Why you should read The Dragon Reborn, where The Wheel of Time shakes up our point of view

As a seasoned reader who has traversed the winding paths of many a fantasy series, I must say that Robert Jordan’s “The Dragon Reborn” truly stands out. Having delved deep into countless tomes, I can confidently assert that this book is no ordinary entry in the genre.

In the sequence known as “The Wheel of Time,” The Dragon Reborn represents the third installment. It plays a crucial role in leading up to The Shadow Rising, often hailed as one of the series’ finest entries. However, being a bridge book doesn’t lessen its significance within the larger narrative arc.

In this third installment, author Robert Jordan adopts an unusual approach by largely excluding Rand al’Thor, the main character in the series, from the narrative. Instead, events unfold primarily from the perspectives of his friends hailing from Emond’s Field – characters crucial to the storyline – who take center stage in The Dragon Reborn. Readers were accustomed to following the story through Rand’s eyes, but this novel presents a shift in that regard, focusing on these other characters for most of its pages.

In every character’s perception, Rand’s influence is palpable, yet Jordan frequently portrays him venturing off solo, with brief interludes of narrative updates. The recurring motif in numerous books is that Rand operates as a solitary hero, despite countless others being drawn to his sphere. In “The Dragon Reborn,” he grapples with the reality of being the prophesied figure, the Dragon Reborn, who holds the fate of the world in his hands – a burden too great for mere comprehension. To make sense of it all, he requires some solitude for introspection.

Points of view in The Dragon Reborn

In this book, we primarily focus on three principal characters: Rand, his childhood companions Egwene, Mat, and Perrin. As these characters assume significant roles within the narrative, it’s essential for readers to familiarize themselves with them, establish an emotional bond, and observe their personal growth. The narrative follows each of them as they embark on separate journeys leading towards the city of Tear, where the story reaches its pinnacle.

Following Liandrin’s betrayal and her capture by the Seanchan in Falme, as depicted in “The Great Hunt”, Egwene, along with Nyneave and Elayne, eventually make their way back to the White Tower to commence their training as Aes Sedai sorceresses. Not long after, they depart from the White Tower, journeying towards Tear in pursuit of the Black Ajah – Aes Sedai sisters who have sworn allegiance to the Dark One.

As I tread along my path, fate leads me to Caemlyn, a city shrouded in intrigue, carrying a vital missive from Elyane for her queen mother. The tumultuous unrest in Cairhein makes this journey a precarious endeavor, a testament to the volatile times we live in. To my surprise, I cross paths with Thom Merrilin, the gleeman I believed had met his end in our earlier tale. Together, we navigate towards Andor’s heartland. Yet, an irresistible tug at my spirit, a connection that binds me to Rand and Tear, persists, compelling me ever onward.

In the end, Perrin follows Rand, accompanied by Moiraine, Lan, and Loial. They can’t manage to catch him, but they do find signs of his trail. On this quest that culminates in Tear, Perrin encounters Gaul and Faile, two Aiel figures who will significantly influence his narrative.

Why you should read The Dragon Reborn, where The Wheel of Time shakes up our point of view

The White Tower

Despite being a significant location as the headquarters of the Aes Sedai, the White Tower doesn’t occupy much of the narrative in this book. Instead, Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne leave almost as soon as they return from their adventures in The Great Hunt.

Speaking of them, they seize every moment of their time there, as Elayne and Egwene are nurtured towards the rank of Accepted, a step away from becoming full Aes Sedai. Later, they’re dispatched by the Amyril Seat to pursue the 13 sisters suspected of being Black Ajah.

As we progress through the series, readers have yet to delve deeply into the workings of the White Tower and the collective dynamics of the Aes Sedai. Although we’re aware that there are seven Ajahs (excluding the Black), each with distinct abilities in the One Power, the political landscape within the Tower is only subtly suggested in “The Dragon Reborn”.

Tel’aran’rhoid

In the ancient language, Tel’aran’rhiod is known as “the realm of dreams,” a mystical space where certain individuals can journey during their slumber, gaining profound insights: select few master the art of dream-walking, while others stumble in and out unwittingly. In The Dragon Reborn, Egwene gets a taste of this enigmatic experience.

As a devoted fan, I’m not particularly fond of dream sequences or the concept of traversing through dreams or predicting the future via them. Often, they serve as a convenient device for authors of books, films, and television shows, and can become overused. Despite being my least favorite element in Robert Jordan’s world, it plays a significant role in the universe he’s crafted and the story he’s telling.

For more than four hundred years, the White Tower has failed to produce a dream-walker, yet they see potential in Egwene. Despite not knowing how to assess or guide her, they continue to support her efforts. In book three, Egwene is only beginning to explore the capabilities of Tel’aran’rhoid, and she is doing so by learning as she goes along.

In earlier books, readers might have caught glimpses of the dream world without realizing it. However, the character Tel’aran’rhiod becomes increasingly important in “The Shadow Rising” and subsequent novels.

The Stone of Tear

In the vast city known as Tear, located within the nation of the same name, stands an imposing edifice known as The Stone of Tear. This colossal fortress is home to Callandor, the Untouchable Sword. For countless millennia, this sword has hung suspended in the Stone of Tear, and only the Dragon Reborn can wield it. This sword carries a distinct aura reminiscent of King Arthur and Excalibur. When someone asserts that they’ve found Callandor, it serves as a significant indicator that the Dragon has returned once more, and with it, the end times may be upon us.

In the city of Tear, where the Stone of Tear was constructed through the One Power and contains a unique artifact of the One Power designed for individual use, the ruling High Lords prohibit anyone from wielding the One Power within its boundaries. This stone also houses an extensive array of ter’angreal and sa’angreal, devices that amplify the use of the One Power. However, much of their purpose has been lost to time, and few know their specific intended uses.

For centuries, the Stone of Tear remained intact, but it crumbled within hours following an attack by the Aeil, who coincidentally arrived around the same time as Rand. Mat too plays a role; he creates a hole in the wall using fireworks. After resolving his personal identity struggles, Rand seizes Callandor and ascends to rule over Tear once the Stone has fallen.

Why you should read The Dragon Reborn, where The Wheel of Time shakes up our point of view

The Forsaken

In earlier times, the loyal servants of the Dark Overlord were a greedy, power-hungry group eager to establish supremacy in the latest realm. Their ultimate goal is to enlist Rand into their service. At this stage, two of the 13 corrupted ones have already met their end. The Green Man was responsible for Balthamel’s death at the Eye of the World during the finale of book one, and Rand himself killed Aginor in the same conflict.

2 additional individuals perish in Tear. Moiraine subdues Be’lal using balefire during the struggle for the Stone. He had been disguising himself as a high noble in Tear. In the same confrontation, Rand slays Ishamael, the very same Dark One who has been manipulating the dreams of Rand, Mat, and Perrin since they departed from Emond’s Field. Ishamael and Rand clashed before in Falme, with Ishamael inflicting a wound on Rand’s side that no healer can mend. In “The Dragon Reborn”, Rand defeats Ishamael permanently…almost.

Only nine Forsaken remain, and each one is making a move towards Rand, as if drawn by some irresistible force. Since he was once connected to Rand in a past life, Lanfear – one of the Forsaken – continues to view him as hers.

In simpler terms, “The Dragon Reborn” propels the narrative of the “Wheel of Time” series forward. Initially, there isn’t much action, but instead, it delves into the characters of Egwene, Mat, and Perrin, which adds an exciting twist to the story.

2024-12-15 17:42