This article contains spoilers for The Wheel of Time season 2, episode 1. The Wheel of Time

season 3, episode 1 begins with a surprising decision from Rand that dramatically alters the trajectory of Robert Jordan’s original narrative. Amazon’s grand adaptation of Wheel of Time has introduced numerous changes from the source material, yet the magnitude of these alterations in season 3 is unexpected. It’s evident that this season intertwines the storylines of books 3 and 4, The Dragon Reborn and The Shadow Rising, but the execution diverges significantly from the novels.

This is not necessarily a negative critique; adaptations inherently require modifications. In fact, some changes—such as the romantic storyline between Elayne and Aviendha—enhance the narrative. However, previous seasons sparked significant debates among fans due to alterations from the books, and season 3 is poised to venture even further into uncharted territory. Rand’s choices at the beginning of episode 1 propel him along a distinct journey, diverging from Jordan’s established path.

Rand’s Journey to the Aiel Waste Reverses the Plots of Books 3 & 4

In Jordan’s original series, Rand al’Thor embarks on a journey to the city of Tear to affirm his identity as the Dragon Reborn, a quest that serves both personal and prophetic purposes. He accomplishes this by seizing the sword Callandor, a formidable sa’angreal that only the true Dragon Reborn can wield, using it against the Forsaken in a pivotal confrontation. It is only following this significant achievement that he ventures to the Aiel Waste, acknowledging the necessity of being recognized as their rightful leader, as they are the foretold People of the Dragon.

The Wheel of Time cleverly subverts expectations. It begins with a familiar setup, where Moiraine urges Rand to seize Callandor swiftly; she perceives him as a target and insists that possessing Callandor is crucial for his safety against the Forsaken. However, Rand opts for a different course of action, choosing to journey to the Aiel Waste first. This decision dramatically alters the narrative arcs of books three and four, driving the story in an unexpectedly thrilling direction.

Anticipating More Alterations to The Wheel of Time as the Storylines Flip

The Dragon Reborn is often viewed as one of the less compelling entries in Jordan’s expansive series, primarily because it features fewer chapters from Rand’s perspective and instead emphasizes how other characters perceive him. This narrative choice complicates adaptation, as the main character lacks a robust arc. However, by reconfiguring the storyline, The Wheel of Time cleverly navigates this challenge, providing Rand with an engaging journey of self-discovery as he fully embraces his identity as the Dragon Reborn.

There is a possibility that The Wheel of Time will also modify the narrative surrounding Callandor. In the original books, Rand claims the sword only to relinquish it later, fulfilling a different prophecy that states the sword must be held by another after he wields it. This is the reason he does not take Callandor with him to the Aiel Waste. By altering this aspect, The Wheel of Time might be preparing to eliminate this secondary prophecy, which would streamline the narrative and remove a plotline that seemed somewhat extraneous.

Understanding Rand’s Decision to Journey to the Aiel Waste Instead of the Stone of Tear

Why has Rand chosen to head to the Aiel Waste instead of the Stone of Tear? In this adaptation, Rand has embraced his identity as the Dragon Reborn and exhibits greater confidence and self-assurance. He no longer feels the pressing need to validate his worth by wielding Callandor, allowing him to make alternative choices. One of these decisions appears to align with an ancient prophecy.

According to these ancient prophecies, the “People of the Dragon” will accompany the Dragon Reborn when he journeys to Tear to claim Callandor. As readers of the books are aware, the “People of the Dragon” refer to the Aiel—indicating that Rand must travel to the Aiel Waste first to rally an army before leading them to Tear. It is likely that the climactic battle at Tear will serve as the season’s finale.

The Wheel of Time‘s showrunners are evidently prepared to diverge from Robert Jordan’s original text when necessary. This particular alteration seems judicious, as it streamlines the narrative arc, eliminating plots that were less effective in the source material. I am eager to witness how these developments unfold.