“The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills, and we are only the threads of the Pattern.”
— Moiraine's frequent observation about fate and destiny.
Archivist's Choice
New Spring
Robert Jordan (2005)
Genre
Fantasy
Reading Time
6-8 hours
Key Themes
See below
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Amidst a brutal winter battle and a king's sudden death, a newly minted Aes Sedai and a stoic warrior are thrust together to find an infant prophesied to save or shatter the world, all while navigating treacherous political plots.
Synopsis
Three days of battle rage around Tar Valon as the Aiel War concludes. During this chaos, a Foretelling is uttered within the White Tower, revealing the birth of the Dragon Reborn on the slopes of Dragonmount. Moiraine Damodred, a young Accepted about to be raised to Aes Sedai, and her friend Siuan Sanche are present for the Foretelling and vow to find and protect the child, keeping his identity secret from the other Aes Sedai. Meanwhile, Lan Mandragoran, the uncrowned king of Malkier, fights in the last battle of the Aiel War, grieving for his fallen comrades and his lost kingdom. After becoming Aes Sedai, Moiraine begins her secret quest, facing political plots in Cairhien due to her royal lineage and the recent death of her king. She seeks a Warder. After a series of encounters and a deadly confrontation with Darkfriends in Kandor, she meets Lan. Despite his initial reluctance and his vow to fight the Shadow alone, Moiraine convinces him to bond with her, becoming her Warder. Together, they uncover a threat within the White Tower itself, realizing that agents of the Shadow are already attempting to find and corrupt or kill the Dragon Reborn. Their journey begins as they embark on their hunt, determined to find the prophesied child before the Shadow does, setting the stage for The Wheel of Time series.
Reading time
6-8 hours
Difficulty
Medium
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Epic, Mysterious, Adventurous, Introspective
✓ Read this if...
You're new to The Wheel of Time and want a standalone entry point, or are a long-time fan curious about Moiraine and Lan's origin story.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer fast-paced, action-heavy fantasy and aren't interested in political intrigue or character backstory.
Plot Summary
The Battle of the White Tower
The story begins during the final, brutal days of the Aiel War, specifically the Battle of the Shining Walls outside Tar Valon. Two young Accepted, Moiraine Damodred and Siuan Sanche, participate in the healing effort, tending to the wounded. Inside the White Tower, during a Council of the Six Ajahs, Gitara Moroso, the Keeper of the Chronicles, utters a Foretelling: the Dragon has been Reborn on the slopes of Dragonmount. This prophecy sends shockwaves through the Aes Sedai. Moiraine and Siuan, having overheard a fragmented version of the Foretelling, are determined to uncover its full meaning and find the child.
A Secret Pact and the Search Begins
After the Foretelling, Moiraine and Siuan are raised to Aes Sedai, a promotion they had expected. During their ceremony, they secretly swear an oath on the Oath Rod to dedicate their lives to finding the Dragon Reborn and guiding him, without revealing their quest to anyone else. They realize the immense danger this child faces, from the Shadow and from Aes Sedai who might wish to control or Gentle him. This secret pact binds their destinies, setting them on a dangerous path. They begin to discreetly gather information about births on Dragonmount.
Lan's Grief and Vow
At the same time, Lan Mandragoran, the uncrowned King of Malkier, is introduced. He is a skilled Warder, though currently unbonded, fighting alongside other Borderlanders in the final stages of the Aiel War. He carries the heavy burden of his fallen kingdom, Malkier, which was betrayed and swallowed by the Blight years prior. He is consumed by a vow to fight the Shadow, believing that only through constant vigilance can he honor his heritage. His stoic demeanor hides grief and a fierce dedication to his duty, making him a formidable warrior but a solitary figure.
Moiraine's Investigation and Challenges
Moiraine, now a full Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah, begins her covert investigation into births on Dragonmount. She faces immediate challenges, including the scrutiny of other Aes Sedai, particularly the Red Ajah, who are known for their stance against male channelers. She uses her intelligence and connections, including her former mentor, Cadsuane Melaidhrin, to gather information about the war's aftermath and any unusual occurrences. Her noble background as a Cairhienin princess also puts her in a delicate political position, as the sudden death of her father, King Laman, creates a power vacuum and potential threats to her life.
The Hunt for Warders
As part of their duties as newly raised Aes Sedai, Moiraine and Siuan are assigned to a diplomatic mission to Kandor, ostensibly to recruit new Warders from the returning Borderland armies. This assignment is a convenient cover for Moiraine, allowing her to travel and continue her search for the Dragon Reborn outside the White Tower's immediate reach. However, it also presents a significant challenge, as choosing a Warder is a personal and time-consuming task, potentially diverting her from her true mission. Siuan, meanwhile, focuses on gathering more information within the Tower.
A Deadly Encounter in Kandor
During her travels in Kandor, Moiraine becomes a target. Agents loyal to House Damodred's rivals in Cairhien, seeking to prevent her from claiming any stake in the succession after her father's death, attempt to assassinate her. She uses the One Power to defend herself, showing her growing strength and resourcefulness. This encounter highlights the constant danger she faces, not just from the Shadow, but from political plots. It also demonstrates her capacity for independent action and her willingness to use her power when necessary, even if it draws attention.
Meeting Lan
Moiraine finally encounters Lan Mandragoran in Kandor. She is immediately struck by his presence, his dedication, and his deep sorrow. She witnesses his skill in battle and his sense of duty, recognizing in him the ideal Warder - not just a protector, but a partner. Despite his initial reluctance and his conviction that he must fight the Shadow alone, Moiraine is determined to bond him. She sees his potential to be more than just a warrior; he could be crucial to her secret quest.
The Bonding of Lan
Moiraine pursues Lan relentlessly, using her intelligence and insight into his character to break through his defenses. She understands his commitment to his fallen kingdom and his desire for vengeance against the Shadow. She presents the Warder bond not as control, but as a way for him to continue his fight more effectively, offering him a new purpose and a companion in his lonely war. After resistance, Lan, recognizing Moiraine's strength and conviction, eventually agrees to the bond, accepting his new role as her Warder. This marks the beginning of their partnership.
Uncovering a Deeper Threat
Back in Tar Valon, Siuan, through her network of informants and keen observation, uncovers disturbing information. She realizes that the Black Ajah, a secret society of Aes Sedai serving the Dark One, is also aware of the Dragon Reborn prophecy and is actively seeking the child to kill him. This revelation intensifies the urgency of their quest and highlights the danger the child faces. It also confirms their initial fears that the White Tower itself is compromised, reinforcing the necessity of their secrecy and independent action.
The First Hunt
With Lan bonded as her Warder, Moiraine fully dedicates herself to the search for the Dragon Reborn. Their initial investigations lead them to suspect that the child might have been taken to the Two Rivers, a remote region in Andor. They gather what information they can, knowing their journey will be long and perilous. The book concludes with Moiraine and Lan setting out from Tar Valon, their paths now intertwined by their shared purpose. Their quest to find the child and protect him from the Shadow and misguided Aes Sedai has officially begun, laying the groundwork for the main Wheel of Time series.
Principal Figures
Moiraine Damodred
The Protagonist
Moiraine transforms from a newly raised Aes Sedai into a focused, secretive agent, forging an unbreakable bond with her Warder and dedicating her life to a perilous, world-altering quest.
Lan Mandragoran
The Protagonist/Supporting
Lan, initially a solitary warrior consumed by a personal vendetta, finds a new purpose and companionship as Moiraine's Warder, integrating his fight against the Shadow into a larger, world-saving mission.
Siuan Sanche
The Supporting
Siuan transitions from an ambitious Accepted to a powerful, secretive Aes Sedai, using her intelligence and connections to aid Moiraine's quest while rising within the White Tower's hierarchy.
Gitara Moroso
The Supporting
Gitara's arc is brief but pivotal; she fulfills her destiny by delivering the crucial Foretelling, setting the main plot in motion before her immediate demise.
Cadsuane Melaidhrin
The Supporting
Cadsuane serves as a powerful, wise, and somewhat detached mentor figure, subtly guiding Moiraine without fully understanding the scope of her secret mission.
Kerene Nagashi
The Supporting
Kerene's arc showcases the differing approaches Aes Sedai take to the Dragon Reborn prophecy, ultimately ending tragically due to her involvement.
Myrelle Berengari
The Supporting
Myrelle provides a supporting role, illustrating aspects of Green Ajah life and serving as a witness to some of the early events surrounding the Dragon Reborn's birth.
Ryma Galfrey
The Supporting
Ryma's role is primarily to embody the suspicion and opposition from the Red Ajah, highlighting the dangers Moiraine faces from within the White Tower.
Themes & Insights
Duty vs. Personal Desire
This theme is central to both Moiraine and Lan. Moiraine, despite her royal lineage and personal ambitions, dedicates her life to the prophecy, making a secret oath that overrides personal desires. Lan, similarly, carries the burden of his fallen kingdom, and his personal quest for vengeance eventually becomes part of his duty as Moiraine's Warder, fighting for the world rather than just Malkier. Their choices show the sacrifices required when one's destiny intersects with the fate of the world, as seen when Moiraine leaves her political inheritance to pursue the Dragon Reborn and when Lan allows himself to be bonded.
““The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills, but we must still live our lives.””
The Weight of Prophecy
The entire narrative is driven by the Foretelling of the Dragon Reborn's birth. The prophecy immediately places a burden on Moiraine and Siuan, shaping their life's purpose. It also creates urgency and danger, as they understand the child's importance and the threats he faces from the Shadow and potentially misguided Aes Sedai. The prophecy is not just a prediction; it is a force that shapes destinies and compels characters to extraordinary actions, such as Moiraine's commitment to find and guide the child, despite the personal risks.
““The Dragon has been Reborn on the slopes of Dragonmount!””
Secrecy and Deception
Moiraine and Siuan's oath to keep their quest for the Dragon Reborn secret is a cornerstone of the plot. They understand that revealing their true intentions would put the child in greater danger, as various factions within and outside the White Tower would seek to control or destroy him. This forces them to operate with cunning and deception, guarding their words and actions. Moiraine's political maneuvering in Cairhien and her subtle questioning of Cadsuane exemplify this theme, showing how vital secrecy is for their survival and the success of their mission.
““We must not speak of this to anyone. Not to anyone, Siuan.””
Loss and Resilience
Lan Mandragoran shows this theme most. He carries the loss of his kingdom, Malkier, and the weight of his people's memory. Despite this grief, he remains a resilient warrior, driven by a vow to fight the Shadow. His resilience is not about forgetting but about channeling his sorrow into purpose. Moiraine also experiences loss with her father's death and political upheaval in Cairhien, but she, too, shows resilience by focusing on her greater mission rather than being consumed by personal setbacks. Their ability to endure and adapt in the face of loss defines their characters.
““I will not fall. Malkier will not fall, so long as I can stand.””
The Nature of Power
The book explores various facets of power: the magical power of the One Power, the political power of the White Tower and noble houses, and the power of prophecy. Moiraine and Siuan learn to use their newfound Aes Sedai power, but also understand its limitations and dangers. The political plots surrounding Cairhien's succession highlight the corrupting influence of earthly power, while the Black Ajah's existence reveals the insidious nature of power used for evil. The narrative questions how power should be used and who should control it, especially in relation to the prophesied Dragon Reborn.
““Power is a knife. It can cut the good from the bad, or the good from the good.””
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Foretelling
A rare prophetic ability that reveals glimpses of the future.
The Foretelling is a Talent possessed by only a few Aes Sedai, most notably Gitara Moroso. It serves as the primary catalyst for the entire plot of 'New Spring' and the wider 'Wheel of Time' series. Gitara's pronouncement of the Dragon Reborn's birth on Dragonmount immediately after the Battle of the Shining Walls sets Moiraine and Siuan on their fateful quest. This device establishes the central conflict and urgency, creating a powerful sense of destiny and a ticking clock for the protagonists, as they race against time to find and protect the prophesied child.
The Oath Rod
A magical artifact used by Aes Sedai to bind themselves to unbreakable oaths.
The Oath Rod is a potent ter'angreal used by Aes Sedai to swear three unbreakable oaths upon their raising, and it is also used by Moiraine and Siuan to swear their secret oath to find the Dragon Reborn. This device is crucial for establishing the absolute commitment of the protagonists to their mission and for reinforcing the theme of duty. The unbreakability of the oath ensures that Moiraine and Siuan cannot waver from their path, no matter the obstacles, and underscores the extreme gravity of their decision to undertake such a dangerous and secretive quest.
The Warder Bond
A magical link between an Aes Sedai and her Warder, providing protection and shared senses.
The Warder bond is a magical connection that links an Aes Sedai to her chosen Warder, granting the Warder enhanced strength, speed, and resilience, and allowing both to sense each other's emotions and proximity. In 'New Spring,' Moiraine's relentless pursuit and bonding of Lan is a central plot point. This device establishes their unique and powerful partnership, providing Moiraine with a dedicated protector and Lan with a new purpose. It symbolizes the deep trust and interdependence required for their dangerous journey and is a defining characteristic of their relationship throughout the series.
Political Intrigue
The complex web of power struggles and alliances within noble houses and the White Tower.
Political intrigue acts as a significant obstacle and source of danger for Moiraine. Her noble background as a princess of Cairhien, coupled with the sudden death of her father, makes her a target for rivals vying for power. This forces her to navigate treacherous political waters, diverting her attention and resources. Within the White Tower, the differing agendas of the Ajahs, particularly the suspicion of the Red Ajah, also create a challenging environment for Moiraine and Siuan's secret quest, highlighting the constant need for discretion and careful maneuvering.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“Almost dead, and still thinking of the Tower. Some things never change.”
— Lan's thought about Moiraine's dedication even after a battle.
“Hope was a dangerous thing, but she had always had a great deal of it.”
— Moiraine reflecting on her own nature and the challenges she faces.
“A man's worth isn't measured by how many times he falls, but by how many times he gets back up.”
— Lan's philosophy, often expressed through his actions.
“She wanted to be strong, to be wise, to be everything she was expected to be. And more.”
— Moiraine's internal struggle and ambition to exceed expectations.
“Even the mightiest river begins with a single drop.”
— A metaphor for the beginning of great events or journeys.
“There was no turning back. Only forward.”
— Moiraine's resolve in facing her destiny and the challenges ahead.
“The greatest battles are not always fought with swords.”
— A reflection on the different forms of conflict, including political and internal struggles.
“Duty was a heavy burden, but it was a burden she had chosen.”
— Moiraine contemplating her responsibilities as an Aes Sedai.
“Some things, once broken, can never be truly mended, only carefully pieced back together.”
— A somber reflection on loss and the lasting impact of events.
“He knew what it was to be alone, to be an island in a sea of people.”
— Lan's internal thoughts on his solitary nature and his role as a Warder.
“The past was a road, not a destination.”
— Moiraine's perspective on learning from history without being bound by it.
“Fear was a tool, not a master.”
— Moiraine's approach to confronting dangerous situations, using fear to sharpen her senses.
“Even a flicker can ignite a conflagration.”
— A reminder of how small actions or events can lead to significant outcomes.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
'New Spring' serves as a prequel, detailing the events that lead Moiraine Damodred and Lan Mandragoran to begin their quest to find the Dragon Reborn. It occurs roughly fifteen years before 'The Eye of the World', showcasing Moiraine's journey from Accepted to Aes Sedai and her initial bonding with Lan, while the newborn Dragon Reborn is discovered.
About the author
James Oliver Rigney Jr., better known by his pen name Robert Jordan, was an American author of epic fantasy. He is known best for his series The Wheel of Time which comprises 14 books and a prequel novel. He is one of several writers to have written original Conan the Barbarian novels; his are considered by fans to be some of the best of the non-Robert E. Howard efforts. Jordan also published historical fiction using the pseudonym Reagan O'Neal, a western as Jackson O'Reilly, and dance criticism as Chang Lung. Jordan claimed to have ghostwritten an "international thriller" that is still believed to have been written by someone else.
