Warning: Spoilers for The Wheel of Time season 3
Summary
- The main villain in The Wheel of Time season 3 will be Moghedien, a member of the Forsaken who is known for her manipulation and skill in the World of Dreams.
- Moghedien's power level is lower compared to other Forsaken, but her expertise in Tel'aran'rhiod gives her an advantage in battles. She is particularly strong in the World of Dreams.
- Moghedien has plans involving the Dragon Reborn and aims to control him using the Domination Band, similar to her book counterpart. Her debut in season 2 foreshadows the trouble she will cause in season 3, making her a formidable adversary for the main characters.
The final scene in The Wheel of Time season 2 previews the threat Rand and company will be up against when the series returns. Though they’ve had multiple enemies to contend with, their biggest problem across both seasons has always been Ishamael. However, it seems the show will have to move in a new direction after the events of season 2.
Wrongly assumed to be the Dark One in season 1, Ishamael had been at the heart of the main characters’ problems throughout the series. Using pawns like Liandrin and Padan Fain to get what he wanted, Ishamael did everything he could to arrange the showdown at Falme and get the Dragon Reborn on his side. Ultimately, though, his plans fell through, with Rand announcing that he would never forces with the Shadow. Thanks to the intervention of Moiraine, Rand was able to take down Ishamael once and for all, in spite of this fight occurring ahead of his book counterpart’s death. Apparently, his death has set the stage for the series to bring in a new villain – Moghedien.
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Moghedien’s Origin & Goals In The Wheel Of Time Explained
In Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time books, Moghedien was among the many Aes Sedai who embraced the Shadow during the Age of Legends. Known as the Spider, she infiltrated the forces of 13 Forsaken in The Wheel of Time. Like the rest of the Forsaken, Moghedien was sealed away for thousands of years until she was released in the timeframe of the Wheel of Time books.
The character made her first appearance in The Shadow Rising, the fourth book in the series. Making use of her background as a spy, Moghedien used disguises to avoid direct conflict with the Dragon Reborn and his allies. Helping her to maintain a safe distance was her use of the World of Dreams. Not unlike Lanfear, Moghedien frequented Tel’aran’rhiod. During this time, she concocted schemes that would enable her to control the Dragon Reborn while also keeping a watchful eye on the actions of the other Forsaken. Despite being sworn to the Dark One, Moghedien had her own ambitions and was constantly wary of characters like Lanfear and Liandrin getting in her way.
What Moghedien’s Power Level Is In Wheel Of Time
Despite being positioned as The Wheel of Time season 3’s main villain, Moghedien isn’t exactly a powerhouse in Robert Jordan’s world. Of course, she wouldn’t be one of the Dark One’s chief minions if she wasn’t strong in the One Power, but it’s important to note that her power level is quite low by Forsaken standards. It’s established in the books that Moghedien is the weakest member of the Forsaken. She’s actually more comparable to Nynaeve, someone stronger than all present-day Aes Sedai but weaker than top-tier channelers like most Forsaken. With this in mind, it makes sense that Moghedien would beat someone like Moiraine, but lose to Rand or Lanfear.
Moghedien’s lack of raw power is where her primary Talent comes into play. As noted above, Moghedien is adept at navigating Tel’aran’rhiod. As one of the best Dreamwalkers in The Wheel of Time books, Moghedien understands the inner workings of it quite well. Because she can manipulate it so skillfully, she typically holds the advantage against the people she faces there, even if they’re more powerful than her in the waking world. Moghedien has always been at her strongest in the World of Dreams.
What The Wheel Of Time Show Has Already Revealed About Moghedien
Ahead of her fight with the Dragon Reborn, The Wheel of Time has already allowed for some insight into what to expect from Moghedien. Prior to her introduction, Lanfear made a remark about the Dark One’s other generals, calling Graendal a “vain idiot” and Moghedien “insane.” She seems to think that the Forsaken (aside from her and Ishamael) are incompetent, considering that she cited these as reasons for why the Dark One may not have awakened them earlier. But based on her interaction with Moghedien in the season 2 finale, the new character is much more formidable than Lanfear originally suggested. In fact, it seems she’s someone to be feared.
Details in her scene promise a book-accurate take on the Wheel of Time villain. Her ability to overpower Lanfear in the World of Dreams honors the books’ characterization of Moghedien as someone who can outdo even the Daughter of the Night when it comes to manipulating Tel’aran’rhiod. Also worth pointing out is how Moghedien calls out Lanfear for referring to her as “weak” and “cautious.” This implies that like her book counterpart, Moghedien is technically weaker than the other Forsaken as well as a character who likes to bide her time and avoid direct attacks on her enemies. Judging by these hints, Moghedien will rely on Tel’aran’rhiod and subterfuge to further her plans.
What Moghedien’s Debut Means For Wheel Of Time Season 3's Story
Right away, the show has sent the message that Moghedien’s utilization of Tel’aran’rhiod will be central to whatever arc she had in The Wheel of Time season 3. As for what that will be, Moghedien’s warning to stay away from “him” creates the impression she – much like the book character – has designs on the Dragon Reborn. Since she tried to use a device called the Domination Band to control him in the books, it’s not hard to imagine the show’s version of Moghedien following a similar course. Such a scheme fits in well with her book history and usual strategies, especially since controlling him would give Moghedien a way to win without fighting him.
Presumably, Moghedien won’t be alone in causing trouble, given that Ishamael released the other Forsaken as well. But if The Wheel of Time season 2 finale’s tease is anything to go on, Moghedien will be the immediate threat. In the books, her plans intersected with Nynaeve and Elayne’s storyline first, but it remains to be seen how the show will insert her into the picture. Either way, Moghedien – even without the power of Lanfear or Ishamael – is sure to be a challenging adversary for the main characters. Additional Forsaken getting involved will only make their struggles harder.