Shadows Over White Tower

The book opens with the White Tower in turmoil. Elaida has seized the Amyrlin Seat, deposing and stilling Siuan Sanche, and the Tower is split. Elaida's rule is brittle, her authority challenged by sisters who have fled and by the growing threat of the Black Ajah. The Tower's eyes-and-ears report chaos across the world: wars, famine, and the rise of false Dragons. Elaida's obsession is to control Rand al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn, believing only the Tower can guide or contain him. Meanwhile, the Black Ajah, led by the Forsaken, weave their own plots, and the Tower's unity—once the world's anchor—begins to unravel, setting the stage for a world at war with itself.

The Dragon's Burden

Rand al'Thor, now openly the Dragon Reborn, is in the Aiel Waste, wrestling with the weight of prophecy and the expectations of the Aiel, who see him as the Car'a'carn. He is haunted by the knowledge that his destiny is to unite—and destroy—the world. The Aiel themselves are shaken by revelations of their pacifist origins, and many abandon their spears in despair. Rand's circle is tight: Moiraine, Egwene, Aviendha, and Asmodean (a captured Forsaken forced to teach him). Rand's every move is watched by allies and enemies alike, and he must balance the need to prepare for the Last Battle with the immediate threats of the Forsaken and the political chaos in the Westlands.

Schemes in the Waste

The Aiel clans gather in Rhuidean, but not all accept Rand. Couladin, leader of the Shaido, claims to be the true Car'a'carn and leads his clan in rebellion, setting the stage for civil war among the Aiel. The Wise Ones, powerful dreamwalkers, try to guide Rand and Egwene, but their own traditions are threatened by the revelations of the Aiel's past. Egwene trains with the Wise Ones, learning to navigate Tel'aran'rhiod (the World of Dreams), while Aviendha, assigned to watch Rand, finds herself drawn to him. The Forsaken, especially Lanfear, Graendal, Sammael, and Rahvin, plot in the shadows, seeking to manipulate Rand and each other.

The Forsaken Gather

The Forsaken meet in secret, their alliance uneasy and treacherous. Lanfear, Graendal, Sammael, and Rahvin agree to work together to destroy Rand, but each harbors their own ambitions. Lanfear's obsession with Rand (Lews Therin reborn) is personal and dangerous. Sammael fortifies Illian, Rahvin rules Andor through Gaebril, and Graendal manipulates from Arad Doman. Moghedien, the Spider, lurks in the World of Dreams, hunting Nynaeve and Elayne. The Forsaken's plots intersect with the world's chaos, and their presence ensures that every move Rand makes is fraught with peril.

The Amyrlin Divided

Stilled and cast down, Siuan Sanche and Leane flee the Tower, joined by Min and the false Dragon Logain. They are captured and forced into service by Gareth Bryne, but Siuan's cunning and Min's visions help them escape. They eventually reach Salidar, where rebel Aes Sedai gather, refusing to accept Elaida's rule. Nynaeve and Elayne, hunting the Black Ajah, join them after a harrowing journey through war-torn lands and a menagerie. The Salidar Aes Sedai, with Siuan's guidance, begin to organize, seeking to restore the Tower's unity and support Rand, but their own politics and fears threaten to paralyze them.

The Lion Throne Falls

In Andor, Queen Morgase is manipulated and ultimately deposed by Lord Gaebril—Rahvin in disguise. Her court is infiltrated by Darkfriends, and her allies are exiled or killed. Morgase flees, her fate uncertain, while Gaebril seizes the throne and proclaims himself king. Andor is thrown into chaos, its armies divided, and rumors of Morgase's death spread. Elayne, her daughter, is far away, unable to claim her birthright. Rahvin's rule is brutal, and his alliance with the Forsaken makes Andor a stronghold of the Shadow.

The Prophet's Madness

In Ghealdan and Amadicia, Masema, the self-proclaimed Prophet of the Dragon, leads a fanatical movement, spreading violence and chaos. Nynaeve and Elayne, traveling with a menagerie, witness the devastation firsthand. Masema's followers clash with Whitecloaks and local armies, and his madness threatens to ignite a holy war. The Prophet's actions, though in Rand's name, undermine Rand's cause and destabilize the region, making it ripe for the Shadow's influence.

The Band of the Red Hand

Mat Cauthon, trying to escape Rand's pull, finds himself leading a band of soldiers—soon named the Band of the Red Hand—through a series of battles in Cairhien. His luck and memories of past generals make him a brilliant commander, and he becomes a folk hero despite his protests. Mat's actions help secure Rand's victory in Cairhien, but he cannot escape his fate or the ta'veren pull. His relationship with Melindhra, a Maiden of the Spear and secret Darkfriend, ends in betrayal and tragedy, deepening Mat's sense of isolation.

The Trap at Caemlyn

News of Morgase's death and Rahvin's usurpation drives Rand to act. He gathers Aiel and trusted companions, using the One Power to Travel to Caemlyn. Rahvin, expecting Rand, has filled the city with Trollocs and Myrddraal, and the battle is fierce. The fight spills into Tel'aran'rhiod, the World of Dreams, where reality is mutable and deadly. Rahvin's mastery of the Dream nearly destroys Rand, but with unexpected help from Nynaeve and Moghedien, Rand prevails. Balefire, the forbidden weave, is unleashed, burning Rahvin from the Pattern and undoing his recent actions—including the deaths of Mat, Aviendha, and Asmodean.

Balefire and Sacrifice

As Rand battles Rahvin, Lanfear attacks him at the docks in Cairhien, enraged by jealousy. Moiraine sacrifices herself, tackling Lanfear through a ter'angreal doorway to another world, removing both from the Pattern. Lan's Warder bond is passed to another, and he leaves to fulfill his new duty. Moiraine's death is a profound loss for Rand and his allies, but her sacrifice saves Rand from Lanfear's wrath and changes the balance of power among the Forsaken.

The Price of Power

In Tel'aran'rhiod, Nynaeve faces Moghedien in a battle of wills and wits. Using an a'dam, she captures the Forsaken, forcing her to reveal critical information about the Forsaken's plots and Rahvin's trap. Nynaeve's victory is hard-won, and she uses her knowledge to help Rand survive. The struggle leaves Nynaeve shaken but more powerful, and Moghedien is left helpless, her fate uncertain.

The Web Unraveling

With Rahvin dead and Caemlyn freed, Rand secures Andor for Elayne and begins to consolidate his rule. The Saldaean general Davram Bashere offers his allegiance, and Rand announces an amnesty for men who can channel, seeking to build an army for the Last Battle. The rebel Aes Sedai in Salidar organize, preparing to challenge Elaida and support Rand. Mat's Band of the Red Hand grows in legend, and Perrin's absence is felt. The Forsaken are fewer, but their plots continue, and the world remains on the brink of chaos.

Aftermath and New Beginnings

The book closes with the world forever changed. Moiraine is gone, the White Tower is split, and Rand's power and legend grow. Morgase, alive but in exile, seeks allies to reclaim her throne. Nynaeve and Elayne, now in Salidar, must navigate Aes Sedai politics and their own destinies. The Forsaken are diminished but not defeated, and the Shadow's threat is ever-present. The Pattern weaves on, and the fires of heaven burn, leaving the world poised for the next turning of the Wheel.

Characters

Rand al'Thor

Rand is the Dragon Reborn, burdened by prophecy and the knowledge that his destiny is to save—and destroy—the world. He is haunted by the memories of Lews Therin Telamon, the previous Dragon, and struggles to maintain his sanity and identity. Rand's relationships with Moiraine, Egwene, Aviendha, and Elayne are fraught with tension, love, and loss. He is both a unifier and a destroyer, forced to make impossible choices and sacrifices. His growing power and willingness to use forbidden weaves like balefire mark his transformation from a shepherd to a world-shaping force, but at great personal cost.

Moiraine Damodred

Moiraine is the Aes Sedai who has guided Rand since the beginning, manipulating events to fulfill prophecy. Her relationship with Rand is complex—part mentor, part manipulator, part surrogate mother. She is willing to sacrifice everything for the world's salvation, and her final act—sacrificing herself to stop Lanfear—removes her from the Pattern and leaves a void in Rand's life. Moiraine's death is both a loss and a catalyst, forcing Rand and his allies to stand on their own.

Nynaeve al'Meara

Nynaeve is defined by her fierce will, her anger, and her need to protect those she loves. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to channel more powerfully and to face her own fears. Her battle with Moghedien in Tel'aran'rhiod is a triumph of will and ingenuity, marking her as one of the most formidable women in the series. Nynaeve's relationships—with Lan, Elayne, and Egwene—are central to her development, and her victory over Moghedien is both personal and pivotal for the larger struggle.

Egwene al'Vere

Egwene's training with the Wise Ones in the Aiel Waste transforms her from a village girl into a powerful dreamwalker and a leader in her own right. She navigates the politics of the Aiel, the White Tower, and the rebel Aes Sedai, often serving as a bridge between cultures. Egwene's relationship with Rand is complex—once betrothed, now allies and sometimes adversaries. Her mastery of Tel'aran'rhiod and her growing confidence foreshadow her future importance.

Mat Cauthon

Mat is the series' trickster and gambler, but his luck and memories of past generals make him a brilliant commander. He resists responsibility but cannot escape it, leading the Band of the Red Hand to victory in Cairhien. Mat's relationship with Melindhra ends in betrayal, deepening his cynicism and sense of isolation. He is haunted by fate and prophecy, but his courage and loyalty make him indispensable to Rand's cause.

Aviendha

Aviendha is a Maiden of the Spear assigned to watch Rand, but her feelings for him grow complicated. She is torn between duty, honor, and love, and her relationship with Rand is marked by passion, misunderstanding, and cultural conflict. Aviendha's journey mirrors the Aiel's struggle with their past and their place in the world, and her strength and vulnerability make her a compelling figure.

Siuan Sanche

Stilled and cast down, Siuan must reinvent herself, using her cunning and knowledge to guide the rebel Aes Sedai in Salidar. Her relationship with Leane, Min, and Gareth Bryne is complex, marked by loss, pride, and adaptation. Siuan's ability to manipulate events from the shadows remains undiminished, and her survival is a testament to her resilience.

Elayne Trakand

Elayne is the Daughter-Heir of Andor, but far from her throne. Her journey with Nynaeve is one of growth, danger, and self-discovery. Elayne's intelligence, pride, and compassion drive her to seek justice and unity, and her relationships with Rand, Nynaeve, and Birgitte are central to her development. Her claim to the Lion Throne is both a burden and a destiny.

Moghedien

Moghedien is the most elusive of the Forsaken, specializing in subtlety and manipulation. Her battle with Nynaeve in Tel'aran'rhiod is a clash of wills, and her eventual capture marks a turning point in the struggle against the Shadow. Moghedien's fear, cunning, and capacity for cruelty make her a formidable and memorable antagonist.

Rahvin

Rahvin, ruling Andor as Gaebril, is a master of manipulation and illusion. His alliance with the other Forsaken is tenuous, and his ambition is matched only by his ruthlessness. His confrontation with Rand in Tel'aran'rhiod is a deadly game of reality and power, ending in his destruction by balefire—a fate that unravels his recent actions and saves Rand's friends.

Plot Devices

Tel'aran'rhiod (World of Dreams)

Tel'aran'rhiod is central to the book's structure, serving as both a place of training and a deadly battlefield. The mutable reality of the Dream allows for psychological and magical duels, most notably between Rand and Rahvin, and Nynaeve and Moghedien. The Dream is also a conduit for information, prophecy, and manipulation, blurring the lines between what is real and what is possible. The use of Tel'aran'rhiod heightens the sense of uncertainty and danger, and its rules—known to some, mysterious to others—shape the outcomes of key confrontations.

Balefire

Balefire is the most dangerous weave of the One Power, burning threads from the Pattern and undoing recent events. Its use by Rand and Rahvin escalates the stakes, as the consequences ripple backward in time, erasing deaths and actions. Balefire's destructive power is both a weapon and a moral dilemma, symbolizing the cost of victory and the risk of unraveling reality itself. Its use marks a point of no return for Rand, signaling his willingness to do whatever is necessary, regardless of the cost.

Political Intrigue and Daes Dae'mar

The book is structured around layers of political intrigue: the split in the White Tower, the Forsaken's alliances and betrayals, the maneuvering of nobles in Cairhien and Andor, and the rise of the Prophet. Trust is a rare commodity, and every alliance is fraught with suspicion. The Game of Houses (Daes Dae'mar) is both a literal and metaphorical device, illustrating the complexity of power and the difficulty of discerning friend from foe.

The Pattern and Ta'veren

The concept of ta'veren—individuals around whom the Pattern weaves—shapes the narrative. Rand, Mat, and Perrin (absent in this volume) are pulled by destiny, their choices both their own and not. The Pattern's influence is seen in coincidences, luck, and the convergence of events, reinforcing the theme that free will and fate are intertwined. The fires of heaven burn where the Pattern wills, and the heroes must navigate a world where their actions have consequences beyond their understanding.

Sacrifice and Transformation

The book is structured around moments of sacrifice—Moiraine's death, Mat's reluctant heroism, Nynaeve's battle with Moghedien, Rand's willingness to use forbidden power. Each sacrifice marks a transformation, both personal and collective. The world is remade in fire and loss, and the survivors are forever changed.

Analysis

Last updated: May 18, 2025