Warning: Spoilers Ahead for The Wheel of Time Season 3, Episode 6
The latest developments in The Wheel of Time season 3 have presented an intriguing possibility: the notorious Forsaken Sammael might ally with Rand al’Thor, assuming the role of his mentor in the One Power. Despite being the most formidable channeler in existence, Rand possesses considerable untapped potential. As fans of Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series know, the Dragon Reborn can achieve remarkable feats, but many of these abilities require weaves that are still unfamiliar to him in the current timeline of the show.
This notion is recognized within the storyline itself, as Rand grapples with harnessing the One Power effectively. Unfortunately, his options for mentorship are limited; since female channelers cannot instruct men on channeling, Moiraine is out of contention. While he received some guidance from Logain Ablar before the conclusion of season 2, the narrative influenced by The Shadow Rising—the book which season 3 primarily adapts—suggests that Rand will soon find the assistance he requires. However, the series appears poised to implement significant alterations to this narrative arc.
Asmodean’s Role in The Shadow Rising & The Fires of Heaven
Asmodean’s Assistance with One Power Weaves in The Fires of Heaven
During the events of The Shadow Rising, Rand’s journey to obtain one of the access keys for the Choedan Kal—a legendary sa’angreal—brings him face-to-face with Asmodean, one of the 13 Forsaken. Disguised among the Tuatha’an, a wandering group of pacifists, Asmodean ultimately faces off against Rand in the city of Rhuidean. In a turn of events, Rand chooses mercy over vengeance and spares Asmodean, opting to utilize him instead.
Under the influence of Lanfear, who protected Rand during the confrontation, he retains Asmodean’s services as a mentor to improve his control over saidin, the male aspect of the One Power. Surprisingly, Asmodean proves to be a valuable ally, assisting Rand in various capacities, including healing injured soldiers.
Despite aiding Rand, Asmodean’s position is precarious; his decision to align with Rand alienates him from the other Forsaken, leaving his true loyalties ambiguous. Asmodean’s involvement serves a dual purpose, presenting Rand with a fleeting alliance while simultaneously drawing a wedge between himself and his former cohorts.
Why Sammael May Replace Asmodean in The Wheel of Time Season 3
Sammael: A Potential Mentor for Rand
While Asmodean may possibly be concealed within the cast of The Wheel of Time season 3 under an alias, there’s scant evidence to support his anticipated confrontation with Rand in Rhuidean. This leads to speculation that Sammael, another Forsaken, might fill this role instead. Earlier in the episode, Lanfear cautioned Moiraine against interfering, hinting that she was orchestrating something significant for Rand.
Notably, in The Shadow Rising, it was Lanfear who suggested that Rand take Asmodean as his mentor, which reinforces the theory that she might have similar intentions for Sammael in the adaptation. Her aim appears aligned with preparing Rand for challenges ahead, suggesting that Sammael could serve as the means for Rand to unlock his full potential as the Dragon Reborn.
Currently, the show has introduced seven Forsaken: Ishamael, Lanfear, Moghedien, Semirhage, Graendal, Rahvin, and Sammael. With only one slot remaining, it becomes increasingly likely that Sammael will step into Asmodean’s shoes. Sammael’s assault on Rand could parallel a notable scene from the books, where Sammael launches an attack against Rand at the Stone of Tear; however, in the show, he does not engage directly. The narrative arc could suggest that rather than being defeated, Sammael survives and takes the place of Asmodean, providing a fresh twist on the storyline.
As the conflict escalates in The Shadow Rising, expectations surrounding Asmodean’s role have risen, particularly as he is not yet recognized as one of the Forsaken in the television adaptation. With other characters from the Forsaken list also notably absent, including Demandred and Mesaana, the likelihood of Asmodean’s appearance in the series seems to have diminished.
Implications of Sammael Assuming Asmodean’s Role for Rand’s Journey
The Challenges of a Sammael-Rand Dynamic
If Sammael were to take on Asmodean’s instructional role, it would significantly alter Rand’s training dynamics. Unlike Asmodean’s begrudging mentorship, Sammael carries with him a profound animosity towards Lews Therin, the previous incarnation of the Dragon. Consequently, fostering a productive teacher-student relationship with Sammael would likely prove challenging for Rand, intensifying the conflicts in their interactions.
Furthermore, Sammael’s assumed role as Rand’s guide could shift the trajectory of the narrative concerning Rand’s confrontation with Sammael in A Crown of Swords. If the television series decides to bypass this pivotal moment and allows Sammael to remain at Rand’s side, it may indicate that the adaptation plans to explore other storylines instead of focusing solely on Rand’s quest in Illian.