Why you should read The Great Hunt, where The Wheel of Time journey takes a big step forward

As a seasoned reader who has traversed the twisting paths of Robert Jordan’s “The Wheel of Time” series multiple times, I must say that “The Great Hunt” holds a special place in my heart. This book, which might have seemed slow or confusing during my first few reads, has since proven itself to be an essential foundation for the rich tapestry of themes and characters that unfold throughout the series.

In simple terms, “The Eye of the World” serves as a nearly flawless start to the epic series, “The Wheel of Time,” penned by author Robert Jordan. The second book, titled “The Great Hunt,”, while not quite as brisk as its predecessor, maintains a steady pace, with the final 100 pages picking up speed significantly.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but feel that “The Great Hunt” delves deeper into the intriguing personalities initially introduced in the first book. For instance, Elayne, a princess on her path to becoming an Aes Sedai, and Min, a mysterious woman with the uncanny ability to glimpse people’s future, both take center stage here, laying the groundwork for their significant roles throughout the series. It seems like their stories truly begin unfolding in this installment.

In “The Eye of the World”, only Moiraine and (for a short while) Elaida are the Aes Sedai that readers encounter. However, in the second book, the head of the Aes Sedai, known as the Amyrlin Seat, suddenly arrives in Fal Dara, a city on the Borderlands, where Rand, Mat, and Perrin are contemplating their next steps. Apart from Siuan Sanche, who is the Amyrlin Seat herself, Verin and Liandrin, two significant Aes Sedai characters, make their debut. Although the Amazon TV series presents some of these aspects earlier, in the book series, they don’t become prominent until this stage.

To get things started, the treacherous Padin Fain manages a vicious breakout from Fal Dara’s dungeons, making off with the Horn of Valere and Mat’s corrupted dagger. Rand and his long-time companions are dispatched, along with a contingent of Sheirnarian soldiers, to pursue Fain. Loial, the Ogier historian, joins them, eager to document these events for future generations. Meanwhile, Egwene and Nynaeve set off towards the White Tower to initiate their training as Aes Sedai.

Why you should read The Great Hunt, where The Wheel of Time journey takes a big step forward

How does The Great Hunt advance the story?

By the conclusion of the initial novel, only Moiraine, Lan, and Rand are privy to the knowledge that Rand can wield the One Power; in this realm, a man with such abilities poses a significant threat, making it a matter of great secrecy. Rand remains unaware of his role as the Dragon Reborn, a messianic figure fated to either save or bring destruction to the world, although he harbors suspicions about it. Moiraine informs the Amyrlin Seat that he is the individual they’ve been seeking for the past two decades.

The primary focus of this book revolves around Rand’s readiness for his impending part in global events. He needs to acknowledge his talents, figure out when and how to employ them, and eventually comprehend that he is the Dragon Reborn. Despite his strong desire to disentangle himself from the Aes Sedai’s control and their intentions for him, he hasn’t yet recognized that he has limited freedom of choice in this situation.

How is the Horn of Valere important to the story?

In the closing pages of the initial book, Rand and Moiraine unearthed the Horn of Valere, an age-old relic. This artifact is instrumental in the Prophecies of the Dragon and must be present during the climactic battle between humanity and the malevolent Dark One – known as The Last Battle. When sounded, it summons heroes from bygone eras to join the fray.

It doesn’t make a difference who sounds the horn; the champions will join forces with the one who does so, regardless of whether they represent the good or the wicked side.

In a twist of betrayal, the untrustworthy Darkfriend Padan Fain makes off with the Horn when he slips away from Fal Dara. It’s equally crucial to recover the Horn as it is to retrieve the contaminated dagger, not only for Mat’s survival but also to rid the world of the peril it poses.

In the gripping denouement of the narrative, as I found myself engrossed in the final pages, the crescendoing Battle of Falme reached its peak. A haunting melody echoed across the battleground, and the protagonists, compelled by a mysterious summons, re-entered the fray. However, the enigmatic figure who blew the horn remains unnamed, and the allegiance of our heroes was not as straightforward as one might expect – their battlefield shifted sides, stunningly altering the course of the conflict.

Why you should read The Great Hunt, where The Wheel of Time journey takes a big step forward

Just who are the Forsaken?

The Forsaken are individuals from ancient eras who pledged allegiance to the Dark One, or Shai’tan. They were granted immense powers, surpassing even those of Aes Sedai, who possessed greater abilities in past times than they do now. These Forsaken are nearly immortal and were imprisoned by both male and female Aes Sedai prior to the corruption of the male aspect of the One Power, which led men who could channel to shatter the world.

In the first book, readers are introduced to some of the Forsaken characters, but they become more significant in the sequel. During the events of the first book, Rand killed Aginor at the Eye of the World, while the Green Man dispatched Balthamel in the same battle. Notably, the Forsaken character Ishamael appeared to Rand, Mat, and Perrin as Ba’alzamon in their dreams throughout that story.

In a new turn of events, the once-abandoned Lanfear makes an appearance in the narrative, subtly guiding Rand towards her own objectives. Formerly, the former Dragon Reborn spurned her affections, which only deepened her fixation on him. Her ultimate goal is to win Rand over and accumulate power for herself.

What are Portal Stones?

As a cinephile immersed in the captivating world of “The Great Hunt”, I can’t help but marvel at the introduction of Portal Stones, an ancient artifact from the Age of Legends. These stones serve as a means for travel across vast distances, enabling individuals to warp from one stone to another, much like teleportation. But that’s not all; they also act as gateways to an infinite number of parallel worlds, mirroring our characters’ familiar realm. However, it’s the One Power that brings them to life and allows for their operation.

As they pursued the Horn with Mat, Perrin, Loial, and some Shienarans, Rand inadvertently dozed off close to a Portal Stone, accompanied by Hurin, a skilled Shienarian tracker, and Loial. Upon waking, they discovered themselves in another reality. Struggling to navigate their surroundings, they encountered a striking woman who introduced herself as Selene. However, this enchanting figure was actually Lanfear, a beguiling Forsaken with ulterior motives towards Rand. It’s hinted that she manipulated the stone to transport Rand initially, although Rand remains unaware of her abilities. As Selene weaves a tale of peril and persuades Rand to employ his power to return them all to their world, it becomes clear to the reader that she is adept at using the stone, though Rand remains oblivious to this fact.

Afterward, Rand journeys to a different location using another portal stone, but this trip yields unsettling consequences not only for him, but also for those accompanying him.

What is the deal with the Whitecloaks?

In the first book, Perrin and Egwene meet up with the Children of the Light, or as they’re often called, the Whitecloaks. These are a formidable military group. They are rescued by Moiraine, her protective companion Lan, Nynaeve, and a group of wolves. In “The Great Hunt”, the involvement of the Whitecloaks becomes more significant within the larger narrative.

The Whitecloaks are a self-governing military force composed of devout extremists. They actively hunt down what they perceive as wickedness and pursue suspected traitors known as Darkfriends. One facet of their organization is the Questioners, who resemble the Grand Inquisitors from the Spanish Inquisition during the 17th and 18th centuries in their methods. The Questioners employ brutal interrogation techniques to extract confessions, regardless of whether there is legitimate reason or not.

In the narrative, they significantly advance the plot, and, as you may surmise, they are far from being kind individuals.

Why you should read The Great Hunt, where The Wheel of Time journey takes a big step forward

The Seanchan are a serious folk

Around a millennium prior to the narrative in “The Wheel of Time” series, Artur Hawkwing reigned over all territories west of the mountain range called the Spine of the World, beyond which lay the vast expanse known as the Aiel Waste. During his reign, Hawkwing dispatched his son on a voyage across the ocean, but he never returned. After Hawkwing’s demise, his empire fractured into various independent nations.

The Seanchan are the descendants of those once believed to be gone, now returned with intentions to regain their ancestral empire. They bring along peculiar combat creatures and women who possess abilities to channel magical energy. Unlike the Aes Sedai, bound by oaths that forbid using the One Power as a weapon, the Seanchan have no such restrictions, training their female channelers for warfare. In “The Great Hunt,” they pose significant challenges, particularly for Egwene, Nynaeve, Min and Elayne.

Additionally, we introduce new Shienaran characters such as Hurin, Uno, and Masema who join Rand’s group pursuing the Horn. For the first time, readers are introduced to Cairhein, the city of Moiraine’s origin, where the nobles engage in the Great Game – a complex political game filled with intrigue. Rand becomes entangled in this game with potentially disastrous consequences, yet manages to grasp essential insights for his future.

Verdict

Every time I dived into Robert Jordan’s “The Wheel of Time” series initially, “The Great Hunt” didn’t quite capture my heart among the entries. However, subsequent reads have solidified its significance in shaping the core themes and foundation of the story for me. Some elements presented in this book may not resurface until later volumes, but their presence in the narrative has been firmly established.

The narrative occasionally slows down in certain sections, yet these segments play crucial roles within the overall storyline, even though their significance may not immediately become apparent. And just as with Robert Jordan’s other works, what might seem like minor or insignificant details are often pivotal later on.

Yet, the concluding part of “The Great Hunt” is remarkable, much like the endings in Jordan’s other books. While it may not be the best ending in the series, it certainly stands on its own merit. A significant conflict unfolds between Whitecloaks and Seanchan, the Horn of Valere resounds, Rand engages in a public duel with a Forsaken, and the Dragon Reborn is unveiled.

Each of these components acts as a catalyst, propelling you into the remaining books of the “Wheel of Time” series, and they’ll undoubtedly leave your heart racing.

2024-11-30 17:42