Nassun's Journey Begins

Nassun, a young girl with extraordinary orogenic abilities, embarks on a journey with her father, Jija, after a traumatic event. They travel south, away from their home in Tirimo, seeking a place where Nassun can be "cured" of her orogeny. Along the way, they encounter various dangers, including hostile comms and natural threats. Nassun's abilities save them multiple times, but her father's fear and hatred of orogeny create tension between them. Eventually, they reach a place called Found Moon, where Nassun meets Schaffa, a Guardian who offers her a new home and a chance to understand her powers.

Essun's New Reality

Essun, Nassun's mother, finds herself in the underground comm of Castrima, where orogenes and stills coexist. She struggles with the loss of her daughter and the new responsibilities thrust upon her. Essun begins teaching orogene children, trying to prepare them for survival in a world that fears them. Her relationship with Alabaster, a powerful orogene who has caused the current apocalyptic Season, becomes central as he tries to teach her about the obelisks and their potential to end the Seasons. Essun grapples with the weight of this knowledge and the possibility of changing the world.

Alabaster's Revelation

Alabaster, once Essun's mentor and lover, is now a broken man, slowly turning to stone. He reveals to Essun the existence of a city called Corepoint and the truth about the obelisks. The obelisks are ancient tools capable of harnessing immense power, and Alabaster believes they can be used to end the Seasons by restoring the Moon to its proper orbit. This revelation is overwhelming for Essun, who must decide whether to trust Alabaster and take on the monumental task of saving the world.

Schaffa's Transformation

Schaffa, a Guardian who once enforced the Fulcrum's brutal control over orogenes, has changed. After a near-death experience, he becomes a protector and mentor to Nassun, seeing her as a key to a greater purpose. Schaffa struggles with the remnants of his past and the pain caused by the implant in his head, which connects him to the Earth. He is determined to help Nassun harness her powers, believing she can play a role in ending the ancient conflict between humanity and the Earth.

Nassun's Power Unleashed

Nassun's time at Found Moon allows her to explore her orogenic abilities without fear. She discovers a new aspect of her power, the ability to manipulate "silver," a mysterious force that enhances her orogeny. However, a tragic accident occurs when Nassun inadvertently turns a fellow student to stone, revealing the dangerous potential of her abilities. This incident forces Nassun to confront the reality of her power and the responsibility that comes with it.

Essun's Stone Arm Revelation

Essun wakes from a coma to find her right arm has turned to stone, a consequence of using the Obelisk Gate. This transformation is a stark reminder of the power she wielded and the cost it exacts. As she grapples with this new reality, she realizes the immense responsibility she bears to save the world from the endless Seasons. Her thoughts are consumed by the need to find her daughter, Nassun, and the hope that she can still make a difference in a world teetering on the brink of destruction.

Castrimans Face Internal Strife

The comm of Castrima is on edge, with tensions between orogenes and stills threatening to boil over. Ykka, the headwoman, struggles to maintain order as fear and suspicion spread. The community is divided over how to respond to the threat of Rennanis, an Equatorial comm with its own designs on Castrima. Essun's presence and power are both a source of hope and fear, as the comm grapples with the reality of their precarious situation.

Essun's Obelisk Power Unleashed

In a desperate bid to protect Castrima, Essun taps into the Obelisk Gate, unleashing its full power. The experience is overwhelming, nearly consuming her, but she manages to harness the energy to drive off the stone eaters and protect her people. This act of immense power comes at a cost, furthering her transformation into stone and leaving her physically and emotionally drained. Yet, it also brings clarity about the true potential of the Obelisk Gate and the role she must play in the world's salvation.

Nassun's Transformation and Resolve

Nassun, far from her mother, grapples with her own burgeoning abilities. Under the guidance of Schaffa, she learns to harness the power of the obelisks, discovering a new sense of purpose. Her journey is one of self-discovery and acceptance, as she comes to terms with her identity and the power she wields. Nassun's resolve hardens as she realizes the role she must play in the unfolding events, setting her on a path that will inevitably lead her back to her mother.

Essun's Desperate Coup

Faced with the threat of internal collapse, Essun takes drastic action to prevent a vote that could lead to the expulsion of orogenes from Castrima. She uses the power of the spinel obelisk to destroy the ballot box, asserting her authority and demanding unity. This act of defiance solidifies her position as a leader, but also isolates her further from the community. Essun's actions are driven by desperation and a fierce determination to protect her people, even as she struggles with the consequences of her power.

Nassun's Final Decision

Nassun faces a pivotal moment as she confronts her father, Jija, and the reality of her power. In a moment of self-defense, she uses the sapphire obelisk to turn him to stone, a decision that marks her irrevocable transformation. Guided by the enigmatic stone eater Steel, Nassun resolves to bring the Moon back to Earth, a decision that could end the Seasons forever. Her choice is driven by a desire to end the suffering she has witnessed and to forge a new path for herself and the world.

Characters

Essun

Essun is a powerful orogene who has become a leader in the comm of Castrima. Her journey is marked by loss and sacrifice, as she grapples with the consequences of her power and the responsibility to save the world. Essun's transformation into stone is a constant reminder of the cost of her actions, but her determination to protect her daughter and her people drives her forward.

Nassun

Nassun is Essun's daughter, a young orogene with immense potential. Her journey is one of self-discovery and acceptance, as she learns to harness her power and make difficult choices. Nassun's relationship with her father, Jija, is complex and fraught with tension, but her bond with Schaffa provides her with guidance and support. Nassun's decision to bring the Moon back to Earth marks a turning point in her journey, as she embraces her role in the world's salvation.

Alabaster

Alabaster is a powerful orogene who has caused the current apocalyptic Season by creating a massive rift. He is slowly turning to stone, a consequence of his actions, and is determined to teach Essun about the obelisks and their potential to end the Seasons. Alabaster's relationship with Essun is complicated, filled with both affection and frustration, as he pushes her to embrace her true power and take on the monumental task of saving the world.

Schaffa

Schaffa is a Guardian who has undergone a transformation, becoming a protector and mentor to Nassun. His relationship with Nassun is one of deep affection and guidance, as he helps her navigate the complexities of her power. Schaffa's struggle with the remnants of his past and the pain caused by the implant in his head is a constant source of tension, but his determination to protect Nassun drives him forward.

Jija

Jija is Nassun's father, a man driven by fear and hatred of orogeny. His journey with Nassun is marked by tension and violence, as he struggles to reconcile his love for his daughter with his fear of her powers. Jija's actions are often driven by desperation and a desire to "cure" Nassun of her orogeny, leading to a complex and strained relationship between them.

Hoa

Hoa is a stone eater who has taken on the form of a young boy to protect and guide Essun. His true motives are unclear, but his loyalty to Essun is unwavering. Hoa's presence is a constant reminder of the ancient conflict between humanity and the Earth, and his actions often hint at a larger plan involving Essun and the obelisks.

Ykka

Ykka is the leader of Castrima, a comm on the brink of collapse. Her role is one of constant negotiation and compromise, as she tries to balance the needs of orogenes and stills. Ykka's relationship with Essun is complex, as she both relies on and fears her power. Her determination to protect her people is unwavering, even as she faces the threat of Rennanis and the internal strife within her comm.

Plot Devices

The Obelisks

The obelisks are mysterious, floating structures capable of harnessing the Earth's energy. They are central to the story, representing both a potential solution to the Seasons and a source of great danger. The obelisks are part of a network called the Obelisk Gate, which Alabaster believes can be used to restore balance and end the Seasons. Essun's journey involves learning to master this power and understanding the true purpose of the obelisks.

The Obelisk Gate

The Obelisk Gate is a network of obelisks capable of channeling the Earth's energy to restore balance and end the Seasons. Essun's journey involves learning to master this power and understanding the true purpose of the obelisks. The Gate represents both hope and danger, as its activation could save humanity or lead to further destruction.

Stone Transformation

The transformation of orogenes into stone is a consequence of wielding immense power, particularly through the Obelisk Gate. This transformation is a constant reminder of the cost of using such power, and it serves as a symbol of the sacrifice and loss that comes with the responsibility of saving the world. Essun's struggle with her own transformation is a central theme in her journey.

Silver

Silver is a new aspect of orogeny that Nassun discovers, a mysterious force that enhances her abilities. It is a source of great power but also danger, as Nassun learns when she accidentally turns a fellow student to stone. Silver represents the untapped potential of orogeny and the unknown forces at play in the world. Nassun's journey involves learning to control this power and understanding its implications for herself and the world.

Analysis

"The Obelisk Gate" by N.K. Jemisin delves into themes of power, identity, and the struggle for survival in a world marked by fear and prejudice. The narrative explores the complex relationships between characters, particularly the mother-daughter bond between Essun and Nassun, and the mentor-student dynamic with Alabaster and Schaffa. The book challenges readers to consider the cost of wielding immense power and the sacrifices required to bring about change. Through the lens of a fantastical world, Jemisin addresses real-world issues of oppression, resilience, and the quest for a better future. The story's intricate plot and rich character development offer a profound commentary on the human condition and the enduring hope for redemption and peace.