Prophecies and Power Unleashed

The world is in chaos as ancient prophecies begin to manifest. The Dragon Reborn, a figure of both hope and terror, is said to be among the living once more. Wars erupt across nations, false Dragons rise and fall, and the Aes Sedai—women who wield the One Power—are forced into the open, their secrets and allegiances questioned. The Children of the Light, fanatical zealots, and the mysterious Seanchan threaten stability. Amidst this, the true Dragon, Rand al'Thor, struggles with his identity and the immense power he can channel, while his friends and enemies alike are swept up in the turning of the Wheel of Time.

The Pattern's Unraveling

Rand, Mat, and Perrin—ta'veren, people around whom the Pattern weaves itself—find their lives and the world's fate inextricably linked. Rand, hunted and haunted, is hidden in the mountains, wrestling with the burden of being the Dragon Reborn. Perrin, with his wolf-gift, and Mat, cursed and blessed by a tainted dagger, are drawn into events beyond their control. The Pattern itself seems to unravel, with improbable events and wild chance becoming commonplace, signaling the world's approach to a turning point.

Shadows and Hunters

The Black Ajah, a secret sect of Aes Sedai serving the Dark One, is revealed, and their betrayal shakes the White Tower. Liandrin and her followers steal powerful ter'angreal and flee, leaving death and suspicion in their wake. Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne, young women training to be Aes Sedai, are tasked by the Amyrlin Seat to hunt the Black Ajah, a mission fraught with peril. Meanwhile, Mat, newly Healed, is drawn into the Game of Houses and the deadly politics of Andor and Tear, while the Forsaken—ancient, evil channelers—begin to move openly, manipulating events for their own ends.

The Dragon's Flight

Rand, desperate to avoid the manipulations of Aes Sedai and the fate laid out for him, flees into the wilderness. His friends, Perrin and Loial, and the Aes Sedai Moiraine and her Warder Lan, follow, trying to protect him and guide him toward his destiny. Rand's presence warps reality, causing improbable events—weddings, disasters, miracles, and tragedies—wherever he passes. The world's fabric is stretched thin, and the Pattern itself seems to demand Rand's confrontation with his fate.

Dreams and Nightmares

Egwene discovers her talent as a Dreamer, able to enter Tel'aran'rhiod, the World of Dreams, where what happens can be as real as waking life. In her dreams, she sees Rand hunted and hunting, Mat dicing with the Dark One, and Perrin torn between his humanity and the wolves. The Forsaken, especially Lanfear, stalk the dreamworld, and the Black Ajah use ter'angreal to set deadly traps. Dreams become battlegrounds, and the line between nightmare and reality blurs.

The Black Ajah's Trail

Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne follow the Black Ajah's trail from Tar Valon to Tear, aided by the thief-catcher Juilin Sandar and the Wise Woman Mother Guenna. They discover clues pointing to the Heart of the Stone in Tear, where the Black Ajah plots something dire. Along the way, they face betrayal, capture, and the constant threat of the Forsaken and their minions. The hunt is as much about survival as justice, and the young women must use all their wits and growing power to stay ahead of their enemies.

The Trap in Tear

The Black Ajah, working with the Forsaken Be'lal, lures Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne into a trap within the Stone of Tear. Shielded from the One Power and brutally beaten, they are to be used as bait for Rand, the Dragon Reborn. Mat, driven by friendship and a sense of responsibility, risks everything to rescue them, aided by Juilin and the chaos caused by the Aiel, who have infiltrated the Stone for their own mysterious reasons.

The Stone Falls

The Stone of Tear, thought impregnable, falls in a single night. The Aiel, led by Rhuarc, storm the fortress, fulfilling prophecy. Mat and Juilin, with the help of the Aiel, free Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne from the dungeons. The city erupts in chaos as the Defenders of the Stone are overwhelmed, and the people of Tear awaken to a new reality: the Dragon has come, and the world will never be the same.

The Forsaken's Game

Within the Heart of the Stone, Rand confronts Be'lal, one of the Forsaken, who seeks to manipulate him into taking Callandor, the legendary sword and sa'angreal. Moiraine intervenes, destroying Be'lal with balefire, but Ba'alzamon (Ishamael), the greatest of the Forsaken, appears, and a titanic battle of the One Power ensues. Lanfear, another Forsaken, moves in the shadows, her own motives and allegiances unclear, but always circling Rand.

The World of Dreams

Egwene, using her ter'angreal, enters Tel'aran'rhiod to battle the Black Ajah and free herself and her friends. She learns to wield the Power in dreams, binding and shielding her enemies, and discovers the true danger of the dreamworld, where the Forsaken and the Black Ajah are powerful and deadly. Perrin, too, enters the dream, guided by Hopper the wolf, to rescue Faile, who has been trapped by a ter'angreal. The World of Dreams is revealed as a place where the fate of the waking world can be decided.

The Hammer and the Falcon

Perrin, torn between his wolf nature and his humanity, forges a new identity as he chooses the hammer—a symbol of creation and peace—over the axe, a tool of death. He risks his life in Tel'aran'rhiod to save Faile, the falcon of Min's prophecy, from a deadly trap. Their bond deepens, and Perrin's acceptance of his dual nature marks a turning point in his journey.

The Price of Destiny

All the heroes pay a price for their choices. Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne endure torture and captivity. Mat risks his life again and again, his luck both a blessing and a curse. Perrin is wounded in body and soul. Rand, in claiming Callandor, is nearly destroyed by the Power he must wield. The cost of fulfilling prophecy is high, and none escape unscathed.

The Dragon Reborn

In the Heart of the Stone, Rand seizes Callandor, proving himself the Dragon Reborn. In a battle of unimaginable power, he defeats Ba'alzamon, who is revealed to be Ishamael, the Betrayer of Hope, not the Dark One himself. The world is changed forever as prophecy is fulfilled: the Stone of Tear has fallen, and the Dragon Reborn holds Callandor. The people of Tear, and the world, must now reckon with the reality of the Dragon's return.

Bait and Sacrifice

Throughout, the heroes are manipulated and used as bait—by the Black Ajah, by the Forsaken, even by the Aes Sedai. Sacrifice is demanded at every turn, and the willingness to pay that price is what sets them apart. The lines between hunter and hunted, bait and trap, blur as the Pattern weaves all toward the confrontation in Tear.

The Last Hunt

Perrin's journey through the World of Dreams, guided by Hopper, is a hunt for Faile and for his own soul. The wolves' Last Hunt is a metaphor for the end of an age, the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another. The innocence of youth is lost, replaced by the hard-won wisdom of those who have faced darkness and survived.

Seals Broken, Fates Forged

Moiraine discovers another of the seals on the Dark One's prison, unbroken but fragile. Three are now broken, and the world stands on the brink. The fates of Rand, Mat, Perrin, Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne are bound together, their destinies forged in the crucible of prophecy and war. The Forsaken are loose, the Black Ajah at large, and the Last Battle draws nearer.

The People of the Dragon

With the Stone fallen and Callandor claimed, the Aiel reveal themselves as the People of the Dragon, fulfilling yet another prophecy. The world must now accept the Dragon Reborn, and the heroes must face the consequences of their choices. The Wheel turns, and a new Age begins, shaped by those who dared to challenge fate.

Characters

Rand al'Thor

Rand is the central figure of prophecy, the Dragon Reborn, but he is tormented by doubt, fear of madness, and the burden of destiny. He flees from those who would control him, desperate to avoid the fate of destroying the world. His journey is one of self-discovery and acceptance, culminating in his claiming of Callandor and the mantle of the Dragon. Rand's relationships—with Egwene, Mat, Perrin, and the women who love him—are strained by his growing power and isolation. Psychologically, Rand is torn between the boy he was and the legend he must become, and his struggle with the One Power and the taint of saidin is both literal and symbolic of his internal battle.

Mat Cauthon

Mat is the embodiment of luck and chance, a gambler whose fate is tied to the Horn of Valere and the Pattern itself. He is witty, irreverent, and fiercely independent, resisting any attempt to control him. Mat's journey is one of transformation: from a boy cursed by a tainted dagger to a man of uncanny luck and skill, who risks everything to save his friends. His psychoanalysis reveals a deep fear of being used, a desire for freedom, and a hidden sense of responsibility. Mat's luck is both a gift and a curse, and his role as a wild card in the Pattern makes him unpredictable and essential.

Perrin Aybara

Perrin is a blacksmith with the ability to communicate with wolves, a gift he fears will cost him his humanity. He is introspective, gentle, and burdened by guilt over the violence he is forced to commit. Perrin's journey is about accepting his dual nature, choosing the hammer over the axe, and embracing both creation and destruction. His relationship with Faile (Zarine) is a source of strength and vulnerability, and his loyalty to his friends is unwavering. Psychologically, Perrin represents the struggle between instinct and reason, and his arc is one of self-acceptance and growth.

Egwene al'Vere

Egwene is a young woman of immense potential, both as an Aes Sedai and as a Dreamer. Her journey is one of empowerment, as she learns to navigate the World of Dreams, confronts the Black Ajah, and endures captivity and torture. Egwene's resilience and intelligence set her apart, and her relationships—with Rand, Nynaeve, and Elayne—are central to her development. Psychologically, Egwene is driven by a need for agency and control, and her experiences force her to confront her fears and limitations.

Nynaeve al'Meara

Nynaeve is the former Wisdom of Emond's Field, a woman of fierce temper and even fiercer loyalty. Her ability to channel is tied to her emotions, especially anger, and her journey is about learning to master herself as much as the Power. Nynaeve's hatred of being manipulated drives her to challenge authority, and her determination to protect her friends is both her greatest strength and her greatest weakness. Psychologically, Nynaeve is a study in pride, vulnerability, and the struggle to reconcile her past with her future.

Elayne Trakand

Elayne is the Daughter-Heir of Andor, raised to rule but determined to forge her own path as an Aes Sedai. Her intelligence, empathy, and sense of justice make her a natural leader, and her friendship with Egwene and Nynaeve is a source of mutual support. Elayne's journey is about balancing duty and desire, and her willingness to risk everything for her friends marks her as a true hero. Psychologically, Elayne grapples with expectations, self-worth, and the meaning of power.

Moiraine Damodred

Moiraine is the architect of much of the story's action, guiding Rand and his friends toward their destinies. She is secretive, determined, and willing to make any sacrifice for the greater good. Moiraine's relationship with Lan is one of deep trust and unspoken emotion, and her willingness to confront the Forsaken marks her as both brave and ruthless. Psychologically, Moiraine is driven by duty, haunted by prophecy, and isolated by the burdens she carries.

Lan Mandragoran

Lan is Moiraine's Warder, a man of few words and unbreakable will. He is a master of war and survival, but beneath his stoic exterior lies a deep well of loss and longing. Lan's relationship with Nynaeve is a source of conflict and hope, and his sense of honor defines his every action. Psychologically, Lan is a study in endurance, loyalty, and the cost of living for a cause.

Faile (Zarine Bashere)

Faile is a Hunter of the Horn, drawn to Perrin by prophecy and curiosity. She is bold, clever, and unafraid to challenge those around her. Faile's relationship with Perrin is both combative and affectionate, and her presence forces him to confront his own desires and fears. Psychologically, Faile represents the unpredictable element in the Pattern, a catalyst for change and growth.

The Forsaken (Be'lal, Lanfear, Ishamael/Ba'alzamon)

The Forsaken are the embodiment of the Shadow's power, ancient channelers who serve the Dark One. Be'lal is the Netweaver, a master of schemes; Lanfear is seductive, dangerous, and obsessed with Rand; Ishamael (Ba'alzamon) is the Betrayer of Hope, the most powerful and persistent of the Forsaken. Psychologically, they represent the allure and corruption of power, the dangers of obsession, and the eternal struggle between light and shadow.

Plot Devices

Ta'veren and the Pattern

The concept of ta'veren—individuals around whom the Pattern weaves itself—drives much of the narrative. Rand, Mat, and Perrin are ta'veren, and their presence warps reality, causing improbable events and wild chance. This device allows the story to explore themes of fate, free will, and the burden of destiny, as the characters struggle to assert control over their lives even as the Pattern pulls them toward their roles in prophecy.

Tel'aran'rhiod (World of Dreams)

Tel'aran'rhiod is a parallel reality where dreams and reality intersect, and what happens there can affect the waking world. Egwene's ability as a Dreamer, and Perrin's wolf-dreams, allow the heroes to gather information, confront enemies, and even rescue allies. The dreamworld is also the domain of the Forsaken and the Black Ajah, making it a place of both opportunity and danger. This device blurs the line between reality and imagination, and serves as a metaphor for the subconscious battles the characters face.

The Black Ajah and Betrayal

The revelation of the Black Ajah—Aes Sedai who serve the Dark One—introduces paranoia, mistrust, and the danger of betrayal. The hunt for the Black Ajah drives much of the plot, and the constant threat of hidden enemies heightens tension and forces the characters to question whom they can trust. This device explores themes of corruption, secrecy, and the cost of vigilance.

Prophecy and Fulfillment

Prophecy is both a guide and a chain, shaping the actions of characters and the world itself. The fulfillment of prophecy—the fall of the Stone, the claiming of Callandor, the revelation of the People of the Dragon—serves as both climax and catalyst, forcing characters to confront their roles in history. The device of prophecy allows the narrative to explore the tension between destiny and choice, and the price of living up to legend.

Foreshadowing and Symbolism

The story is rich with foreshadowing, from Min's viewings to Egwene's dreams, and the recurring symbols of the hammer, the falcon, and the sword. These devices create a sense of inevitability and interconnectedness, as the characters

Last updated: May 22, 2025