Season 3, Episode 7 of The Wheel of Time stands out as the most action-driven installment of the series to date, packed with vital plot developments. This season draws its narrative dynamic from The Shadow Rising, a highlight of Robert Jordan’s fantasy saga. Interestingly, instead of following a typical fantasy storyline where the hero departs their roots and never returns, the protagonist’s journey back to the Two Rivers is a focal point of this book, culminating in one of the most intricate battles depicted in Jordan’s rich narrative tapestry.
Perrin Aybara, while not the Dragon Reborn, holds a significant role as a ta’veren, profoundly impacting the series’ overarching story. Transitioning from a humble blacksmith to a seasoned Wolfbrother with golden eyes and extensive battle scars, Perrin’s character arc is compelling. In the latest episode, viewers witness an essential turning point in Perrin’s journey—his emergence as a formidable leader and warrior during an intense hour-long battle.
Perrin’s Fate with the Children of the Light Explored
A Choice to Embrace the Light’s Judgment
In the wake of the Season 2 finale, the Children of the Light make their way to the Two Rivers, following Perrin’s violent encounter with Geofram Bornhald at the Battle of Falme. Now, Dain Bornhald, Geofram’s son, has brought his army of White Cloaks to capture townsfolk, including Natti Cauthon, aiming to draw out Perrin. However, the arrival of a third party—the Dark One’s Trollocs, led by the nefarious Padan Fain—complicates matters.
Perrin takes an unexpected step, requesting assistance from Dain Bornhald to fend off the advancing Trollocs, promising to surrender himself once the immediate threat to the Two Rivers has been neutralized. Despite the extremists’ origins, the White Cloaks’ initial purpose was to vanquish Darkfriends. After a grueling battle, Perrin orders his forces to disarm, ready to honor his pledge and face the consequences, a significant testament to his character growth influenced by his time with the Tuatha’an, who embody non-violence.
Perrin’s journey in The Shadow Rising serves as a study of duality—representing the conflict between his desire to forge as a blacksmith against the relentless call of violence. His choice to engage in battle against the Trollocs reinforces his evolution, yet to maintain the hard-won peace, he must also cast aside the axe, lest he becomes as ruthless as those he stood against.
Perrin’s Emergence as the “Lord of the Two Rivers”
Claiming an Unofficial Title
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As Perrin bids farewell to the Two Rivers under the scrutiny of the White Cloaks, the community that raised him hails him as the unofficial Lord of the Two Rivers. His innate ta’veren presence undoubtedly influences those around him, leading the townspeople to accept him as their leader. While this title currently lacks official recognition, such legitimacy would necessitate confirmation from the Queen of Andor, given that the Two Rivers technically falls within Morgase’s domain, albeit neglected by her forces for years.
Will Padan Fain Honor His Promise to Perrin?
The Ongoing Threat of Padan Fain
Padan Fain’s insidious presence in the Two Rivers accompanies the Trollocs, yet his agenda diverges from Bornhald’s. His aim is to annihilate Rand’s homeland to capture the Dragon Reborn’s attention. After facing defeat, Fain asserted he would never return, a pledge that, while unbroken in the books, may not be strictly adhered to in the TV adaptation. Regardless, his allegiance to darkness will continue to jeopardize Rand and his allies as the narrative unfolds.
In the series, Fain exploits the White Cloaks under the alias Ordeith, adding layers of complexity to his character.
Is Loial Truly Deceased After Protecting the Ways?
The Impact of Loial’s Death
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A pivotal scene in Episode 7 is Loial’s shocking demise. He sought to prevent more Trollocs from penetrating the Two Rivers by destroying the Waygate from within, ultimately leading to his downfall. Subsequent dialogue confirms his death, further compounded by an excerpt from the book he had been compiling during his travels with the ta’veren.
Readers familiar with the books may find Loial’s death disheartening, as he notably survives in The Shadow Rising. Interestingly, the series previously utilized a misdirection regarding his death in Season 1, only to reveal his survival in the next season. Should this be a definitive conclusion for Loial, it represents one of the most significant departures from the source material, as his character plays an integral role across multiple novels.
Aram’s Exile from the Tuatha’an: The Tragic Choice
Self-Defense Leads to Exile
Reflecting his literary counterpart, Aram’s journey sees him diverging from the Way of the Leaf in this season. Despite his commitment to non-violence, he confronts a harrowing dilemma—choosing between his principles and the life of a baby, along with his own. Drawing parallels to Rand’s ancestor from the Rhuidean visions, Aram’s use of violence—albeit for justifiable reasons—culminates in his banishment from the Tuatha’an. Now, he finds a new purpose as the blacksmith in the Two Rivers.
The Fall of Eamon Valda and the New Aes Sedai Development
Justice Served by the Cauthon Sisters
Eamon Valda has remained one of the most formidable villains in the series since its inception, embodying the darkest elements of the Children of the Light through his penchant for cruelty and a volatile disdain for Aes Sedai. When he arrives in Emond’s Field to aid in its protection, he seizes the opportunity to strike against the vulnerable Alanna, a wounded Aes Sedai.
Fortunately for Alanna, she is safeguarded by the courageous Cauthon sisters, who display remarkable potential with the One Power. Earlier scenes in the season hinted at Alanna’s initiation into their training as Aes Sedai. Although they are still in the early stages of their journey, this moment highlights their raw ability as they ignite Valda in flames, promptly delivering justice. His untimely demise marks yet another alteration to the Wheel of Time narrative, asserting the sisters’ emerging power.