Robert Jordan (2010)
Genre
Fantasy
Reading Time
17-20 hours
Key Themes
See below
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As the Last Battle rages and reality unravels, Perrin must master his inner wolf to escape spectral hunters, while Mat faces an impossible dance with the Aelfinn and Eelfinn in the ominous Tower of Ghenjei to save a lost friend.
Perrin Aybara continues his journey in Tel'aran'rhiod, the World of Dreams, where Slayer, a mysterious figure in both worlds, hunts him. Perrin's internal conflict between his human and wolf instincts grows as he tries to protect Faile Bashere and his followers from Shadowspawn and Whitecloaks. He seeks guidance from the Wise Ones, especially Sorilea, to understand the Wolf Dream and master his abilities, all while dealing with leadership and the fear of becoming a wolf.
Matrim Cauthon, having gathered his forces and outmaneuvered the Seanchan in Ebou Dar, prepares for his most dangerous task: rescuing Moiraine Damodred from the Tower of Ghenjei. He assembles a varied group including Thom Merrilin, Noal Charin, and Tuon's former Deathwatch Guard, Vanin, along with other trusted companions. Mat carefully plans the seemingly impossible assault, knowing the extreme danger from the Aelfinn and Eelfinn within the Tower. His strategic mind and luck face the ultimate test as he organizes the expedition, knowing failure means death or worse.
Rand al'Thor, burdened by his past actions and the coming Last Battle, climbs Dragonmount. There, he confronts the memories of Lews Therin Telamon and the events that led to the Breaking of the World. Through deep and painful introspection, he relives his past lives and sees the suffering he caused as both Rand and Lews Therin. This difficult process ends in a moment of enlightenment, where he reconciles his two identities, loses his bitterness, and gains a deeper understanding of the Pattern, the Wheel of Time, and the meaning of sacrifice and creation. He emerges with new purpose and calm resolve.
Perrin Aybara and his followers meet the Children of the Light, led by Galad Damodred, now the Lord Captain Commander. A tense standoff occurs, as the Whitecloaks still blame Perrin for the deaths of their members and Faile's disappearance. However, through diplomacy and the clear threat of the Shadow, Galad agrees to set aside their old animosity. Perrin shows his leadership and commitment to the greater good, leading to an alliance between his diverse group of Two Rivers folk, Mayeners, and tinkers, and the Whitecloaks, all united against the Shadow.
The Two Rivers, Perrin's homeland, is attacked by Shadowspawn. Perrin, now leading a combined force of his own followers, the Whitecloaks under Galad, and the newly arrived Mayener forces, organizes a desperate defense. He uses his knowledge of the land and his tactical skill, commanding both humans and wolves in battle. This conflict tests Perrin, forcing him to fully accept his leadership and wolfbrother abilities. The successful defense of the Two Rivers confirms his standing as a powerful leader and a key figure in the coming Last Battle.
Matrim Cauthon, Thom Merrilin, and Noal Charin, along with their small group, enter the Tower of Ghenjei through a portal in a ruined stone building. Immediately, they are in a confusing and dangerous place where reality is warped by the Aelfinn and Eelfinn. Mat's medallion, the *ashandarei*, and his luck are their only defenses against the psychic attacks and physical traps set by the creatures. They navigate the winding corridors, constantly facing riddles, illusions, and direct attacks, all while searching for Moiraine and trying to understand the Tower.
After a difficult and dangerous journey through the Tower of Ghenjei, Matrim Cauthon and his remaining companions find Moiraine Damodred, held captive by the Aelfinn and Eelfinn. She is thin and weak, but alive. The rescue requires severe sacrifice: Noal Charin reveals he is Jain Farstrider and sacrifices himself to let the others escape. Thom Merrilin also suffers serious injuries. Mat, using his cunning and the *ashandarei*, bargains for their lives and guides Moiraine and a wounded Thom out of the treacherous Tower, paying a heavy personal cost for their success.
After his enlightenment on Dragonmount, Rand al'Thor seeks out his adoptive father, Tam al'Thor. Their reunion is emotional, as Rand, now free from despair and bitterness, can truly connect with Tam. He apologizes for his past harshness and expresses his love and gratitude. Tam, in turn, offers his unwavering support and understanding, reminding Rand of his humanity and the values he was raised with. This meeting is important for Rand's emotional healing and reaffirms his roots before the Last Battle.
Nynaeve al'Meara and a newly rescued Moiraine Damodred discuss cleansing *saidin*, the male half of the One Power. Moiraine, though weakened, brings her vast knowledge and experience to the discussion, offering insights into the Last Battle and the Dark One's plans. They confirm the need for Rand's role and the importance of uniting all factions against the Shadow. This conversation highlights the strategic importance of the cleansing and the dire circumstances facing the world, emphasizing their responsibilities.
Perrin Aybara, having accepted his dual nature, confronts Slayer again in Tel'aran'rhiod. This time, Perrin is not just prey but a master of his own destiny within the dream. He skillfully manipulates the dream world, using his instincts and new understanding to battle Slayer equally. This confrontation lets Perrin finally control his wolf side, integrating it with his human self rather than being consumed by it. He emerges from the encounter with a deep understanding of his abilities and a clear path forward, ready for the waking world's challenges.
Following his enlightenment and reunion with Tam, Rand al'Thor uses his mastery of the One Power to project his voice and image across the entire world. He delivers a powerful and unifying message to all nations, calling for an end to small conflicts and urging everyone to unite against the common enemy: the Dark One. His message, filled with new clarity and compassion, resonates with people from all walks of life, inspiring hope and preparing them for the coming Last Battle. This act is a turning point, as Rand fully embraces his role as the Dragon Reborn, not just a weapon, but a beacon of hope.
As the novel ends, the signs of Tarmon Gai'don, the Last Battle, become clear. Shadowspawn swarm from the Blight, the seals on the Dark One's prison weaken, and the Pattern itself shows signs of unraveling. The various armies and factions across the world begin to mobilize, responding to Rand's call and the encroaching darkness. The stage is set for the final confrontation, with all the main characters ready to play their roles in the ultimate struggle between Light and Shadow. The world waits as the greatest war in history begins.
The Protagonist
Rand undergoes a profound spiritual and emotional transformation on Dragonmount, reconciling his identities and achieving enlightenment, shedding his bitterness and embracing compassion.
The Protagonist
Perrin learns to integrate his human and wolf natures, embracing his unique identity and leadership role, and finally mastering the Wolf Dream.
The Protagonist
Mat embraces his destiny as a general and rescuer, successfully navigating the perilous Tower of Ghenjei and retrieving Moiraine, despite significant personal cost.
The Supporting
Rescued from the Tower of Ghenjei, Moiraine returns to the world, weakened but bringing crucial knowledge and guidance for the Last Battle.
The Supporting
Having been rescued earlier, Faile continues to support Perrin, witnessing his growth as a leader and solidifying their bond.
The Supporting
Thom accompanies Mat into the Tower of Ghenjei, suffering grievous injuries but successfully aiding in Moiraine's rescue, reaffirming his loyalty and love.
The Supporting
Noal reveals his true identity as Jain Farstrider and sacrifices himself to ensure Mat and Moiraine's escape from the Tower of Ghenjei.
The Antagonist
Slayer continues his relentless hunt for Perrin, challenging Perrin's mastery of the Wolf Dream, but ultimately fails to defeat him.
The Supporting
Galad, faced with the undeniable threat of the Shadow, puts aside his grievances with Perrin and forms an alliance with him and other forces of the Light.
This theme is central to Rand and Perrin's stories. Rand struggles with his identity as Lews Therin and the Dragon Reborn, eventually integrating his past and present selves on Dragonmount, losing his bitterness and embracing compassion. Perrin struggles to accept his wolfbrother nature, fearing the loss of his humanity, but learns to integrate his human and wolf sides, becoming a more complete and powerful person. Both characters' journeys show the importance of understanding and accepting one's true self, including both good and bad, to fulfill their destinies.
“He knew who he was. He was Rand al'Thor. He was Lews Therin Telamon. He was the man who had torn the world apart, and the man who would heal it.”
The novel explores the burdens of leadership through Rand, Perrin, and Mat. Rand, after his enlightenment, changes from a cold leader to one guided by compassion and understanding, uniting different groups. Perrin, a reluctant leader, is forced to accept his role during the defense of the Two Rivers, proving his strategic skill and ability to earn respect. Mat, despite disliking responsibility, consistently shows exceptional tactical genius and loyalty when leading his companions, especially during the dangerous rescue of Moiraine. Each character's journey shows that true leadership often comes with great personal sacrifice and the need to inspire unity.
“A man's responsibility was not to his own desires, but to the needs of his people. That was the meaning of leadership.”
Sacrifice is a repeated idea, especially in the rescue of Moiraine from the Tower of Ghenjei. Noal Charin's heroic self-sacrifice, revealing his true identity as Jain Farstrider, allows Mat and Moiraine to escape. Thom Merrilin also suffers serious injury. Rand's journey on Dragonmount involves a deep personal sacrifice, reliving his past suffering to gain enlightenment and redeem his past actions. This theme shows that victory against the Shadow often requires great personal cost and that redemption can be found through selfless acts.
“Some choices were not about what you wanted, but what had to be done. Some sacrifices were simply required.”
Tel'aran'rhiod, the World of Dreams, plays a significant role, especially in Perrin's storyline. The novel explores the rules and dangers of this alternate reality, where thoughts and emotions can become real. Slayer's ability to move between both worlds blurs the lines between reality and dream, posing a constant threat. Perrin's mastery of the Wolf Dream is key to his character development, as he learns to manipulate its fabric and confront its dangers. The Tower of Ghenjei also presents a warped reality, challenging the characters' perceptions and sanity.
“The World of Dreams was a place of power, where thought shaped reality, and a slip of the mind could be as deadly as a blade.”
As the Last Battle approaches, the need for unity against the common enemy becomes most important. Perrin's ability to form an alliance between the Whitecloaks, his Two Rivers folk, and the Mayeners shows overcoming old hostilities for a greater cause. Rand's global declaration, delivered with new compassion, calls for all nations to set aside their differences and stand together against the Dark One. This theme shows that only through cooperation and mutual understanding can the forces of Light hope to win against the Shadow's overwhelming power.
“The Shadow cared nothing for borders or old grievances. It sought to consume all. Only together could they stand against it.”
A parallel dimension where thoughts shape reality, central to Perrin's arc.
Tel'aran'rhiod serves as a crucial setting and plot device, particularly for Perrin Aybara. It is a dream world where individuals with specific talents (like wolfbrothers or Dreamwalkers) can enter while awake. It mirrors the waking world but is fundamentally shaped by perception and will. For Perrin, it is both a training ground for his wolfbrother abilities and a dangerous battleground where he is hunted by Slayer. It allows for the exploration of his internal conflicts and the manifestation of subconscious fears, pushing him towards mastery of his unique powers.
A mystical, treacherous structure inhabited by the Aelfinn and Eelfinn.
The Tower of Ghenjei is a mythical, non-Euclidean structure that exists outside normal space and time, serving as the prison of Moiraine Damodred and the home of the Aelfinn (Snakes) and Eelfinn (Foxes). It functions as a perilous quest objective for Matrim Cauthon. The Tower tests Mat's cunning, luck, and tactical genius, presenting riddles, illusions, and traps instead of direct combat. Its unique rules and the nature of its inhabitants force Mat to think unconventionally and highlight his distinct abilities, while also providing a significant sacrifice and revelation for his companions.
A volcanic mountain where Rand al'Thor undergoes a profound spiritual transformation.
Dragonmount is a significant landmark, the site where Lews Therin Telamon ended his life and where Rand al'Thor was born. In *Towers of Midnight*, it serves as the crucible for Rand's spiritual and emotional climax. His ascent and subsequent enlightenment on Dragonmount are a symbolic and literal shedding of his past bitterness and a reconciliation of his identities. It's a place of profound introspection and revelation, allowing Rand to achieve a deeper understanding of the Pattern and his role, transforming him from a despairing messiah into a compassionate leader.
Mat's unique quarterstaff, also a key to the Tower of Ghenjei.
The *ashandarei* is Matrim Cauthon's distinctive quarterstaff, given to him by the Aelfinn and Eelfinn during a previous encounter. Beyond its use as a weapon, it functions as a crucial plot device because it is the key to entering and safely exiting the Tower of Ghenjei. Its unique properties, including its ability to cut through weaves of the One Power, make it indispensable for Mat's rescue mission. It represents the dangerous bargains Mat has made and his unique connection to the Aelfinn and Eelfinn, while also highlighting his resourcefulness.
A transformative mental and spiritual awakening for Rand on Dragonmount.
Rand's enlightenment on Dragonmount is a pivotal plot device that dramatically shifts his character and the trajectory of the series. It's not a physical object but an internal event that resolves his deep-seated psychological conflicts, particularly the struggle with Lews Therin's memories and the despair over the world's suffering. This transformation allows him to cleanse *saidin* more effectively, project his message globally, and approach the Last Battle with a new perspective of hope and compassion, fundamentally altering his leadership style and strategic decisions.
“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 comes again.”
— The opening lines of the book, a recurring motif for the series.
“He had accepted that he would die. Now he had to accept that he would live.”
— Perrin Aybara's internal reflection after dealing with the Whitecloaks and Slayer.
“Duty is heavy as a mountain, Death is a feather.”
— Lan Mandragoran's steadfast resolve as he prepares to face the Blight and the Dark One.
“The only way to win is to make the other man's pain so great he can no longer fight.”
— Demandred's philosophy on warfare, revealed through his actions and thoughts.
“Sometimes you have to step back to see the whole picture.”
— Moiraine Damodred advising Egwene al'Vere on her leadership and decisions.
“Fear is not the same as cowardice. A man may be afraid and yet not be a coward.”
— Gawyn Trakand's internal struggle with fear and courage.
“You can't give up. Not ever. Not when it matters.”
— Mat Cauthon encouraging others during a difficult battle.
“The greatest danger we face is not the Dark One, but ourselves.”
— An observation made by a character (likely Rand or Egwene) about the internal conflicts within humanity.
“You can never tell what a man will do until you put him on the rack.”
— A cynical thought from a Forsaken, reflecting on human nature under duress.
“Truth is a river. It flows and changes, but it is always there.”
— A philosophical statement about the nature of truth and reality.
“Some men are born to lead, some to follow, and some to stand alone.”
— A reflection on different roles people play in society and in war.
“The price of glory is often paid in blood.”
— A stark reminder of the cost of war and heroism.
“Hope is not a thing you find. It's a thing you make.”
— A character's realization about the active nature of maintaining hope in dark times.
“The strongest weave is not always the most obvious.”
— A metaphor relating to the intricacies of the One Power and strategy.
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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.
