Wheel Of Time Reread - Tumblr Posts

I’m really enjoying the Wheel of Time show, so I figured I’d do a reread of the books. If anyone wants to do that with me and create an impromptu book club, please do. I’ll basically be posting my thoughts on each chapter as I go through them again. Um... I’m trying to decide how detailed I should be in case anyone reading my posts hasn’t read or isn’t planning to read the books. If anyone actually reads this, lemme know.

Honestly, either way half of the time it’ll probably be making ‘Rand/Perrin/Mat would know how to talk to girls’ or ‘Women probably find him attractive’ jokes.

Wheel of Time Book Club Eye of the World Prologue: Dragonmount

Let’s start at the beginning! (A very good place to start)

Full disclosure: my first read I didn’t finish the series. I got through a good chunk (a little over halfway) and then a friend spoiled the rest for me... extensively. I started doing my own research afterwards so that we could have actual conversations, but starting around book 8 or 9, it’ll sort of be and not be new territory for me. It’s definitely gotten to the point where I’m a little unsure what I’ve read and what I’ve not, so I might suddenly (in those books) say “oh! I don’t remember this!”.

In the meantime, let’s talk the prologue to the Eye of the World. I think I’ve decided on spoilers, because I want to discuss the foreshadowing in the series so SPOILER WARNING.

I think I ended up reading the prologue about three times because it’s just so good. I think it definitely exemplifies what I enjoy about Jordan’s writing and gives the reader a taste of what is to come. Not only does it set the tone with the descriptions (a very visceral tone), but it also introduces us to two major characters: Lews Therin Telamon and ‘Elan Morin Tedronai’.

I absolutely love their interactions and how we can juxtapose them with their interactions later in the series (technically?). It definitely sets up Lews Therin’s madness, not to mention it works really well with Rand’s own issues later and his fear of killing those he cares about and when he almost does. 

One thing that I didn’t notice before was the implication from Elan (since that is what he is referred to as, that is what I will call him here) that Lews Therin was named Dragon and did not embrace it, so it wasn’t a celebrated title even then. Maybe it was addressed later in the series than I read and was never discussed or maybe I just don’t remember that plot point. Either way, he was probably named such by his enemies instead of it being a title to show admiration for his power. Naturally, Elan starts listing off all of Lews Therin’s titles and accomplishments, which I’ll admit struck me as a bit of weird exposition first time around, but it fits with what we know of Elan’s personality, so it doesn’t bother me on reread. He’s so grandiose.

I love the early glimpse we get of Elan’s morality and what lead him to the dark. “This war has not lasted ten years, but since the beginning of time. You and I have fought a thousand battles with the turning of the Wheel, a thousand times a thousand, and we will fight until time dies and the Shadow is triumphant!” It definitely sounds like an evil “you may have won this round, but I’ll get you eventually,” but upon reread it’s more like he’s explaining his logic. 

Also just “What hand slew Ilyena Sunhair, Kinslayer? Not mine. Not mine. What hand struck down every life that bore a drop of your blood, everyone who loved you, everyone you loved? Not mine, Kinslayer. Not mine. Remember, and know the price of opposing Shai’tan!” Just. My heart. Especially with the awful way he responds. Then we have the creation of Dragonmount and two excerpts from texts from the fourth age (which is the age AFTER the series and thus would also reflect the knowledge gained in that time) discussing what happened afterwards. The two are The Breaking of the World (alternate title Aleth nin Taerin alta Camora) and The Cycle of the Dragon (Charal Drianaan te Calamon). If anyone remembers what those languages are supposed to be, please let me know. I’m curious.

Please leave replies or comments so that we can discuss this chapter or anything I missed, be it foreshadowing or small details that interest you. I have a friend that’s read the books, but there’s only so often/much that I can inflict my hyperfixation on her.

WoT Reread: New Spring Chapter 1

I suppose this is the first installment of the reread. The way I’m going to write it is I’ll have bullet points for anything I think of while the chapter is going, and if I have anything that occurs to me at the end, I’ll put it in a paragraph. Since this book specifically is involved with the fanfic that I’m writing, I’ll probably talk a little about that as I go. I am going to do this a chapter at a time, if only for my own sanity.

I love this series, but I will get salty. Just a warning.

Chapter 1: The Hook

· It may not have the traditional Wheel of Time opening, but it still starts with a wind.

· I originally read/listened to (I’m doing this on audiobook so I can write and I did it on audiobook the first time so I could listen while driving and at work) right after Fires of Heaven, so this was my first experience with Lan POV.

·Bukama

·I’ll admit this starts out with a lot of description and I zoned out for it

·Wow. It’s so strange to think of Lan having bought into the idea that Aiel were darkfriends. At least, he was raised by someone that thought that.

·Okay so Lan doesn’t think that and calls Bukama on it.

·A lot of this is Lan casting shade.

·There was an extensive conversation about borderlander etiquette which I found fascinating, but remember little of. What I did remember when I listened to it was that a lot of it seemed to be very conscious of the chain of command (which makes sense given what we learned about Sheinaran ranks) and to make sure that you are extremely aware of who you are talking to. This possibly could do with the idea that you could use the information to track them down to see if they’re lying, make connections if they aren’t but are a darkfriend, and make sure that the person is not a Fade.

·I remember that the first time I read this, I was convinced that Lan was being betrayed with the military maneuver. It was that or the other commander was so unaware of the intricacies of borderlander culture that he didn’t realize probably sending Lan to his death was a bad idea. I honestly don’t remember if I was right or not.

·I probably should not have started listening to this while in a brain fog. It’s been that kind of day.

·I love the addition that some of the army are cursing stubbed toes. I too would curse stubbed toes if I had to stay moving in formation.

·I could do without the extensive explanation of what a hammer and anvil is. My brain is not equipped for this.

·“Some men would die in their beds, but since boyhood Lan knew he would not.” Thanks Lan.

·I’m trying to imagine the moment being one of these people that are basically going “what the fuck” in their heads while Lan gets shouted at by the Aiel. It feels like it would be hilarious.

So this chapter felt like a lot of set up, probably because I’m pretty sure this is the first Lan chapter in the entire series (don’t quote me on that). It would make sense that RJ would try and get into Lan’s head so that people who were ecstatic for it would soak it in. I have two problems with it: it is heavy on the ‘beginning of a Jordan book’ isms where everything is described in excruciating detail and also I’m not as interested as I thought I would be. I remember not really enjoying Lan’s chapters in this book, and part of that is the non-consensual ‘relationship’ that shows up later. My limited experience in cultural anthropology will come into play later when I discuss that, because I have a lot of feelings.

The rest of my lack of paying attention comes specifically from the fact that the fanfiction I am writing neither starts at this point nor really features Lan. I’m actually at the point where I’m not sure I want him in it. Not to do with him as a character, but I’m having trouble putting him in somewhere. We’ll see.

WoT Reread: New Spring Chapter 2

Next installment! This chapter definitely had a lot more comments from me. I think I’ll also include a quick summary from now on in case someone comes across this and forgot what happened.

Chapter 2: A Wish Fulfilled

Moiraine and Siuan serve tea to Tamara and Gitara and end up hearing the prophecy of the Dragon’s rebirth. 

·My babies! Moiraine is on my top ten list (sorry Siuan) so it’s always exciting to see her and I also see so many parallels between baby Moiraine and baby Rand (my increasingly unapologetic fave) , so that’s always fun. The biggest trouble I’ve had is trying to grasp her voice and creating the right amount of slightly petulant and wisdom born of experience. Weirdly, the show is making that so much easier.

·Moiriane thinking about things in order to give us exposition about the Tower. Also I’m so amused that Moiraine wants to join the war just so she knows what is going on.

·Okay quick thing: When I was reading Gathering Storm I was on a server and we discussed the lack of experience that the head of the Green Ajah had and it bothered me that Egwene was showing so much more composure that the HEAD OF THE GREEN AJAH. Someone pointed out that in this book it was mentioned that the Green Ajah never saw war (I’ll wait until something reminds me). BUT! Moiraine just said that the Amyrlin and her Keeper did not seem to be bothered because “they had certainly seen the aftermath of more battles than any general”. While this does not mean that they fought in those battles, the implication seems to suggest as such. I’m super confused. What the hell Jordan?

·A lot of description given for two people that are not going to survive this book.

·Once again, we must know too much about women’s dresses and jewelry and their breasts. I love these books, but I will be giving a lot of eyerolling literally any time he brings up problematic gender dynamics, which is all of the time. I think someone in a discord server put it once that if he wrote these books today, he would have probably written that part differently, and I agree. That doesn’t make it less frustrating, especially since a lot of the more interesting parts of his writing (commentary on institutions and power) suffer greatly from the fact that many of these institutions are solely run by women. For instance, instead of making it a commentary of institutions (whether military, political, economic, or academic) in general, he unintentionally (and I think it was unintentional) made commentary on women-run institutions. Just getting this off my chest before we keep going, but I will be frustrated by it multiple times. Just know that I am frustrated out of love for these books and how much better I know they could/would be (also my reason for being super excited about the show, which has been doing a better job of this so far).

·Ha! It’s called a wish fulfilled because Moiraine wants to see a foretelling and she definitely will.

·Okay so it just explicitly said that no Aes Sedai have taken part in battle since the Trolloc Wars. What the hell Jorday?

·I do get it, since they are trying to be impartial and taking part in battle would be taking aside. At the same time, this goes back to the weird gendered stuff and also irritates me because now we have a Battle Ajah with no practical experience. Again, I get the idea of an institution resting on its laurels and being something in name only, but we once again run into the issue of what is meant by the narrative and what actually comes across given the nature of the world. RJ created a patriarchal society where women just happen to be in positions of power instead of matriarchal one and sometimes he likes to remind me of it. I promise I do get less salty and I do love these books, but weirdly this first iconic chapter is getting me in my feelings. At least I’m getting this out now so I have less to say later.

·As some who is 5’0” (152 cm), I feel the frustration with other people being irritatingly taller. I feel it strongly.

·Moiraine and Lan clearly both truly bonded over being horse girls. Hell yeah.

· Moiraine being uncomfortable with someone reading erotic fiction and then confronting her about why she can’t read it seems to hilarious. I feel like Moiraine later in the series wouldn’t have bothered or would have just said exactly why she shouldn’t.

·The foretelling! Only a few minutes on page and Gitara has by far one of the most dramatic moments in the series.

·I appreciate Moiraine being in shock in this moment. I can’t imagine being in a position where someone with authority over you that seems almost mystical in their own right (given the way Moiraine thinks about Gitara) just drops dead. The denial and disbelief are there in spades.

Be careful what you wish for indeed. Definitely some food for thought. We’re still not quite where I’m starting, but I feel like a lot of this chapter is helpful both to get Moiraine’s perspective and also because this moment is technically the inciting incident of the series. A prophecy about the end times is said and because of it our Gandalf goes out to see it fulfilled in a way that keeps the world going rather than end it. There was a LOT of discussion of the culture of the Tower which could be very helpful if someone chose to read this book first (although I would not personally recommend it; too many spoilers). I definitely like where my initial placement of it in the series was, because I feel like it was a good primer for the increase in Tower politics that would be coming in Lord of Chaos.  

Wot Reread New Spring Chapter 6: Surprises

·Is Tsesuko (sp?) one of the Kin? I feel like she was one of the Kin. I feel like she was one of the healing focused ones. During the descriptions of her we get the way the Tower operates with channeling and also hints of the Kin if you are in the know.

·Sheriam is a heavy sleeper. This is so funny to me.

·Poor Moiraine. Getting forced inside and away from her goal. Also Merian needs to learn not to take out her bad day on other people. Excuse her.

·Okay so I’m glad the story had Siuan explicitly tell Moiraine that she didn’t need to feel bad about the fact that her uncles were dead. Also love the fact that Moiraine had told Siuan about her uncles and personal life more than anyone else.

·Siuan’s plan backfired and now they both are stuck inside, but at least it’s doing something that does further their goal. Only problem is that the person who currently has the baby is unlikely to tell anyone. “Hello, I took this baby from a dead Aiel woman on Dragonmount. Can I get some money?”

·Laras! My queen!

·I wonder if the amount of people giving birth had something to do with the Pattern trying to hide where Rand was born, especially given the fact that it basically led the Black Ajah to occupy their time with the names on the lists.

·The way that comment was said makes me wonder if Martin is important in the series. I don’t remember if this was an important or present character in the main series of if the name was just added for flavor.

·There’s a lot here about them finding more names and being shocked at the amount as well as people being vague. Tamra tells Moiraine she can use the power and Moiraine advises Siuan on how to play the great game.

·Ah! Now we start getting Sisters bothering Moiraine about her becoming Queen. Moiraine seems like she knows it at least, much as she told Siuan otherwise. I also find it interesting that this was the first lie she had told Siuan.

·Ah yes! Moiraine’s running away from the throne of Cairhien. I mean, I don’t blame her. I would also like to not rule Cairhien, their political structure is a mess and a half.

There was a lot of plot moving forward in this chapter, but nothing I really felt like commenting on at present. We get the beginning of the Moiraine avoiding becoming Queen plot and more of her and Siuan’s relationship and the depth that it goes to. I really wish that RJ hadn’t made them romance other people and hope it doesn’t happen in the show. It just doesn’t feel right, and also it feels out of character for the people they end up romancing as well. At the very least, I would like Gareth Bryne more if everything about his romance with Siuan was gone. Thom’s romance with Moiraine feels so out of character and some of that is because by the time they get together, he’s a non-character. It’s just so weird. I don’t mind them being bisexual queens, but let’s keep them together shall we? There’s just so much more potential that way.

WoT Reread New Spring Chapter 7: The Itch

·The moment this chapter title popped up, I assumed it was about them putting itching powder in Elaida’s clothes and her getting back at them for it. I’m probably wrong, but that would be hilarious.

·Moiraine is definitely trying to think several steps ahead about this baby thing.

·I kind of wonder if it was this sort of experience that led Siuan to making the wonder girls her Black Ajah hunters. This is a random thought for this chapter, but here she thinks she’s perfectly capable of finding the Dragon Reborn and saving the world (or at least Moiraine does) as Accepted. Later, the two of them would have to deal with the Black Ajah as newly minted Aes Sedai, which might as well mean that they are Accepted. She probably saw their potential and decided that if she could do it, so could they.

·I’m just going to say this: making lists also help settle me. I’m sure Moiraine doesn’t actually mean it, but sometimes if I get antsy, I start organizing weird things (like finding out all of the stuff I need to gather for crafting every item in a video game, or trying to plan out a writing schedule or when I will play a video game in what order; a lot of it has to do with video games, I’ll admit). I won’t always follow through, but it settles me. If this is actually the case with Moiraine, we can bond over it.

·KERENE! I know you’re going to die, but I’m excited to see you!

·More reminding me that the Green Ajah don’t actually go to battle. Seriously, why not just say they help out in the Borderlands occasionally? I don’t think this is actually true, because the Borderlanders get so excited when Moiraine shows up in Eye of the World, and I recall believing that it meant Aes Sedai came by every now and then to help out. This is definitely one of those times where I like the tv show more, because (while I get the commentary on resting on laurels or a standing military that isn’t actually necessary means nothing) the fact that this organization is made up of exclusively women means that instead of equating it with the institution, it is equating it with women.

·It is also because of the above thing that I believe the Ajah best prepared for the Last Battle was the Red. They have the most experience in battle and fighting channelers. I’m not sure that I don’t believe it even in the show because Green still don’t fight against channelers, but at least the gap is smaller.

·Rena or Rina or Reena? Hafton is Elyas’s Aes Sedai! We know he still seems to be a warder in the book series so I’m trying to figure out if Rina is in the main series at all. It is possible that he was released and it is just not mentioned. It’s so strange that the beginning of the series made it sound like releasing the bond was practically impossible and then towards the end people just… do it. This is without having communicated it with someone that discovered it, which makes it more confusing.

·I’m guess the lacquer on the doors represents their ranks, since they seem to follow military ranks.

·Stepin! Narrow shoulders and sad brown eyes. That makes sense.

·Also, the implication of the items in the room is that Kerene has seen combat. Maybe it’s just not in battle. So much about the Green Ajah just doesn’t make sense.

·It felt like about halfway through the series itself, women were fainting and crying and vomiting left and right so it’s nice to see an Aes Sedai receive what is probably extremely terrifying news (about the Dragon being reborn) and remaining unflappable like they were presented at the beginning of the series.

·Okay so she wasn’t told about that but being told to visit the Amyrlin urgently is probably worrying.

·All of these people being sent to search are going to be killed and probably tortured by the Black Ajah.

·This Keeper is not going to be important. Why am I getting an extensive description of her clothing and jewelry.

·The itch being Moiraine’s curiosity is adorable.

Baby Moiraine is so tenacious and adorable. She is going to be trying to leave a lot sooner after Tamra dies and the next Amyrlin starts pushing for her to become Queen. I’m also wondering what Tamra thinks Siuan and Moiraine are doing and how she would deal with it if she knew or what would change if she didn’t. I’m pretty sure the Black Ajah are going to kill her any time now, so I’m kind of waiting for the next big plot point. It is either Tamra’s death or the Aes Sedai test. The order those two fall in will alter a lot of the framing of how my story goes depending on if I decide to follow New Spring’s timeline. A lot of this part of the story will be gone, since the search is gone, which is changing a lot more than I remember.

WoT Reread New Spring Chapter 8: Shreds of Serenity

·So based on the fact that it seems the searchers are the ones that are giving Moiraine lessons AND that they seemed focused on Artur Hawking (previous huge ta’veren that conquered the continent), ancient writing and philosophy, I think that they were planning on Moiraine hiding the Dragon Reborn. I’m serious! They were probably thinking of having Moiraine becoming Queen of Cairhien after attaining the shawl. She would then be extremely connected to the White Tower so Aes Sedai could come there frequently. Then, once they found the Dragon Reborn, they could drop him off there. His family could come as refugees or servants and if they didn’t want to keep the child, he could be her ward. From there, he would get the best lessons in politics in the place where it was the most ruthless. There would be the best education one could afford thanks to the resources a queen of Cairhien would have, not to mention that the Aes Sedai being welcome means that those that are helping protect or educate him could visit frequently to see how he was progressing. Once the Dragon Reborn would be unveiled to the world, he would have been a ward for the Queen of Cairhien (maybe they would have Moiraine step down and let him be King or just back him heavily) and have the strong alliance of one country already as well as a positive connection to the White Tower. Not to mention they wouldn’t have to keep this secret from Moiraine, because I doubt Tamra didn’t tell the searchers that Moiraine and Siuan were there at the foretelling… Now I wish I was writing this fic instead, but I really am attached to what I’ve got planned. Possibly something for another time.

·Moiraine is extremely bisexual in this moment admiring Elid.

·I’m kind of curious if there were any other foretellings done by Gitara Moroso that specifically foretold the birth of the Dragon Reborn. I don’t necessarily think that what she told to Tigraine counts. On that note, I wonder if Gitara told Tamra about that foretelling. If that was the case, you’d think she would be looking in the Aiel Waste instead.

·The sheer mention of Myrelle makes me angry. I don’t care how helpful she is to Moiraine; she’s an awful person.

·Ah yes. ‘beneath her breasts’. To be fair, this is Moiraine who is extremely bisexual and would notice such a thing.

·Also thank you Elaida for being creepy and unnecessary

·I can’t tell if this is supposed to be a reflection of how the military trains people to do things by instinct under immense pressure, a comment on how people generally underperform under pressure and don’t show their true capabilities, or both. I have no experience in the military and the people I do know don’t talk about it, so I have no confirmation of the former, and I am not inclined to treat Aes Sedai serenity as a concept favorably (I’m sure I will get more into this as the story continues, specifically in the Great Hunt, but also in this book).

·I think what makes me angriest about this whole plot line is the resolution. The simple fact that Elaida gets in trouble for showing favoritism and not for abusing Siuan and Moiraine (or that the White Tower is built in such a way that means this was considered helping by abusing them to the point where Elaida probably genuinely thought that’s what she was doing). Don’t get me wrong, I think it makes sense in context and points out that there are numerous flaws in how systems govern themselves. It makes me angry in a way where the story is unfair, not that the author is a bad author.

·Part of what makes me so angry is the fact that, despite the fact that there are laws within the White Tower to prevent people from being punished with the Power, they make it explicitly clear that people do not follow them. Furthermore, when Accepted complain about the abuse, they somehow suffer for it and if a Novice does it, it is explained to them that they must accept things as they are. I think it should be rather obvious why I dislike the White Tower as an organization.

“Oh Siuan! Aes Sedai do not go about harming one another,” said Moiraine to Siuan about Elaida. After book 10.