Includes MAJOR SPOILERS for The Wheel of Time season 3, episode 4.
Rand al’Thor is granted visions of his immediate and ancient when he ventures into Rhuidean inThe Wheel of Time’slatest episode, creating a source of confusion for anyone who’s not as versed in the lore. Robert Jordan’sThe Wheel of Timebook seriesis among the most beloved and prolific titles in the fantasy genre, known for expanding on norms established by J.R.R. Tolkien’sThe Lord of the Ringsand for providing some of the most detailed, life-like cultures in the genre. Chief among those cultures is the Aiel.
The Wheel of Time’sseason 3 storyis primarily an adaptation ofThe Shadow Rising, and while there are some notable story differences in how the season is playing out, Rand’s visions in episode 4 are almost directly accurate to chapters 25, 26, and 34 of the book. to prove himself to the Aiel and win over the support of the People of the Dragon,Rand enters Rhuideanto understand the history of the Aiel people, dating back as far as the Age of Legends, examining some of their most pivotal moments.
6Janduin
Rand’s Biological Father
Rand’s most immediate ancestor is his biological father, an Aielman named Janduin. Tam al’Thor found Tigraine, Rand’s mother, on the slope of the Dragonmount after she had given birth to Rand. Tam took Rand to raise him in the Two Rivers, so what we see in this episode is Janduin finding Tigraine dead and his child missing, causing him to roar in devastation.
For additional context, it’s worth mentioning that Janduin was the clan chief of the Tardaad Aiel and that Tigraine was a Maiden of the Spear (though she was originally an Andoran noblewoman and the Daughter-Heir to the kingdom).Rand’s parentsboth fought in the Aiel War, the final conflict of which was at the Battle of the Shining Walls. This scene from the show sees Janduin stating that he had killed the “oathbreaker” king they were fighting the war against, which would refer to Laman Damodred.
Laman Damodred was Moiraine’s uncle. In the books, it’s not specified that Janduin kills him, only that he died in this battle.
Image via Prime Video
Next, Rand goes further back in time to the body of Mandein, an Aielman who lived during the construction of Rhuidean. After speaking to his wife, Mandein enters Rhuidean to meet with other Aiel chiefs andthe Aes Sedai. TheAes Sedai explains the history of Rhuidean and Avendesora, and informs themthat anyone who wishes to lead among the Aiel must enter theglass columns of Rhuideanto learn their people’s originand to learn why they’re called “oathbreakers.”
Lewin is an ancestor of Rand’s who observes a sapling that will eventually becomethe Avendesora tree, demonstrating that we’re even further back. In this vision, Lewin’s mother informs him that his sister has been taken by bandits, so he goes on to rescue her. He kills the man and saves his sister, but the act of violence is forbidden by the Way of the Leaf.
The Wheel Of Time Season 3, Episode 4 Ending Explained
The Wheel of Time season 3, episode 4, was one of the most mind-boggling episodes of the TV show so far. Here’s what all of the visions mean.
Because he broke their oaths, his own mother banishes him from the clan in one of the show’s most heart-wrenching scenes. Lewin and his friend decide to remain at a close distance, trailing the clan and protecting them from afar. Thisshows how the Aiel became “oathbreakers,” dividing the two peoples as the Tuatha’an, who we saw in season 1 still practicing the Way of the Leaf, and the modern Aiel, known for their excellence in combat.
3Jonai
During The Breaking Of The World
Rand’s fourth vision follows Jonaiduring the Breaking of the World. It sees Jonai’s people after they’ve suffered a wagon attack. Jonai suggests that they bury the fallen and carry on,intending to take his people across the mountain range known as the Spine of the World to build a utopian city (Rhuidean). This sequence shows another divide between the future Aiel and the Tuatha’an.
2Rhodric
Tasked With Protecting Sakarnen
The next sequence shows Rhodric watching 10,000 Chora tree saplings being taken out in wagons to preserve them so they can be replanted in the future. This vision takes place during the Breaking of the World. HisAes Sedai then tasks him with protecting Sakarnen, the white sa’angreal orb that Moiraine finds in the episode during the present-day timeline. Rhodric swears he will defend it with the Way of the Leaf, but we know from previous visions this isn’t true, and that his descendants will turn to violence.
1Charn
During The Age Of Legends
Rand’s final vision is of Charn, a man during the Age of Legend. This era is characterized by sci-fi-like visuals, making it seem like Rand is viewing the distant future, though it’s certainly a vision from the past before the Breaking. Charn is the assistant to anAes Sedai named Mierin, whom audiences will recognize as the future Forsaken, Lanfear.
Wow, Wheel Of Time Just Delivered Its Most Book Accurate Episode Yet
The Wheel of Time season 3 has wowed audiences with its adaptation of a pivotal sequence from The Shadow Rising. Here’s our breakdown of its events.
Mierin has an ingenious idea to tap into the “True Power,” which she declares to be the most powerful source of magic in the world. Ultimately,by attempting to access the True Power, Mierin creates a tear in the world, allowing the Dark One to surfaceand lead to the Breaking. Though the visuals in this sequence are original to theWheel of Timeshow, much of the Charn vision is taken fromThe Shadow Rising.
