien said to Kaladin.
I hope each of us especially who struggles with depression could find our way so that each time we fall, we will rise each time a better person.
Oh my goodness, thank you so much for sharing this. I'm terribly sorry for your loss and am glad this series can bring you some solace. ❤️
I hope you are doing okay.
Dude your channels one of the best im happy im one of your first couple 1000 subscribers your shits amazing man keep up the good work.
Thank you so much!
Kaladin is one of those characters that I get protective over. I am ready to throw hands if someone hurts him and physically cringe when bad things happen to him. Sometimes I get sad that I can’t speak to him or maybe give him a hug cause my mans needs it. So I just end up reading his story like: “LET ME IIIIN!”
I sometimes get this reaction when a character is being stupid and I just wanna slap em and talk some sense into them. But I rarely get it because I want to cradle them and maybe make a warm cup of tee or I dunno buy a dog for them.
I feel the same! Kaladin needs a doggo so bad.
Beautiful video. Another great video mate! Loving ur channel and the streams. Also looking forward for u to read more First Law. Kaladin made me cry in WoK as someone who has had depression. His journey is so beautiful and with every book I identify more with him. Currently reading RoW and it’s fantastic. He’s such a well written character, and as you do wonderfully put (paraphrased) “When you read him you’re not following a superhero, you are following a real guy”. Couldn’t agree more. Could you do a spoiler version of this for Dalinar, my favourite character of all time. You can’t do Dalinar spoiler free imo.
OB spoilers:
A man with a bloody past, who cannot remember his wife or who he was and has to face those memories in their full force. They weigh him down and sicken him, showing him what a monster he was. But instead of letting it weaken him and take him astray from his path of self improvement, he takes responsibility for his actions. He accepts the pain and guilt of what he did. He won’t let Odium take his pain again. He decided to become a better man and live with the pain. As the most important words a man can say are “I will do better”.
Thanks man. Ah I'd love to do a Dalinar video, reading that quote you've attached still gives me chills!
@@LostinDiscovery I think on it almost every day. Thx for the response and keep up the great vids. You have some of the most high quality well out together videos for serious fantasy fans. Criminally underrated. Hope to see you make it big one day.
Kaladin is my favorite character in the whole cosmere
I'm glad you are feeling better!
Thanks!
Kaladin is definitely one of my favourite characters but I just love Jasanah so damn much!!
I'll love Jasnah forever!
I'm 100% starting WoK after I finish Hero of Ages. Sounds amazing, I'm already a huge Vin fan, so I'll probably love this dude too ☺️
And btw the animated art in the vid is amazing!
Out of all the Sanderson books I’ve read so far, Vin is the character I personally relate to the most, but Kaladin is by far my favorite ♥️
@@shananika Mistborn is the only Sanderon series I've read so I can't compare.
@@banjotiki3910 I started with The Stormlight Archive, then read Mistborn Era 1, then Warbreaker and now I just started Mistborn Era 2. I’m on a bit of a Sanderson/Cosmere binge lol.
You should definitely grab Mistborn: Secret History if you haven’t already. It’s a novella that adds more insight into what was happening during books 2 & 3. It follows 1 character’s journey from the end of The Final Empire through Hero of Ages and gives additional details that we are not privy to in the main books. It also gives more insight into The Cosmere that connects to other Sanderson series including The Stormlight Archive.
@@shananikaI plan on reading Secret History and Warbreaker too. Basically everything Cosmere.
@@banjotiki3910 haha. Once you start you get sucked in! You might want to read Warbreaker before The Stormlight Archive. Just a suggestion. There are things in Warbreaker that come up in Stormlight. Sadly I knew nothing about the Cosmere and the connections between Sanderson’s series before I started so I kind of read things in reverse order lol
I am still really enjoying everything, but it would’ve been cool to have read Stormlight after I’d read Warbreaker.
Same feeling here.
My most favourite fictional character overall.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Kaladin is my favorite! Hope you are better soon!
Thanks Tanya!
I would like to see a video about all the cosmere connections. I've listened to all of the audiobooks several times and feel like there's a lot of connections that I've missed. Full spoilers and crazy theories and all.
Videos like that are coming for sure :)
Yeah, I have clinical depression and read so much of myself in some moments with Kaladin. Even when things are looking up he still feels wrong, and then there are some moments where he won't say outloud that anything is wrong, like he doesn't even know himself, but it's obvious to the people round him. I was getting a little tired of his arc kind of repeating in the first three books, but how it changes in ROW and where he ends up was beautiful.
Didn't really find much that was special in Kaladin until Rhythm of War, at least since Way of Kings. I think the reason for him working better for me in that book is the fact that he finally got a therapist, or at least, therapy became a thing in his life thanks to the folks he rescued from the asylum. Which made his battle with depression feel much more like a dynamic conflict with followable victories and losses, which is far more engaging than internal monologues about "the darkness." Which may be true to life, but also is comparatively stagnant because it's such a vague conflict that is difficult to make engaging from a narrative standpoint. RoW though? SO much better. The fact that his depression is something that was the center of the conflict specifically and the battles were fought head-on...it's so much more fun to read, even if most real depression is almost by definition more flavorless (it's sort of what makes it so dangerous, to some extent).
In Way of Kings there was a similar element of specificity with the bridges and the forming of their bond. His slavery symbolized his mental illness, and that made his little victories incredibly satisfying. The other two books though? Not bad by any means, and lots of good stuff in there, but just...well, he usually was my least favorite viewpoint character in those two books.
Love your videos
Thanks!
No worries on the upload schedule man. I love the enthusiasm you have for all your video topics, so don't feel bad when you need to take a break to recharge and get well.
I believe in one of the live streams Sanderson said he consulted with someone he knew that struggled with depression so that he could more accurately portray what Kaladin was going through.
Thanks very much man.
That makes completely sense, the Kaladin scenes in RoW hit so hard and that's probably why. Sanderson really takes this seriously and it pays off.
Love this series!! You gotta read the Dark Tower series if you havent yet!!
I've heard its bad form to talk about missing upload schedules in videos. Best to just use the community feature for updates. No need to apologize to us for making free content anyway and as your channel grows and changes you may have to adapt to a different schedule anyway. Love the content!
Oh really? I just wanted to be open with you guys. Thanks so much though, I appreciate the support.
When I tell people about the Stormlight Archive this is what I say: "ya know how Zuko in AtLA had some of the best character development? Yeah Brandon Sanderson has three of those characters and they're better than Zuko." And I mean that completely.
i was playing dota a month ago and saw someone with the name kaladin stormblessed . was hyped to see a fellow Radiant.
Hahaha hell yes!
RoW spoilers
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"Then he stepped inside and found an empty nothingness.
His were the quarters of a highlord, supposedly luxurious and spacious. He had little furniture though, and that left it feeling hollow. Dark, the sole light coming from the balcony.
Every honor he’d been given seemed to highlight how vacant his life really was. Titles couldn’t fill a room with life. Still, he turned and closed the door with a firm push.
Only then did he break. He didn’t make it to the chair. He sank down with his back to the wall beside the door. He tried to unbutton his coat, but ended up bending forward with his knuckles pressing his forehead, digging into his skin as he hyperventilated, gasping in deep breaths of air while he trembled and shook."
I've never read a better depiction of Depression than this. This whole scene hit me too close to home.
❤️
The Stormlight Archives are all about mental illness. Every major character has some level of it. I've been watching it from WoK on, just about every disorder or disease is reflected in a character. The theme of recognizing the illness and managing it is very prevalent. If anyone missed it, RoW went full-on with Kal's PTSD clinic. I'm a recovering alcoholic (10 yrs sober), so maybe it hit me a bit faster.
Kaladin is my spirit animal!!
Gray shots of the books and tree by the way
My favs will allways be Kaladin and Harry Dresden.
Honestly I hope we see the final battle between Kaladin and Moash take place next book. Moash doesn't deserve to be killed by anyone but Kaladin.
I think to a certain extent all the characters of the stormlight archive are reflective of different trauma. Kaladin is broken by his experience as a slave and a bridge man, I think Sanderson writes kaladin very well because depression isn’t something you just get better from over night, it doesn’t have an easy fix. I think Sanderson writes depression with a lot of nuance.
Am I the only one who finds Kaladin (certainly my favorite character) is under appreciated by the people in the book. It feels like shallan is (as of book 3) brightness radiant and Kaladin is captain Kaladin. I find it making me sad that he just is overlooked despite saving the whole army and Dalinar and Adolin multiple times.
book 4, to not spoil, kinda changes that
@@gloop3621 does it really? More of the to not spoil glory goes to Navani Kaladin by the people in the city is a hero but Dalinar tells navani she was amazing not really to Kaladin.
Renarin’s my fave followed by Shallan!
I love him too! I think he has sooo much potential in this series.
@@LostinDiscovery Sanderson better give more chapters with him in the next book ha
Hope you're feeling better, can hear you're not 100% still though! Take it easy, no expectations here, we'll be here when you're feeling yourself again.
Kaladin is awesome. But I think my favourite is Syl or Wyndle. Or spoiler for RoW...
Chiri chiri!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you my friend!
Chiri Chiri is my number 1 character let's be real here..
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR MUSIC?! also, epic vids bro, kaladins best boi
Thanks! All of the music I use is from the UA-cam audio library.
I think you would love the journey of Rand Al’Thor from the Wheel of Time.
I love him also but my absolute favorite comes from another author of another series called the Lightbringer series
It's all of the "Guille" cast
Kip Gavin Andross
Matrin flaming Cauthon has entered the chat- AM I NOTHING TO YOU?????
After listening to the prologue of Stormlight 5, the part of the stormfather searching for a new Herald. Which one was he referring to? People think that Kaladin has to die right? But what if takes the place of Jezrien? After he was 'killed' he faded into nothing right?
What’s the piano piece at 5 mins +. Has quite a Satie vibe I love it.
I enjoy your show a ton, but I find myself having to watch a video in parts because of the ambient music. But I'm trying to get used to it. Your content is great and I will throw patreon support the moment it's up. Thank you for what you do
Damn, I'm sorry the music makes it difficult for you! I'm glad you like the content though, thank you so much for the support!
@@LostinDiscovery it is all good, its not keeping me away, your content is to good. I like the melody, it was just a bit to loud or prevalent
Earth shattering spoilers ahead! Just kidding
Great video
Hope you are feeling better
Thank you!
"You're good enough for me"
good video
Do you have a patreon?
Nope but it's something I'd consider doing if I want to take this more full time :)