The voice in Rand's head is not necessarily Lews Therin's - more likely Moridin's. Moridin is trying to throw Rand off by making him think that he's already crazy. There's a part - I believe it's in #8 where the 'voice' calls Rand crazy. I think this is a heads up for readers. It is unlikely that Lews Therin would say something so out of character. Plus there's a point in #9 when Rand sees the dark flecks in front of his eyes - when Alanna and Cadsuane visit him at Far Madding - he's likely seeing Moridin's saa flecks. And maybe one or both saw them in his eyes as well but said nothing - since they did not know what they were seeing.
This does not mean that none of Lews Therin is coming through - because he is constantly teaching Rand - or Rand is 'remembering' abilities - like the Death Gates, Flaming Arrows, and Net of Flames - Logain comments that Taim never taught those tricks - and it takes him and the other Asha'men in Tear a few minutes to learn the weaves to do the same. Rand knows they are Lews Therin's special secret tricks. When Rand was fighting Sammael in Shadar Logoth - he is helped by Moridin and their Balefire crossed paths slightly causing a nasty effect on Rand. Yet, the 'voice' was already present. I believe it is something like the Isam/Luc link - but only Moridin knows it. Besides, Ishamael always liked to pretend to be someone he's not.
I find it interesting that Sammael is the only Forsaken calling him Rand al'Thor. And yes - he's still alive and causing problems - hiding in Far Madding as we notice in 9 - when Cadsuane and the rest are just arriving - he's the guard with the nasty scar when they are signing in. And possibly controlling Luc/Isam.
Halima = Arangar = Balthamel
Dashiva = Osangar = Aginor
Cyndane = Lanfear
Moridin = Ishamael
Tuon does not trust nor like Anath - and for good reason - though we still have yet to find out what she intends to do about her since she does not know exactly what and who Anath is yet.
What is the big piece of information that Cadsuane has yet to teach the Asha'men and Rand - which they will not like? Not that thing about Callandor. She will tell them who Taim really is - at least what he is - since the ter'angreal she wears in her hair can sense and point out Forsaken. She might even know about Dashiva - who is still alive despite the nasty injury he gets at the end of 9. Maybe she sensed Sammael as well - unless it can only point them out while they are channeling.
Thanks to Egwene's dreams - we already know that Logain will be taking down Taim - maybe with some Forkroot in his drink to neutralize his channeling abilities.
Rand must die in order to live - and Mat must die in order to live, though technically speaking he may have done that up to three times already: Rhuidean when he was hung - Rhuidean when the darkhounds got to him - and Caemlyn when Rand was fighting Rhavin. Actually, in Rand's present condition by the end of the series thus far - he's kinda looking forward to getting it all over with. I guess it's just a test of wills between Rand and Moridin. But Shadar Haran is still a question - he gets more freedom and more powerful after Rand fixes one nasty problem at the end of 9. I believe most of the Last Battle will be taking place in tel'aron rhiod - Rand can get Mat there and Perrin can get there his own way. I believe there will be more than 100 companions this time around. Actually, since channeling near Shayol Ghul brings anyone death - they might all have to travel there by the world of dreams.
Then there's a curiosity - one part of one prophecy says 'Last Battle won but the world not done with battle'. The Blight is retreating and quiet - and Lan is beginning the official fight alone. I am wondering if the Shadar Logoth battle in 9 might be the official fight and nobody knows. That's why the Forsaken - or at least most of them - show up to stop him - well, eight of them anyway. That was rather nasty - eight Forsaken at once! I like Alivia - the former damane - she's too cool!
An d what will happen when Rand, Mat, and Perrin are together with that odd swirling color thing happening when each thinks of the other two. That obviously has something to do with Elayne's gateway blowing up since it doesn't start until after that event. It might hurry things along in the end - since they end up able to see the one they are thinking of - meaning Rand can just make a gateway to the others when he needs them. Lots of interesting things are going to be happening in the last book - not to mention a certain Aes Sedai's rescue before the battle - and Egwene getting help from Tuon in taking the Amyrlin Seat in the White Tower. Elaida as damane sounds really nice.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
A Bit More on Asmodien
How can the prophesy of the dragon be fulfilled if Asmodien is Rand's biological dad? The only way is if Asmodien was originally an Aiel before the Breaking of the World - the old version of the Aiel - the one's that followed the Way of the Leaf. Remember, the Tuath'an are the only true Aiel left. Asmodien followed the Way of the Leaf like the Tinkers. This makes sense since he does not use a sword or any other weapon like the other male Forsaken.
Aram is a foreshadowing of this. He joins the Friends of the Dark - hoping he'll win Egwene as his prize. He was the Tinker at the Darkfriends assembly at the beginning of #2. His orders via Ba'alzamon are to follow Perrin until further orders are given. He does this all the way through #11 where the orders are changed. At that point Tarmon Gai'don is just around the bend and all three Ta'veren are still alive - more powerful - and kicking butt. The living and transmogrified Forsaken are losing against Rand - esp. w the Asha'men, among other things. So, now the order comes down to take out Mat and Perrin - except they too are stronger than they were originally. The Aelfinn and Eelfinn are breaking the rules and letting the good guys break all kinds of rules because there's too much at stake.
Back to Asmodien. He does not behave like the other Forsaken - actually he does not act like a Forsaken at all. Remember the double circle of thirteen Aes Sedai and thirteen Myrdraal used to turn someone to the Shadow against their will? I believe there are at least a couple Aes Sedai allies of Rand's who may have been made Black Ajah this way. I would not be surprised if Asmodien was converted this way. Thirteen Myrdraal is obvious. But there was only thirteen Forsaken - twelve plus Asmodien. Something is missing from the puzzle. They had to use a thirteenth person to finish the circle. Lews Therin Telamon - leashed by a male A'dam to two of the others - made thirteen.
Shadar Haran was likely the Myrdraal Lews Therin channeled though - while leashed. This caused the backlash creating the taint on Saidin. Use the Dragon against his will to convert a peaceful Aiel Aes Sedai into a Forsaken - also against his will. But I would hazard a bet that a "taint of the light" was left in Shadar Haran - plus a part of Lews Therin himself. So, the Forsaken, doing what they did four thousand years before - is going to bring about their own destruction and likely destroy the Shadow forever - hence it is the Last Battle.
Who created the current manifestation of the Aiel? Forsaken. Who created all the Shadowspawn? The Forsaken. Who caused the taint on Saidin? The Forsaken. Who outlawed Balefire - the only thing that can destroy a Forsaken or a Darkhound forever? The Forsaken. Who created the Seanchan? The Forsaken. Who likely put it into law for channelers to be stilled or gentled? Likely the Forsaken.
Rand, Mat, Perrin, Egwene, Lan, Nynaeve, Moiraine, Elayne, and Asmodien are all undoing what all the other twelve Forsaken did. Kind of like unweaving some nasty knots in the Pattern.
Aram is a foreshadowing of this. He joins the Friends of the Dark - hoping he'll win Egwene as his prize. He was the Tinker at the Darkfriends assembly at the beginning of #2. His orders via Ba'alzamon are to follow Perrin until further orders are given. He does this all the way through #11 where the orders are changed. At that point Tarmon Gai'don is just around the bend and all three Ta'veren are still alive - more powerful - and kicking butt. The living and transmogrified Forsaken are losing against Rand - esp. w the Asha'men, among other things. So, now the order comes down to take out Mat and Perrin - except they too are stronger than they were originally. The Aelfinn and Eelfinn are breaking the rules and letting the good guys break all kinds of rules because there's too much at stake.
Back to Asmodien. He does not behave like the other Forsaken - actually he does not act like a Forsaken at all. Remember the double circle of thirteen Aes Sedai and thirteen Myrdraal used to turn someone to the Shadow against their will? I believe there are at least a couple Aes Sedai allies of Rand's who may have been made Black Ajah this way. I would not be surprised if Asmodien was converted this way. Thirteen Myrdraal is obvious. But there was only thirteen Forsaken - twelve plus Asmodien. Something is missing from the puzzle. They had to use a thirteenth person to finish the circle. Lews Therin Telamon - leashed by a male A'dam to two of the others - made thirteen.
Shadar Haran was likely the Myrdraal Lews Therin channeled though - while leashed. This caused the backlash creating the taint on Saidin. Use the Dragon against his will to convert a peaceful Aiel Aes Sedai into a Forsaken - also against his will. But I would hazard a bet that a "taint of the light" was left in Shadar Haran - plus a part of Lews Therin himself. So, the Forsaken, doing what they did four thousand years before - is going to bring about their own destruction and likely destroy the Shadow forever - hence it is the Last Battle.
Who created the current manifestation of the Aiel? Forsaken. Who created all the Shadowspawn? The Forsaken. Who caused the taint on Saidin? The Forsaken. Who outlawed Balefire - the only thing that can destroy a Forsaken or a Darkhound forever? The Forsaken. Who created the Seanchan? The Forsaken. Who likely put it into law for channelers to be stilled or gentled? Likely the Forsaken.
Rand, Mat, Perrin, Egwene, Lan, Nynaeve, Moiraine, Elayne, and Asmodien are all undoing what all the other twelve Forsaken did. Kind of like unweaving some nasty knots in the Pattern.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Farstrider the Forsaken?
At the end of book #1 when Rand is dealing with Ishmael [Ba'alzamon] - the Forsaken mentions Jain Farstrider. He went to an Ogier Stedding - one of the reasons Moiraine decided they needed to get to the Eye of the World. Loial mentioned about a man showing up - dying - at the Stedding - who said that Ba'alzamon meant to use the Eye for his own purposes - twenty years before the main story takes place.
We know that Janduin met Luc in the Waste - and refused to fight him because Luc looked so much like Janduin's wife, Shaiel. It is believed that Luc killed him. It is likely that Janduin [Farstrider] made his way to the stedding to warn the Ogier about the Eye and they helped him and saved his life. Janduin/Farstrider/Asmodien left the Stedding healed and believing the other Forsaken believed him dead and would leave him alone - until Lanfear finds him and enlists his help. Lanfear has her own reasons for helping Rand - but so does Asmodien.
It is a good idea to note Asmodien's reactions to Rand when they are together. Remember, unlike all the other Forsaken, Asmodien is not fighting against Rand and Rand's allies. If he was, he would have killed Mat when they encountered each other in Ebou Dar - after the Dark One gave specific orders for all Forsaken to kill Perrin and Mat. So, at least Asmodien does NOT want Rand to lose - and is likely going to help Mat rescue our favorite Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah. She herself knows about Asmodien and who he is and likely what he's hiding - from her trip to Rhuidean - but she intentionally keeps this info from Rand - probably for a very good reason. I guess I would react badly if I found out my biological dad was a forsaken - it would just ruin my day. Rand has enough to deal with.
We know that Janduin met Luc in the Waste - and refused to fight him because Luc looked so much like Janduin's wife, Shaiel. It is believed that Luc killed him. It is likely that Janduin [Farstrider] made his way to the stedding to warn the Ogier about the Eye and they helped him and saved his life. Janduin/Farstrider/Asmodien left the Stedding healed and believing the other Forsaken believed him dead and would leave him alone - until Lanfear finds him and enlists his help. Lanfear has her own reasons for helping Rand - but so does Asmodien.
It is a good idea to note Asmodien's reactions to Rand when they are together. Remember, unlike all the other Forsaken, Asmodien is not fighting against Rand and Rand's allies. If he was, he would have killed Mat when they encountered each other in Ebou Dar - after the Dark One gave specific orders for all Forsaken to kill Perrin and Mat. So, at least Asmodien does NOT want Rand to lose - and is likely going to help Mat rescue our favorite Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah. She herself knows about Asmodien and who he is and likely what he's hiding - from her trip to Rhuidean - but she intentionally keeps this info from Rand - probably for a very good reason. I guess I would react badly if I found out my biological dad was a forsaken - it would just ruin my day. Rand has enough to deal with.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
More Bits of the Wheel
A bit more about Thom Merillin. When Moiraine, Lan, and Nynaeve got to Whitebridge some of the townspeople mentioned a man channeling. Every other building in the town square was burned down. This was also the case in Emond's Field on Winternight. Every other house had burned. In Whitebridge, only a single Myrdraal ambushed Thom, Rand, and Mat - no Trollocs to burn anything and the Myrdraal was occupied w Thom. Remember, after the attack at Emond's Field - Thom was cutting the singed parts from his gleeman's cloak.
Thom also mentions something about the dead coming back - either as dead heroes or being transferred into living bodies - a la transmogrification by the Dark One. My guess is that he accidentally burned the buildings down when he used Saidin since he does not know how to actually use and control it properly. Oops!
Rand felt Moiraine using her powers when she healed Tam - the tingling and chill feeling. This happens at other points in the story before he knows he can channel - as well as after. Thom was probably noticing that one of the Emond's Field boys could channel. We already know that Logain - even while shielded and in the cage being hauled before Morgase - could feel Rand and could even tell how much stronger in the One Power Rand was compared to himself. This is why he laughed at exactly the moment when Rand saw him - Logain could feel Rand on the castle wall. Logain was laughing at the Aes Sedai - because he knew something they did not - something really important.
One of Mat's prophesies - from the Aelfinn said: he had "to give up half the light of the world in order to save the world". This likely refers to his fighting against the Seanchan. The Seanchan use the One Power as a weapon at all times through leashing wilders [damane] to 'learners' [sul'dam] of Saidar. Despite his dislike for the One Power, Mat knows this is wrong. He releases 'damane' who are either Aes Sedai or Sea Folk. And then there's the incident where Tuon puts leashes on the two Aes Sedai with Mat's group and he attempts to convince her to stop.
Mat's memories from other generals is an interesting situation. One thing I am curious about is whether these memories include those of a couple Forsaken who were and still are running around alive and causing problems - Sammael and Demandred. Wouldn't it be nice if Mat knew their strategies and tactics to use against them. They are both known for being two of the best generals - even though they gave their loyalty to the Dark One.
Yes, Sammael still lives. We encounter him outside Far Madding after he fought Rand in Shadar Logoth. If you don't see a Forsaken actually die, then he's likely not dead. If they are killed by Balefire, they are permanently burned from the pattern - and remain dead. If they are killed by any other means...
Osan'gar, Aran'gar, Moridin, and Cyndane - we can kinda tell which one was whom by their personalities and other features. Cyndane is obvious. Moridin is "in charge" and insane. Osan'gar mumbles to himself constantly and laughs out loud for no apparent reason. Aran'gar resents his new form for obvious reasons - walks around like she should own everything - taking advantage whenever and wherever opportunity arises - and loves using her old Saidin powers to freak everyone out and win some battles. Aran'gar's situation proves that the Dark One has one really sick sense of humor - maybe because he was the first Forsaken to die.
Thom also mentions something about the dead coming back - either as dead heroes or being transferred into living bodies - a la transmogrification by the Dark One. My guess is that he accidentally burned the buildings down when he used Saidin since he does not know how to actually use and control it properly. Oops!
Rand felt Moiraine using her powers when she healed Tam - the tingling and chill feeling. This happens at other points in the story before he knows he can channel - as well as after. Thom was probably noticing that one of the Emond's Field boys could channel. We already know that Logain - even while shielded and in the cage being hauled before Morgase - could feel Rand and could even tell how much stronger in the One Power Rand was compared to himself. This is why he laughed at exactly the moment when Rand saw him - Logain could feel Rand on the castle wall. Logain was laughing at the Aes Sedai - because he knew something they did not - something really important.
One of Mat's prophesies - from the Aelfinn said: he had "to give up half the light of the world in order to save the world". This likely refers to his fighting against the Seanchan. The Seanchan use the One Power as a weapon at all times through leashing wilders [damane] to 'learners' [sul'dam] of Saidar. Despite his dislike for the One Power, Mat knows this is wrong. He releases 'damane' who are either Aes Sedai or Sea Folk. And then there's the incident where Tuon puts leashes on the two Aes Sedai with Mat's group and he attempts to convince her to stop.
Mat's memories from other generals is an interesting situation. One thing I am curious about is whether these memories include those of a couple Forsaken who were and still are running around alive and causing problems - Sammael and Demandred. Wouldn't it be nice if Mat knew their strategies and tactics to use against them. They are both known for being two of the best generals - even though they gave their loyalty to the Dark One.
Yes, Sammael still lives. We encounter him outside Far Madding after he fought Rand in Shadar Logoth. If you don't see a Forsaken actually die, then he's likely not dead. If they are killed by Balefire, they are permanently burned from the pattern - and remain dead. If they are killed by any other means...
Osan'gar, Aran'gar, Moridin, and Cyndane - we can kinda tell which one was whom by their personalities and other features. Cyndane is obvious. Moridin is "in charge" and insane. Osan'gar mumbles to himself constantly and laughs out loud for no apparent reason. Aran'gar resents his new form for obvious reasons - walks around like she should own everything - taking advantage whenever and wherever opportunity arises - and loves using her old Saidin powers to freak everyone out and win some battles. Aran'gar's situation proves that the Dark One has one really sick sense of humor - maybe because he was the first Forsaken to die.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Thom - A Gleeman with a Secret
What really happened at Whitebridge when everyone believed Thom was killed fighting a Myrdraal? Thom did not have a sword - he preferred throwing knives. Nobody rescued him. What else do we know about Thom?
Court bard and Morgase's former lover around the time Elayne was born. Very likely Elayne's biological dad. Morgase is too weak in the One Power to do much. Whereas Elayne is as strong as Egwene.
Had a nephew who could channel - and was gentled and left for dead by the Reds.
At Whitebridge there was a flash of light as Rand and Mat were leaving town. Rand did not cause it.
Rand only channeled accidentally three times before the end of #1. To make Bela keep running - then had the fuzzy headache as a side effect in Baerlon. Then when he jumped onto Domon's ship outside of Shadar Logoth - making it lurch to throw the Trolloc into the River - his giddy acrobatics on top of the masthead was the side effect of this. And finally the lightning strike that saved their lives at the inn on the road to Caemlyn - killing the bad guys, blinding Mat, and making Rand very sick. Talk about panic attacks!
It is very likely that Thom can channel and knows this - but because of the taint and the Reds' hunting and tactics - refuses to use it except in major emergencies.
Court bard and Morgase's former lover around the time Elayne was born. Very likely Elayne's biological dad. Morgase is too weak in the One Power to do much. Whereas Elayne is as strong as Egwene.
Had a nephew who could channel - and was gentled and left for dead by the Reds.
At Whitebridge there was a flash of light as Rand and Mat were leaving town. Rand did not cause it.
Rand only channeled accidentally three times before the end of #1. To make Bela keep running - then had the fuzzy headache as a side effect in Baerlon. Then when he jumped onto Domon's ship outside of Shadar Logoth - making it lurch to throw the Trolloc into the River - his giddy acrobatics on top of the masthead was the side effect of this. And finally the lightning strike that saved their lives at the inn on the road to Caemlyn - killing the bad guys, blinding Mat, and making Rand very sick. Talk about panic attacks!
It is very likely that Thom can channel and knows this - but because of the taint and the Reds' hunting and tactics - refuses to use it except in major emergencies.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Wheel of Time Images
This is one of the best images of Rand - the only thing off is his sword. Heron marked blades are like katana swords.
Thom teaching Rand about the Game of Houses - political intrigue - in Cairhien - while playing a game of stones, of course.
There are not many really good images of Perrin online - the hair, the eyes, the build - something is always a bit off. This one is pretty good - showing Lord Perrin Goldeneyes and everyone's favorite Tinker-turned-expert-swordsman - Aram.Some of the best pictures are of Mat.
Mat to the rescue! Here he is thinking and planning out a strategy from the rooftops of Tear - about how he's to get into the Stone - not an easy fortress to get into. Nobody appreciates all the effort he puts into helping, rescuing, etc., - or so he believes. SIGH!
This one by oRen shows Lord Mat, Commander of the Band of the Red Hand and the Ever Victorious Army's worst nightmare. And he can't even channel. Even Nynaeve is a wee bit intimidated by him by this point. Roll the dice!
Here's a really nice one of Mat w his gifts from the Eelfinn: the wolfhead medallion and his Ashanderei (spear). Are we feelin' lucky?!
This hand drawn picture by Hamilton Cline shows Mat chillin' on the road w Valan Luca's Travelling Show. He has his signet ring on, which he does not get until #8. And he kept teasing Rand about this kind of thing earlier in the story - about pretending to be a lord. Is he starting to feel appreciated, yet? Oh, yeah - he's Olver's adopted daddy, too. Mr. Responsibility!
One of the best pictures of Elayne Trakand.
Far Dareis Mai - Maiden of the Spear. Aiel are some of the fiercest fighters - but they would never touch a sword. An early pic of Aviendha, perhaps?
Our favorite Sheinaran - Uno Nomesta. Exactly as I picture him from the series. Given the difficult task of guarding Nynaeve - special orders from Lan. Explains the heavy duty armor!
In the beginning... The end of Lews Therin Telamon Kinslayer...or was it?!
Asha'man practicing.Wednesday, June 4, 2008
A Tale of Two Dragons
I believe that Lews Therin is going to be an ally - not an enemy. We already know for certain that Rand is indeed Lews Therin reborn/reincarnated - because when the Horn of Valere is used the first time - Arthur Hawkwing called Rand, Lews Therin. As far as all the dead taveren are concerned, Rand IS Lews Therin. This makes sense with the Forsaken calling Rand by his "old" name, too.
Semirhage mentions transmogrification in relation to Rand in #11 - referring to Lews Therin's voice and increasing control in Rand's mind. This gets readers wondering that maybe the Dark One and Forsaken somehow have "implanted" Lews Therin's last memories in Rand's head without his knowledge. I believe that this is likely a smokescreen to make Rand secondguess himself - and freak out his allies. Kind of like saying - he's nutso - the old Kinslayer is in control now - and there is no hope of winning.
The dual injury in Rand's side may be causing a resonance - that is literally separating the two dragons. Remember, that Shadar Logoth is not Dark One type evil - but one that built up out of fear and paranoia about the Dark One's return - hence in the Old Tongue it's called "Shadow's Waiting". Rand uses this same resonance to fix a major problem in #9. The only thing is that he did not get the second injury until after Lews Therin started "talking". So, maybe one of the Forsaken did start the ball rolling, but things are not going as expected - the resonance w S.L. is causing the separation to become more pronounced over time. L.T. seems to get stronger after each time Rand enters or is near S.L. Demandred starts getting antsy and really upset about not being as in control as he thought he was. The good guys are doing things the Forsaken do not expect - things that were impossible in their time.
Lews Therin wants to die - and is very frustrated that he cannot. Rand does not want to die in the last battle but figures he doesn't have a choice in the matter. L.T. warns Rand about certain people - though Rand is ignoring him. L.T. is also training Rand w channeling abilities - ones the Asha'men are not being taught - except a really cool battle in #11 - shows some of them some of it. This makes it clear to them who their real boss is. If L.T. is going to fight against Rand - it would make no sense for him to give away his own special spells.
Semirhage mentions transmogrification in relation to Rand in #11 - referring to Lews Therin's voice and increasing control in Rand's mind. This gets readers wondering that maybe the Dark One and Forsaken somehow have "implanted" Lews Therin's last memories in Rand's head without his knowledge. I believe that this is likely a smokescreen to make Rand secondguess himself - and freak out his allies. Kind of like saying - he's nutso - the old Kinslayer is in control now - and there is no hope of winning.
The dual injury in Rand's side may be causing a resonance - that is literally separating the two dragons. Remember, that Shadar Logoth is not Dark One type evil - but one that built up out of fear and paranoia about the Dark One's return - hence in the Old Tongue it's called "Shadow's Waiting". Rand uses this same resonance to fix a major problem in #9. The only thing is that he did not get the second injury until after Lews Therin started "talking". So, maybe one of the Forsaken did start the ball rolling, but things are not going as expected - the resonance w S.L. is causing the separation to become more pronounced over time. L.T. seems to get stronger after each time Rand enters or is near S.L. Demandred starts getting antsy and really upset about not being as in control as he thought he was. The good guys are doing things the Forsaken do not expect - things that were impossible in their time.
Lews Therin wants to die - and is very frustrated that he cannot. Rand does not want to die in the last battle but figures he doesn't have a choice in the matter. L.T. warns Rand about certain people - though Rand is ignoring him. L.T. is also training Rand w channeling abilities - ones the Asha'men are not being taught - except a really cool battle in #11 - shows some of them some of it. This makes it clear to them who their real boss is. If L.T. is going to fight against Rand - it would make no sense for him to give away his own special spells.
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