This article includes spoilers for The Wheel of Time Season 3, Episode 5.
Fans of The Wheel of Time were taken aback by a striking scene featuring Elaida in the latest episode. The third season has launched with an intense conflict against the Black Ajah—Aes Sedai who have turned traitor and aligned themselves with the Dark One. Siuan, determined to root out corruption, believes there may still be one last member of the Black Ajah lurking within the White Tower.
As the narrative unfolds, all eyes turn to Siuan’s formidable rival, Elaida. Suspicions arise that Elaida herself might be entangled with the Black Ajah. In an intriguing plot twist, Siuan lures Elaida into a trap by informing her of the presence of two Black Ajah prisoners within the Tower. The situation escalates dramatically when Elaida attempts to extract information through torture, prompting viewers to question: How is it possible for her to wield the One Power in this manner without violating her oaths?
Understanding Elaida’s Actions in The Wheel of Time Season 3
Examining the Three Oaths
Upon becoming an Aes Sedai, an Accepted is bound to adhere to the Three Oaths:
To speak no word that is untrue.
To create no weapon that can kill another person.
Never to wield the One Power as a weapon, except against Darkfriends or Shadowspawn, or in the direst defense of her own life, her Warder, or another Aes Sedai.
The speculation among fans suggests that Elaida’s use of the One Power against Amico indicates her alignment with the Black Ajah due to her apparent breach of the Three Oaths. However, it’s important to recognize that the Three Oaths contain a provision allowing Aes Sedai to defend themselves against Darkfriends. Since the Black Ajah are, by definition, Darkfriends, this gives Elaida the latitude to act as she sees fit against them.
Elaida’s Actions: A Reflection of Her Literary Roots
Image via Prime Video
Interestingly, this poignant moment with Elaida does not actually appear in Robert Jordan’s original novels. However, it effectively serves to highlight her character’s complexities. Driven by an unwavering commitment to defeating the Dark One, Elaida is portrayed as ruthless and cunning. Her perspective, as seen through the episode, suggests that she believes Siuan’s approach is insufficient. This is reflected in her earlier comments about the necessity of chaining the Dragon Reborn. It becomes evident that Elaida is willing to cross many lines, including the use of torture, in her pursuit of what she deems necessary for the greater good in The Wheel of Time.