Warning: Spoilers for The Wheel of Time Season 3, Episode 7
The fate of Loial represents one of the most significant deviations from Robert Jordan’s original narrative in Prime Video’s The Wheel of Time. Since its inception, the series has made numerous alterations to the storyline, including adjusted event sequences and the incorporation of specific characters. While some changes only temporarily affect the plot, others, like the romantic arc between Aviendha and Elayne and the exclusion of five Forsaken, will have long-lasting implications across multiple seasons. The death of Loial stands as one of the most impactful shifts.
In a foreboding farewell scene with Perrin Aybara, Loial sets out, accompanied by Bain and Chiad, to shut the Waygate in order to prevent Trolloc reinforcements from joining the tumult at Emond’s Field. His decision to sacrifice himself by destroying the Waygate from within underscores a character arc familiar to readers of the books, yet the dramatic change in his fate emerges as a significant divergence from Jordan’s narrative, potentially shaping the remainder of the series.
Loial’s Death in The Wheel of Time Season 3 Alters The Shadow Rising’s Conclusion
Loial and Gaul Closed the Waygate Without Serious Consequences in the Book
While Loial’s mission to close the Waygate is drawn from the events in The Shadow Rising, the execution and outcomes differ markedly in the show. In this adaptation, Loial determines to seal the Waygate himself, with Bain and Chiad defending against the Trollocs. Tragically, it seems he perishes in the process. Following the conflict, the characters mourn Loial’s sacrifice as Perrin contemplates surrendering to the Whitecloaks.
In the original books, Loial’s efforts to close the Waygate occur with support from Gaul, an Aiel warrior. Importantly, Bain and Chiad are not present during this encounter; they remain in the village. Loial and Gaul manage to shut the Waygate together, but details of their struggle are implied rather than explicitly outlined, allowing readers to fill in the blanks. The outcome leaves Gaul severely injured, requiring Loial to carry him back to safety.
The narrative seems to have sidestepped Gaul entirely, or at least postponed his introduction, further emphasizing Loial’s unique role within Perrin’s story. In the Battle of Emond’s Field, while the group faces losses, including one of Alanna’s Warders, the weight of grief Perrin experiences is notably lessened because he does not directly mourn a close ally as deep as Loial.
Could Loial Have Survived the Fall in the Waygate?
Loial Is Unlikely to Return from That Fall
Image via Prime Video
In narrative arcs where a character’s body isn’t shown post-death, it often leaves room for speculation about their eventual return. However, in Loial’s case, hope feels fleeting. The character’s fall from such a height, combined with the absence of anyone present to intervene, diminishes any likelihood of rescue. Additionally, Loial’s disappearance within the Ways diverges from the plot in the books, leading to limited avenues for a story that might allow for his return.
Furthermore, the series previously set the stage for his potential demise. In the first season’s finale, viewers were led to believe Loial had been killed by Padan Fain, only to be reassured that this was a misdirect aimed at preparing the audience for forthcoming character deaths, which deviate from the source material. It seems plausible that the series was subtly conditioning fans for a more tragic fate for Loial rather than merely foreshadowing fatalities of prominent characters.
Implications of Loial’s Death for Future Seasons
Loial as a Supporting Character in Subsequent Books
While Loial’s departure in season 3 may not transform the overarching narrative, it does raise questions about how future adaptations may unfold. Notably, Loial does not appear in the immediate sequel, The Fires of Heaven; hence, his absence won’t dramatically impact the forthcoming season adapted from this book. With Perrin’s capture by the Whitecloaks possibly hinting at an adaptation of Towers of Midnight, the storyline may remain largely unaffected due to Loial’s minimal involvement in the events of that tale.
Conversely, many future installments heavily feature Loial as a steadfast ally. He accompanies Perrin in both Lord of Chaos and A Crown of Swords while also playing a vital role in Rand’s story in Crossroads of Twilight. The absence of Loial limits the narrative depth of his interactions with key figures and removes opportunities for exploring the nuanced dynamics between characters such as Perrin, Faile, and Rand. His role in rallying other Ogiers to fight against the Dark One—pivotal in the latter parts of the series—also appears to be in jeopardy.
Ultimately, the fate of Loial may signify a reduced presence of the Ogier in the adaptation. So far, he stands as the sole representative of their kind on-screen, and should his death remain permanent, it raises concerns about the portrayal and involvement of the Ogier in the series’ progression, especially as they play a crucial role in the collective struggle against darkness.