“The wind was not the end of the world. It was the beginning.”
— Rand al'Thor's initial thoughts on the harsh weather in Emond's Field.
Archivist's Choice
The Eye of the World
Robert Jordan (1990)
Genre
Fantasy
Reading Time
1200 min
Key Themes
See below
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When a peaceful village is destroyed by monsters, five young friends embark on a journey across a world threatened by an ancient evil, forcing them to face prophecies and powers they never knew existed.
Synopsis
In the quiet village of Emond's Field, Rand al'Thor, Mat Cauthon, and Perrin Aybara, along with Egwene al'Vere and Nynaeve al'Meara, find their lives changed when their village is attacked by Trollocs and a Myrddraal. Moiraine Damodred, an Aes Sedai, and her Warder Lan Mandragoran, arrive in time to help defend the village. Moiraine reveals that the Dark One's forces are hunting one of the young men from Emond's Field, believing him to be the Dragon Reborn, a figure prophesied to either save or destroy the world. To protect their village, the five young people leave with Moiraine and Lan. Their journey takes them across the Westlands, where they meet different cultures, ancient evils, and new allies and enemies. They face dangers in the ruined city of Shadar Logoth, are separated and reunite, and navigate politics in cities like Caemlyn. Their quest eventually leads them through the corrupted Blight to the Eye of the World, a place of power and a trap set by the Dark One. There, Rand learns he is the Dragon Reborn and confronts a powerful Forsaken, battling the Shadow with ancient magic. The immediate danger is gone, but the group realizes this is only the start of a larger fight against the Dark One.
Reading time
1200 min
Difficulty
Medium
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Epic, Adventurous, Mystical, Prophetic
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy classic epic fantasy with a detailed world, a large cast of characters, and a grand, overarching prophecy.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer fast-paced, concise narratives or are averse to lengthy descriptive passages and a slow-burn plot.
Plot Summary
Winternight and the Shadow's Arrival
On Winternight, a celebration in Emond's Field, the peaceful village in the Two Rivers is attacked by Trollocs, monstrous creatures, and a Myrddraal, a terrifying Fade. Rand al'Thor, Mat Cauthon, and Perrin Aybara, three young men from the village, are specifically targeted. The arrival of the mysterious Aes Sedai, Moiraine Damodred, and her Warder, al'Lan Mandragoran, before the attack, suggests a deeper reason for the assault than simple banditry. The attack leaves destruction and fear, ending the villagers' isolated innocence and forcing them to face a world of ancient evils they previously only knew from stories.
Flight from Emond's Field
After the Trolloc attack, Moiraine Damodred reveals that the Shadow is hunting Rand, Mat, and Perrin, as well as Egwene al'Vere, a young woman from the village who shows early magic abilities. To protect Emond's Field from more destruction and to keep the four youths safe, Moiraine convinces them to leave with her and Lan. Nynaeve al'Meara, the village Wisdom, first follows them, wanting to bring her young charges back, but eventually joins their escape, realizing the serious danger they face. Their journey begins, taking them from their homes into the wide, dangerous world beyond the Two Rivers, where the Shadow's influence is far-reaching.
Through Baerlon and into the Wilds
The group travels to Baerlon, where they meet Min Farshaw, a young woman who can see glimpses of the future around people. In Baerlon, they are again pursued by Darkfriends, servants of the Shadow, and barely escape a trap. Shadar Logoth, an old, cursed city, becomes their next stop, a seemingly safer route, but one with its own dangers. During their stay in Baerlon, Moiraine continues to guide and protect the young people, though the true nature of their importance remains hidden from them, increasing their confusion and fear.
The Perils of Shadar Logoth
Trying to avoid the Trollocs and Myrddraal, the group hides in the desolate, cursed city of Shadar Logoth. Moiraine warns them of the city's evil, Mashadar, a creeping mist that consumes all life and sanity. Despite her warnings, Mat, driven by curiosity and some greed, takes a dagger from a cursed treasure. The city's evil forces the group to scatter in a desperate escape, separating Rand, Mat, and Perrin from Moiraine, Lan, Egwene, and Nynaeve. This separation is a turning point, leaving the young villagers vulnerable and alone against the growing darkness.
Rand and Mat's Journey
After fleeing Shadar Logoth, Rand and Mat are alone and on the run. They soon meet Thom Merrilin, a gleeman they had met in Emond's Field. Thom, a master of disguise and a skilled knife-thrower, becomes their protector and teacher, showing them how to navigate the dangerous world. They travel through towns, performing for money, but are constantly troubled by Darkfriends and agents of the Shadow. Mat begins to show signs of the dagger's corrupting influence, becoming more suspicious and ill, a direct result of his actions in Shadar Logoth, hinting at a darker future for him.
Perrin and Egwene's Escape
Perrin and Egwene, separated from the others, are found by Elyas Machera, a former Warder who can communicate with wolves, making him a 'Wolfbrother.' Elyas guides them, teaching Perrin to understand and control his emerging wolf senses. They travel through the wilderness, eventually meeting the Tuatha'an, also known as the Tinkers, a nomadic group committed to peace. With the Tinkers, they learn about the wider world and its cultures, but also face continued threats from the Shadow, showing that no place is truly safe.
Reunion and the Whitecloak Threat
The scattered groups eventually come together. Rand and Mat, with Thom, reunite with Moiraine, Lan, Nynaeve, Egwene, and Perrin. However, their reunion is short as they soon meet the Children of the Light, religious fanatics who hate Aes Sedai and accuse anyone connected with them of being Darkfriends. The Whitecloaks, led by their interrogator Bornhald and the manipulative Geofram Bornhald, become a threat, capturing Perrin and Egwene and putting Moiraine and the others in a difficult situation. This meeting shows the dangers from not only the Shadow, but also from human intolerance and superstition.
Caemlyn and Royal Intrigue
The group, having escaped the Whitecloaks, goes to Caemlyn, the capital of Andor. While Moiraine and Lan seek information and allies, Rand, by chance, climbs the walls of the Royal Palace and meets Elayne Trakand, the Daughter-Heir of Andor, and her half-brother Gawyn Trakand, as well as Galad Damodred. He also meets Logain Ablar, a false Dragon captured and paraded through the city, whose presence deeply affects Rand. These meetings expose Rand to nobility, politics, and the terrifying reality of men who can channel, further deepening the mystery around his own destiny.
The Ways and the Blight
Moiraine reveals their final destination: the Eye of the World, a place of pure *saidin* untouched by the Shadow, hidden in the Blight. To get there quickly and avoid the Shadow's pursuit, they must travel through the Ways, a dangerous network of magical paths created by Ogier. The Ways are now corrupted by the Dark One's influence, filled with Machin Shin, an evil entity that preys on minds. Their difficult journey through the dark, twisted paths of the Ways is full of terror, pushing the group to their limits and showing the Shadow's widespread reach even into ancient, once-safe places.
Into the Blight
Emerging from the Ways, the group finds themselves in the Blight, the corrupted land bordering the Great Blight, the Dark One's domain. The landscape is a twisted version of nature, filled with mutated plants and creatures warped by the Shadow's touch. They are constantly pursued and attacked by various Shadowspawn, including Trollocs, Draghkar, and other horrors. Lan, a skilled Warder, leads them through this nightmare landscape, his expertise vital for their survival. The journey through the Blight is a constant battle for survival, a grim preview of their final confrontation at the Eye of the World, testing their courage and resolve.
The Green Man and the Eye of the World
Finally reaching the Eye of the World, the group discovers a pristine, untouched glade within the Blight, protected by Someshta, the Green Man, the last of the Nym, ancient plant-creatures. The Eye itself is a pool of pure *saidin*. However, their arrival is met by two of the Forsaken, ancient powerful channelers tied to the Dark One: Aginor and Balthamel. A fierce battle happens, during which the Green Man sacrifices himself to defeat Balthamel. Aginor, wanting the Eye's power, tries to drain it, but is consumed by the *saidin* itself, leaving Rand, Mat, and Perrin to face what comes next.
Rand's Revelation and the Dark One's Touch
As Aginor tries to take the Eye's power, Rand al'Thor instinctively reaches out and draws upon the *saidin* from the Eye, unleashing a wave of power that destroys Aginor and sends a shockwave across the land. In doing so, Rand inadvertently confronts the Dark One himself, experiencing a terrifying mental battle. He creates patterns in the sky, forming images of the Dragon, confirming Moiraine's suspicions and revealing he is the Dragon Reborn, the prophesied individual who will either save or break the world. The act leaves him shaken and afraid of the power he controls, a power that drove men mad in the past.
Aftermath and the Horn of Valere
After the battle, the Eye of the World is depleted, and the group tries to understand what happened. Moiraine, now fully aware of Rand's identity, is both relieved and concerned, knowing the great burden and danger that comes with being the Dragon Reborn. Mat, however, recovers the Horn of Valere from the Eye, an ancient artifact said to summon heroes from the past, adding more prophecy and destiny to their journey. The group begins their journey back, changed forever by their fight with the Shadow and the revelation of Rand's true nature, knowing their fight has just begun.
Principal Figures
Rand al'Thor
The Protagonist
Rand transforms from an innocent shepherd into a reluctant hero, accepting his destiny as the Dragon Reborn while fearing the madness associated with male channeling.
Mat Cauthon
The Supporting
Mat's initial eagerness for adventure is replaced by paranoia and sickness due to the cursed dagger, setting him on a path of personal struggle and dependence on others for healing.
Perrin Aybara
The Supporting
Perrin grapples with his newfound connection to wolves and his latent strength, fearing the violence he is capable of while striving to protect his friends.
Egwene al'Vere
The Supporting
Egwene transitions from a village girl to a potential channeler, embracing the adventure and the possibility of becoming an Aes Sedai, though she faces significant challenges.
Nynaeve al'Meara
The Supporting
Nynaeve's fierce protectiveness leads her to embrace a larger world and begin to understand her own powerful channeling abilities, though she struggles with control.
Moiraine Damodred
The Supporting
Moiraine successfully identifies the Dragon Reborn, guiding him and his friends through immense danger while grappling with the implications of her discovery and the prophecies.
al'Lan Mandragoran
The Supporting
Lan remains a steadfast protector, fulfilling his duty to Moiraine while subtly developing a personal connection with Nynaeve, hinting at a future beyond his singular focus on the Blight.
Thom Merrilin
The Supporting
Thom, initially a detached entertainer, becomes a temporary protector and mentor to Rand and Mat, revealing a hidden depth and a past connected to the White Tower, influencing his actions.
Dark One (Shai'tan)
The Antagonist
The Dark One's influence expands, directly confronting Rand at the Eye of the World, signifying his growing power and the escalating threat to the world.
Myrddraal (Fade)
The Antagonist
Myrddraal serve as relentless, terrifying pursuers of the protagonists, demonstrating the pervasive reach and deadly efficiency of the Shadow's forces.
Themes & Insights
The Loss of Innocence and the Call to Adventure
The villagers of Emond's Field, especially Rand, Mat, Perrin, and Egwene, start the story in a sheltered, peaceful life. The Winternight attack by Trollocs breaks this innocence, forcing them to face a world more dangerous and complex than they imagined. Their escape from the Two Rivers marks a clear break from their old lives, making them confront ancient evils, political plots, and personal growth. This theme is clear in their initial fear and hesitation, which gradually turns into a growing understanding and acceptance of their roles in a larger conflict, as seen when Rand reluctantly takes up the sword and Mat takes the dagger.
“The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again.”
Destiny vs. Free Will
A main tension in the novel is the balance between destiny and individual choice. Moiraine guides the young people based on prophecies, believing certain events are meant to happen. However, the characters often make their own choices, sometimes going against Moiraine's advice or acting on impulse, such as Mat taking the cursed dagger. Rand's struggle with becoming the Dragon Reborn shows this theme; he feels the weight of prophecy, yet constantly questions his role and wants a different path. This theme suggests that while fate has a role, individuals still have agency within its patterns.
“The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills, but men's hands are on the shuttle.”
The Nature of Evil and Corruption
The novel explores different kinds of evil, from the obvious monstrousness of the Trollocs and Myrddraal to the subtle corruption of the Dark One's influence. The cursed city of Shadar Logoth and the dagger Mat takes show a different, ancient evil that twists and consumes. The Darkfriends are people who willingly choose evil, while the Whitecloaks show how strong belief can lead to cruel oppression. This varied portrayal shows that evil is not simple but appears in many forms, both supernatural and human, always threatening to corrupt even good intentions, as seen in Mat's gradual decline.
“There are no easy choices where the Shadow is concerned. Only hard ones. And harder still.”
The Power of Friendship and Loyalty
Despite the great dangers and personal struggles each character faces, the bonds of friendship and loyalty among Rand, Mat, Perrin, Egwene, and Nynaeve remain strong. Their shared past from Emond's Field forms the basis of their trust and willingness to protect each other. Mat's corruption, though serious, does not completely break his connection to Rand and Perrin, who continue to worry for him. Nynaeve's initial pursuit is driven by her loyalty and protective instinct for her 'charges.' This theme highlights that even when facing world-ending threats, human connection and mutual support are essential for survival and hope.
“We are from Emond's Field. We stick together.”
The Burden of Power and Prophecy
The discovery of Rand's identity as the Dragon Reborn and his ability to channel the One Power immediately links him to a terrifying prophecy of madness and destruction. He struggles deeply with this burden, fearing the power within him and the fate it foretells. Similarly, Moiraine carries the burden of her knowledge and the great responsibility of guiding the Dragon Reborn. The power of the One Power itself is shown as both a magnificent force for creation and a dangerous, corrupting influence for men. This theme highlights the great psychological and moral challenges that come with wielding great power and fulfilling a predetermined, potentially disastrous, destiny.
“The Dragon Reborn. He will break the world, and save it.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Dragon Reborn Prophecy
Ancient prophecies foretelling the return of a legendary figure who will confront the Dark One.
This prophecy is the central driving force of the plot. It dictates Moiraine's quest to find Rand and the subsequent journey of the Emond's Fielders. The prophecies are vague and often contradictory, allowing for multiple interpretations and increasing the sense of mystery and foreboding. They establish a predetermined destiny for Rand, creating tension between his personal desires and the fate laid out for him, while also setting up the overarching conflict between good and evil. The prophecy ensures that Rand's actions, even seemingly small ones, have immense cosmic significance.
The One Power (Channeling)
The magical energy source of the world, accessible only to certain individuals.
The One Power is the fundamental magical system of the world, drawn from the True Source. It is divided into *saidin* (male half, tainted by the Dark One) and *saidar* (female half). Moiraine's ability to channel *saidar* provides the group with magical protection, healing, and offensive capabilities. Rand's nascent, uncontrolled channeling of *saidin* at the Eye of the World is the climax of the book, revealing his true nature. The taint on *saidin* is a crucial plot point, explaining why male channelers go mad and creating immense fear and resistance to Rand's powers.
The Horn of Valere
A legendary artifact capable of summoning heroes from the past.
The Horn of Valere is a mythical artifact, said to summon legendary heroes from the past to fight for the Light. Its discovery by Mat at the Eye of the World introduces a powerful new element of prophecy and potential future conflict. It serves as a MacGuffin, a tangible object of immense power that characters seek, and its presence implies that the stakes of the conflict are even higher than initially perceived, suggesting that ancient heroes will be needed to fight the escalating battle against the Shadow. It also provides a significant future role for Mat.
Mashadar (Shadar Logoth's Evil)
A unique, consuming evil born from human hatred and distrust.
Mashadar is the sentient, creeping evil that infests the ruined city of Shadar Logoth. Unlike the Dark One's evil, Mashadar is an independent force, born from the overwhelming hatred and paranoia of the city's inhabitants. It manifests as a pervasive, consuming mist that kills and corrupts anything it touches. It serves as a plot device to separate the main characters and introduces the cursed dagger that afflicts Mat. Mashadar highlights that not all evil in the world originates from the Dark One, emphasizing the dangers of unchecked human malevolence and distrust.
Wolfbrother Connection
A rare, innate ability to communicate with and understand wolves.
The Wolfbrother connection is a unique psychic link between certain individuals and wolves, allowing for telepathic communication and a heightened sense of smell and awareness. Perrin's discovery of this ability, guided by Elyas Machera, sets him apart from the others. It serves as a personal plot device for Perrin, forcing him to confront his identity and his 'animalistic' side, while also providing practical advantages for tracking and survival in the wilderness. It hints at deeper, ancient powers and connections to nature that exist within the world.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“Duty is heavier than a mountain, Rand al'Thor. And death is lighter than a feather.”
— Moiraine Sedai explaining the nature of responsibility and destiny to Rand.
“We are only what we make ourselves, nothing more and nothing less.”
— Thom Merrilin offering advice and perspective to the young men.
“The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills.”
— A common saying throughout the series, often used by Moiraine to explain fate.
“Into the Heart of the Storm...and out again, if the Light wills.”
— Lan Mandragoran's stoic acceptance of danger and the unknown.
“Always remember, boy, that a wise man never knows everything, but only a fool knows nothing.”
— Thom Merrilin imparting wisdom to Mat Cauthon.
“The Dark One will not be chained forever. He will break free, and the Last Battle will begin.”
— Moiraine Sedai speaking of the impending conflict with the Dark One.
“Some battles are won with swords and spears, others with words and cleverness.”
— Moiraine advising the group on different forms of conflict.
“Fear is a weapon, and it can be used against you as easily as for you.”
— Lan Mandragoran discussing the nature of fear with Rand.
“The world is full of dangers, and not all of them are Trollocs.”
— Moiraine warning the group about the many threats they face.
“You cannot run from what you are, Rand al'Thor. Only from what you are not.”
— Moiraine pressing Rand to accept his true identity and destiny.
“The past is gone, the future is not yet here, and we live in the present. So make the best of it.”
— Perrin Aybara's pragmatic outlook on their journey.
“There are no easy choices in life, only hard ones, and harder ones.”
— Moiraine reflecting on the difficult decisions they must make.
“A man's word is his bond, and a bond is not easily broken.”
— Lan Mandragoran emphasizing the importance of honor and keeping promises.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
The story begins in the isolated village of Emond's Field in the Two Rivers, where the lives of three young men—Rand al'Thor, Mat Cauthon, and Perrin Aybara—are upended when their village is attacked by monstrous Trollocs and a Myrddraal. They are forced to flee with the mysterious Moiraine Damodred, an Aes Sedai, and her Warder, Lan Mandragoran, along with Egwene al'Vere and Nynaeve al'Meara, embarking on a journey across Westlands to escape the Shadow and uncover their destinies.
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.
