Warning: Spoilers for The Wheel of Time season 3, episode 7
Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time books referred to as the Battle of Emond's Field. Similar to how things transpired in the TV show, the Battle of Emond's Field served as the culmination of Perrin Aybara's story in The Shadow Rising, the fourth book in the series.
Although "Goldeneyes" wasn't a season finale, the scale and intensity of the fighting were comparable to the Battle of Falme, which occurred in The Wheel of Time season 2 finale. And like that story, which was based on The Great Hunt's ending, the Battle of Emond's Field leaned heavily on Jordan's work, recreating several story beats and twists, delivering book-accurate character moments, while also making some unexpected changes along the way. In fact, it reversed three of the most pivotal moments in The Shadow Rising.
4 Loial Didn't Die Closing The Waygate
Loial Risked His Life, But Lived To Fight Another Day
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In The Wheel of Time season 3, episode 7, Loial informed Perrin of his decision to close the Waygate, with Bain and Chiad both insisting on coming along. The plan was treated much like a suicide mission, with Perrin and Loial even sharing an emotional farewell before his departure and eventual sacrifice from within the Waygate. Loial's plan did indeed come from The Shadow Rising, though its version came with less consequences. Going against Perrin's warning to everyone that no one should risk leaving the Two Rivers, Loial went regardless, and was accompanied by Gaul - not Bain and Chiad.
Gaul was a major member of Perrin's group in The Wheel of Time books. The show, on the other hand, has yet to confirm if he exists in its canon.
What went on during Loial and Gaul's trip to the Waygate wasn't shown; however, it was confirmed that they were successful in their efforts. Loial returned with a wounded Gaul, as the two were beset by Trollocs during their mission. Gaul's injuries were the extent of the consequences of their actions, whereas the show made Loial pay the ultimate price.
3 Faile Left Two Rivers And Brought Back Reinforcements
Faile Agreed To Leave So That She Could Get Help
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In the episode, Perrin tried - and failed - to convince The Wheel of Time's Faile Bashere to save herself, arguing that this wasn't her fight. Unsurprisingly, it didn't work and Faile remained at Perrin's side, willing to fight the Trollocs to the end. Like the TV character, Perrin's book counterpart was also intent on keeping Faile out of harm's way, with the big difference being that Faile agreed to leave. It would seem that Perrin thought he could keep her safe by sending her away for reinforcements.
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His motives aside, the plan worked out brilliantly, as Faile's mission to get help is ultimately what helped them turn the tide against the Trollocs. Upon her return, Faile brought back the people of Deven Ride, a neighboring community. With Deven Ride ing the fight and the Waygate closed, the Two Rivers folk were able to repel the Trollocs and save their homes.
2 The Whitecloacks Agreed To Help, Then Backed Out
Dain Bornald Wouldn't Let The Whitecloaks Help The Two Rivers
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Given that they weren't necessary to their victory, Deven Ride played no role in "Goldeneyes." That's because The Wheel of Time's Whitecloaks chose a different path from the book characters. Both stories saw Perrin propose an alliance between the Two Rivers folk and the Children of the Light, with Dain Bornhald refusing the offer in the TV series but accepting it in The Shadow Rising. Interestingly, Dain changed his mind in both versions of the Battle of Emond's Field.
After initially electing to stand by and let the Trollocs weaken or kill them, the TV version of Dain Bornhald made a last-minute decision to forces with Perrin and the others. As for what he did in The Shadow Rising, Dain Bornhald broke his promise to help by ordering his men to stand down during the attack. This is what made the assistance of Deven Ride essential to the survival of the Two Rivers in the book but not the show.
1 The Two Rivers Folk Wouldn't Let The Whitecloaks Take Perrin
Perrin Never Surrendered To The Whitecloaks
Dain Bornhald's different decision in The Wheel of Time season 3, episode 7 set up yet another reversal of the books, which was Perrin's surrender to the Whitecloaks. In an apparent nod to the teachings of the Tuatha'an, Perrin advised the Two Rivers folk not to attack when the Whitecloaks came for him at the end of the episode. This stands in stark contrast to The Shadow Rising, where the Two Rivers folk drove off Whitecloaks, refusing to let Perrin be captured.
they tried to take Perrin despite breaking their promise to help, so it was no surprise that they were turned away.
The difference, of course, comes down to Dain Bornhald's actions in the Battle of Emond's Field. Because he did help and honor his agreement with Perrin, there was much less resistance in The Wheel of Time's show, especially since Perrin said he intended to hold up his end of the deal. The Whitecloaks from The Shadow Rising, though, were in a considerably worse position; they tried to take Perrin despite breaking their promise to help, so it was no surprise that they were turned away.
The Wheel of Time
- Release Date
- November 18, 2021
- Network
- Prime Video
WHERE TO WATCH
- Showrunner
- Rafe Judkins
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