Fact Check: Are RLain and Renarin together?

Are Renarin and Rlain Together? A Fact-Checking Analysis

Introduction

The claim that "Renarin and Rlain are together" pertains to the relationship between two characters from Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archive series. This assertion has sparked discussions among fans regarding the nature of their bond, particularly in light of recent character developments in the narrative. This article will explore the available sources to assess the validity of this claim without drawing a definitive conclusion.

What We Know

1. Character Background: Renarin Kholin is a lighteyed prince and a Truthwatcher, bonded to the corrupted mistspren Glys. Rlain, a member of Bridge Four, has a unique bond with his spren that allows him to share future sight with Renarin due to their connections with Sja-Anat 38.

2. Character Dynamics: Several sources suggest that Renarin and Rlain share a significant relationship. For instance, one source states that their relationship is marked by mutual understanding, as both characters feel like outsiders 5. Another source discusses their dynamic and the potential for a romantic relationship, indicating that their interactions have been positively received by fans 14.

3. Author's Intent: Brandon Sanderson has publicly stated that he wrote Renarin as a gay character, which suggests that his relationships, including with Rlain, are intentional and meaningful within the narrative 2. This adds a layer of authenticity to the claim of their romantic involvement.

4. Community Reception: The fan community has engaged in discussions about the nature of Renarin and Rlain's relationship, with some expressing hope for a "happily ever after" scenario for the characters 6. However, opinions vary, and some fans feel that the relationship's development has been sudden or unexpected 10.

Analysis

The evidence surrounding the claim of Renarin and Rlain's relationship is largely drawn from fan interpretations and the author's commentary.

• Source Reliability:

  • The 17th Shard forums 110 and The Coppermind 38 are reputable sources within the Stormlight Archive community, often used for character analysis and lore discussions. However, they represent fan interpretations and may not always reflect the author's explicit intentions.
  • Brandon Sanderson's own blog 2 is a primary source of information regarding his characters and their relationships. His statements carry significant weight, as they come directly from the creator of the narrative.

• Potential Bias:

  • Fan forums may exhibit bias, as participants often have emotional investments in the characters and their relationships. This can lead to interpretations that align with personal desires rather than objective analysis.
  • Sanderson's blog, while authoritative, may also reflect his personal views and intentions, which could influence how readers perceive the characters' relationships.

• Methodological Considerations:

  • The analysis of character relationships in literature often relies on textual evidence and author commentary. However, the subjective nature of interpretation means that conclusions can vary widely among readers. More direct quotes from the text or specific plot points would strengthen the analysis.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that "Renarin and Rlain are together" is partially true based on the evidence available. There is a significant basis for the assertion, including the characters' mutual understanding and the author's confirmation of Renarin's identity as a gay character, which supports the interpretation of their relationship as potentially romantic. However, the relationship's development is still open to interpretation, and not all fans agree on its nature or progression.

It is important to note that much of the evidence comes from fan discussions and interpretations, which can be subjective and influenced by personal biases. While the author's intent provides a strong foundation for the claim, the lack of explicit narrative confirmation leaves room for uncertainty regarding the depth and nature of their relationship.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider the nuances involved in interpreting character relationships in literature. The ongoing discussions within the fan community highlight the complexity of such interpretations and the importance of recognizing diverse perspectives.

Sources

1. Renarin and Rlain - 17th Shard. Available at: 17th Shard
2. On Renarin and Rlain - Brandon Sanderson's Blog. Available at: Brandon Sanderson
3. Rlain - The Coppermind. Available at: The Coppermind
4. Shardcast: Renarin and Rlain - Shardcast. Available at: Shardcast
5. Renarin Kholin - Stormlight Archive Character Biography. Available at: Beyond Hogwarts
6. Renarin and Rlain: A Latter-day Saint Perspective. Available at: Elissa Writes Stuff
7. Renarin Kholin/Rlain - Works | Archive of Our Own. Available at: Archive of Our Own
8. Renarin Kholin - The Coppermind. Available at: The Coppermind
9. lamaery — Mateform. Available at: Tumblr
10. On Renarin and Rlain - Wind and Truth Spoiler Board. Available at: 17th Shard