As Rand al’Thor embarks on his journey as the Dragon Reborn, Moiraine realizes he requires a mentor to harness his burgeoning powers effectively. Following the dramatic conclusion of season 3 of The Wheel of Time, where Rand declares himself Car’a’carn before the Aiel, he takes a significant step towards fulfilling prophecy. Moiraine’s guidance is crucial as he prepares for the Last Battle, but the true trial lies within, as Rand grapples with the dangerous male half of the One Power.
The intricacies of magic in The Wheel of Time universe stem from the division of the One Power into two halves: saidin, the male half, and saidar, the female half. Unfortunately for men who channel, saidin is tainted by the Dark One, leading to madness. This intense power, described as a tempest, presents immense challenges even for someone as innately strong as Rand. Consequently, Moiraine is in dire need of a proficient male channeler to assist Rand in navigating this perilous path before him.
4 Asmodean
Asmodean’s Role as Teacher in the Books
In seasons 2 and 3, Rand faces the influence of Lanfear, one of the Forsaken, as he seeks to strengthen his resolve. Within The Wheel of Time, the Forsaken serve the Dark One but have their own unique ambitions, making them intriguing antagonists. Interestingly, Asmodean is a Forsaken who has yet to be introduced in the TV series, despite the adaptation covering The Shadow Rising, where he plays a vital role.
In the books, Asmodean takes on the identity of Jasin Natael and pursues Rand across the Aiel Waste, aiming to gain knowledge and influence over the Dragon Reborn. Although Rand ultimately faces Asmodean and decides to spare him, he utilizes Asmodean as a mentor to teach him about the male half of the One Power. This dynamic introduces an exciting aspect for the show, as the character is deeply layered and provides depth to the Forsaken’s narratives.
3 Rahvin
Upcoming Encounters Between Rahvin & Rand
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Given the show’s tendency to condense characters, it is plausible that elements of Asmodean’s storyline could be attributed to Rahvin. Season 4 will be primarily guided by the events of The Fires of Heaven, making Rahvin a significant antagonist in Rand’s narrative arc. With characters like Moghedien and Lanfear already present, adding another prominent Forsaken could dilute the storyline surrounding Asmodean.
In the series, Rahvin is introduced as Lord Gaebril, a trusted advisor to Queen Morgase Trakand of Andor. His use of Compulsion leads to Morgase’s exile from Andor. Season 4 sets the stage for Rand and Elayne to reclaim Andor from Rahvin, potentially altering the mentorship dynamics, as Rand could learn under Rahvin rather than Asmodean, offering a different outlook from the original books.
2 Mazrim Taim
Mazrim Taim: Master of Male Channelers
Mazrim Taim, a False Dragon, does not make his appearance in the books until Lord of Chaos, yet his name has surfaced several times throughout the series, building anticipation for his character. In Robert Jordan’s narrative, Taim plays a pivotal role in establishing the Black Tower, a facility dedicated to training male channelers, which Rand sets up after deciding to grant redemption to men who can channel.
This development marks a crucial moment in the storyline, suggesting that Taim could easily become Rand’s mentor if the series chooses to adapt this angle. However, his character is complex; Taim is characterized by arrogance and later aligns himself with the Dark One, potentially taking on a Forsaken role during the Last Battle. This shift could allow him to assume Asmodean’s instructional role in the show.
While Taim emerges as a compelling option, the show’s trajectory may be positioning him for a season 5 introduction rather than exploring his story in season 4, aligning with the events depicted in Lord of Chaos.
1 Logain
Logain’s Established Connection with Rand
At the end of season 1, Logain, a False Dragon, is gentled by the Aes Sedai, diminishing his ability to channel. Unlike the books, where he remains at Tar Valon, the show relocates him to Cairhien to facilitate a timely encounter with Rand. Although Logain is not the Dragon Reborn, his experience with the One Power predates Rand’s journey, creating a natural progression for their paths to intersect.
Rand and Logain’s interactions in season 2 demonstrate their shared burdens, laying the groundwork for Logain to mentor Rand moving forward. In a Q&A from 2018, showrunner Rafe Judkins expressed his plan to expand Logain’s role in the series, underscoring the character’s importance. It is likely that Logain may absorb aspects of Asmodean’s or Mazrim Taim’s narratives from the books, creating a composite character representative of various roles.
Given the events that transpired in season 3, Logain presents a strong candidate to serve as Rand’s mentor, especially as the adaptation unfolds the complexities of The Fires of Heaven. Should Mazrim Taim be introduced in season 5, it would pave the way for a rivalry reminiscent of the books, adding further depth to the unfolding storyline.