Summary
A casting addition forThe Wheel of Timeseason 3 paves the way for the series to make up for a missed opportunity with a crucial character from the first book. In its first two seasons, Prime Video’s adaptation ofRobert Jordan’sWheel of Timebookswas littered with changes - both big and small - to the source material. Among them was the ending of book 1,The Eye of the World. How the novel wrapped up the journey to the Eye of the World differed considerably from what transpired inThe Wheel of Timeseason 1 finale.
In the show, Moiriane and Rand set off alone, leaving everyone else behind. This set the stage for an intense showdown where the two engaged in a heated confrontation with Ishamael, and one that culminated in Rand showing off his strength in the One Power. While this development was rooted in the books, it took out some key details, such as the inclusion of three characters: Aginor, Balthamel, and the Green Man. All three are missing fromThe Wheel of Time’scast.Two are likely to remain absent, but the Green Man could still be included, especially if aWheel of Timeseason 3casting update is any indication.
All 13 Character Deaths In Wheel Of Time & How They Compare To The Books
Prime Video’s The Wheel of Time has killed off 13 book characters, but not all of them die the same way they do in Robert Jordan’s novels.
Solinda’s Casting Hints At A Major Event From The Age Of Legends
Reportedly, Thandi Sebe has been cast as Solinda, an Aes Sedai who lived during the Age of Legends and experienced the Breaking of the World (viaWotseries.) In chapter 25 ofThe Shadow Rising, titled “The Road of the Spear,” Rand goes on an interesting journey when he steps through the glass columns at Rhuidean. This allows Rand to see specific events fromThe Wheel of Time’shistory from the eyes of his ancestors on his father’s side of the family. In one of these memories, Rand becomes Jonai, where he speaks with a gathering of Aes Sedai, including Solinda.
The Breaking of the World was an apocalyptic-level event induced by Lews Therin Telamon losing his mind and unleashing the One Power.
As Jonai, Rand witnesses first-hand the formation of the plan to createthe Eye of the World inWheel of Timeas a response to the tainting of the male half of the One Power (saidin). It’s understood in the books that after the Dark One tainted saidin (which later caused the Breaking of the World), the Aes Sedai hid untainted saidin in a well - which became known as the Eye of the World. As Rand learns,Solinda charged Jonai, one of the Aiel leaders, with using the Aiel to find a safe place to hide weapons of the One Power.
Based on what happens in “The Road of the Spear” and the decision to use Solinda (who only appears in that chapter), it’s fair to sayThe Wheel of Timeis gearing up to adapt this pivotal moment in the show’s timeline.
Based on what happens in “The Road of the Spear” and the decision to use Solinda (who only appears in that chapter), it’s fair to sayThe Wheel of Timeis gearing up to adapt this pivotal moment in the show’s timeline. It makes sense, especially since Rhuidean is one ofWheel of Timeseason 3’s confirmed locations, not to mention the fact that the book where this meeting happens -The Shadow Rising- will be the focus of the season.
Wheel Of Time Season 3’s Aes Sedai Meeting Sets Up The Perfect Opportunity For The Green Man’s Debut
The Wheel Of Time Now Has Another Chance To Use The Green Man
By featuring the Aes Sedai meeting from the Age of Legends,The Wheel of Timewill be afforded an excellent opportunity to debut a character it overlooked when it introduced the Eye of the World in the first place. The Green Man, one of thecharactersWheel of Timeremoved fromThe Eye of the World’sending, was present at the meeting as Someshta, his true name in the lore. Someshta a.k.a. The Green Man is a Nym, which is a being created by the One Power and one that shares a powerful connection to the natural environment.
In the meeting,Rand (as Jonai) heard Solinda tell Someshta that the Aes Sedai had a “task” for him to complete. The conversation didn’t explain his role, but the context provided by The Eye of the World confirms the nature of the mission. When Rand found him, he was standing guard over the Eye of the World and had been there for centuries. Clearly, the immortal creature had been ordered by Solinda to protect it.
Because of this,Wheel of Timenow has an easy way to do what season 1 didn’t, which is introduce the Green Man. After the finale, there was a sense that he was no longer relevant, but with Solinda’s casting seemingly suggesting this meeting will indeed happen onscreen, the show will have a new way of bringing him into the fold. Through the eyes of Jonai, Rand al’Thor can see the Green Man in the flesh, allowing viewers to witness this unique addition toThe Wheel of Time’sworld. As a Nym, he’ll be different from anyone the show has ever used.
Can Rand Meet The Green Man In The Present-Day Story?
WhileThe Shadow Rising’s"The Road of the Spear" chapter certainly does allow for a Green Man appearance inThe Wheel of Timeseason 3, it certainly doesn’t guarantee it. Since the show never clearly defined the Eye of the World’s place in the lore nor did it use the Green Man, his presence in the meeting may not tie to any existing events in the show’s canon, and therefore may not carry any meaning. However, that’s not to say it won’t feature the Green Man. Thanks to his history, the Green Man has other ways of being relevant. But drawing on them will force more changes to the books.
At this point,The Wheel of Timecan’t have Rand or any of its present-day characters meet the Green Man without changing the books because he died inThe Eye of the World. However, the show has proven its willingness to change the timing and locations of characters' introductions in the past, and could do so again with the Green Man. Theoretically, he could be tasked with a different phase of Solinda and the Aes Sedai’s plan ahead of the Breaking of the World.
That would create a pathway for Rand to meet the Green Man later inThe Wheel of Time, perhaps as a guardian toCallandor at the Stone of Tearor one of the Choeden Kal access keys. Either avenue could see Rand gain some much-needed perspective. He’s heard talk of it (and his past life as Lews Therin) from the Forsaken, who also lived it, but as villains loyal to the Dark One, they only represent one side of the story. As an ally to the Aes Sedai and a heroic figure, the Green Man could offer a point of view from the other side of the conflict.
The Wheel of Time
Cast
The Wheel of Time follows Moiraine, a member of the powerful all-female organization Aes Sedai, as she leads a perilous quest with five young individuals. Moiraine suspects one among them could be the prophesized reincarnation of a mighty figure destined to either save or doom humanity.
