Warning: Spoilers for The Wheel of Time season 3's first three episodes
Clearly, Moghedien and Lanfear aren't the only threats the Dragon Reborn and his friends have to worry about in Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time books.
Of course, the reveal that the queen's lover is one of the immortal channelers sworn to the Dark One won't come as a shock to book readers. This twist stems directly from the books, indicating that a major storyline from the books - specifically the third and fifth installments - are on the cusp of being adapted. That being the case should make Rahvin a key part of the story for The Wheel of Time's third season.
Rahvin Has Mastered The Compulsion Ability In The Wheel Of Time
Rahvin Is Skilled At Influencing The Minds Of Others
As is the case with most Forsaken, there's a specific area of the One Power that Rahvin excels in; his specialty is Compulsion. In the books, Compulsion is the name of an ability that allows channelers to use the One Power to influence the thoughts and wishes of those around them. Numerous characters are capable of using Complusion, but none are better at it than Rahvin, who has made it into a way of life for himself. Thanks to Compulsion, he can fulfill his personal ambitions of power by tricking people into liking him, agreeing with him, and doing as he pleases.
A remark from Lanfear in The Wheel of Time season 3 clarified the timeframe of his climb up the ladder, as it reveleaed that he's only been loose for a month.
Repeated mentions of Compulsion in the show, combined with Rahvin's series, make it perfectly clear that this ability is crucial to his methods in the TV series. The way in which he warrants smiles from the Aes Sedai goes to show how Rahvin uses Complusion to ensure he leaves a positive impression on the people he meets. By operating in this manner, he can avoid suspicion and curry favor at the same time. It also explains how he's managed to form a romantic relationship with the queen of Andor and have Elayne treat him as if he's been a father figure to her for years. Clearly, Complusion has been the key to Rahvin's swift but remarkable rise in the political arena.
How Rahvin Is Different From Most Forsaken
Beating The Dragon Reborn Isn't His Ultimate Goal
Image via Prime Video
Rahvin promises to be a unique addition to The Wheel of Time's cast, and not just because of his talent for Complusion. In the books, it gradually becomes apparent that Rahvin is far from a traditional fantasy villain. As the books themselves have stated, Rahvin governs his actions closely, and with "prudence." He has goals he seeks to pursue, but hesitates to take massive risks. In other words, Rahvin may not be quick to welcome a one-on-one battle with Rand. Generally, his decisions are based on whether his actions can blow back on him or not.
In fact, Rand was once told by a different member of the Forsaken - Asmodean - that Rahvin may not even participate in the Last Battle
In fact, Rand was once told by a different member of the Forsaken - Asmodean - that Rahvin may not even participate in the Last Battle (the prophesized final showdown between the Light and the Shadow.) That goes to show that Rahvin won't necessarily be bent on helping the Dark One or eliminating the Dragon Reborn. Theoretically, he would be fine whatever happens to Rand as long as his own goals aren't interfered with. Rahvin's main priorities in The Wheel of Time are power and self-preservation.
Rahvin Is One Of The Strongest Of The Forsaken
Rahvin Would Beat Most Forsaken In A Fight
It's important to note that Rahvin's use of caution shouldn't be confused with inferiority. On the contrary, Rahvin is a capable channeler, with his skill in Compulsion only ing for a portion of his arsenal. Armed with the One Power, Rahvin can wreak havoc in combat, and is certainly a force to be reckoned with. Based on the power scale of the 13 Forsaken, Rahvin is considerably more powerful than the majority of his contemporaries, including The Wheel of Time's Moghedien, Balthamel, Sammael, and Mesaana.
The fights that play out in book 5, The Fires of Heaven, are a testament to Rahvin's prowess. It was proven in the book that he's adept at using Balefire, the strongest One Power ability and a lost weave. Not only that, but he has enough strength in the One Power to stand up to Rand, whose status as the Dragon Reborn makes him Wheel of Time's most dangerous channeler. In any case, a thrilling showdown should be expected for whenever the time to fight Rahvin arrives in season 3.
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The world of the Wheel of Time includes not only the many countries and city-states of the Westlands, but also the vast regions beyond.
What's more, Rahvin is even stronger than Lanfear in The Wheel of Time, despite season 2 labeling her "the most dangerous of the Forsaken." In the books, Rahvin once expressed confidence that he could defeat her if a fight ever happened. According to The Wheel of Time Companion guide book, Rahvin is slightly above Demandred, another character recognized for his immense strength in the One Power. It would seem that the only Forsaken clearly more powerful than Rahvin is Ishamael, a villain that Rand has already bested in the show.
Why Rahvin Is In Caemlyn In The Wheel Of Time Season 3
Rahvin Seeks To Become The King Of Andor
As for what Rahvin is currently up to, what transpires in The Dragon Reborn and The Fires of Heaven, provide much insight into his plans. Given Rahvin's lofty ambitions, it's not surprising that what Rahvin is after is the Lion Throne of Andor. In the source material, Rahvin created the guise of "Lord Gaebril" to insert himself into the kingdom's politics and climb his way up the social ladder. Just like his TV counterpart, he succeeded in forming a Compulsion-induced romance with Morgase, which allotted him much influence in the court.
While Rahvin is indeed interested in serving his own needs, that's not to say that he's completely on his own. Rahvin partook in meetings with other Forsaken, with whom he was allied (but, of course, not loyal to). Prime Video's The Wheel of Time is being consistent with that aspect of his plans, as episode 3 saw him meet with Lanfear and Sammael. Plus, he had a secret exchange with Moghedien, and has off-screen dealings with Graendal and Semirhage as well. With all these Forsaken have competing interests, it feels like it's only a matter of time before a betrayal happens.
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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