NO BOOK SPOILERS - The Wheel of Time TV Show Thread

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ONE YEAR LATER: Apr 13, 2004; Fry old buddy, it's me, Bender!; Oven Wrangler

Alright ya’ll, we finally got some information about the upcoming Amazon Wheel of Time adaption, set to premier November 19th. Check out this cool image that was shown at SDCC today:

https://twitter.com/TheWheelOfTime/status/1418634929504624646

So what is The Wheel of Time and why are you reading this? WoT is a 14 book fantasy series (plus one prequel and two companion books) by Robert Jordan. The first book of the series was published in 1990 and the final one in 2013, five years after his death and which was finished by fellow fantasy author Brandon Sanderson. They’re fun books, not perfect by any means, but they tell a good story, have good characters, and the world that Jordan created is one that is filled with history and cultures similar to ours but with magic and like, monsters and stuff. The series pulls from real world eastern and western philosophy, myth, and legends and combines them all in a way that grabbed me the instant I started reading the books back in 2001 as a high school virgin.

It’s also real complicated and complex and I could spend pages just doing a breakdown of the various characters, nations, plot points and all that but I’ll make it brief for those new to the world and to keep it spoiler free since this is a space for people who have presumably not read the books and want to talk about the series.
WoT is a world were a small portion of men and women can use magic, referred to as channeling, by tapping into The One Power. The One Power is broken down into two sides, one male half called Saidin, and one female half called Saidar. Channelers use this power to cast spells by combing different elemental aspects of the OP in what Jordan named weaves. Due to events in the history of the world, the male half of the OP has been tainted by evil and drives any men who use it to insanity.

Unfortunately, the series relies on gender essentialism in the way the magic system was designed. Men use one part, women use another, there is no overlap, leaving genderfluid and transgender individuals with no seat at the table. I’d like to think that if Jordan were alive he would recognize this issue and address it in a progressive way but he’s not so we have to take the bad with the good and hope the series production team has had discussions about this and can come up with a way to fix these issues and deliver us a show that is still faithful to the world and characters that I love so much.

This is getting long and I assume the show will explain a lot of this in a much more succinct and intelligent way that I can. But also if you have any questions about the basics this is the place to ask, let’s keep it as vague and spoiler free so as to not spoil anything too much for those who are coming to the series with fresh eyes.

The book cast is gigantic and has hundreds of named characters. I’ve complied a list of the main characters, ones that the first few books focus on and follow throughout the whole story. I’m pretty excited to see a real diverse cast of actors bringing these characters to life.

Rosamund Pike as Moiraine Damodred - an Aes Sedai who ends up in Emond's Field
https://twitter.com/WoTonPrime/status/1141390183641866245

Daniel Henney as al'Lan Mandragoran - Moiraine's protector (known as a Warder), Lan is a master swordsman
https://twitter.com/WoTonPrime/status/1169279471712497664

Josha Stradowski as Rand al’Thor - a sheepherder from the Emond's Field, a small backwoods village in the Two Rivers where the story starts
https://twitter.com/WoTonPrime/status/1161668876720984064

Marcus Rutherford as Perrin Aybara - a blacksmith's apprentice, also from the Emond's Field and friends with Rand, Mat, and Egwene
https://twitter.com/WoTonPrime/status/1161670278448947201

Barney Harris as Mat Cauthon - a fellow farmboy, Mat is the type to cause trouble and usually the one to get blamed for it
https://twitter.com/WoTonPrime/status/1161672659534413824

Zoë Robins as Nynaeve al'Meara - the local wise woman, she's very protective of the people from Emond's Field
https://twitter.com/WoTonPrime/status/1161671427117867008

Madeleine Madden as Egwene Al'Vere - daughter of the mayor of Emond's Field, also the apprentice to Nynaeve
https://twitter.com/WoTonPrime/status/1161673919436185600

Michael McElhatton as Tam Al'Thor - Rand's father
https://twitter.com/TheWheelOfTime/status/1192124485022863361

Johann Myers as Padan Fain - a trader who visits Emond's Field each year, bringing news and goods from the world outside of the Two Rivers
https://twitter.com/TheWheelOfTime/status/1202258062515429377

Alexandre Willaume as Thom Merrilin - a traveling entertainer, known as a gleeman, who ends up in Emond's Field to celebrate the coming of spring.
https://twitter.com/TheWheelOfTime/status/1202256801539883009

Strangely, even though we haven't even seen a trailer for season 1 yet the show has already been renewed for season 2 and they just started filming again last week, so good sign that amazon is invested in the show being worth it.

Once the show does start in November and if there is active discussion please limit it to what has been shown. If you're familiar with the books, characters, and plot please don't spoil anything for new people!

Check out The Book Barn thread located :siren:

here

for all your spoiler filled discussion of the books.

:siren:

spoilers

Junkenstein posted:

Trailer leaked.

https://imgur.com/gallery/HaPthxo

First trailer released today

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Fus4Xb_TLg

tsob wrote up some character info, check it out if you're new to the show/setting:

quote:

tsob wrote:
Bios

Alanna Mosvani

Actress: Priyanka Bose

Nationality: Arafellin
Occupation: Aes Sedai
Talent: Combat, Channeling

An Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah. Alanna was an Accepted at the same time as Siuan Sanche and Moiraine Damodred. Her rise was not as meteoric as Siuan's, but she is respected within the Tower as a proficient warrior. Like most of the Green sisters, Alanna has multiple Wards: Ihvon and Maksim, who both serve her and share her bed.

---

Eamon Valda

Actor: Abdul Salis

Nationality: Amadician
Occupation: Questioner
Talent: Interrogation

A ruthless Questioner for the Children of the Light, Eamon Valda's mission is to find and kill Darkfriends. Eamon has a particular interest in hunting down Aes Sedai, as he believes all channelers must be in league with the Dark One.

---

Egwene al'Vere

Actress: Madeleine Madden

Nationality: Andoran
Occupation: Innkeeper
Talent: Listening to the Wind

Egwene al'Vere was born in the Two Rivers. Her parents, Bran and Marin al'Vere, run the Winespring Inn. Egwene grew up in relative luxury for a small town girl. Her family's business afforded her comforts and privilege rare in the Two Rivers. Egwene has always been ambitious and eager to please. Egwene, like Nynaeve, possesses the ability to "listen to the wind". She can predict the weather to some degree. This ability makes her suited to become a Wisdom.

---

Ihvon

Actor: Emmanuel Imani

Nationality: Andoran
Occupation: Warder
Talent: Combat

One of Alanna Sedai's Warders. Alanna and her two Warders, Ihvon and Maksim, are all lovers. Ihvon is an expert with the bow and arrow.

---

Kerene Nagashi

Actress: Clare Perkins

Nationality: Kandori
Occupation: Aes Sedai Captain General
Talent: Combat, Channeling

Kerene is the Capatin-General of the Green Ajah. She is a powerful channeler and a keen strategic mind. It is her job to lead the Aes Sedai in battle, in the event they must fight Shadowspawn or rogue channelers.

---

Lan Mandragoran

Actor: Daniel Henney

Nationality: Malkieri
Occupation: Warder
Talent: Combat, Sword Fighting, Tracking

Lan is the Warder for Moiraine Sedai. He is a taciturn man who rarely divulges anything about himself. He was born and raised in the Borderlands, where combat and honor are a way of life.

---

Lady Amalisa Jagad

Actress: Sandra Yi Sencindiver

Nationality: Shienaran
Occupation: Lady of Fal Dara
Talent: Channeling

Amalisa Jagad is the Lady of Fal Dara. She showed some talent at channeling when she was a child, and she trained at the White Tower; though she never became an Aes Sedai. She now does most of the governing of Fal Dara, while her brother Agelmar concerns himself with the defense of the city.

---

Leane Sharif

Actress: Jennifer Cheon Garcia

Nationality: Domani
Occupation: Aes Sedai
Talent: Channeling

An Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah, Leane Sedia is the Keeper of the Chronicles. She is in charge of maintaining the records of the White Tower and is the Amyrlin's right hand woman. Leane is rarely seen out of earshot of Siuan Sanche.

---

Lews Therin Telamon

Actor: Alexander Karim

Nationality: Unknown
Occupation: Aes Sedai
Talent: Channeling

Born in the Age of Legends, Lews Therin Telamon is known to history as the Dragon. He was an Aes Sedai, in the age when men could channel without going mad. He and one hundred male Aes Sedai sealed in the Dark One at the Eye of the World. Not much is known of what happened, exactly, at the Eye of the World, but somehow, the Dark One was able to corrupt Saidin, the male half of the One Power. This corruption caused Lews Therin and his fellow male Aes Sedai to go mad. In their madness, they unleashed unimaginable destruction, eventually breaking the world. It is said that when Lews Therin died, he unleashed such power that he caused Dragonmount to rise from the earth at the spot he fell. In the Karaethon Cycle, it is written that when the Wheel turns out Lews Therin's soul once again, the Dragon will be reborn, the Last Battle will be fought between the Dark One and the forces of the Light, and the current age will end, as it did before, with the Breaking of the World.

---

Liandrin Guirale

Actress: Kate Fleetwood

Nationality: Taraboner
Occupation: Aes Sedai
Talent: Channeling

Liandrin Sedai is an Aes Sedai of the Red Ajah. She grew up poor in Tarabon, but learned to imitate the mannerisms of the wealthy elite, to cover her low status. She joined the White Tower later than most girls, but was a quick learner. Liandrin is known for her dedication to her mission of hunting down male channelers and bringing them to the Tower to be gentled. She abhors the company of men, keeping no Warders, as is common for Red sisters.

---

Logain Ablar

Actor: �lvaro Morte

Nationality: Ghealdanin
Occupation: Warlord
Talent: Channeling

Logain is a powerful male channeler who declared himself the Dragon Reborn. Logain was a minor Ghealdanin nobleman until he developed the ability to channel. The lords of Ghealdan stripped him of his rank when he declared himself the Dragon Reborn, but he had enough charisma to raise an army from the local peasantry. He spread from province to province, recruiting young men hoping to become heroes if they joined the Dragon in the Last Battle.

---

Loial, Son of Arent, Son of Halam

Actor: Hammed Animashaun

Nationality: Ogier
Occupation: Wanderer
Talent: Tree Singing, Knowledge

Loial is an Ogier of Stedding Shangtai. At a young age, he grew restless. After reading countless accounts of brave adventurers, he decided he wanted to travel the land on h is own. Much to the disapproval of his elders, Loial set out to see what the world had to offer. Like many Ogier, Loial is calm and even tempered, choosing to solve his problems with words rather than violence, despite his impressive size and strength.

---

Lord Agelmar Jagad

Actor: Thomas Chaanhing

Nationality: Shienaran
Occupation: Lord of Fal Dara
Talent: Military Tactics

Agelmar Jagad is the Lord of Fal Dara, and his banner is three running foxes. He is considered one of the greatest commanders in the Borderlands, defending the most important strategic point in Shienar: Tarwin's Gap. Agelmar rules with his sister Amalisa.

---

Maksim

Actor: Taylor Napier

Nationality: Andoran
Occupation: Warder
Talent: Combat

One of Alanna Sedai's Warders. Alanna and her two Warders, Ihvon and Maksim, are all lovers. Maksim is an expert with the spear and shield.

---

Mat Cauthon

Actor: Barney Harris

Nationality: Andoran
Occupation: Farmer
Talent: Gambling

Matrim Cauthon was born in the Two Rivers to Abell and Natti Cauthon. He has two younger sisters: Eldrin and Bodewhin. He grew up poor, but learned how to make a little coin go a long way through gambling and finesse; though sometimes his gambling and carousing gets him in more trouble than it's worth. Since childhood he has been inseparable from Rand al'Thor and Perrin Aybara.

---

Min Farshaw

Actress: Kae Alexander

Nationality: Andoran
Occupation: Bartender
Talent: Foretelling

A young soothsayer, living in Fal Dara. Not much is known about Min's origins. She has worked in bars and inns all across Andor and The Borderlands, but it is known by the Aes Sedai that Min has an unusual gift: she can see the future. When she looks at a person, she will sometimes see visions of what might become of them. These visions are often vague and metaphorical, but they have yet to be wrong. Despite the White Tower's awareness of Min's gifts, she has been allowed the freedom to go about the world and find her own path. Although, not without the Blue Sisters keeping a close eye on her.

---

Moiraine Damodred

Actress: Rosamund Pike

Nationality: Cairhienen
Occupation: Aes Sedai
Talent: Channeling

Moiraine is an Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah. She was born to the ascendant Damodred noble family in Cairhien. She showed a talent for channeling at a young age, so she was sent for training at the White Tower. While Moiraine rose up through the White Tower, the Damodred family lost favor in Cairhien after her uncle inadvertently started the Aiel War. Moiraine chose to abandon the cutthroat politics of Cairhien and devoted herself to her life as an Aes Sedai. As a member of the Blue Ajah, Moiraine travels across the land, collecting information for the White Tower. She rarely communicates with other sisters, and spends most of her days alone with only her Warder Lan to keep her company.

---

Nynaeve al'Meara

Actress: Zoe Robins

Nationality: Andoran
Occupation: Wisdom
Talent: Healing, Listening to the Wind

Nynaeve was born in a small homestead near the Two Rivers. She was orphaned at a young age, and taken under the wing of the Two Rivers Wisdom Doran Barran. She quickly learned to heal and to "listen to the wind". When Doral passed away, Nynaeve became the youngest Wisdom the Two Rivers had ever seen. Nynaeve is known for her hot temper, fierce loyalty and strong sense of responsibility to her community. Without any family of her own, she has made the Two Rivers her family. She is also highly regarded for her abilities as a healer. In fact, Nynaeves's ability to cure even the sickest in the community allows many to overlook her more abrasive personality traits.

---

Perrin Aybara

Actor: Marcus Rutherford

Nationality: Andoran
Occupation: Blacksmith
Talent: Forgework

Perrin was born in the Two Rivers to Con and Joslyn Aybara. He was the eldest son of the Aybara family and showed an aptitude for the hard, yet careful labor of blacksmithing. Perrin married his childhood sweetheart, Laila, and the two of them took over as the Two Rivers' blacksmiths. Perrin is still close with his other childhood friends Mat Cauthon and Rand al'Thor.

---

Rand al'Thor

Actor: Josha Stradowski

Nationality: Andor
Occupation: Sheepherder
Talent: Archery

Rand grew up herding sheep on the slopes of the Mountains of Mist with his father, Tam al'Thor. Rand's mother, Kari, died when Rand was young. Rand has always stood out from the other Two Rivers folk. His tall, lanky frame, as well as his bright red hair makes him easy to find in a crowd. Despite his appearance, Rand has a typical Two Rivers personality. He is stubborn, content with the old ways, and unambitious. He is slow to trust, and even slower to give up on someone.

---

Siuan Sanche

Actress: Sophie Okonedo

Nationality: Tairen
Occupation: Amyrlin Seat
Talent: Channeling, Foretelling

Born to a poor fisherman in Tear, Siuan practically grew up on a fishing boat. Not much is known about her childhood, only that she arrived at the White Tower when she was just a child, with no family or guardians, asking to be taught by the Aes Sedai. Siuan showed great promise, becoming an Aes Sedai at the age of twenty. After ten years of being the eyes and ears of the Blue Sitters, Siuan made many friends and demonstrated immense channeling abilities. She also showed a talent for seeing visions in her dreams, making her the most powerful Aes Sedai in a generation. When Marith Jaen died, Siuan was elected the youngest Amyrlin Seat in Aes Sedai history, at the age of 30.

---

Stepin

Actor: Peter Franz�n

Nationality: Andoran
Occupation: Warder
Talent: Combat

Stepin is the Warder of Kerene Sedai. He is a talented warrior and looked up to by other Warders for his many years of service. He trained at the White Tower at the same time as Lan Mandragoran, and they became fast friends. He is very close to Kerene Sedai.

---

Tam al'Thor

Actor: Michael McElhatton

Nationality: Andoran
Occupation: Sheepherder
Talent: Archery

Tam is a sheepherder who lives on the edge of the Two Rivers with his son Rand. He is known for his soft but sure demeanor. When Tam was young, he left town. No one knows exactly where he went, but when he returned, he brought with him his infant son Rand and his wife Kari. Kari died not long after and Tam has been Rand's sole guardian since then.

---

Thom Merrilin

Actor: Alexandre Willaume

Nationality: Andoran
Occupation: Gleeman
Talent: Chanting, Tumbling, Music

Thomdril Merrilin, sometimes called the "Gray Fox", was born in Caemlyn to a wealthy family. He grew up, enmeshed in the politics of the Andoran capital. After decades of schooling, he became a court bard for house Trakand, at the time of it's ascension to power. Then, for reasons unknown, Thom left the capitol and became a traveling gleeman. He hustled from dingy inn to overgrown amphitheater, entertaining the working people of Andor. Thom, like most court bards, is a master of high chant, plain chant and common. He can walk a rope, juggle and tumble with grace despite his many years. His oratory often focuses on stories of old, but always with a modern lesson. Despite his days at court being over, his politics are unmissable in his nightly performances.

ONE YEAR LATER fucked around with this message at 23:11 on Jan 6, 2022

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ONE YEAR LATER: Apr 13, 2004; Fry old buddy, it's me, Bender!; Oven Wrangler

Just cause I love it, bask in the glory of 1990 genre fiction cover art, almost accurate to the book itself!

Got some scans from an upcoming issue of EW

Official season 1 trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ABgqUh8M98

Amazon has a ton of bonus content on the show page, located right here We're talking interactive timeline, interactive world map, character profiles, glossary of setting specific terms, significant items/object information, if you're not a book reader and want more or might need some clarification about the setting I highly suggest checking it out. The pretty cool and good animated lore videos are located here too, under the "Explore" tab and the "Origin Stories" header.

:siren:

tsob was kind enough to collect the Amazon X-ray bonus blurbs and here they are!

quote:

tsob wrote:
Episode One

In his day, The Dragon was a man with immense power, a champion for humanity and one of the generals in the war against The Shadow. In his desperation to end the war, The Dragon led 100 Companions in an attempt to seal The Dark One in it's prison; but they did so without the help of their female counterparts. In the final instant of victory, The Dark One struck at the very heart of the energy source the men were wielding during the battle, instantly driving the male Companions insane and ushering in The Time of Madness.

The mission to seal The Dark One back in it's prison, though successful, was more costly than anyone could have imagined. Men who attempted to wield "Saidin", the male half of the magic energy also called The One Power quickly discovered a corruption of it's source. Any man with the ability to channel this power was destined to go mad. This was the devastating legacy The Dark One left on the world.

After witnessing the foretelling of the birth of the one prophecy called "The Dragon Reborn", Moiraine's path is set. She has no choice but to find the baby at all costs. The fate of the world depends on her success.

The Women's Circle is a part of the governmental structure of the rural villages within the region of The Two Rivers. When a woman is considered mature enough the circle invites her to braid her hair. The braid represents a woman's bond to her village, the Women's Circle and her community; and their bond to her.

Wisdom's play a central role in the villages they tend. While they have a leadership role in managing the day to day affairs of rural life, they are also responsible for the health and well being of the people within the community. Wisdom's are skilled healers with a wealth of holistic knowledge, and a few have additional gifts that help to enrich the lives of the village they care for.

This is the very first scene from the first chapter, "An Empty Road", of the first book in the series within The Wheel of Time. The horse, "Bela", is an iconic part of the story and many who read the books believe she is an omnipotent being with creator-like tendencies. In the Two Rivers, wool and tabac (tobacco) are the main exports, and the tabac is known all over as the best in the world.

The village of Emond's Field is one of four that make up the region known as "The Two Rivers", along with Watch Hill, Devon Ride and Taren Ferry.

In the books Perrin is not married. In fact, the show decided to bring the ages of the villagers up by a few years in order for them to feel more mature, as well as more developed as characters and individuals.

Aes Sedai are, for the most part, very well respected; but also feared. They can usually be identified by the "Great Serpent" ring worn by all women who have been raised to full sisterhood. Moiraine is a character who is known to be able to command a room with her mere presence. She is an incredibly powerful woman, both in force of will and in the female half of The One Power.

A Warder is a warrior who, through a bond, can sense his Aes Sedai's emotions. Warders are committed to the defense and protection of their Aes Sedai; the bond not only provides insights into their Aes Sedai's physical and mental well-being, but it also gives him additional stamina and the ability to overcome wounds another man would succumb to.

Bel Tine is a festival that celebrates the end of Winter, and the welcoming of Spring. There are many traditions surrounding the days leading into Bel Tine, including the making or procurement of lanterns; which are used to light a path back home for family, friends and neighbours.

Nynaeve is the youngest Wisdom The Two River's has ever had, but she is also dedicated to her village and it's people. Stubbornness is a proud trait of those from the region, and Nynaeve uses this particular quality to her advantage often.

"Listening to the wind" is a talent that not all Wisdoms have, but many claim. While it is unclear at this time what exactly this talent is, there is more to it than first meets the eye as "listening to the wind" is not always about the weather.

The Wheel of Time was put in place by The Creator; it is the centerpoint of all of time. With seven spokes, the Wheel is considered a "cosmic loom"; using people's lives as threads slowly weaving the fabric of the universe, spinning forever and ever - time without end.

Shadowspawn are dark constructs developed by a man who served The Dark One during the Age of the First Dragon. Trollocs were engineered using humans and animals to create an easily controlled and renewable army.

Tam Al'thor is a man with many hidden qualities and skills. The heron mark on his blade is unique and well earned. This sword is similar to the one Lan carries; the blade always seems sharp, and the blood of Shadowspawn which can erode metal doesn't seem to have a negative effect on the steel.

Two Rivers folk are known far and wide for their stubbornness; even faced with unbeatable odds, devastation or monsters they've only heard stories about, the people of the Two Rivers will always band together to fight back. A common saying in the Two Rivers has to do with survival; "if the Light wills it"; however, for these people, even if the Light doesn't will their survival, they'll do it anyway.

Channeling can exhaust the channeler; the more power one holds, the more at risk for extreme fatique one is. Serenity and extreme calm in the most stressful situations (a channeler can't become an Aes Sedai without passing a test where they must channel 100 perfect weaves while being faced with the most intense stress test; that includes distractions, both minor and major, pain and emotional torture).

Trollocs are known to eat humans, and it is common for them to carry people off during a fight. Their remains can often be found in a Trolloc cookpot.

"Light" is a common phrase often used as an exclamation of relief. While there is no religion in this world, "Light" is considered to come from The Creator, so it is good. Where the Light is bright enough, it can always beat back The Shadow.

Trolloc blades have poison on them. Just as the blood from Shadowspawn can erode metal, the poison on the blades the Trollocs carry will poison and eventually kill a person wounded by them unless otherwise treated.

Healing is an incredibly technical weave, and just one of the many unique abilities an Aes Sedai learns when training with The One Power. An interesting side note; some Aes Sedai can heal those who are near death, while others can barely heal old bruises. It has nothing to do with how much of The One Power is used, but more to do with the aptitude of the channeler.

These iconic words open each book in Robert Jordan's series, however in the books the wind rises and blows on a journey throughout various different landmarks within the world.
- The iconic words in question being: "The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend, legend fades to myth and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again.

Episode 02

The Children of the Light are an organization dedicated to fighting The Shadow and scourging Darkfriends from society. Entirely independent from serving a country or crown, men from all over the world choose to follow The Way of the Light. The organization has been left unchecked for 1,000 years, as a result their ideology for hunting Darkfriends has grown extreme.

Because The One Power was used during the Breaking of the World, the Children have come to see those who use it as followers of The Dark One and Aes Sedai as "witches". Women of The White Tower have few weaknesses, however they are not invulnerable.

An Aes Sedai's safety and well-being is a Warder's only priority. He will scout ahead and track behind a trail to be sure she is secure, often covering three times the amount of ground anyone else does.

Trollocs are a genetic cross between humans and animals, and during their creation many different types of animal stock was used. As a result, some of these Shadowspawn have keenly developed tracking instincts heightened by the type of species in their genealogy.

Taren Ferry is one of the four villages that make up the region known as "The Two Rivers". The river Tarendrelle is wide, swift and considered a gateway to the world at large for those crossing from the South.

Fades are another type of Shadowspawn, known to be far superior in intellect and fighting skill to their more animalistic counterparts. These creatures are often tied to a large group of Trollocs, acting as a leader for the horde. Trollocs fear few things, but moving water is one. A Fade must drive resistant Trollocs to cross bodies of fast moving water.

The sinking of the ferry was an iconic scene from The Eye of the World; crossing water represents the group leaving behind the safety and security of their home into an unknown and uncertain future.

The Dragon's Rebirth is from prophecy. Nearly every woman, man and child knows or has heard at least some of the prophecies of the Dragon; though most sound like fairytales during this Age.

Women who can channel The One Power have incredible magical abilities; The three oaths are so important because it shows non-channelers that Aes Sedai are not a threat.

There are women who are born with the "spark", which means that she will channel one day whether she wants to learn or not. Because of this it is imperative those with the spark inborn are guided through their first embracing of The One Power. If left without guidance a woman can fall irreversibly ill and even lead to a painful death which cannot be stopped.

Carrion eaters are The Dark One's eyes. They can watch and report to the armies of The Shadow.

The Children of the Light are also called "Whitecloaks", named so for the near obsessive way the men keep their cloaks clean. While Whitecloaks hate Aes Sedai, the regular citizen can also be targeted by this group. A mere insult could be considered darkfriend behavior and runs a risk of being put to the Question.

Questioners, also known as "The Hand of the Light", are a group within the Children whose primary goal is to extract confessions out of people of being darkfriends. Their methods are ruthless. Almost everyone questioned by one of these individuals admits to serving The Shadow.

Trolloc poison is incredibly potent. A normal person would likely die very quickly without Aes Sedai healing. Aes Sedai have the unique benefit of being able to draw energy and strength from their warder through their bond.

Whitebridge is a town on the river Arinelle. The location got it's name from the stunning white, intricately built bridge that spans the river. It is speculated by scholars that the structure has been standing since the Age of Legends, which means the bridge would be over 3,000 years old.

Manetheren was one of the first cities to emerge after The Breaking of the World. It flourished for over 1,000 years, and it's leadership helped unite the rest of the Westlands by creating a compact for the ten nations that rose in the centuries post Breaking.

Just like many themes within The Wheel of Time, wolves explore duality in one's nature. There is a balancing act between being a lone wolf, or becoming a pack leader.

Shadar Logoth was originally called Aridhol, a city that was a part of The Compact of the Ten Nations and a true friend of Manetheren. The people of Aridhol were known to be valiant fighters, but evil came to the city and destroyed it.The evil was not that of The Shadow, but that which lives in the hearts of humankind.

It is said that there is a feeling of being watched inside of Shadar Logoth; the windows all seem to have eyes peering out of them. When the sun goes down and the shadows stretch across the streets, some claim that they feel the brush of fingers down their spine. You do not want to be caught in the dark in the Shadowed City.

Exploration of Shadar Logoth is dangerous. It is a city even Trollocs fear. Even since the city destroyed itself, everything left inside has been corrupted by the very evil that murdered the inhabitants. Mashadar, the killing mist, is embodiment of the evil created within the walls of the city and the hearts of the citizens.

Episode 03

Trollocs are constructs that have a few minor human instincts; however loyalty, compassion or care are not in their makeup. Food is one of the biggest priorities, and they will eat whatever is most convenient. Including a wounded comrade in arms.

The Women's Circle is a place of sanctuary and power. Generations of women from the village come to the circle for ritual and fellowship. The strength of all who came before is hewn directly into the stones and interwoven into the earth.

Channeling is risky for the untrained; women embracing the One Power must always have a care to not draw in too much. The more a woman handles Saidar, the more she wants to hold. Should someone take in more of the power than she can safely manage, she will burn herself out; forever losing the ability to wield the source.

Wisdoms are natural foragers; they are completely at home in almost any local landscape and experts on the flora in the area. Aes Sedai rely on The Power to heal, but Wisdoms use whatever is at their disposal. Tracking is another useful skill for a wisdom, particular animals are great indicators for specific plants, flowers and herbs that those healers like to keep on hand.

Dreams have great significance in The Wheel of Time, in fact some feel more real than others. When asleep the mind can be a vulnerable space susceptible to anyone who might have a talent for taking advantage of an unsuspecting soul.

"The Stories" are referred to a few times throughout the book series. Fantasizing about adventure and actually having one become a learning experience for some of our characters. Sometimes being a hero isn't as great as the stories make it sound.

Breen's Spring is a small village in the country of Andor. Mining and trade are the main avenues of commerce for the area. There are a few inns and taverns that cater to the miners. The main one being called "Four Kings".

Inns, common rooms and taverns are all key parts of this sequence in the books, and entertainment is a big part of that. Gleemen are travelling entertainers, known for being singers, storytellers, jugglers and acrobats. Note the patched lining of this gleeman's coat. The colorful patches are an identifying detail to name a traveler "gleeman".

Gleemen have a wandering lifestyle, and most have no permanent place to call home. They rely on their abilities to pay for their supper, along with an occasional bed to sleep in. The tips they make help with the supplies that are needed for the long walks between the villages, towns and cities that they entertain in.

The area that Perrin and Egwene are walking through is the Caralain Grass; a massive plain with no roads, rivers or large bodies of water nearby. At it's widest, the area stretches nearly 1000 miles.

These nomadic people, sometimes referred to as "The Travelling People" or "Tuatha'an" journey across the Westlands, living out of horse drawn carriages and making a living as traders and tinkerers. The Song and greeting rituals are important to this group.

A Warder will drive himself to death looking for a way to save his Aes Sedai, the bond creates an overwhelming instinct to preserve her life above all else. A big reason for this is likely due to the unbearable sense of loss a Warder feels if his Aes Sedai dies. Most immediately go insane due to their immense grief and do not survive the death of their Aes Sedai long.

East of the Spine of the World, in a sprawling desert, live the mysterious Aiel. Not much is known about these strange people. They are easy to spot, usually standing a head higher than any Westlander, and sporting bright red hair.

The Stone of Tear is a massive fortress, which many consider to be the oldest standing structure in the world, possibly being built during The Breaking. Resembling a mountain in sheer size, The Stone was built by Aes Sedai fusing stones with fire to create a totally smooth and unbroken exterior. The Stone has never been breached since it's construction.

Many people believe that The Wheel is a prison in which Ages and lives are repeated over and over, time without end. Due to this there is a perception some have regarding their own choices, and if they have free will. A solution to this perceived eternity is that if The Wheel were to break, time would finally stop and all souls would finally be free.

Thom Merillin is sometimes called "The Grey Fox". He grew up in Caemlyn, the capitol of Andor, and has been highly educated. Then, for reasons unknown, Thom left the capitol and became a travelling gleeman. He hustled from dingy inn to overgrown amphitheater, entertaining the working people of Andor. He never used his power for favors, and never advertised his past.

Originally in The Age of Legends, people who dedicated themselves to The Shadow were known as "Friends of the Dark" and they were promised immortality when The Dark One broke free of it's prison. In the current Age, most who swear oaths to The Shadow are looking to be scandalous or are bored, and typically these so called "Darkfriends" are only looking to experiment and don't realize their vows are binding in this life, and sometimes the next.

Aes Sedia law dictates that a man found channeling should be brought to The Tower to stand trial, and then be Gentled; or cut off from Saidin - the male half of The Source. There is symbolism in the ritual, as the process of Gentling is said to prevent the world from another Breaking; because severing a man from The One Power stops the progression of his madness. It also has a lobotomizing effect, and leaves the once powerful men in near catatonic states until it is said they give up their will to live.

Episode 04

Ghaeldan is a small country that runs along the foothills of the Mountains of mist. It's government is a hereditary monarchy, however the king or queen must also be advised by a council of nobility and wealthy merchants. For the past 70 years, Ghealdn has actively been protecting itself from being absorbed by it's larger neighbour, Amadicia - the seat of the infamous Children of the Light.

The Karaethon Cycle, also called the Prophecies of the Dragon, speaks about the Dragon's coming. There are multiple passages directly discussing her of him either breaking the world or saving it. "All Glory be to the Creator, and to the Light, and to the Dragon who shall be born again. May the Light save us."

Men must mentally wade through a vile corruption of "Saidin" - the male half of the source, in order to reach the One Power. Eventually, this terrible corruption begins to poison a man's mind and body until both are overwhelmed with madness. The madness takes all shapes, though hearing voices is a clear sign that the mind is truly sick, and to keep him from being destructive, he must be stopped.

There are five weaves of the power: air, water, earth, fire and spirit. Each can be used on its own or in combination with one another to achieve incredible feats. There are many ways to weave the threads of the One Power; healing for example uses air, water and spirit, while throwing a fireball requires fire and air. Earth and air might be used to loosen mortar so that an Aes Sedai could use air to throw stones from a building at some Shadowspawn.

The White Tower is the home to all Aes Sedai. It has stood in the city of Tar Valon for over 2,000 years, keeping the seat of the most powerful organization in the world safe. The monolith of the White Tower represents an unbroken sisterhood since the time of the Breaking of the World.

The Tuatha'an are a group of people with no country as their home. Traveling continuously from the Breaking, this group of individuals, also known as "Seekers", are constantly looking for the "Song". While no one living has heard this Song, most of the Seekers insist they will know it when they hear it.

Strength in the One Power differs wildly between individuals; while channelers of the opposite sex cannot tell exactly how powerful each other are, one can get an idea by using a shield and measuring the difficulty. Both men and women can usually tell how strong a person of the same sex is if they are actively embracing the One Power.

The Aes Sedai are comprised of seven groups known as "Ajahs". Each Ajah is distinct with their own set of goals. Blues invest themselves in causes such as righteousness and justice, Reds are a force that police the misuse of the One Power with a strong focus on men who can channel and Greens are the "Battle Ajah"; their entire purpose is to train and stand ready to fight in The Last Battle between the Dark One and the Dragon Reborn.

"Shielding" an individual can be taxing on a channeler depending on the strength of both the person being shielded and whether or not that person is actively trying to break out of the shield. It is described by the channelers holding on to the shield as if they are being pushed or shoved constantly.

In the books, the "On the Road" chapters are an integral part of the development of the characters from The Two Rivers. There are multiple villages, inns, farms and people met along the way.

The Way of the Leaf is a purely pacifist lifestyle only practiced by the Seekers. They will not raise a hand to defend themselves, their loved ones or use violence to hunt game for meat. They use the life of a leaf as a metaphor for their time in the world, as it does no harm and when it finally falls the leaf will nourish new growth.

Birgitte is a hero who is a genius with a bow and appears to have been spun out by the Wheel many times to have multiple adventures.

"Gentling" is when a man specifically is cut off from the male half of the source and forever unable to touch the One Power again, while still being able to feel its presence. This experience is devastating, akin to being castrated and lobotomized at the same time. Most men immediately lose the will to live after being Gentled.

Warders share a unique bond with one another and proudly enter a lifelong brotherhood when submitting to the bonding by an Aes Sedai. Most Warders live at the White Tower, constantly training with one another as well as other young men hoping to one day bond with a Sister and become a Warder themselves.

Reincarnation is a reality in this world. Lives are also known as threads. When a person dies, their thread is temporarily drooped but not broke and thus has an opportunity for the Wheel to weave a new life back into the Pattern.

Fades travel via shadows. It is unknown how far one can move, if the shadows must be in the same area or if shadows could be far apart. The ability makes this deadly opponent even more unpredictable and difficult to kill.

The White Tower has many laws and customs; laws are written down while customs can at times be even more powerful than the laws set forth by Aes Sedai. When either are broken, the punishments can be severe and even humiliating for these incredibly proud women.

Malkier, once a great city in the Borderlands, was lost to the Shadow 40 odd years ago. The Old Tongue is a nearly extinct language spoken in the Age of Legends. It is taught to nobles, remembered by ancient places like Malkier, remembered in pieces by people with the Old Blood running through their veins or researched and studied by the Aes Sedai.

There are many types of different Wards created by the One Power; some can keep specific things out like vermin, others act as silent alarms that can only be detected by the channeler that set them, and yet others act as a buffer to keep food from spoiling. Wards are yet another example of the adaptability of the One Power.

When becoming an Aes Sedai a woman must endure an incredibly brutal test that requires perfect serenity and calm while channeling 100 different weaves of the One Power. Serenity and calm in tense situations including battle are cornerstone to becoming and being an Aees Sedai.

In the books, "shielding" a man embracing the male half of The Source is incredibly difficult. Linking is typically needed and is the process of a channeler combining their own strength to another. The linked women, known as as a circle have no ability to channel the power themselves and must give over control of the circle to a single person so that they may meld all of the Power and direct it as needed.

A woman's first embracing of The One Power unguided often happens when they are desperate or feel they need something. It can be as minor as wanting to overhear a conversation or as major as saving a life. Typically, if the woman survives whatever weave she creates in that moment, it will become her own special talent in the One Power.

Episode 05

The Last Embrace of the Mother is a Borderlander tradition welcoming the body of an individual into the land. In the books, an Aes Sedai carries her own death shroud, usually in the color of her Ajah. This tradition was changed for the show with them burying the dead in white.

Dragonmount was created by the previous champion of the Light, and the original Dragon. After going completely insane when he returned from sealing the Dark One in its prison, he ruthlessly slaughtered his entire family, leaving no one from his bloodline alive. In a moment of horrified realization, the Dragon drew more of the One Power than he could hold, creating a bar of white-hot energy. The pillar vaporized the Dragon with a blast so powerful the Earth was split open, breaking the crust and creating the volcanic eruption that is now Dragonmount.

Tar Valon is considered the greatest and arguably the most beautiful city in the world. With the help of talented Builders, the city is situated on an island 8 miles long and 2 miles wide, surrounded by tall gleaming white walls. There are approximately 500,000 people living on the island, representing nearly all the various countries in the Westlands.

"Eyes and ears" is a phrase used by the Aes Sedai to describe the spy networks they use to keep up to date with immediate world events. Each Ajah has their own group of people loyal to them, however individual sisters are known to have personal networks outside of their dedicated Ajah.

The dogs with the Seekers are meant to help scare away people threatening them, but are trained not to attack of hurt anyone.

In the books, the term "Whitecloak" is a nickname created by outsiders and given to those in the organization known as the Children of the Light. Similarly, "Questioners" is a nickname for the interrogators; a branch of the Children known as the Hand of the Light.

Ogiers are non-human creatures known for their great size, long lives and love for verbose conversation. They in general love to read, and have a great respect for nature and peace in their daily lives. The Ogier are great builders, being called on to help create some of the most magnificent structures and cities in the world.

Due to the Ogier's long lives, they generally feel they have plenty of time to get anything done and feel humans are hasty, moving throughout life too quickly.

The procession of Logain is one of the most iconic moments from the first book, though it takes place in a different city!

One way to save a Warder is to immediately bond him to another Aes Sedai, as many believe this will provide a reason to live. However, a Warder must consent to a new bond and they typically decline when asked.

Questioners have the most ruthless techniques for getting people to admit their alleged sins. Channeling is against the Children of the Light's laws and they feel that all Aes Sedai and channelers are darkfriends and witches.

For Wisdoms, the art of herbcraft is a huge part of their skills. Most of these women have an extraordinary talent for healing and feel that even a broken heart or grief require attention. Goatstongue root is commonly used in tea for sleeping.

The White Tower is a large structure with many areas unseen in the books. We don't see the Warder barracks inside, so this scene takes place in a new setting for the show.
- Note: the scene in question is Liandrin talking to Nynaeve as she looks up at a statue of a Warder.

Ogiers are great readers and researchers, and the White Tower Library is the greatest in the world. Most of these gentle giants would be very happy to spend their time reading through the massive inventory including books, scrolls and loose pages that might have survived the Breaking of the World.

New channelers don't find it easy to find the Source every time they reach for it; it takes a lot of practice to find the peace and serenity required to access the One Power on every attempt.

Girls dressed in all white are initiates of the Tower, called Novices, and many are just learning to touch the Source. They must learn many things before they can be raised to the next level; the Accepted. Each Novice learns at her own pace, and some can spend as long as 10 years at that level to reach acceptance.

The Forsaken are some of the most powerful channelers known to have lived. However, all chose to turn to the Shadow during the Age of Legends. Each individual swore oaths to the Dark One for their own reasons, and certainly the most enticing was the gift of immortality.

The Amyrlin Seat is both a literal seat and the title of the woman who leads all Aes Sedai. She is considered the most powerful woman in the world, having the ability to demand the immediate presence of a king of queen who would give automatic deference to her position.

It is rare for a Warder to be able to survive the death of his Aes Sedai for long. The pain and grief are overwhelming, and it is said to never go away.

Episode 06

The nation of Tear contains the greatest seaport in the Westlands with a great tradition for fishing. Interestingly, even though it has the greatest port, the location sits at the mouth of a river. This river contains a vast delta of complex waterways known as "The Fingers of the Dragon".

Channeling is illegal in Tear. Aes Sedai are tolerated and even respected, but they are expected to not use the One Power while in the country. When a girl discovers she can channel, she is forced to leave that same day and encouraged to never return.

The Amyrlin Seat is the head of all Aes Sedai, and the Keeper of the Chronicles is second only to her. The Keeper acts as a historian, recording important details and laws in the Tower. She only has the power given to her by the Amyrlin.

Trials for male channelers are traditionally held before they are gentled. This is as much of a tradition as it is a law in the Tower.

The Brown Ajah are known for being the Librarians of the Aes Sedai, always researching and on the quest for knowledge. The Grey Ajah are the mediators and most aware of the laws of each nation. Traditionally, members of the Grey are sent to rulers as political advisors. The White Ajah is for women who don't wish to meddle in the troubles of the world, and would rather devote themselves to philosophy and truth.

Mentioning an Amyrlin's previous Ajah in public is considered discourteous and insulting. An Amyrlin is to be of all Ajah's and of none; to bring up her original chosen Ajah is to challenge her impartiality.

The dagger from Shadar Logoth is tainted by the same evil that destroyed the city and its people. This kind of evil has an infectious nature and if allowed to exist outside the city could destroy the goodness in humanity. Mat's possible ta'veren nature kept him protected from allowing the evil to fully take hold.

The Red and Green Ajah's have major fundamental differences, so a Green sister speaking up in the Hall of the Tower on behalf of and in defense of a Red is unheard of. This demonstrates potentially weakening bonds amongst alliances that are a thousand years old.

The Yellow Ajah is for women drawn to healing. They spend their lives truly in service to their sisters and their community. Passion to fix what is broken is what makes a woman want to become Yellow Ajah.

'Bond Masking' in the books is a study of concentration and has nothing to do with the One Power. In the show, if an Aes Sedai masks her bond with her Warder, that means their awareness of one another is truly and completely cut off.

There are objects of the One Power created for specific purposes. Some of these objects do very mundane things like play music or create fabric, while others act as doorways to different places, spaces or experiences.

Siuan's tattoos represent her culture and tell the stories of her life. They may also represent a map for those skilled enough to navigate the Fingers of the Dragon.

Gitara Moroso was an Aes Sedai who had a foretelling at the moment of the Dragon's Rebirth. It was so powerful and shocking that the sister died, leaving Moiraine and Siuan to decide what to do.

Greetings are important for Ogier. "Glory to the Builders" is a common one used in Shienar, the country Lan was raised in.

The Wheel and the Pattern use all life and events when weaving together the fabric of an Age. Sometimes there are hundreds, if not thousands of years within the Pattern, spinning in order to push certain events into place that must happen in order for the Wheel to keep turning.

There are many different punishments that the Amyrlin Seat can dole out to Aes Sedai. The worst a sister can expect is a public birching, but exile or exile with forced hard labor have been known punishments to be set down for very egregious acts. These acts tend to involve the misuse of the One Power.

The Oath Rod is traditionally only used for the Three Oaths that all Aes Sedai take upon passing their test for sisterhood. Swearing these oaths is known to be physically uncomfortable due to an actual feeling of pressure and tightening over the entire body as the oaths take hold.

Episode 07

The Battle of the Shining Walls, or the Blood Snow, was the final battle that ended the Aiel War. The war began after the abandonment of a 400-year truce between the Aiel and the Cairhien. The fighting lasted a little over two years, ravaging the Westlands and eventually ending near Tar Valon when the king of Cairhien was finally killed for his sins against the Aiel and breaking the truce.

The Ways were created during the Age of Legends with its passages connecting the many Ogier Steddings. Accessible by Waygates, the Ways is a vast ocean of pitch black, scattered with islands and bridges. By using the Ways, one can travel across a continent in a days' time.

For mysterious reasons, the Ways are completely dark. It is said that the Ways were once filled with light and lush vegetation, making it a paradise for the nature loving Ogier. Fruit trees and flowers were always in season and blooming; there was always food for those traveling through the Ways.

Since there are many different paths a traveler might take to get to a specific location, a 'Guiding Stone' provides direction and helps navigate the various options. There is always one just beyond sight of the Waygate after entering.

Some believe the Ways have long since been abandoned because of the appearance of Machin Shin, the Black Wind that lurks in the darkness and consumes the sanity of the living.

Islands and bridges are suspended in the black void of the Ways. Many people who have travelled the Ways feel unnerved by the bizarre nature of the place, feeling the constant shift of what was once above and is now below.

Fal Dara is a walled fortress city at the northern edge of Shienar. Sharing a border with the Blight, it is the first line of defense against Trolloc hordes. With Tarwin's Gap to the north, Fal dara sits at a bottleneck, where the Trollocs must pass before spreading across the lands.

A Waygate can be permanently locked, but most Ogier hesitate to tell the secret of how.

Women who are not strong enough to pass the Aes Sedai test are sent away from the Tower. There are many different reasons this might happen: some lack strength in the One Power, some refuse to take the test for Sisterhood and some fail the test.

The ability to read the Pattern is rare, allowing the Seer to get glimpses of auras or images around an individual. Sometimes a Seer is able to interpret the images and other times the meaning is unknown until after an event occurs.

Moiraine and Lan first met travelling after the Battle of the Shining Walls. Neither seemed to like the other very much initially; Lan tossed Moiraine into a pond, and in retribution Moiraine caused ants to attack Lan in the night.

The Seven Towers of Malkier once stood as a great bulwark against the Trollocs of the Blight. For generations, Malkieri warriors stood strong against the Dark One's forces, but with the Blight spreading every day, it was only a matter of time before they were overrun. Eventually, Shadowspawn invaded Malkier and the Seven Towers fell. The once proud Malkieri became refugees, settling in the nearby borderlands.

Tam al'Thor left the Two Rivers as a young man and joined the army of Illian. He eventually gained the rank of Second Captain of the Companions; an elite troop within the Illianer army. He had great skill with the sword, earning the heron mark on his blade, which honors him as a blademaster.

The Blight is a massive expanse of land to the North of the borderlands. It is home to the Trollocs, Myrddraal and all servants of the Dark. Filled with twisted jungles and ash-covered plains, the Blight is the most dangerous place in all of the Wstlands. Here, the corruption of the Dark One has seeped into every insect, animal and plant. The air itself is unsafe to breathe for too long.

Episode 08

Old Tongue is a near dead language but was the dominant language during the Age of Legends. Aes Sedai and nobles are the most likely groups to have retained a version of the language, however it is unclear just how closely the current version reflects the original.

The Great Blight is an area that runs the length of the mountain range known as The Mountains of Dhoom. The land is near where the Dark One is thought to be imprisoned, and as a result the flora, fauna and climate are all affected by the proximity of the Shadow; everything in the Blight is toxic or poisonous, including the air.

The dialogue in this scene between Lan and Nynaeve, though in a totally different location, was taken right out of the books.

There are three classes of objects of the One Power: ter'angreal were made for specific purposes and resemble everyday items such as an intricately carved box that plays music when opened, a vase that collects water out of the air, or matching picture frames that act as portals to an unknown place. Angreal amplify a channeler's power level or allows a channeler to safely draw in larger amounts of the source and sa'angreal also allow a channeler to draw more of the power; the only known difference between angreal and sa'angreal is the the objects of the latter are much more powerful.

Tarwin's Gap is a mountain pass marking the end of the Mountains of Dhoom and the beginning of the range that runs perpendicular called The Spine of the World. It provides a tactical location in the Borderlands that has long been used to hold back invasions of the Shadow.

The Flame and the Void is a concentration technique that allows a person to completely empty their mind of everything. The purpose is that when in combat you are in an extreme state of consciousness, allowing for perfect focus to complete a task

It is said that the Horn of Valere will be found just before the last battle. There are many myths and legends surrounding what the Horn will actually do, as no one is certain.

ONE YEAR LATER fucked around with this message at 23:04 on Jan 6, 2022

# ? Jul 24, 2021 05:17

RC Cola: Aug 1, 2011; Dovie'andi se tovya sagain

I am very excited for this show.

# ? Jul 24, 2021 05:21

jng2058: Jul 17, 2010; We have the tools, we have the talent!

I dunno, for a supposedly non-spoiler thread you're giving away a lot of information that doesn't get revealed for many books. I'd recommend cutting your history down to just "things begin in an isolated small town called Emond's Field" and let the show introduce the concepts you mention in it's own time and way. The whole point of a non-spoiler thread is to only talk about what's been shown on the screen.

# ? Jul 24, 2021 05:30

CainsDescendant: Dec 6, 2007; Human nature

jng2058 posted:

I dunno, for a supposedly non-spoiler thread you're giving away a lot of information that doesn't get revealed for many books. I'd recommend cutting your history down to just "things begin in an isolated small town called Emond's Field" and let the show introduce the concepts you mention in it's own time and way. The whole point of a non-spoiler thread is to only talk about what's been shown on the screen.

That was my first thought reading the op as well. A lot of the history of the setting, at least early on in the books, is told by unreliable sources and we don't get a clear idea of who the goodies and baddies were and are until events are set in motion and we get to see more of the world.

Sorry OP, not trying to nitpick :kiddo:

# ? Jul 24, 2021 05:43

ONE YEAR LATER: Apr 13, 2004; Fry old buddy, it's me, Bender!; Oven Wrangler

I figured context was necessary for anyone new to the series and dont feel like I spoiled anything that would be relevant to the plot as it concerns the story of Eye of the World but I'll cut some stuff out. Let me know if I miss anything.

# ? Jul 24, 2021 05:43

Torrannor: Apr 27, 2013; ---FAGNER---
TEAM-MATE

I haven't seen the original post, but this version of the OP seems fine to me spoiler wise.

# ? Jul 24, 2021 06:21

The Glumslinger: Sep 24, 2008; Coach Nagy, you want me to throw to WHAT side of the field?; Hair Elf

I'm excited for all of smoothing of skirts and tugging of braids

The Glumslinger fucked around with this message at 06:38 on Jul 24, 2021

# ? Jul 24, 2021 06:27

jng2058: Jul 17, 2010; We have the tools, we have the talent!

ONE YEAR LATER posted:

I figured context was necessary for anyone new to the series and dont feel like I spoiled anything that would be relevant to the plot as it concerns the story of Eye of the World but I'll cut some stuff out. Let me know if I miss anything.

The thing is, we don't know what context the show is going to use as surprises or twists or, for that matter, change or drop entirely. For a true TV non-spoiler thread, I'd always err on the side of "don't talk about the source material at all" or at most "only talk about the source material as it relates to the episodes that have been shown and nothing in the future".

All that said, your edited version is just fine, since it doesn't say anything that you can't find in the show's own promotional material.

Thank you. :tipshat:

# ? Jul 24, 2021 06:33

Oasx: Oct 11, 2006; Freshly Squeezed

Wheel of Time has a lot of fat to trim, but even after doing that you are left with a huge amount of story that can't realistically be told, because it would take too long and cost too much.
So I am a little nervous about what we will be getting, but I hope it will be good.

# ? Jul 24, 2021 06:55

feedmyleg: Dec 25, 2004

I read the first book (or two?) in high school but can't remember much beyond a generic fantasy setting and a rote chosen one storyline. Since then I've realized just how rare a well-executed fantasy is on film, so I'm hype based on prestige and budget alone. I also know that the series apparently goes interesting directions with the chosen one stuff so I'm hoping there's more under the hood.

# ? Jul 24, 2021 07:14

bagrada: Aug 4, 2007; The Demogorgon is tired of your silly human bickering!

Hoping for a game of thrones but I'll be very happy with a witcher or legend of the seeker.

Fun fact, the showrunner Rafe Judkins was a contestant on Survivor Guatemala, season 11. He went on to be a producer on Chuck and Agents of Shield among others.

# ? Jul 24, 2021 07:41

Bongo Bill: Jan 17, 2012

The state of mainstream high fantasy when The Eye of the World was released was so direly formulaic that it was considered fresh for having the Gandalf analog be a woman. However, starting with clich� didn't keep the series from quickly developing its own distinctiveness and originality. There's plenty of good poo poo in the source material and I'm hopeful for a quality adaptation.

# ? Jul 24, 2021 08:30

Torrannor: Apr 27, 2013; ---FAGNER---
TEAM-MATE

And some of the things that are clich� now are so because WoT was an extremely popular series that influenced a lot of today's authors, which is something to keep in mind.

# ? Jul 24, 2021 09:17

TURTLE SLUT: Dec 12, 2005

I'm hyped! Even if they would need a miracle to be able to adapt this well.

What I'm expecting is that they've adapted quite a bit indeed, much more than the equivalent Game of Thrones S1 for example. They've emphasised that point in a few interviews as well. I'm guessing in the first season we're getting an amalgamation of the first few books, including the prequel. And some extra stuff on top for characters they thought should get an expanded role.

# ? Jul 24, 2021 09:25

Torrannor: Apr 27, 2013; ---FAGNER---
TEAM-MATE

JOHN SKELETON posted:

I'm hyped! Even if they would need a miracle to be able to adapt this well.

What I'm expecting is that they've adapted quite a bit indeed, much more than the equivalent Game of Thrones S1 for example. They've emphasised that point in a few interviews as well. I'm guessing in the first season we're getting an amalgamation of the first few books, including the prequel. And some extra stuff on top for characters they thought should get an expanded role.

The only way I can see any characters getting an expanded role is if they get important parts belonging to another character that the writers just don't put into the show.

# ? Jul 24, 2021 09:27

TURTLE SLUT: Dec 12, 2005

Torrannor posted:

The only way I can see any characters getting an expanded role is if they get important parts belonging to another character that the writers just don't put into the show.

My assumption is that they want to show more of the surrounding world in the first season already, beyond just what the main characters are doing in book 1, to give viewers a taste of the complicated politics. And yeah I think they have cut quite a few characters.

# ? Jul 24, 2021 09:36

Tiggum: Oct 24, 2007; Your life and your quest end here.

JOHN SKELETON posted:

And yeah I think they have cut quite a few characters.

I would certainly hope so. One reason I never finished the books was because I completely lost track of who half the cast were. That and the plot slowing to a crawl.

# ? Jul 24, 2021 12:20

thrawn527: Mar 27, 2004; Thrawn/Pellaeon
Studying the art of terrorists
To keep you safe

Excellent OP. Can�t wait for the show.

# ? Jul 24, 2021 13:51

Johnny Joestar: Oct 21, 2010; Don't shoot him?

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Tiggum posted:

I would certainly hope so. One reason I never finished the books was because I completely lost track of who half the cast were. That and the plot slowing to a crawl.

secret tech that i used when finishing the series was not really stressing over who half the characters were and just letting their names wash over my brain without trying to connect them to a mental image. this isn't to say that i didn't pay attention, it's just that there's literally so many characters that i could safely do that for a lot of them because they had a bit part at best and weren't as important as some others.

inevitably the show is going to have to mash a few together just to fit the medium

# ? Jul 24, 2021 14:12

IRQ: Sep 9, 2001; SUCK A DICK, DUMBSHITS!

Tiggum posted:

I would certainly hope so. One reason I never finished the books was because I completely lost track of who half the cast were. That and the plot slowing to a crawl.

It got better. Which is really rare to have happen, but it did. Robert Jordan also rules for publishing more books than GRRM, posthumously.

# ? Jul 24, 2021 17:22

Johnny Joestar: Oct 21, 2010; Don't shoot him?

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there's definitely a bit of a mid-series lull that picks up in the later stretch. i enjoyed pretty much all of it but you can feel the sluggishness for a little while. it'll be interesting to see how the show translates things in term of pace.

# ? Jul 24, 2021 18:06

The Glumslinger: Sep 24, 2008; Coach Nagy, you want me to throw to WHAT side of the field?; Hair Elf

The current assumption is ~2 books per season?

# ? Jul 24, 2021 18:12

thrawn527: Mar 27, 2004; Thrawn/Pellaeon
Studying the art of terrorists
To keep you safe

The Glumslinger posted:

The current assumption is ~2 books per season?

I�ve been hearing rumors of (barest of speculation based on rumors) the first season being the first 3 books. Which would make sense, if they can make it not feel rushed.

# ? Jul 24, 2021 18:40

jng2058: Jul 17, 2010; We have the tools, we have the talent!

thrawn527 posted:

I�ve been hearing rumors of (barest of speculation based on rumors) the first season being the first 3 books. Which would make sense, if they can make it not feel rushed.

Funnily enough, I've heard the opposite that it's only one and a half books for the first season, most of Eye of the World and just a bit of The Great Hunt with some flashbacks from New Spring mixed in. Which just goes to show that no one not working on the show really has any idea, and we'll just have to watch the show to find out. Which is probably for the best, really.

# ? Jul 24, 2021 19:20

Johnny Joestar: Oct 21, 2010; Don't shoot him?

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personally i've heard that goody proctor was down by the well. with the devil.

# ? Jul 24, 2021 20:12

Ccs: Feb 25, 2011

Big fan of fantasy books but I tend towards the newer stuff by Abercrombie and Parker that followed Game of Thrones getting published rather than the old "Farmboy will save the world and there's a Gandalf analogue" type story. But a high budget fantasy adaption is rare so I'll probably check out the first few episodes of this. The best fantasy adaption I've seen is BBC "Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell" series but that was just for one book.

# ? Jul 24, 2021 20:16

Johnny Joestar: Oct 21, 2010; Don't shoot him?

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if it helps, the series definitely starts out with a tiny bit of lord of the rings influence that can be clearly seen but it very rapidly starts moving way past that once you get out of first book territory. it's definitely it's own beast once you get into the meat of it.

# ? Jul 24, 2021 20:32

Hieronymous Alloy: Jan 30, 2009; Why! Why!! Why must you refuse to accept that Dr. Hieronymous Alloy's Genetically Enhanced Cream Corn Is Superior to the Leading Brand on the Market!?!; Morbid Hound

Johnny Joestar posted:

if it helps, the series definitely starts out with a tiny bit of lord of the rings influence that can be clearly seen but it very rapidly starts moving way past that once you get out of first book territory. it's definitely it's own beast once you get into the meat of it.

Yeah, Jordan said in interviews that that was deliberate -- he wanted it to feel familiar to people who'd read Tolkien, before he started getting weird with it. Remember this was written late 80's, so a *very* different media atmosphere than we have today. Fantasy was still very much outside the mainstream.

Ccs posted:

Big fan of fantasy books but I tend towards the newer stuff by Abercrombie and Parker that followed Game of Thrones getting published rather than the old "Farmboy will save the world and there's a Gandalf analogue" type story. But a high budget fantasy adaption is rare so I'll probably check out the first few episodes of this. The best fantasy adaption I've seen is BBC "Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell" series but that was just for one book.

No no no! Gandalf is a woman this time! It's totally different!

(But seriously, I mean, at the time, that was a big deal! Which tells us a lot about the state of the genre in the late eighties and early nineties!)

# ? Jul 24, 2021 21:16

Jose Valasquez: Apr 8, 2005

Tiggum posted:

I would certainly hope so. One reason I never finished the books was because I completely lost track of who half the cast were. That and the plot slowing to a crawl.

The only way I made it through the series was by skipping one of the books, Crossroads of Twilight I think? The wikipedia summary is only 8 sentences long and told me everything I needed to know

# ? Jul 24, 2021 22:52

IRQ: Sep 9, 2001; SUCK A DICK, DUMBSHITS!

Jose Valasquez posted:

The only way I made it through the series was by skipping one of the books, Crossroads of Twilight I think? The wikipedia summary is only 8 sentences long and told me everything I needed to know

That's the low point of the series for sure.

# ? Jul 24, 2021 23:09

Torrannor: Apr 27, 2013; ---FAGNER---
TEAM-MATE

Ccs posted:

Big fan of fantasy books but I tend towards the newer stuff by Abercrombie and Parker that followed Game of Thrones getting published rather than the old "Farmboy will save the world and there's a Gandalf analogue" type story. But a high budget fantasy adaption is rare so I'll probably check out the first few episodes of this. The best fantasy adaption I've seen is BBC "Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell" series but that was just for one book.

Fair enough if you prefer post-ASOIAF fantasy books, but describing the Dragon Reborn as a farmboy who saves the world doesn't do him justice. Garion is a farmboy who saves the world and plays the tropes as straight as possible. The Dragon Reborn on the other hand subverts the trope in a ton of ways.

# ? Jul 25, 2021 00:07

Data Graham: Dec 28, 2009; 📈📊🍪😋

Hieronymous Alloy posted:

Yeah, Jordan said in interviews that that was deliberate -- he wanted it to feel familiar to people who'd read Tolkien, before he started getting weird with it. Remember this was written late 80's, so a *very* different media atmosphere than we have today. Fantasy was still very much outside the mainstream.

No no no! Gandalf is a woman this time! It's totally different!

(But seriously, I mean, at the time, that was a big deal! Which tells us a lot about the state of the genre in the late eighties and early nineties!)

My glib boil-down of the whole thing is usually like �oh so you say LotR has no women in it? Well have a story with ALL THE WOMEN IN THE WORRRLLLD hahaha�

# ? Jul 25, 2021 00:18

twistedmentat: Nov 21, 2003; Its my party
and I'll die if
I want to

I tried to read the first book 20 years ago and I was bored to death. Please note this is also when I was at my move voracious reading, so its less I was too young and more it was boring. I remember telling my friend who lent me it that it made me think if Bilbo's party just kept going and going and there was no point to any of it. He told me "oh it gets real good in book 4" and I'm thinking I don't want to read that much before the series gets good.

But I've watched a bunch of videos about the world and its history and its really quite interesting. The idea that the Wheel of Time is literal, and this is some far future of earth is a neat idea. Though also the world map is god drat lazy and boring. One of those squares with mountains at one end and kingdom layouts seems really random. Though the world map isn't as important in a show as it is in the books.

The only other thing I know is "tugs on their braid"

# ? Jul 25, 2021 02:52

Gwaihir: Dec 8, 2009; Hair Elf

Johnny Joestar posted:

secret tech that i used when finishing the series was not really stressing over who half the characters were and just letting their names wash over my brain without trying to connect them to a mental image. this isn't to say that i didn't pay attention, it's just that there's literally so many characters that i could safely do that for a lot of them because they had a bit part at best and weren't as important as some others.

inevitably the show is going to have to mash a few together just to fit the medium

this is low key an exceptionally good method.

Johnny Joestar posted:

there's definitely a bit of a mid-series lull that picks up in the later stretch. i enjoyed pretty much all of it but you can feel the sluggishness for a little while. it'll be interesting to see how the show translates things in term of pace.

I think what sticks in all of our memories of that mid series lul being so bad is because we were waiting for new books for 2 years. The two year gap from book 9 to 10 and two and a half more years from 10 to 11 was just bruuutal. But when you're binge reading, eh, no big deal.

Of course, a mere 2-3 year gap seems positively quaint, now, looking at grrm, but, well.

Gwaihir fucked around with this message at 03:05 on Jul 25, 2021

# ? Jul 25, 2021 03:02

jng2058: Jul 17, 2010; We have the tools, we have the talent!

Gwaihir posted:

I think what sticks in all of our memories of that mid series lul being so bad is because we were waiting for new books for 2 years. The two year gap from book 9 to 10 and two and a half more years from 10 to 11 was just bruuutal. But when you're binge reading, eh, no big deal.

Of course, a mere 2-3 year gap seems positively quaint, now, looking at grrm, but, well.

I think that's true. I binge listened to the audiobooks last year and Crossroads wasn't that bad.

# ? Jul 25, 2021 03:31

Henrik Zetterberg: Dec 7, 2007

Man, I listened to books 5-14 on audiobook on my 2x 45-minute commute every day and it took me like 3 years to get through the series.

My son has been reading the series for a couple years now and is on book 6ish. We both can�t wait for the tv show.

# ? Jul 25, 2021 03:41

How are u: May 19, 2005; by Azathoth

twistedmentat posted:

I tried to read the first book 20 years ago and I was bored to death. Please note this is also when I was at my move voracious reading, so its less I was too young and more it was boring. I remember telling my friend who lent me it that it made me think if Bilbo's party just kept going and going and there was no point to any of it. He told me "oh it gets real good in book 4" and I'm thinking I don't want to read that much before the series gets good.

But I've watched a bunch of videos about the world and its history and its really quite interesting. The idea that the Wheel of Time is literal, and this is some far future of earth is a neat idea. Though also the world map is god drat lazy and boring. One of those squares with mountains at one end and kingdom layouts seems really random. Though the world map isn't as important in a show as it is in the books.

The only other thing I know is "tugs on their braid"

Well, you missed out. They're really good books, you should read them.

# ? Jul 25, 2021 04:42

twistedmentat: Nov 21, 2003; Its my party
and I'll die if
I want to

How are u posted:

Well, you missed out. They're really good books, you should read them.

If i had the same time to read today as I had 20 years ago, I might give them another try. The first book was sooooo boring.

# ? Jul 25, 2021 05:23

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# ? Apr 16, 2024 14:12

tsob: Sep 26, 2006; Chalalala~

Torrannor posted:

Fair enough if you prefer post-ASOIAF fantasy books, but describing the Dragon Reborn as a farmboy who saves the world doesn't do him justice. Garion is a farmboy who saves the world and plays the tropes as straight as possible. The Dragon Reborn on the other hand subverts the trope in a ton of ways.

Oh jeez, David Eddings was my poo poo as a pre-teen and the Wheel of Time my favorite books for years as a teen but I never actually finished the books. I think book 11 might have been the last I read, and I just dropped out. When the new one came out I had just lost interest. Not because I think that might be the first Sanderson wrote, I'd just drifted away from the story. Seeing your mention of Garion sparked that memory of youth though, and I started digging through cupboards and shelves for my old copies of the Belgariad and Mallorean books. I must have read both series about 10 times when I was younger, but now I can't find Pawn of Prophecy to start them even though I know I must have it somewhere. The books were as cliche as poo poo in a lot of ways, yeah, but I loved them regardless, even above Lord of the Rings. Which is fine, but never really caught me. I saw someone once describe Tolkien as more of a historian than a fiction writer, and it rings true for me. I tried re-reading Lord of the Rings several times over the years, and just always get bored. If anything, I think films are a better medium for that story, at least for me, because it cuts a lot of the poo poo I dislike such as the songs. And Tom Bombadil. Who can gently caress right off. I know some people love those elements, but I dread them every time I try to re-read the book.

That aside, I loved things like magic allowing you to transform into animals and all the stuff about running around as wolves in the Belgariad/Mallorean, I loved Belgarath/Polgara, the fact they were these ancient beings of thousands of years who lived secluded lives we only ever got small peeks at, the different societies, Silk and Velvet's thief poo poo and so on. I can see now as an adult even just thinking about it how much of that was based on or grew out of stuff in Lord of the Rings, but in my head I love those elements from Eddings and just don't care about them in Tolkien. I wonder how they'll hold up on a re-read 20 odd years later. I dug out my copies of The Eye of the World and The Great Hunt too, and I'll try and finish the books after going through Belgariad/Mallorean, I think. I found some of my Raymond E. Feist and David Gemmell books from around those years too. Ahhhhh, nostalgia...

Edit: Apparently Eddings and his wife were charged with child abuse in the 70s going off their Wikipedia article, for neglecting and/or violently abusing their two adopted kids going off the linked newspaper articles on Wikipedia and served a year each in jail after the kids were taken away from them, before the whole thing was basically forgotten until after they'd died. Which takes the wind out of the idea of re-reading the books. It comes to something when I felt a mild bit of relief after seeing the words "child abuse" and then reading the article to find out it was "only" neglect and violence, rather than sexual abuse. God drat it :sigh:

tsob fucked around with this message at 16:09 on Jul 25, 2021

# ? Jul 25, 2021 12:05

The Something Awful Forums > The Finer Arts > TV IV > NO BOOK SPOILERS - The Wheel of Time TV Show Thread

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