Warning: Spoilers for The Wheel of Time Season 3, Episode 5
The Ongoing Mystery of Liandrin’s Spy in The Wheel of Time Season 3
As viewers of The Wheel of Time embark on Season 3, the identity of Liandrin’s informant within the White Tower remains obscured. However, fans familiar with the series’ source material likely have their suspicions. This new season opens with the ominous presence of the Black Ajah, a faction of Darkfriends secretly embedded among the Aes Sedai. Following a dramatic revelation, the true allegiance of Liandrin has come to light, exposing several Aes Sedai as betrayers of the Three Oaths.
In Season 3, Episode 5, it is revealed that at least 13 Black Sisters are hiding within the White Tower, though only 12 have been identified by the protagonists. This leaves one member of the Black Ajah operational under Liandrin’s command or potentially under the influence of one of the Forsaken, an ancient group of powerful antagonists in the series. Although Verin, Siuan, and Leane considered Elaida as a suspect, her name has ultimately been cleared, prolonging the suspense and intrigue surrounding the remaining traitor.
The Evidence Points to Alviarin as the Black Ajah Spy
The Significance of Alviarin’s Introduction in Season 3
Image via Prime Video
One pertinent interaction occurs between Elaida and a member of the White Ajah, who is referred to as “Alviarin Sedai.”The show’s spotlight on this name suggests a deeper narrative significance, hinting that Alviarin could be the elusive Black Ajah agent. In the books, Alviarin adeptly maintained the guise of a devoted White Sister while secretly serving the Dark One, establishing herself as a formidable antagonist throughout the series.
In her brief appearance in Episode 5, Alviarin embodies the characteristics of a typical White Ajah member, making her an unlikely suspect in the search for a traitor. As the historians and philosophers of the Aes Sedai, the White Ajah members are driven by a commitment to knowledge. Alviarin’s dialogue in the show reinforces this notion, as she asserts, “the White Ajah sides with no one, outside of reason and logic.”This rationale positions her to manipulate circumstances without overt allegiance to either side.
Unraveling Alviarin’s Intriguing Deception in the Books
Masterfully Maneuvering Through Power Dynamics
Delving deeper into the source material, Alviarin plays a pivotal role in Elaida’s rise to power following her usurpation of Siuan Sanche in The Shadow Rising. Alviarin’s strategic position as the Keeper of the Chronicles, replacing Leane Sharif, allows her to serve as Elaida’s confidante while simultaneously manipulating the dynamics of the White Tower. This connection allows Alviarin to subtly influence decision-making without officially claiming power.
Interestingly, Alviarin’s motivations extend beyond mere ambition; she orchestrated events such as a failed mission to capture Rand al’Thor, shifting the blame onto Elaida, thus ensuring her own control over the Amylrin Seat. This intricate web of blackmail and hidden allegiances grants her authority while she covertly answers to Mesaana, one of the Forsaken. Through Alviarin’s machinations, the Black Ajah consolidates power from the shadows.
Setting the Stage for Alviarin’s Tactical Moves in the TV Adaptation
Anticipating Elaida’s Choice of Alviarin as Keeper of the Chronicles
Season 3 of The Wheel of Time lays a compelling foundation for Alviarin’s character arc, particularly her relationship with Elaida. Elaida’s clear disdain for Siuan points towards impending conflict. It is predictable that she will seek to consolidate support from other Aes Sedai to assert her authority over Siuan’s leadership.
In line with narrative expectations, it seems likely that Elaida will select Alviarin as her Keeper of the Chronicles, mirroring the events from the books. Currently, Alviarin’s reluctance to completely align with Elaida’s plans hints at a nuanced game of loyalty and strategy. This complexity opens opportunities for Alviarin to leverage her influence as the situation regarding Siuan unfolds further.
Moreover, the upcoming vote on capturing Rand, as discussed by Elaida, foreshadows Alviarin’s manipulative agenda. If this operation parallels the calamitous mission depicted in the books, it would provide Alviarin with the leverage necessary to outmaneuver Elaida effectively. The potential involvement of Mesaana, although unconfirmed in the latest episodes, remains a tantalizing thread that may connect Alviarin to the broader machinations of the Forsaken, promising thrilling developments ahead.