Warning: Spoilers for The Wheel of Time season 3, episode 8
Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time books simply adheres to the source material, Elayne Trakand will continue accompanying Nynaeve al'Meara as they try to thwart Moghedien's plans. Moghedien intends to weaponize the Domination Bands, a ter'angreal that essentially serves as a male a'dam, meaning it could be used to control the Dragon Reborn himself.
As things stand, there's no official confirmation as to whether that's the direction the series will take, given that The Wheel of Time season 3 finale does offer a few clues, and one in particular indicates the TV show may have something different in mind for the daughter-heir of Andor. And in fact, it's an idea I think the books should have found a way to explore.
The Wheel Of Time Sets Up Elayne & Thom To Go To Caemlyn In Season 4
Elayne Has Been Told That A Forsaken Has Infiltrated Her Mother's Court
In the season 3 finale, Elayne makes a reference to "Lord Gaebril," who has become the queen's consort in the kingdom of Andor and has supposedly been a presence in her life for years. This prompts Thom Merrilin, who clearly has intimate knowledge of Queen Morgase Trakand and the royal court, to note that there couldn't be such a person. As Thom correctly points out, "Lord Gaebril" is a Forsaken, because only they are strong enough in the One Power to put thoughts and memories in other people's heads.
Thom is right, of course, as it's true that Rahvin of the Forsaken has infiltrated Andor's court, using Compulsion to become Morgase's lover and a father figure to Elayne. It's not made clear in the show if Elayne accepted Thom's warning as the truth, but given the trust he's cultivated, it's hard to imagine the character taking it lightly or brushing it off. After all, Thom insisted that Morgase's life was in danger. Even if Elayne finds it hard to believe that the "Lord Gaebril" she knows is a fabrication, it stands to reason that she will at least make efforts to check it out personally.
Although Thom was not spotted on the ship in the final moments of the episode, it would be surprising if he didn't tag along. When he issued the warning, he only asked that Elayne return home, and made no mention of himself going back there as well. However, it's important to note that this was likely on of Thom's plan to sacrifice himself to save Elayne at the time. Since he survived, it makes sense that he'll her. Earlier in the season, he expressed trepidation about getting involved in their problems, but his fondness for Elayne seems to have changed his priorities immensely.
How Elayne Going To Caemlyn Now Would Change The Wheel Of Time Books
Elayne Has To Plenty To Do In The Next Story, And None Of It Involves Fighting Rahvin
Image via Prime Video
Making Caemlyn Elayne's next destination after Tanchico would mark a stark change in course for the show when it comes to her character's story. The book version of Elayne stuck with Nynaeve after the events of The Shadow Rising, eventually leaving Tanchico with her in the sequel, The Fires of Heaven. At first, the plan was to return to the White Tower, but they rethought the idea when it was discovered that Elaida had deposed Siuan Sanche and taken over as Amylrin Seat. Instead, they journey to Salidar to meet up with the rebel Aes Sedai group that formed as a response to Elaida's coup.
The Wheel Of Time Hints Its Going To Flip The Books' Most Annoying Perrin Story
A Perrin storyline that dragged on for three books looks like it's about to be flipped in a surprising way for The Wheel of Time's fourth season.
The adventure featured a number of important developments, including Nynaeve meeting Birgitte Silverbow, an ancient warrior and a member of the Heroes of the Horn, in Tel'aran'rhiod while the two were pursuing Moghedien. When Birgitte tried to save them from Moghedien, the Forsaken retaliated by tearing her out of Tel'aran'rhiod. To save Birgitte's life, Elayne felt she had no choice but to bond her as her Warder. This led to Birgitte Silverbow becoming a mainstay of the books and both a confidante and bodyguard to Elayne.
Rahvin is one of the main villains of The Fires of Heaven, but he doesn't fight Elayne, Rather, he goes up against Rand al'Thor's group.
Of course, all of this unfolds as a result of the storyline that The Shadow Rising started, which was Elayne and Nynaeve's plan to get the Domination Bands. With Moghedien possessing a piece of it at the end of the season, the show has the setup for their pursuit of Moghedien in The Fires of Heaven in place for their season 4 arc. But Thom's warning to Elayne calls all of that into question, as it gives her a legitimately good reason to part ways with Nynaeve and begin her own path. If the show does head in that direction, that could jeopardize the future of the Birgitte Silverbow plotline and removes one of the main protagonists of the Moghedien arc.
The Wheel Of Time Season 4's Rahvin Story Is The Perfect Fit For Elayne
Elayne Should Be Involved In The Fight Against Rahvin
Image via Prime Video
Although a change in direction for Elayne would come at the expense of her story in The Fires of Heaven, the payoff could make it a worthwhile move, especially if it can find a way to move the most important parts of Elayne's story - like meeting Birgitte Silverbow in Tel'aran'rhiod - to Caemlyn. After all, there's a significant amount of storytelling potential attached to the idea, especially in light of the personal connection that Elayne has to the Rahvin plotline in The Fires of Heaven.
Who Was The Mystery Character Rand Saw? The Wheel Of Time Teases Lews Therin's Return
A mysterious figure on the horizon in The Wheel of Time season 3 finale seemingly sets up one of the best Rand stories from Robert Jordan's books.
Morgase was removed from power, Rahvin took her place atop the Lion Throne, and the villain was subsequently defeated by Rand at the end of the novel. None of these events featured Elayne, who was miles away when they were playing out. Since she now knows about it in advance, there's a good chance that won't be the case this time, and that may be for the better. Elayne has an opportunity for some great character moments if she gets to confront Rahvin, try to free her mother of his Compulsion, and possibly try to sway her brothers to her side.
It was strongly implied in the pages of The Shadow Rising that Thom secretly assassinated Taringail Damodred, Elayne's father and Morgase's husband.
Plus, there's the matter of Thom and his mysterious past in The Wheel of Time. It was strongly implied in the pages of The Shadow Rising that Thom secretly assassinated Taringail Damodred, Elayne's father and Morgase's husband. This was never revealed to Elayne, but if she and Thom spend time in Caemlyn while trying to expose Rahvin's ruse, the truth will be bound to come out.
The Wheel of Time
- Release Date
- November 18, 2021
- Network
- Prime Video
- Showrunner
- Rafe Judkins
Cast
Moiraine Damodred
al'Lan Mandragoran
WHERE TO WATCH
The Wheel of Time follows Moiraine, a member of the powerful all-female organization Aes Sedai, as she leads a perilous quest with five young individuals. Moiraine suspects one among them could be the prophesized reincarnation of a mighty figure destined to either save or doom humanity.
- Main Genre
- Fantasy
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