“The Wheel of Time weaves as the Wheel wills.”
— A common saying in the world, reflecting the belief in fate and destiny.
Archivist's Choice
The Dragon Reborn
Robert Jordan (1991)
Genre
Fantasy
Reading Time
1500 min
Key Themes
See below
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Hunted by prophecy and his own growing, uncontrollable power, Rand al'Thor runs from a future that promises both salvation and madness. His friends also deal with their own new abilities and the spread of a forgotten evil.
Synopsis
Rand al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn, runs from his destiny, troubled by the One Power he can use but not control. He thinks he must face the Dark One alone, even as the world calls for him. Meanwhile, Perrin Aybara, with Moiraine, Lan, and Loial, chases Rand. Perrin struggles with his wolfbrother abilities and unsettling dreams that threaten his humanity. In Tar Valon, Egwene, Elayne, and Nynaeve work to heal Mat Cauthon from the Shadar Logoth dagger. They discover the Black Ajah is real within the Aes Sedai. Mat, once healed, leaves Tar Valon and forms the Band of the Red Hand, traveling to Tear, drawn by prophecies. Faile Bashere joins Perrin's group, looking for adventure and to test her skills. Everyone meets at the Stone of Tear, where Rand makes a desperate stand. He confronts the High Lords of Tear and the Forsaken, Be'lal and Sammael. He then claims Callandor, the Sword That Is Not a Sword, fulfilling old prophecies and confirming he is the Dragon Reborn.
Reading time
1500 min
Difficulty
Medium
Pacing
Variable
Mood
Epic, Prophetic, Mystical, Expansive
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy epic fantasy with a vast world, multiple intertwining plotlines, deep lore, and a focus on character development amidst grand prophecies and escalating conflict.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer standalone novels, fast-paced action without extensive world-building, or dislike a large cast of characters and intricate political/magical systems.
Plot Summary
Rand's Flight and the Call of the Stone
After the events at Falme, Rand al'Thor thinks about the prophecy of the Dragon Reborn and his need to use Callandor, the Sword That Is Not a Sword, inside the Heart of the Stone in Tear. Believing he is dangerous to his friends and must face the Dark One alone, he leaves the group in the Mountains of Mist, leaving Moiraine, Lan, Perrin, Loial, and Mat behind. He travels south, often alone or with a few companions, constantly fighting Trollocs and Darkfriends who chase him. His trip is marked by growing frustration with his inability to control the One Power and the maddening voices of Lews Therin Telamon in his head, pushing him towards a desperate fight.
The Hunt for Rand and Perrin's Wolfbrother Struggle
Moiraine Sedai, Lan, Perrin Aybara, and Loial set out to find Rand. They know the danger he poses to himself and the world if left alone. Their journey has many dangers, including encounters with Darkfriends and creatures of the Shadow. Perrin, in particular, struggles with his growing wolfbrother abilities, fearing he will lose his humanity and the wild instincts that come with his connection to wolves. He often uses his improved senses and communication with wolves to track Rand and find danger, but the internal conflict over his identity bothers him. Moiraine, always planning, uses her knowledge and the One Power to guide their search, understanding how serious the situation is.
Healing Mat and the Black Ajah Revelation
Mat Cauthon, still affected by the Shadar Logoth dagger, is taken by Egwene al'Vere, Elayne Trakand, and Nynaeve al'Meara to Tar Valon for healing. At the White Tower, he undergoes a dangerous ritual by three Aes Sedai, including the Amyrlin Seat, Siuan Sanche. This successfully removes the dagger's evil from him, leaving him with a strong connection to the Old Tongue and battle memories. While in Tar Valon, Egwene, Elayne, and Nynaeve find proof of the Black Ajah — a secret group of Aes Sedai serving the Dark One — a discovery that breaks their understanding of the White Tower and makes them face a new threat within their own ranks. They begin to investigate secretly, risking their lives to find the truth.
Mat's Escape and the Hunt for the Black Ajah
After his healing, Mat, now stronger and more confident, is given a secret message by the Amyrlin Seat, Siuan Sanche, to deliver to Elayne's mother, Queen Morgase, in Caemlyn. He does not know the message is a trick to get him out of Tar Valon and allow the Amyrlin to deal with the Black Ajah in the Tower. Mat, wanting to escape the Aes Sedai's influence, agrees. Meanwhile, Egwene, Elayne, and Nynaeve, having confirmed the Black Ajah's existence, continue their secret investigation within the White Tower. They discover that thirteen members of the Black Ajah have left the Tower, taking powerful items with them, and realize they must chase them to stop them from helping the Dark One.
The Girls' Pursuit and the Portal Stone Journey
Determined to stop the Black Ajah, Egwene, Elayne, and Nynaeve, along with Verin Sedai and Tomas, a Warder, secretly leave Tar Valon. They follow the Black Ajah's trail, which leads them towards Tear. To travel faster, they use a Portal Stone, a dangerous item that lets them travel through other realities to reach their destination sooner. This experience is confusing and shows them glimpses of possible futures, emphasizing how serious their mission is. Their chase eventually brings them to the borders of Tear, where they expect to confront the rogue Aes Sedai and reunite with their friends.
Mat's Journey and the Band of the Red Hand
Mat, having given the Amyrlin's message to Queen Morgase in Caemlyn, feels restless and wants adventure. He meets a group of loyal soldiers, including Talmanes and Daerid, who are unhappy with the political games in Caemlyn. Using his new charm and battle instincts, Mat accidentally gathers these men around him, forming the start of the 'Band of the Red Hand.' Driven by a vague sense of destiny and a desire to help his friends, Mat decides to lead this group towards Tear, sensing that all paths meet there. His journey shows his growing confidence and strategic thinking, despite his continued claims of just wanting to gamble.
Faile and the Saldaean Hunt
During their search for Rand, Perrin, Moiraine, Lan, and Loial meet Faile Bashere, a Saldaean noblewoman who calls herself a hunter named Zarine. Faile is strong-willed, independent, and immediately shows interest in Perrin, which makes him uncomfortable and confused. She insists on joining their group, saying she is hunting a rare bird, but her real reasons seem to involve adventure and a strong interest in Perrin and the events unfolding. Her presence adds a new dynamic to the group, often clashing with Perrin's quiet nature but also providing useful insights and unexpected help as they continue their journey towards Tear.
Rand's Desperate Stand in Tear
Rand, having reached Tear, enters the city and the strong fortress known as the Stone of Tear. He is on edge, constantly fighting the growing madness and the demands of Lews Therin's voice. He faces constant attacks from Darkfriends, Trollocs, and even Myrddraal within the city, all trying to stop him from reaching Callandor. His control of the One Power is unstable, making his struggle even more desperate. He knows that his destiny lies within the Heart of the Stone, a place surrounded by old prophecy, and he is determined to fulfill it, even if it means his own destruction.
The Convergence in Tear
As Rand moves through Tear, all the separate stories come together in the city. Perrin's group, including Faile, arrives, tracking Rand's scent and fighting Shadowspawn in the streets. Mat and his new Band also reach Tear, drawn by the increasing conflict and their loyalty to Rand. At the same time, Egwene, Elayne, and Nynaeve, having followed the Black Ajah, find themselves in the chaos of Tear, fighting Darkfriends and the rogue Aes Sedai. The city becomes a battleground, full of political unrest, the Children of the Light, and agents of the Shadow, all meeting at the Stone of Tear.
The Fall of the Stone and the Claiming of Callandor
In a big fight within the Heart of the Stone, Rand faces the High Lords of Tear and Be'lal, a Forsaken. While fighting Be'lal, Moiraine steps in, destroying the Forsaken with balefire. Rand then confronts Ba'alzamon (Ishamael), who appears as the Dark One. In a desperate struggle, Rand takes Callandor, the Sword That Is Not a Sword, fulfilling the old prophecy of the Dragon Reborn claiming the sword from the Stone. The Stone of Tear, once thought unbreakable, falls, marking a big change in the world's power. With Callandor in hand, Rand announces himself as the Dragon Reborn to the world, changing history forever.
Principal Figures
Rand al'Thor
The Protagonist
From a man fleeing his destiny and fearing madness, Rand embraces his role as the Dragon Reborn, taking up Callandor and proclaiming himself to the world.
Perrin Aybara
The Supporting
Perrin continues to struggle with and slowly accept his wolfbrother nature, finding strength in it despite his fears, and begins a complicated relationship with Faile.
Mat Cauthon
The Supporting
Healed of the dagger's influence, Mat gains new abilities and reluctantly steps into a leadership role, forming his own band of followers.
Moiraine Sedai
The Supporting
Moiraine continues her role as Rand's guide and protector, making strategic decisions to ensure his destiny is met, even at great personal risk.
Egwene al'Vere
The Supporting
Egwene's channeling abilities and Dreamer talents grow significantly, as she takes a proactive stance against the Black Ajah and embraces her path as a powerful Aes Sedai.
Elayne Trakand
The Supporting
Elayne's channeling skills develop further as she actively participates in the dangerous investigation and pursuit of the Black Ajah, solidifying her bond with Egwene and Nynaeve.
Nynaeve al'Meara
The Supporting
Nynaeve confronts her channeling block and begins to gain a deeper understanding of her immense power, while also playing a crucial role in the Black Ajah hunt.
Lan Mandragoran
The Supporting
Lan remains a steadfast protector and warrior, his internal conflict regarding Nynaeve deepening even as he fulfills his duties.
Loial
The Supporting
Loial continues to document the unfolding history, acting as a loyal and observant companion to the group.
Faile Bashere
The Supporting
Faile inserts herself into Perrin's life, challenging his quiet nature and beginning a complex romantic relationship with him.
Siuan Sanche
The Supporting
Siuan Sanche continues to guide the events surrounding the Dragon Reborn from the White Tower, subtly maneuvering pieces on the global chessboard.
Be'lal
The Antagonist
Be'lal's manipulations culminate in his confrontation with Rand in the Stone of Tear, where he is ultimately defeated.
Themes & Insights
Identity and Self-Acceptance
This theme is important, especially for Rand, Perrin, and Mat. Rand struggles with being the Dragon Reborn, fearing madness and his own destructive power, trying to match his past as a shepherd with his prophesied future. Perrin fights his wolfbrother nature, fearing he will lose his humanity and the animal instincts that come with his power. Mat, after being healed, must accept his new abilities, memories, and the reluctant hero he is becoming. Each character's journey involves accepting who they are and the unique powers or roles given to them.
“"The Pattern weaves itself around you, Rand al'Thor. You can fight it, or you can ride it, but you will not break it."”
Destiny vs. Free Will
The idea of the Pattern, the Wheel of Time, and the prophecies greatly affects what the characters do. Rand constantly fights his predetermined destiny as the Dragon Reborn, wanting a normal life but repeatedly pulled back to his fated path. Moiraine's whole goal is to guide Rand to fulfill these prophecies, believing the Pattern is set. However, characters like Mat and Perrin, while caught in the Pattern, still make choices that define their individual journeys, suggesting that while the main destiny is set, the path to it allows for personal choice and struggle.
“"The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills, but it is the hand that guides the thread."”
The Nature of Power and Corruption
The One Power itself is a dangerous thing, tainted for men and a source of great danger. Rand's struggle with channeling and the growing madness of Lews Therin's voice shows this. The Black Ajah shows corruption within the seemingly good Aes Sedai, proving that power can be twisted for evil even by those sworn to good. Mat's new abilities, while helpful, are also a result of dark magic. The theme looks at how power, whether magical or political, can corrupt or be used for destructive ends, and the constant need to use it responsibly.
“"Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. But the One Power... it devours."”
Loyalty and Friendship
Despite Rand's attempts to keep his distance, the friendships from Emond's Field remain a strong force. Perrin and Mat, along with Egwene, Elayne, and Nynaeve, all take dangerous journeys because of their loyalty to Rand and to each other. Perrin's strong commitment to finding Rand, Mat's reluctant but clear care for his friends, and the girls' combined efforts against the Black Ajah show how strong these relationships are. This theme suggests that even with world-changing prophecies and personal struggles, human connection and mutual support are necessary.
“"We're here for you, Rand. Always. No matter what."”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Prophecy and Foreshadowing
Ancient prophecies drive the plot and hint at future events.
The prophecies of the Dragon Reborn and the Stone of Tear are central to the entire plot of 'The Dragon Reborn.' Rand's flight and ultimate journey to Tear are directly dictated by these ancient verses, which explicitly state he must claim Callandor. Moiraine constantly references and interprets prophecies to guide their actions. This device creates a sense of inevitability and destiny, while also building suspense as readers anticipate the fulfillment of these predictions and the implications for the characters and the world. The prophecies not only move the plot forward but also establish the grand scale of the conflict.
Internal Monologue and Madness
Rand's inner struggle with Lews Therin's voice.
Rand's internal monologue, particularly the growing presence of Lews Therin Telamon's voice in his head, is a significant plot device. This struggle highlights Rand's fear of madness, a constant threat to male channelers. The voice provides glimpses into the past, offers cryptic advice, and sometimes pushes Rand towards extreme actions, blurring the lines of his sanity. This device not only deepens Rand's characterization and his psychological torment but also serves as a constant reminder of the taint on saidin and the immense pressure on the Dragon Reborn.
Converging Storylines
Multiple character arcs independently lead to a single destination.
The narrative structure of 'The Dragon Reborn' is characterized by multiple, seemingly disparate storylines that independently converge on a single, pivotal location: Tear and the Stone. Rand travels alone, Perrin's group tracks him, Mat journeys with his new band, and the Aes Sedai girls pursue the Black Ajah. Each group has its own motivations and challenges, but all roads ultimately lead to the Heart of the Stone. This device builds anticipation, allows for diverse character development, and culminates in a powerful, unified climax where all the protagonists play a role in the central event.
Callandor (The Sword That Is Not a Sword)
A powerful magical artifact and symbol of the Dragon Reborn.
Callandor is a legendary sword made of crystal, prophesied to be taken by the Dragon Reborn from the Heart of the Stone. As a magical artifact, it is immensely powerful, capable of channeling the One Power on a grand scale. Symbolically, it represents Rand's destiny and his acceptance of his role as the Dragon Reborn. Its unique nature as a 'sword that is not a sword' hints at its true function as a sa'angreal, rather than a mere weapon, and its claiming marks the turning point of the book, signifying the fulfillment of ancient prophecies and the undeniable return of the Dragon.
Tel'aran'rhiod (The World of Dreams)
A dream world used for travel, learning, and prophecy.
Tel'aran'rhiod, or the World of Dreams, becomes a significant plot device, particularly for Egwene. It is a place where one can travel vast distances, observe events, and interact with others in their dreams. Egwene's growing ability to enter and manipulate this world allows her to gather information, hone her channeling skills, and even confront the Black Ajah. It serves as a means of communication, reconnaissance, and a training ground for channeling, expanding the magical scope of the world and providing a unique narrative space for character development and plot progression.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“I am the storm.”
— Rand al'Thor declares his power and identity as the Dragon Reborn.
“The lion on the hill does not fear the jackals in the valley.”
— Mat Cauthon uses this proverb to express confidence in his position.
“Death is lighter than a feather, duty heavier than a mountain.”
— A saying among the Aiel, emphasizing the weight of responsibility.
“The Pattern weaves us all into its design, and we are but threads.”
— Reflection on how individuals are part of a larger cosmic tapestry.
“A man who trusts everyone is a fool, and a man who trusts no one is a fool. We are all fools if we live long enough.”
— Thom Merrilin shares wisdom about trust and human nature.
“The Dark One is stirring, and the Last Battle is coming.”
— Characters discuss the impending conflict with the forces of evil.
“A woman's heart is a deep ocean of secrets.”
— Observation about the complexity and mystery of women in the story.
“The sword that is not a sword, the dragon that is not a dragon.”
— Reference to Rand's unique weapon, Callandor, and his symbolic role.
“In the shadow of the Dragon, even the wise tremble.”
— Describes the fear and awe inspired by Rand's growing power.
“The game of houses is played with words and smiles, not swords.”
— Refers to the political intrigue and manipulation in the world.
“A flame in the heart can burn brighter than a thousand suns.”
— Metaphor for inner strength and determination in the face of adversity.
“The wind blows, and the leaves fall, but the tree remains.”
— Proverb about resilience and enduring through change.
“To walk in the light, you must first know the darkness.”
— Philosophical insight about understanding evil to appreciate good.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
The book follows Rand al'Thor as he flees from his destiny as the Dragon Reborn, the prophesied savior who must confront the Dark One but may destroy the world in the process. Meanwhile, Perrin Aybara travels with Moiraine Sedai while struggling with his wolf-like abilities, and Egwene, Elayne, and Nynaeve head to Tar Valon to expose the Black Ajah, with all paths converging at the Heart of the Stone for a crucial test.
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.
