Rand al'Thor

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If you are looking for information on the book titled "The Dragon Reborn", see The Dragon Reborn

Author: Atarah al'Norahn

Pronunciation: RAND ahl-THOR

Rand al'Thor is one of the main characters in the book series The Wheel of Time. He is a boy from a small village called Emond's Field in the Two Rivers. His best friends from the village are Mat Cauthon and Perrin Aybara. He has interest for a girl from the village Egwene al'Vere.

Around his eighteenth birthday, he was taken out of the region by Moiraine Sedai when Trollocs attacked and he gradually began learning about the world.


WARNING! The next sections contain spoilers for the Wheel of Time book series.


General

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Rand al'Thor is the Dragon Reborn, Car'a'carn, Coramoor and King of Illian. Born of an Aiel father and wetlander mother who had joined the Aiel, his birth on Dragonmount occurred as the Aiel War ended. He was found by Tam al'Thor, second Captain of the Illianer Companions and taken back with him to be raised as his own when he returned home to the Two Rivers. After Moiraine takes him away from Emond'd Field, he starts learning the truth of his heritage.


Appearance

Rand is considered to be tall in the Westlands, his hair has a reddish tint to it, and he has gray eyes. (TEotW, Ch. 1)

During his travels, several people tell him that he looks much like an Aiel. With the Aiel his height isn't so distinguishable.

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He looks very much like his birth mother, Tigraine. He has only one hand, having lost his right. His remaining hand has a heron imprinted on it and both arms have sinuous dragon tattoos winding up them.


Personality

Like all of the people from the Two Rivers, Rand can give a mule lessons in stubbornness. In his younger years, he had a taste for pranks, and often accompanied Mat on his famous escapades.

This section contains spoilers relating to The Dragon Reborn and after. Please expand to view.

Since being named the Dragon Reborn, he has become serious, grim, and intent on pushing away all those who are important to him.


According to Elayne, Rand "has a fair bit of gleeman in him" (AMoL, Ch. 1) and other characters, such as Bair, have said similar things (AMoL, Prologue).

This section contains spoilers relating to the whole series. Please expand to view.

One of the most interesting characteristics that Rand acquires as the series progresses is the voice of Lews Therin Telamon speaking to him in his head. Most of the time, the voice is fairly crazy, and Rand thinks that he must be going insane from the taint on saidin. Other times, Lews Therin seems to be almost sane, and actually helps Rand get out of a few scrapes. Rand doesn't tell many people about it, as he is afraid that they will also think that he is going crazy; Min and Cadsuane are two of the only people who know about the voice.


Condensed Timeline

  • 978NE: Rand is born
  • 998NE: Moiraine and Lan find Rand in the Two Rivers. They flee, with Mat, Perrin, Egwene and Thom.

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  • Date Unknown: Lews Therin Telamon draws in too much of the One Power and dies, raising Dragonmount
  • 978NE end of year: Rand is born on Dragonmount
  • 998NE in the spring: Moiraine and Lan find Rand in the Two Rivers on the same day Ishamael directs a Trolloc attack. They flee, with Mat, Perrin, Egwene and Thom.
  • 998NE: On the flight from Emonds's field, Rand unknowingly channels for the first time
  • 998NE: Rand passes through Baerlon and meets Min, learning many strange things about his future
  • 998NE: Rand meets Elayne and Gawyn, in the gardens of the Royal Palace. He also meets Elaida and Morgase.
  • 998NE: Rand meets Loial and travels through the Ways to Fal Dara
  • 998NE: Rand journeys to the Eye of the World, in the Blight meeting the Green Man and encountering Balthamel and Aginor, who are both killed. Rand thinks he kills Ishamael, who is calling himself Ba'alzamon.
  • 998NE late fall/winter: Rand proclaims himself the Dragon Reborn, after people of Falme have seen him battling Ba'alzamon in the sky above the city
  • 999NE spring: Rand travels to Tear and inside the Heart of the Stone manages to get Callandor, proving he is the Dragon Reborn
  • 999NE: Rand and the Aiel that took the Stone of Tear travel to Rhuidean, and later Rand proves himself the Car'a'Carn


Rand's Journey

The Eye of the World

Rand's journey from Sheepherder to Dragon Reborn begins on the road from Tam's farm to Emond's Field. (TEotW, Ch. 1) When he spots a Fade on the road, this propels him and his friends, Mat and Perrin, into the path of Moiraine Damodred and Lan Mandragoran. (TEotW, Ch. 2) After the farm and village are attacked by Trollocs (TEotW, Ch. 5), Moiraine and Lan convince the boys that they need to leave Emond's Field or it will be destroyed. (TEotW, Ch. 8) Joining them are Egwene and Thom. (TEotW, Ch. 10)

They travel from Emond's field to Taren Ferry (TEotW, Ch. 11), and then onwards to Baerlon. (TEotW, Ch. 12) After reaching Baerlon (TEotW, Ch. 13), Rand is visited by Ba'alzamon in his dreams. (TEotW, Ch. 14) While in Baerlon, Rand meets Min for the first time. (TEotW, Ch. 15) When Rand is confronted by a Fade in Baerlon, the party, plus Nynaeve who has caught up with them, leave the city. (TEotW, Ch. 17)

They arrive in Shadar Logoth. (TEotW, Ch. 18) It is here that Rand and the other two boys meet Mordeth. (TEotW, Ch. 19) When both Trollocs and Mashadar attack, they flee; Rand is separated from everyone, though he later finds Mat and Thom. (TEotW, Ch. 20)

Rand, Mat and Thom travel down the Arinelle River towards Whitebridge. (TEotW, Ch. 24) After Thom is 'killed', Rand and Mat run from Whitebridge. (TEotW, Ch. 26) Rand and Mat travel towards Caemlyn. (TEotW, Ch. 31) Later on, Rand reacts to using saidin, and becomes ill. (TEotW, Ch. 33) When they arrive in Caemlyn (TEotW, Ch. 35), Rand meets Loial. (TEotW, Ch. 36)

While in Caemlyn, Rand goes to the royal palace and climbs a wall, intent on seeing Logain, a false Dragon. (TEotW, Ch. 39) When he falls into the palace grounds, he meets Elayne, Gawyn and Galad for the first time. (TEotW, Ch. 40) Later on, Rand and Mat are reunited with the rest of their group. (TEotW, Ch. 41) Soon after, Rand and the others begin their journey through the Ways towards Fal Dara. (TEotW, Ch. 44; Ch. 45; Ch. 46) Next they head for the Blight (TEotW, Ch. 48), and find the Green Man's garden. (TEotW, Ch. 49) After Rand sees the Eye of the World, they are confronted by Aginor and Balthamel. (TEotW, Ch. 50)

While fighting Ba'alzamon, Rand taps into the untainted saidin of the Eye of the World, and wins the battle. (TEotW, Ch. 51) He tells Moiraine, Egwene and Nynaeve what happened. (TEotW, Ch. 52) They head back to Fal Dara. (TEotW, Ch. 53).

The Great Hunt

Back at Fal Dara, Lan is teaching Rand how to use his sword; as they practice, they see the entourage of the Amyrlin Seat arrive, and Rand knows that it is because of him. (TGH, Ch. 1) Though he tries to leave, all of the gates have been closed. (TGH, Ch. 2) Finally, Egwene agrees to hide him in her room, as no man will enter the women's quarters unasked. (TGH, Ch. 3) The next day, Rand appears before the Amyrlin Seat, Moiraine and Verin. They speak of him being the Dragon Reborn, and Rand agrees to accompany the group that will search for the Horn of Valere and Mat's dagger, which have been stolen. (TGH, Ch. 8)

Sometime along the way, Rand, Loial and Hurin lie down to sleep next to a Portal Stone, and end up being transported into an alternate world, where they meet several strange creatures, and Selene. (TGH, Ch. 13, Ch. 16) Rand finally manages to get all of them, including Selene, back to the real world. (TGH, Ch. 17) Rand and Loial meet up with the Darkfriends and take back the Horn and the dagger. (TGH, Ch. 19)

They all arrive in Cairhien, searching for the rest of the group that they lost when they were transported by the portal stone. Rand meets up with Thom, learning that he is alive. (TGH, Ch. 25) Rand and the other two are eventually reunited with their friends, and they go to Lord Barthanes manor to see if they can find the Horn and dagger, which the Darkfriends stole back from Rand. (TGH, Ch. 32) After not finding the Horn, they meet the Ogier Elders at Stedding Tsofu, and then make their way to another portal stone. (TGH, Ch. 36) Rand transports them all to Toman Head, but four months were lost in the transportation. (TGH, Ch. 37)

When the group is caught between the forces of the Whitecloaks and the Seanchan, Rand has another battle with Ba'alzamon, in which he again 'kills' the Forsaken. (TGH, Ch. 47) After awaking from unconsciousness after his battle with Ba'alzamon, the Shienarans swear to follow him. (TGH, Ch. 49)

The Dragon Reborn

Hiding in a camp with Moiraine, Lan, Perrin, Min, Loial, and the Shienarans, Rand is getting impatient. (TDR, Ch. 2) After a battle with the Trollocs in which Rand manages to not help at all (TDR, Ch. 5), Rand sneaks out of the camp to follow his own path. (TDR, Ch. 6)

He passes through several villages in Ghealdan, his ta'veren abilities causing chaos wherever he goes. (TDR, Ch. 8) When he finally arrives in the city of Tear, he begins his plan to get into the Stone of Tear. (TDR, Ch. 54) He eventually gets inside, but is confronted by Be'lal. After Moiraine kills Be'lal, Rand and Ba'alzamon face off once again. Rand pulls Callandor from the Stone of Tear, and follows Ba'alzamon into Tel'aran'rhiod. (TDR, Ch. 55)

The Shadow Rising

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While Rand is staying in the Stone of Tear, he is attacked by a bubble of evil. (TSR, Ch. 2) Later on, he gets a visit from Egwene and Elayne; Egwene tells him that she no longer loves him, while Elayne tells him that she is in love with him. (TSR, Ch. 7; Ch. 8)

When the Stone of Tear is attacked by Shadowspawn, Rand channels and kills them all. He also meets Lanfear. (TSR, Ch. 10) Later, in an attempt to find some answers, Rand goes through the twisted red doorway ter'angreal. (TSR, Ch. 15)

Rand finally decides that it is time to go to the Aiel Waste. He transports himself, Moiraine, Lan, Mat, Egwene and the Aiel to the Aiel Waste, using a portal stone. (TSR, Ch. 22) When they arrive, Rand is greeted by several Wise Ones. (TSR, Ch. 23) He is sent to Rhuidean, were he learns of the history of the Aiel. (TSR, Ch. 24; Ch. 25; TSR, Ch. 26) When he rejoins all of the others, he shows everyone the two dragons that now encircle his arms, proclaiming him the Car'a'carn, the chief of chiefs. (TSR, Ch. 34)

Rand and all of the others begin to make their way to Alcair Dal. On the way, they stop at Cold Rocks Hold, where he manages to worsen his relationship with Aviendha by being accepted by the Maidens as a potential husband for her. (TSR, Ch. 50) When they reach Alcair Dal, Couladin and Rand face off, each trying to make the Aiel believe that he is the Car'a'carn. Rand succeeds when he tells everyone about the history of the Aiel. (TSR, Ch. 57) Rand then travels to Rhuidean, where he meets both Asmodean and Lanfear. He finds out that Jasin Natael is really Asmodean in disguise. (TSR, Ch. 57; TSR, Ch. 58) Lanfear almost fully blocks Asmodean from the One Power, and Rand takes him as a teacher. (TSR, Ch. 58)

The Fires of Heaven

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After all of the incidents at Al'cair Dal, Rand and all of his followers go back to Rhuidean. When Moiraine and Egwene visit him, he finds out that Moiraine has found another seal. (TFoH, Ch. 2) Later on, he is attacked by Darkhounds, and destroys them using Balefire. After this, Lanfear appears and tries to convince him to overthrow the Creator and the Dark One with her. (TFoH, Ch. 6)

Later, Rand begins to lead the Aiel out of the Aiel Waste. They arrive at the town of Taien, in the Jangai Pass, to find that it is pretty much destroyed. (TFoH, Ch. 20) After making camp, Aviendha appears and presents him with a gift: King Laman's sword. (TFoH, Ch. 21) That night, the Rand and Aviendha are attacked by Draghkar; he kills one and she kills one, both saving the other. (TFoH, Ch. 22)

Finally, they reach Cairhien; Rand finds out that the Shaido have attacked the capital city. (TFoH, Ch. 23; Ch. 30) When Rand goes to his rooms, it is to find Aviendha naked, washing herself. Mortified, she opens a gateway, which happens to lead to Seanchan, and flees. Using saidin to keep the gateway open, Rand goes after her. After he saves her, they sleep together. The next morning, they make their way back to the gateway; they are attacked by Seanchan, but manage to escape. (TFoH, Ch. 31; Ch. 32) .

Rand and the others begin to make plans for battle with the Shaido. During the actual battle, he is on a tower with Aviendha and Egwene, channeling against the Shaido. The tower is eventually destroyed by Sammael. (TFoH, Ch. 42; Ch. 43; Ch. 44)

When Rand awakens from his exhaustion, they ride into the city of Cairhien, as they had defeated the Shaido. Tairen and Cairhienin nobles alike swear fealty to him. (TFoH, Ch. 46) Later, he makes plans to kill Rahvin after learning about Morgase's death. The next morning, they all go down to the docks. There, Lanfear attacks; she is overcome with jealousy after learning about Rand and Aviendha, and tries to kill both Aviendha and Egwene. Moiraine ends up saving them all, killing both herself and Lanfear in the process, and Rand blames himself for both of their deaths. (TFoH, Ch. 51; Ch. 52; Ch. 53)

After this, Rand takes himself and a bunch of others, including Mat, Aviendha, Jasin Natael and a lot of Aiel, to Caemlyn to attack Rahvin. Rahvin and Rand end up chasing each other through Tel'aran'rhiod. With the help of Nynaeve, who is also in Tel'aran'rhiod, Rand kills Rahvin. (TFoH, Ch. 54; Ch. 55) After all of this, Rand stays in Caemlyn, where Davram Bashere, Marshal-General of Saldaea, appears and pledges himself into Rand's service. (TFoH, Ch. 56)

Lord of Chaos

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Some time later, while Rand is practicing sword-fighting in the courtyard, Mazrim Taim shows up; after they talk for a while, Taim ends up pledging himself to Rand. (LoC, Ch. 2) Rand decides to let Mazrim Taim teach all of the men who can channel; he had announced an amnesty for men who could channel, and many had shown up to be tested. (TFoH, Ch. 56; LoC, Ch. 2; Ch. 3)

After some rather inconsequential events, Rand, who has just found out that there are two new Aes Sedai in Caemlyn, goes out to see who they are. He finds that it is Alanna and Verin, and that they have a group of Two Rivers girls with them; he learns that all of them have the ability to channel. He goes to speak to the two Aes Sedai in private, and Alanna bonds him as her Warder without his permission. Angry, Rand leaves the room and frightens the Two Rivers girls by shouting at them that he is the Dragon Reborn. (LoC, Ch. 10)

Some time later, Rand meets three Ogier; Erith, Covril (Loial's mother) and Elder Haman. When he learns that they are trying to find Loial, who is in the Two Rivers, Rand says that he will take them there. First, though, he Travels to Shadar Logoth with the Ogier and a group of Maidens. He does what he can to make the Waygate inaccessible, and then takes the Ogier to the Two Rivers before going back to Caemlyn. (LoC, Ch. 20; Ch. 21)

Some other events pass, such as an attempted assassination by the Whitecloaks, and a meeting with three of the Aes Sedai that Elaida sent to him as an envoy. Later, he is also attacked by a Gray Man, whom Taim kills after he shows up to speak to Rand. (LoC, Ch. 26; Ch. 27; Ch. 28) Some time later, he meets with three of the Salidar Aes Sedai, and also meets with Perrin and Faile, who have just arrived in Caemlyn. (LoC, Ch. 43; Ch. 45) .

Several days pass before one of the main events in the sixth book. A group of Elaida's Aes Sedai show up and kidnap Rand; their intention is to bring him back to the White Tower; they had also captured Min. The Aes Sedai beat him as punishment for trying to escape, and for killing two Warders. The Aes Sedai take him to the Shaido Aiel, whom they have some sort of alliance with. (LoC, Ch. 51; Ch. 53)

Those loyal to Rand rally together to save him; among them are Perrin, Loial, the Cairhienin, the Tairens, the Aiel, and the Salidar Aes Sedai. During the battle, Rand manages to break the shield placed on him by the Tower Aes Sedai; shortly afterwards, Taim and the Asha'man show up and win the battle, destroying much of the Shaido army. When he sees that the Salidar Aes Sedai are with his rescuers, remembering what happened with the Tower Aes Sedai, he forces them to swear fealty to him. (LoC, Ch. 55)

A Crown of Swords

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When Rand returns to Cairhien, it is to find that many people thought that he had submitted to Elaida. Among them is Lady Colavaere, who has seized the throne of Cairhien, despite the fact that Rand had meant the throne for Elayne. He ends up banishing her. (ACoS, Ch. 5)

Later, Rand finally goes to Rhuidean to collect the two ter'angreal that control the Choedan Kal. (ACoS, Ch. 33). Back in Cairhien, he meets Min, who tells him that Colavaere had hanged herself. Both of them are distraught over many things, and end up sleeping together. (ACoS, Ch. 19)Later, Rand and Perrin get into a fight, concerning the Tower Aes Sedai, who he has handed over to the Aiel Wise Ones. Rand yells at him, and, in an attempt to protect his friend by separating the two of them, he tells Perrin that he hates him, and that he never wants to see him again. (ACoS, Ch. 27)Afterwards Rand, along with an entourage, goes to visit the Sea Folk that are in Cairhien. He leaves Rafela and Merana behind to negotiate some agreements on his behalf. (ACoS, Ch. 34)

In an attempt to find out what the rebel Cairhienin and Tairens are doing, Rand and Min Travel to the rebel camp. There, they meet Caraline Damodred, Darlin Sisnera and Toram Riatin. He also spots Padan Fain, in disguise. When a devastating fog descends upon the camp, Rand flees with a group of people; Min, Caraline, Darlin, Toram, and Cadsuane and two of her Aes Sedai, whom they had met at the rebel camp. Fain attacks him, and with the ruby dagger, slices him. He nearly dies right then and there, but Cadsuane and Samitsu, one of the other Aes Sedai, both use the power to keep him alive until they get to the palace in Cairhien. There, Damer Flinn, an Asha'man who is interested in Healing, manages to Heal him to the point where they think that he might live. (ACoS, Ch. 35; Ch. 36)

After Rand awakens, his next plan is to kill Sammael. He and Sammael eventually wind up in Shadar Logoth, and Mashadar kills Sammael. When Rand returns to Illian, where Sammael had ruled, he takes the Laurel Crown of Illian. (ACoS, Ch. 41)

The Path of Daggers

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Now that Rand controls Illian, he also takes control of the army of Illian, once loyal to Lord Brend (Sammael.) When he let go of saidin, he experienced a problem that has only begun occurring recently; he gets very dizzy. (TPoD, Ch. 13) However, by this time, Rand thinks that he may know how to cleanse the male half of the power. (TPoD, Ch. 14)

As Rand and his force move throughout the world, they encounter the Seanchan several times. He returns to Cairhien to speak to both Min and Cadsuane. When he and Min leave for Caemlyn, they are just in time to avoid a huge explosion in the Sun Palace that would have killed them. (TPoD, Ch. 24; TPoD, Ch. 27; TPoD, Ch. 29)

Winter's Heart

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Rand begins to travel to different places, in an attempt to throw any enemies off his intended path. When he and Min go to Caemlyn to speak with Nynaeve, he intends to be in and out before Elayne and Aviendha can see him. This backfires, however, when Min tells Elayne and Aviendha; he ends up declaring his love for the three of them, and they to him, before Nynaeve and Lan. The four of them go off alone, and talk him into letting Elayne and Aviendha bond him, including Min in the weave. He then spends the night with Elayne. (WH, Prologue; Ch. 11; Ch. 12)

Rand leaves Caemlyn for Far Madding; Min, Nynaeve, Lan and Alivia go with him. He kills Manel Rochaid, one of the Asha'man loyal to Mazrim Taim, who had given Rochaid and Raefar Kisman to kill him. While scouting Far Madding, he is captured by some of the guards until Cadsuane, who had followed him, arranges for his release. (WH, Ch. 22; Ch. 25; Ch. 32; Ch. 33; Ch. 34;) When he and his group leave Far Madding, Cadsuane and her group accompany them. They stop by Tear so that Rand can get Callandor, before going to Shadar Logoth, where Rand and Nynaeve proceed to cleanse saidin using the Choedan Kal. They both pass out afterwards (WH, Ch. 11)

Crossroads of Twilight

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With saidin cleansed, Rand and all of the people with him are in Tear, on the Pendaloan estates, recovering. While there, both Loial and Logain show up to speak with him. (CoT, Ch. 23; Ch. 24)

Rand hears in the tenth book is that the High Lady Suroth wants for him to meet the Daughter of the Nine Moons. (CoT, Epilogue)

Knife of Dreams

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Rand fights off a Trolloc attack, teaching Logain and the Asha'man several new weaves in the process (KoD, Ch. 20).

Rand Travels to Tear and takes rooms at the Dragon and Stone, Traveling from there to the Stone itself (KoD, Ch. 21).

He uses his bond to Alanna to locate Darlin. There he hears Bera and the other Aes Sedai have reached an agreement with the rebels. If he will name Darlin King and reinstate their lands and titles, they will end their rebellion and pay reparations. He is not happy and Cadsuane switches him for his outbursts before he agrees (KoD, Ch. 21).

Rand goes to meet with Semirhage, who is disguised as Tuon. When the disguise fails due to one of Cadsuane's ter'angreal, Semirhage attacks him with fire, destroying one of his hands (KoD, Ch. 27).

Semirhage claims his hearing voices is a sign of madness and it is even worse if the voice is real (KoD, Ch. 21).

The Gathering Storm

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Rand takes shelter at Lord Tellaen's manor in Arad Doman. He questions Cadsuane on how the questioning of Semirhage is going but there are no reusults. Nynaeve argues that Rand should let them use force to question her but Rand will not allow it.(TGS, Ch. 1)

Rand roams the camp and arrives at a gateway and recieves a message from King Darlin. He sends a response back via Asha'man. He then continues on to meet Harine from the Sea Folk. Rand questions her about the ships that havent arrived and about what her people do to men who can channel. As Rand walks through the camp he talks about how at least the pople can choose what they want but he has no choice in what he must do. A man from Bashere's scouts informs Rand that the Aiel are at the camp.(TGS, Ch. 5) Rand meets up with the Aiel and is soon joined by Cadsuane, Nynaeve, and Bashere. Rand informs them of the plan to restore order to Arad Doman.(TGS, Ch. 7)

Rand meets with Ituralde. After Rand convinces Ituralde that he is the Dragon Reborn he makes a deal with him. He will send Ituralde with a hundred men who can channel to Saldaea to help defend the Borderlands. Rand will in return get the Seanchan out of Arad Doman.(TGS, Ch. 10)

Rand wakes up in the World of Dreams and finds himself in a room with another person he recognizes. He realizes from the room that the person is Ishamael. After asking how he is alive Ishmael who now goes under the name Moridin explains that the Dark One can just bring his minions back unless they are Balefired. Rand wakes himself up by grabbing saidin. Min is there and they discuss how Rand must break the seals on the Dark One's prison to fix it.(TGS, Ch. 15)

Rand is in the Borderlands with Bashere and Ituralde discussing the Blight. Rand returns to the manor. While talking to Min, Semirhage comes up behind Rand and puts the Domination Band on him. Semirhage forces him to torture Min with saidin. After making Rand beg to stop she allows him to stop but shortly after decides to make him choke Min to death. As Rand is choking Min he sudden can feel a new power, the True Power. He siezes it and blows away the Domination band and balefires Elza and Semirhage.(TGS, Ch. 22) Later Cadsuane shows up to find out what happened after Rand shows her the remnants of the Domination Band he bans Cadsuane from his sight.(TGS, Ch. 23)

Rand arrives at Bandar Eban where order has been restored. He questions Milisair Chadmar, a member of the Council of Merchants, about King Alsalam. He demands that she bring the last messenger she received from the king.(TGS, Ch. 29) After they get a hold of the messenger Rand discovered he has compulsion on him and has Nynaeve remove it. The messenger Kerb gives them Graendal's location.(TGS, Ch. 33) Rand then goes to meet Tuon. After talking with Tuon for a while she brings up Mat. This surprises Rand but he tries to use it to help get her to agree with him but she refuses.(TGS, Ch. 35) Rand then travels to Graendal's hideaway in Natrin's Barrow. He sends in a messenger who comes back with Compulsion on him. Rand then uses the access key to balefire her palace. After verifying with Nynaeve that the compulsion has disappeared Rand comes to the conclusion that Graendal is dead.(TGS, Ch. 37)

Rand readies to leave Bandar Eban for Tear and hears that all the food on the docks has spoiled. He travels to Tear and meets Darlin and Dobraine. He tells them they will be marching on Shayol Ghul.(TGS, Ch. 42) A member of the Borderland army comes to meet Rand and it turns out to be Hurin. Hurin tells Rand that they want him to come into Far Madding. Rand almost decides to destroy the whole army but is convinced otherwise by Nynaeve.(TGS, Ch. 44)

After walking the Stone of Tear Rand fins his dad Tam in his room. They talk for a little while and things are going good until Tam mentions Cadsuane at which point Rand snaps. He prepares to kill Tam but realizes what he is about to do and travels to Ebou Dar to destroy the Seanchan.(TGS, Ch. 47) Rande decides he can not destroy the Seanchan and Travels to where he fought the Seanchan and then to the top of Dragonmount.(TGS, Ch. 49) Rands sits there for a while and ponders on why he must fight. He comes to a realization that Tam was right he may not have a choice in his destiny but he does have a choice in his reasons to fight. He uses the access key and turns the power on the male Choedan Kal and destroys it. He then opens his eyes and laughs for the first time in a long time.(TGS, Ch. 50)

Towers of Midnight

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Rand walks through the foothills at the base of Dragonmount. He comes across Almen Bunt who is standing by a field of dead apple trees. That had rotted and fallen right in front of him. As Rand walked through the foothills the sunlight followed him. Almen greeted Rand and they have a conversation. Rand tells him he better gather the apples because his presence won't hold off the dark one for long. Almen turns to find the trees laden with apples. Almen asks Rand where he is going and he tells him he is going to do something he has been putting off and she is not gonna be happy about it. Rand then walked off.(ToM, Ch. 1)

Rand shows up in Tar Valon at the White Tower and requests an audience with the Amyrlin. He is escorted by a group of warders and Sisters to meet Egwene, he stops and talks to Siuan on the way. While talking to Siuan he is approached by Tiana who hands him a letter with a red seal, saying she promised someone she would give it to him if he ever showed up at the White Tower. He is escorted in to the Amyrlin's chamber and shortly joined by 13 Aes Sedai who are holding a shield on him. He greets Egwene and there is a little idle chat before Egwene suggests that they have sisters check him for madness. Rand tells her he has too much to do and has only come to her to tell her his plan. He tells her that they must work together to seal the Dark one with saidin and saidar. He tells her he will break the seals in one months time and he will meet with her the day before at the Field of Merrilor she objects but he tells her that is why he is giving her time and they can discuss anything she wants at the Field of Merrilor but he has to go. He asks for permission to leave and then walks out.(ToM, Ch. 3)

Rand arrives in Tear. Min tells him about Alanna disappearing and he says he knows that she is north somewhere. He tells Min that no one needs Alanna to find him that all eyes are directed at him. he is then approached by Rhuarc. Rand promises Rhuarc to never disappear again without telling him first and taking a guard of maidens and he will meet his toh. Rand summons his Asha'man and asks for messengers. Nynaeve is next coming to meet him. he apologizes to her. He then sends Narishma to meet the Borderland army and tell them he will meet with them in a few days. Next on the agenda he pardons Cadsuane, apologizes to her, and removes her exile. He then asks her for a favor to fetch someone. By now the nobles are all there and he orders them to line up. Weiramon can not meet his eyes and he declares Weiramon along with Anaiyella dark friends and tells them to tell other dark friends that they can no longer hide among him. He has them escorted out of town by a couple of Aiel. Rand then sees Tam. He goes to Tam embraces him and cries, apologizing for what he has done. Tam says its alright, and that everyone stumbles. Rand introduces Tam to Min even though he has already met her saying that he needed to introduce her because she is important to him.(ToM, Ch. 13)

Rand approaches Nynaeve after she has healed Naeff's madness. he thanks her for taking care of his people. Nynaeve tells Rand she must return to the Tower. Rand tells her not to give up her passion. That it makes her what she is. He tells her being an Aes Sedai is what you want it to be, pointing out that Moiraine cared. Nynaeve then delves Rand looking for the madness she found earlier in Naeff but finds thousands and thousands of the black thorns she had found on Naeff, and underneath them was a layer of light which went into his mind next to the thorns.(ToM, Ch. 15)

Rand travels to Bandar Eban where things have gotten bad. The people are starving. Rand makes a man a captain and has 2 others join him he then has Naeff make a gateway to the Stone to get weapons, armor, and uniforms. He then has people start fetching water. The people around came over and they started getting them to work some taking up uniforms and armor others fetching sick and injured people. Rand sends Naeff to fetch Aes Sedai to heal the people. rand then makes his way to the docks to find ffod for the people. he finds the docks blocked. He finds Iralin who tells him that the food has spoiled and anyone who eats it dies. He also tells them that those he left in charge fled as well as the Merchant Council. He boards the ships finds opened bags of spoiled grain but tells everyone the rest of the bags are good. He opens one and fresh grain falls out. They check the other bags and fine fine grain and potatoes that aren;t spoiled. Rand makes Iralin a member of the merchant Council and tells him to set up food distribution using the people they have already found that could be trusted. He then names Iralin steward of the city and tells him he will have enough soldiers shortly to hold the city. He then heads off to organize the Aes Sedai for healing.(ToM, Ch. 25)

Ituralde finds himself facing a massive army of trollocs stretching farther than the eye could see. He worries that after they make it through them there will be no one to stop them. he says he hopes that the Dragon made peace with the Seanchan but then Rand replies that he has failed. Ituralde turns and is surprised to find Rand. Rand apologizes to Ituralde and says he will not let the Trollocs keep doing this to his people. Rand opens a gateway and travels out into the field in front of the massive army. The army charges him and Rand starts his assault on them using all kinds of weaves. He kills thousands of them before the rest break off and run back to the blight. He then travels back to Tear with ituralde. Min tells him that Cadsuane has returned with someone. He goes and meets Cadsuane who now has King of Arad Doman. Rand is happy that one person he thought he had killed was alive.(ToM, Ch. 32)

Rand is in the Stone of Tear looking at Callandor. Rand grabs it and min has a vision. She tells him she say Callandor in a hand that looked to be made of onyx. Rand then tells Naeff that he has been unable to travel to the Black Tower. He shows him a weave to disguise himself and asks him to go the the Black Tower and tell Logain and his followers that he was wrong ad they are not weapons. Then to come back and report to him because he needed to fix things there. They get ready to leave for Far Madding. Rand tells Cadsuane to be ready to make a gateway to get them out of there. She points out that you can;t channel in Far Madding but Rand says he recognizes the paralis-net she is wearing and that it should have a well that holds enough to make one gateway. She then calls him boy to which he responds that he is over 400 years old and that she should show some respect to him. They then travel through the gateway to outside of Far Madding. They ride into town and meet with the leaders of the borderland army. They take turns smacking Rand in the face. They tell him how he answers a question will determine what happens. Paitar asks Rand how Tellindal Tirraso died. Rand answers correctly and they tell him of a prophecy that has been hidden and passed down that said if he did not answer the question correctly to kill him. He tells them that if they had tried the same thing weeks earlier he would have balefired them and that the Gaurdian only blocks the One Power. He tells them of his plans to meet the monarchs of the world the next day and to break the seals the day after, he then gives them the ultimatum to join him or be left where they are. He asks for them to send someone to get Hurin while they deliberate so he can apologize to him.(ToM, Ch. 51)

Rand is in a dream thinking of the events to come the following day when he hears a scream. He moved to a new place, a hallway. He walks into a room of blackness and continues until he finds a figure huddling against a wall. She turns to him and asks for his help. She says that her soul is flayed every day. he looks into her eyes and recognizes her, its Mierin. He tells her that he watched her die and she says she wish she had died. She tells him she is tortured and then healed to be tortured again. She says he comes and reaches for Rand before being pulled backward by some unseen force. He sat there feeling hatred, concern, and desire.(TGS, Epilogue)

A Memory of Light

This section contains spoilers relating to A Memory of Light. Please expand to view.

On the day before the meeting at the Field of Merrilor, Rand and Tam dine in Rand’s tent (AMoL, Ch. 3). That night, he is awakened by his dreams. Perrin arrives, and the two sit laughing into the night. Rand has asked Perrin to tell him again about the siege and battles at the Two Rivers. Rand and Perrin go for a walk through the camp, and Rand talks a little bit about what it feels like to have Lews Therin’s memories. Silently, Rand worries about what he has to do, thinking that perhaps the answer is not to seal the Bore, but to do “Something more permanent.” They stop at the clerks’ tent to speak to Sebban Balwer, who lets Rand know that Roedran will be attending the meeting; now, all major rulers will be attending the meeting at the Field of Merrilor. Suddenly, the ground begins to shake and there is thunder, signs of the imminent new Breaking. When the shaking stops, Balwer tells Rand that he suspects Elayne may be up to something as he’s just learned that she was recently awakened by her advisors. As Rand and Perrin leave the tent, Rand ruminates on Elayne’s pregnancy, which he has learned of very recently, and they head to Perrin’s camp to see if they can learn anything about what Elayne might be planning. As they walk, Rand talks more about Lews Therin and his madness, and they discuss Rand’s plan to break the seals. Perrin makes Rand promise that there won’t be any fighting between the groups that have gathered for the meeting (AMoL, Ch. 1).

News arrives to Rand and Perrin about the attack on Caemlyn. Rand is alarmed that Elayne might leave before the meeting begins the next day, knowing that he needs everyone to be there. He tells Perrin that there is no way to save the city if Trollocs have taken it, and he hopes that ultimately the attack on Caemlyn will make Elayne more likely to agree with his plan. Rand tells Perrin to go spend the rest of the night with Faile, and then goes off to find out what’s going on in Andor (AMoL, Ch. 1). Rand sends Elayne a letter that insists she should go to Caemlyn. It is a ploy to trick her into staying at the Field of Merrilor; Elayne sees through it and rightfully deduces that Rand wants her at the meeting, although she is unsure why. She wonders if he thinks she will support him because of their relationship (AMoL, Ch. 2).

Later that night, Rand is looking over a document in his tent (the treaty he plans to present at the meeting the next day). Aviendha, who arrived at the Field of Merrilor a short while before, shows up at his tent. Rand tells her that he cannot choose between her, Elayne, and Min, as he loves them all, but Aviendha tells him that he does not have to—he can either have them all, or none of them. Rand and Aviendha spend the night together (AMoL, Ch. 3). When they fall asleep, Moridin pulls Rand into a dreamshard consisting of a meadow filled with dead grass.. They discuss a number of things, including Lanfear. To Moridin’s shock, Rand takes control of the dreamshard, making it green, and Rand tells Moridin to tell the Dark One that “I’m coming for HIM!” Moridin disappears, and Rand exits the dreamshard so that he can get some sleep (AMoL, Ch. 4). When Rand wakes up on the day of the meeting, he tells Katerin to inform the other rulers that the meeting will take place in an hour. Aviendha tells Rand that today, she will need a boon from him; she cannot tell him what it is, and she does not make him promise to grant it, but rather wants him to know it is coming because “one does not ambush a lover” (AMoL, Ch. 5).

Rand arrives at the spot that has been designated for the meeting. Where he walks, the grass grows greener. Using saidin, he erects a pavilion and tells all of the gathered rulers that they may each bring 5 people into the pavilion with them. King Roedran of Murandy is one of the last into the pavilion; when he enters, Rand looks carefully into his eyes only to realize that Demandred has not, as Rand had thought, been posing as Roedran after all. Following his brief appraisal of Roedran, Rand greets all of the gathered rulers. He tells them that they must be unified if they are to win the Last Battle, and that he is not willing to die on their behalf only to have them start fighting for power amongst themselves in the aftermath. To this effect, he demands three things of them in exchange for his life. The first is that they accept a treaty named the Dragon’s Peace. Among other things, the Dragon’s Peace will prevent the current nations from expanding their borders and attacking other nations, and will require all nations to defend any nation that has been attacked. The second is that the White Tower allow him to have possession of the seals so that he may break them. The third is that Rand wants to command everyone's armies in the Last Battle, to ensure a unified fight. There is a great deal of arguing over all of his requirements. People are split on his terms: Darlin, Gregorin, and Elayne join Egwene in opposition to Rand, while the Borderlanders, Galad, and Berelain all show some level of support for Rand. The Aiel and Sea Folk, among others, do not join in the arguing (AMoL, Ch. 5).

Just as the arguing appears to have reached a climax, with Rand and Egwene exchanging heated words, Moiraine enters the pavilion to Rand’s shock (AMoL, Ch. 5). Moiraine’s appearance breaks the tension, and everyone is able to proceed in talking about Rand’s demands in a more structured fashion. There are several concerns that are brought up: the Seanchan remain a threat, there is no way outlined in the Dragon’s Peace to settle minor disputes that could eventually break into war, and the Aiel threaten to leave Rand if he does not include them in the treaty. Perrin and Rand discuss behind a ward, with Perrin suggesting that the Aiel be written into the treaty as a method of enforcement and a way to mediate disputes. Everyone eventually accepts this proposal, as well as Rand’s promise that the treaty will be void if he cannot get the Seanchan to sign it. Moiraine is able to settle the disputes surrounding Rand’s other 2 demands. She convinces Rand that he cannot command the armies as he will be busy at Shayol Ghul, convinces Egwene that the seals are prophesied to be broken, and convinces Rand that Egwene should be the one to break the seals when the time is right, as the Amyrlin Seat is the Watcher of the Seals. Everyone eventually signs the treaty, with Rand offering command of the armies to Elayne (AMoL, Ch. 6).

Before Rand leaves to “complete some tasks” prior to going to Shayol Ghul, he arranges for help to be sent to Lan (AMoL, Ch. 6; AMoL, Ch. 7). Some of the tasks he wants to see to include visiting the Seanchan (AMoL, Ch. 6) and the Black Tower (AMoL, Ch. 7). Before he leaves, he also tells Bashere “to watch over” Elayne (AMoL, Ch. 8). It is decided that Ituralde will head the army that accompanies Rand to Shayol Ghul (AMoL, Ch. 7). They are waiting for the right time to strike (AMoL, Ch. 9).

A few nights after the meeting at the Field of Merrilor, Rand waits for Elayne in her tent, and when she enters they talk about their unborn children. Elayne says that if one is a boy, she is thinking of naming him Rand, but Rand asks her not to because he wants his children to be able to “live their own lives. My shadow will be long enough as it is.” They also talk about the war and have dinner together. For the first time, Rand talks about what happened the day he went to Dragonmount. He speaks as well of his wish that no one had to die for him, though Elayne insists that he cannot deny people the right to defend themselves. Rand gives Elayne a gift, a Seed that will allow her to make angreal, though he warns her not to try until after the war as it will weaken her for some time. In return, Elayne gives Rand the ter’angreal that prevents the Shadow from seeing the bearer. They stay together for the rest of the night (AMoL, Ch. 9).

Rand travels to Tarwin’s Gap to aid Lan and the Borderlanders. Moiraine goes with him but disagrees with his decision, thinking that he should be at Shayol Ghul already. Rand doesn’t feel that it is time, yet. He wants to convince the Dark One that he is with the armies, thus drawing forces away from Shayol Ghul. Rand and Lan meet in Lan’s tent, and Rand gives him two Malkieri crowns that he had made based off of old drawings, one for Lan and one for Nynaeve. Rand then uses a gateway to bring him closer to the Shadow’s forces so that he can attack them. He realizes shortly afterwards that it is a trap, as Taim and others are waiting to shield him. Rand is barely able to fight them off and he weaves a gateway to bring him back to Lan’s tent (AMoL, Ch. 11). That night, Rand creates a dreamshard for himself, but in it he notices a cavern that he didn’t place there. Within, he finds Cyndane, who tries to trick him into freeing her. He sees through her guise, and tells her that he is done with her forever. He shows her his mind so that she can feel Lews Therin’s love for Ilyena, and Rand’s for Aviendha, Elayne, and Min, as well as the fact that he feels nothing for her (Cyndane). He then leaves the cave (AMoL, Ch. 12).

Rand goes to the Blight, accompanied by Moiraine, Thom, Nynaeve, Aviendha, Cadsuane, and others, as a test to see whether the ter’angreal Elayne gave him will work in hiding him from the Dark One. Perrin finds him there with Naeff’s help and asks for Rand’s aid in entering Tel’aran’rhiod in the flesh. Rand warns Perrin of the dangers, but opens a gateway into Tel’aran’rhiod for Perrin anyway, promising to have an Ash’aman weave a similar gateway everyday at dawn so that Perrin can return when he is done. Rand and Perrin say goodbye, and Perrin hugs Rand before he leaves (AMoL, Ch. 13).

The night before Elayne’s forces are to leave Braem Wood for Cairhien, Rand visits to speak to Tam. He doesn’t sneak in, but lets the soldiers see him, because Elayne has told him it will give them heart. Rand enters Tam’s tent. He has come to give Tam a replacement sword for the one Tam gave him so long ago, and Tam reluctantly accepts it. Rand thanks his father for teaching him the flame and the void, which has saved Rand’s life and helped him through many difficult times. Tam leads Rand out to the practice grounds and runs the sword through a few sword forms. Rand is envious, as he feels he can no longer do the forms with only one hand. Tam takes up two practice swords and convinces Rand to practice with him, tying a handkerchief around one of his own hands so that he cannot use it and thus making it a fair fight. At first, Rand doesn’t really try, feeling that it is no use. But as they continue, he can see that Tam has obviously practiced fighting one handed and is able to do it with skill. Rand begins to really try, and he and Tam end up having a good practice spar. Rand begins to realize that maybe he doesn’t have to give up the sword after all (AMoL, Ch. 15).

Rand returns to Merrilor, and plans to go to Ebou Dar to see Mat and speak to Tuon. While at Merrilor, he and Moiraine speak, and Rand tells her that he plans to kill the Dark One. Moiraine does not believe it can be done, but Rand is firm. He thanks Moiraine for her advice nonetheless, and tells her he has a debt to her. Moiraine replies that she could do with some tea, and so Rand brings her some (AMoL, Ch. 16).

Rand sneaks onto the grounds of the Tarasin Palace to speak to Mat and Tuon. He is captured by the Deathwatch Guards and brought to Tuon in the palace gardens. Tuon is horrified when she recognizes him and screams for her damane, who proceeds to wrap Rand and Mat both up in flows of air. Mat and Rand bicker a little, both trying to one-up the other with the things they’ve achieved since they last saw each other. Rand begins to convince Tuon to sign the Dragon’s Peace and fight alongside his forces at the Last Battle. He counters Tuon’s claim that she has a right to these lands because Artur Hawkwing conquered, telling her that as Lews Therin Telamon, his own claim of dominion supersedes her own. Tuon is stricken at this revelation but insists that Rand has no right to the land because Lews Therin broke it. As he talks, grass and flowers grow, proving his link to the land. He asks her to join him in the fight against the Shadow, going down on one knee, bowing his head, and offering his hand to her in alliance. In doing so, he fulfills the Seanchan prophecy that the Dragon Reborn will kneel before the Crystal Throne. Mat takes Tuon aside and urges her to accept Rand’s offer. Rand promises her that if she signs the Dragon’s Peace, she can keep the land she has already captured. Tuon insists that she be able to keep the damane she has captured as well, or she will not sign the treaty, and Rand reluctantly agrees. He warns her, however, that she cannot take any more channellers allied with him during the Last Battle, and that any attempt to take damane outside of her lands after the Last Battle will be seen as an act of war. She agrees (AMoL, Ch. 17).

Rand fights Trollocs alongside Elayne’s army near the Alguenya river. He is disguised as Jur Grady so as not to draw the attention of Dreadlords. He has fought like this on all of the battlefronts. When the sun breaks the clouds as it always eventually does around him, he drops his disguise so that the soldiers can see that it is him and leaves before he can endanger the troops by drawing further attention from the Shadow. The troops cheer for him (AMoL, Ch. 18).

Rand Travels back to Merrilor, where Min is waiting for him. Cadsuane approaches and she and Rand speak alone. Cadsuane warns him that, although she is not as opposed to Rand’s delays as Moiraine is, thinking there is some value to them, he must still move on Shayol Ghul soon. She also shows concern that he is so convinced he will die, telling him that he must retain some small hope of living through his ordeal. Rand asks Cadsuane if she will help Aviendha with the resistance against the Forsaken at Shayol Ghul while Rand is battling the Dark One. She agrees, and then tells him that the Black Tower has recently freed itself from Taim. Rand is shocked, and feels guilty that he didn’t do something to help sooner, although he also knew it was a trap for him (AMoL, Ch. 18).

Rand leaves a letter in Egwene’s tent asking if she will meet him, “but not as Dragon and Amyrlin. As old friends.” The meet in the White Tower. Rand gives Egwene a hair ribbon, telling her he wants to “make amends,” that she is like a sister to him, and that he doesn’t want their last encounter to have been an argument. Egwene embraces him. Rand asks if he can see the seals before he leaves, promising not to break them. Rand realizes that the seals Egwene has are fake. The Shadow somehow managed to steal the real ones and replace them with fakes before they were transferred to Egwene (AMoL, Ch. 19). Rand has promised to try to find them (AMoL, Ch. 20).

Rand is scouting out Shayol Ghul again, along with Aviendha, Rhuarc, Ituralde, Nynaeve, Moiraine, and others. He and Aviendha speak briefly about his plan to kill the Dark One, with Aviendha wondering if there is any way to take the Dark One gai’shain, as it would bring more honour. They all Travel back to their camp, where the forces who will fight at Shayol Ghul are waiting, including Aiel, Domani, Tairens, all of the Aes Sedai personally sworn to Rand, a number of Asha’man and their bonded Aes Sedai, and a large group of Dragonsworn. Back at the camp, Rand tells Aviendha that he is now certain the ter’angreal Elayne gave him (an Artham) works, and that he will be able to avoid the Dark One’s detection until he is at the Bore itself. He tells Aviendha about the seals being stolen, and also that he is concerned about the attacks the Forsaken will level at Shayol Ghul when they realize that Rand is there. While Ituralde will be in charge of Rand’s troops at Shayol Ghul, he wants Aviendha to lead the channellers and to guard his back against the Forsaken. Rand sends sends Min to go keep a watch over Egwene and the Seanchan, whom he has sent to fight alongside the Aes Sedai. He then announces that the next day, they will move on Shayol Ghul (AMoL, Ch. 20).

Before finally going to Shayol Ghul to battle the Dark One, Rand sends a last message to the Black Tower: “that we’re not to think of ourselves as weapons, but as men” (AMoL, Ch. 21). He also at some point sends a note to Logain along with an angreal, telling Logain about the stolen seals and asking him to find them (AMoL, Ch. 37). He also warns Aviendha to keep an eye out for Darkfriends amongst the channellers (AMoL, Ch. 23).

The day arrives when Rand and his forces are to invade Thakan’dar. Aviendha goes through a gateway, and once the battle has begun, she creates a gateway for Rand at the start of the path leading up the side of Shayol Ghul. Rand, Moiraine, Thom, and Nynaeve step through and begin their journey. Rand has both Laman’s sword and Callandor with him. Rand and Aviendha raise their hands to each other, “their only farewell if he failed in his task or she died during hers." Rand, Moiraine, Nynaeve, and Thom walk up the path to the mouth of Shayol Ghul. It is a difficult path to climb, as the “winds buffeted him, threatening to throw him from the heights.” The wound in Rand’s side breaks open, spilling his blood on the rocks of Shayol Ghul. Rand requests that Moiraine and Nynaeve enter into a circle with him. He insists on leading the circle, even though Callandor’s flaw will leave him open to being controlled by others. Thom remains outside to guard the entrance to Shayol Ghul, and Rand, Moiraine, and Nynaeve enter. Rand hears the same voice he heard at the Eye of the World, telling him that “IT IS TIME. LET THE TASK BE UNDETAKEN.” He has been hoping to hear this voice again, confirming that he has chosen the right time to attack (AMoL, Ch. 23).

As Rand, Moiraine, and Nynaeve make their way down into the Pit of Doom, the walls and ceiling seem to close in on them until Rand declares aloud to the Dark One that he will not crawl. Rand can tell that one of the women he is bonded to is in pain but he cannot tell who. Finally they meet Moridin, who is standing before a pool of blackness. The dead body of Shaidar Haran lays at his feet; the Dark One has abandoned Shaidar Haran’s body and become the blackness behind Moridin. Rand tries to convince Moridin to return to the Light, but Moridin attacks Rand instead and they begin to battle (AMoL, Ch. 25). Slayer attempts to attack Rand at several points as he battles Moridin, but Perrin and Gaul defend him (AMoL, Ch. 25; AMoL, Ch. 30). A number of Black Aes Sedai also try to reach him to attack, but Thom stops them (AMoL, Ch. 44).

Although days have passed for the armies, for Rand it has been much less due to the time distortion at the Bore (AMoL, Ch. 29). Rand and Moridin continue to fight, with Rand using Callandor not as a sa’angreal but as a sword. Rand continues to bleed (AMoL, Ch. 30). He lands a strike against Moridin, drawing blood, but then Moridin manages to get him to stumble and fall to one knee. Rand accidentally touches the blackness behind him, and everything goes dark (AMoL, Ch. 30). Rand’s soul is now in “A place outside of time, outside of the Pattern itself.” The blackness tries to claim him, but he manages to anchor himself in the Pattern. Now, he knows, the real fight against the Dark One will begin (AMoL, Ch. 34). His physical body, back in the cavern, freezes the instant his foot touches the blackness. Moridin is frozen as well. Rand is pulling an enormous amount of the One Power through the circle, but Nynaeve doesn’t think he is actually using it for anything (AMoL, Ch. 35).

Nynaeve discovers that a seriously wounded Alanna is chained to one of the cavern walls, and realizes that Alanna was kidnapped as a trap. Her death will make Rand lose his mind at the breaking of their bond. Nynaeve tries to gain control of saidar from Rand so she can Heal Alanna, but she can’t since he is leading the circle (AMoL, Ch. 36).

The Dark One attacks Rand’s very essence, and Rand thinks that the Dark One is trying to tear him apart. Rand manages to hold on and taunts the Dark One that this attack will not break him. The Dark One tells Rand that in actuality, he is not trying to destroy Rand, but is merely preparing to show him the truth. The Dark One proceeds to spin the threads of the Pattern to show Rand a nightmarish possible reality in which the Dark One has won and remade the world: the Blight has swallowed up the Two Rivers, his people are captive, Tam dies before his eyes, and Nynaeve is one of the Forsaken. Rand counters with an attack of his own, spinning the threads of the Pattern to show the Dark One a different possibility: one hundred years after the Last Battle, there is a nearly utopic world and war is almost unheard of. However, Rand allows doubt to creep in because he knows this world isn’t real yet and that there are people dying in the Last Battle. He thinks that his sacrifice should be the only death required. The Dark One tells Rand that suffering cannot be eliminated (AMoL, Ch. 37).

The Dark One attacks again and dispels the reality Rand has spun. He shows Rand what is happening in the Last Battle. Then the Dark One creates another possible reality: the Dark One has won, and has removed all good and Light from the world. He has removed everyone’s consciences and tricked them into thinking that they’ve won so that they will never fight against his tyranny. Rand tells the Dark One that rather than causing Rand to despair, in fact Rand is now more determined to fight against him. Rand then spins a reality in which there is no Shadow, no Dark One. However, this reality turns out to be nightmarish in a different way. He meets Elayne in Caemlyn, and she is vapid and not like herself. The Dark One says that removing him from the world so that people have no choice but to be good is the same as a world where people are unable to be anything but evil. In this way, the Dark One says, he would actually win if Rand were to kill him (AMoL, Ch. 37).

Rand is devastated by the fact that so many people are dying. Their names begin to run through his mind. This time, the list is not limited to just his litany of dead women, but is a list of all the people he hasn’t been able to save. He is forced to watch as people continue to die at Merrilor. The Dark One once more tries to destroy him, but Rand is somehow able to resist. For a moment, he is tempted to give in, and he thinks of how ashamed Nynaeve and Moiraine, who he can see in the cavern, would be if they knew that. He screams for it to end, and the Dark One tells him “IT CAN.” Rand, however, ultimately continues to resist. The Dark One says that he will show Rand one more thing, and spins nothingness. He offers Rand a compromise: instead of a world of peace or a world of suffering, there will simply be nothing. For a moment, Rand considers it, since this would be one way to end pain and suffering. He decides, however, that this would not truly be peace and rejects the offer. The Dark One tell Rand he will not offer again (AMoL, Ch. 37). When Egwene dies, Rand screams and remembers his promise, when they initially left the Two Rivers, to keep her safe. Egwene’s name is added to his growing list as the Dark One continues to attack him. He watches as Elayne and their unborn children are threatened, as a compulsed Rhuarc is commanded by Graendal, and as Lan falls while killing Demandred (AMoL, Ch. 37; AMoL, Ch. 38). Rand is still desperate to save everyone, but he hears Tam’s voice faintly in his head telling him to “Let go,” and that all those who have died have chosen to sacrifice themselves. He then hears Egwene’s voice, asking him, “Am I not allowed to be a hero, too?” She tells him that he cannot take away people’s right to die for what they believe in. With her prompting, Rand is able to let go of his guilt and shame for not being able to protect everyone. He runs backward through the list of names in his head, letting go of them. Ilyena’s is the last (AMoL, Ch. 38).

Rand is now stronger against the Dark One’s attacks (AMoL, Ch. 38). He realizes that the Dark One can’t win as long as people don’t give up, and that this is why the Dark One has been trying to break him. He tells the Dark One so, and the Dark One replies that he can still command death and that he will kill Mat, who is still leading the remainder of the Light’s forces against the Shadow. Rand tells the Dark One that he is wrong, because Lan, who was thought dead, is still alive despite how hard the Dark One has tried to kill him (AMoL, Ch. 39). When the fighting at Merrilor is over and the forces of the Light have come out victorious against all odds, Rand tells the Dark One that he has lost because he cannot ever inspire his followers to “fight on when hope is lost.” The Dark One reminds Rand that he, at least, will die, and Rand replies that he is aware of this and invites the Dark One to kill him before “throwing himself into the blackness” (AMoL, Ch. 43).

Rand finally disentangles himself from the blackness and renters the world where his body and Moridin’s are still locked in combat. He and Moridin fight briefly, and Moridin throws a knife to kill Alanna. However, thanks to Nynaeve, Alanna is now lucid enough to be able to release Rand’s bond before she dies. Rand moves to strike Moridin with Callandor, but just then Moridin stabs his own hand with a knife, which causes Rand to drop Callandor (AMoL, Ch. 46). Moridin picks up Callandor, and it is revealed to be not only a sa’angreal for saidin, but also for the True Power. Moridin uses it to draw in the True Power, and Rand’s plan is revealed: Callandor’s flaw allows Nynaeve and Moiraine to take control of Moridin while he channels. Once they have done so, they link with Rand, and Rand is able to channel saidin, saidar, and the True Power all at once. Rand breaks through the blackness and grabs ahold of the Dark One (AMoL, Ch. 47). In this moment, Logain breaks the seals (AMoL, Ch. 48).

Despite the fact that most of what the Dark One has said to him are lies, Rand knows that one thing is true: if he kills the Dark One, he will create a world no better than if the Dark One had won. He uses saidin, saidar, and the True Power to create a brand new prison for the Dark One that is Pure Light (AMoL, Ch. 49). Now done with the Last Battle, Rand tries to carry Moridin out of the cavern. When he trips, an old woman in Aiel clothing who he doesn’t recognize gives him encouragement (AMoL, Epilogue).

Rand and Moridin both survive, but are dying. No amount of healing from Flinn or Nynaeve seems to make any difference. Eventually, however, Moridin starts to get better, although Rand does not, which Nynaeve finds consummately unfair. Everyone thinks it is odd that Min, Elayne, and Aviendha don’t seem to care or be affected, and none of them are by Rand’s side as he dies (AMoL, Epilogue).

Rand’s body dies and a funeral is held. However, during the Last Battle, Rand and Moridin actually switched bodies, so it is Moridin who is truly dead. This is why Min, Elayne, and Aviendha are not seen to grieve over Rand, knowing through the bond that he is okay. The three women agree amongst themselves that they must make sure everyone believes Rand is dead, although a few people such as Nynaeve and Cadsuane appear to suspect something (AMoL, Epilogue).

Rand wakes up in Moridin’s body. Alivia has left his things and a great deal of money for him, fulfilling Min’s viewing that Alivia will help Rand “die.” Rand sneaks out of the camp and rides off to see the world and live his life. He can longer channel, which he discovers when he tries to light his pipe. However, he has some sort of power, as he is then able to just will his pipe into being lit. He can feel Min, Elayne, and Aviendha through the bond, and wonders which of them might come after him first (AMoL, Epilogue).


Strengths and Talents

As the series progresses, Rand finds that he suddenly has talent for both drawing and playing the flute; both of these talents come from Lews Therin Telamon.

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As the Dragon Reborn, Rand has many talents when it comes to the One Power, aside from being very strong where saidin is concerned. His talents include the ability to Travel and use Balefire. One of the rare talents he has is to be able to block a gateway open; Asmodean is astounded, because only Demandred, Semirhage and Lews Therin had been able to do that. (TFoH, Ch. 32)


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He is not very good at Healing. (TPoD, Ch. 23)


Relationships with Other Characters

This section contains spoilers relating to the whole series. Please expand to view.

While they were growing up, Rand and Mat were best friends. This friendship continues on throughout the first book. After learning that Rand is the Dragon Reborn, Mat begins to distance himself, though they still consider each other friends. As with Mat, Perrin was another of Rand's childhood friends. After learning that he is the Dragon Reborn, he didn't seem to be as afraid of Rand as Mat was.

At the beginning of the series, Rand was in love with Egwene, and she with him. The whole village of Emond's Field had expected them to marry. After they realized that they weren't in love any more, they still remained friends, though they have now been placed on almost opposing sides due to their own separate duties.

Rand meets Elayne early on in the series, though she doesn't play a large role in his life until later on. He thinks that she is beautiful, and she thinks that he is fascinating. Elayne falls in love with Rand somewhere in around 'The Great Hunt' to 'The Shadow Rising.' Rand is in love with her as well, though for a long time tries to avoid her for her own protection. In 'Winter's Heart,' they spent a night together, and Elayne is now pregnant with his children.

Aviendha was the second woman that Rand fell in love with. Their relationship started off on the rocky side, with Aviendha always criticizing him and Rand wondering what he had done to upset her. In 'The Fires of Heaven,' she finally admits that she is in love with him, and he with her, and they sleep together. He eventually sends her away, afraid that because he loves her, she might become a target.

Min is the third woman that he falls in love with. Very early on in the series, Min had a viewing that she would fall in love with him, as would two others (Elayne and Aviendha). Rand doesn't fall in love with her until later on in the series, and simply thinks of her as a good friend. In 'A Crown of Swords,' they finally admit their love for each other and sleep together. Rand trusts Min implicitly, and makes as much use of her viewings as he can.

Nynaeve regards Rand as a woolhead that she knew from a young age. She often still acts as if she is the Wisdom of Emond's Field, and he just any other young man. She is one of the first to know that he is the Dragon Reborn.

Loial seems pretty devoted to Rand as a friend. He is determined to write a book on the events that take place around Rand and his two ta'veren friends. Rand is the first out of the original group to meet Loial, and the first to accept him.

In the beginning of the series, Rand is in awe of Moiraine. As a young country boy, he is overawed by the imposing Aes Sedai figure that she cuts. Eventually, when she tries to manipulate him one time too many, he looses his trust in her. She sticks around, trying to help him fulfill prophecy to the best of her ability. Rand blames himself for her death.

Rand's relationship with Thom seems to be relatively sincere. Thom tries his best to protect Rand, as well as Mat and Perrin, since he hadn't been able to save his nephew, who could also channel. When Rand finds out that Thom isn't dead, he is genuinely relieved and happy to see him.

Lan first regarded Rand as a simple sheepherder, a country boy. At times, when he disobeyed Moiraine, it was obvious that Lan was angry. However, Rand and Lan came to respect each other. Lan taught Rand how to use his sword, gave him advice about many things, and was, overall, his friend.

Though Rand and Gawyn start off with a relatively good relationship, after Morgase is proclaimed 'dead,' Gawyn is convinced that Rand was responsible for killing his mother. He swears to get revenge on Rand, and his promise to Egwene not to hurt Rand until she has proof that he didn't kill Morgase is the only thing that keeps Gawyn from trying to kill Rand. Rand doesn't seem to feel anything for Galad, either.

Tam is the only father that Rand has ever known, and he loves him dearly. Near the beginning of the series, he refused to believe that Tam wasn't his real father; eventually, he came to accept it, but it never changed the way he thought of Tam.

Rand's relationship with Siuan and Elaida is the thread that pulls the latter two together in the initial 'fight for Amyrlin,' so to speak. Siuan, attempting to manipulate Rand in the hopes that he will be prepared for the Last Battle, has, along with Moiraine, dedicated her life to finding him. Because Elaida is aware that Siuan has something to do with Rand, she arranges for Siuan to be deposed. Now that she is Amyrlin, Elaida is also trying to control Rand; she sends Aes Sedai to kidnap him and bring him to the Tower, and is intent on forcing the Dragon Reborn to submit himself to her.

The relationship between Rand and Alanna is understandably very touchy. Rand resents Alanna for bonding him against her will, and she is one of the main reasons that he thinks he must never trust Aes Sedai again. Alanna, on the other hand, only wants to be near Rand, and to help him in any way possible, something that he very rarely allows.

A good portion of the Aiel have accepted that Rand is their Car'a'carn, their Chief of Chiefs. This does not make them grovel before him, though, as many other people do. The Maidens of the Spear regard him as their long-lost brother, or, in the cases of some, long-lost son. The Chiefs listen to him and carry out his bidding, but they also know who they are and do not let Rand get the better of them.

Before her 'death,' Lanfear is obsessed with winning Rand's love. She remembers him as Lews Therin Telamon, and considers him to be hers. Rand, on the other hand, wants nothing to do with her. As she is a woman, he is loathe to harm her. After Lanfear 'dies' and is reincarnated as Cyndane, all she wants is to see Rand die. As for the other Forsaken, they all hate him to varying degrees. Demandred despises him because of the fact that Lews Therin Telamon was always better then him. Sammael hates him.

Padan Fain hates Rand with a vengeance. He thinks that what has been done to him is Rand's fault, since the Dark One altered him in order to be able to track Rand. Padan Fain's sole purpose in life seems to have become hunting Rand down and trying to kill him.


Visions and Prophecies

As the Dragon Reborn, Car'a'carn and Coramoor, there are numerous ancient prophecies about Rand, but there are also many more recent ones:

This section contains spoilers relating to Lord of Chaos. Please expand to view.

  • Aes Sedai are going to hurt you. Women who can channel, anyway. It was all confused; I'm not sure about the Aes Sedai part. But it might happen more than once. I think that's why it seemed all scrambled." (LoC, Ch. 41).
  • Twice he's going to have to be there, for you-If he's not, something bad will happen to you. Very bad (LoC, Ch. 46)


This section contains spoilers relating to A Crown of Swords. Please expand to view.

  • I saw you and another man. I couldn't make out either face, but I knew one was you. You touched, and seemed to merge into one another, and I don't know what it means, Rand, except that one of you dies, and one doesn't (ACoS, Ch. 33).
  • I just saw these five in your hand." (ACoS, Ch. 34).
  • He would almost certainly fail without a woman who was dead and gone? (ACoS, Ch. 35)


This section contains spoilers relating to Winter's Heart. Please expand to view.


This section contains spoilers relating to The Gathering Storm. Please expand to view.

  • I'd have to share my husband with two other women (TGS, Ch. 24)


This section contains spoilers relating to Towers of Midnight. Please expand to view.

  • "Callandor, held in a fist. The hand looks to be made of onyx." (ToM, Ch. 51)


Quotes

Quotes about Rand

This section contains spoilers relating to A Memory of Light. Please expand to view.

“‘The Car’a’carn has a…fondness for dramatic presentations,’ Bair said, her tone itself fond. ‘He’s like a crockobur who has toiled all night making a nest so that he can sing of it in the morning to all who will listen.'” (AMoL, Prologue)


Quotes by Rand

"I am tired of running. Tired of you threatening my friends. I will run no more. (Rand to Ba'alzamon; TEotW, Ch. 51)

"I deny you. You have no power over me, and I will not kneel to you, alive or dead." (Rand to Ba'alzamon, TEotW, Ch. 51)

"No, I can't. I mean...I didn't do it on purpose. It just happened. I don't want to-to channel the Power. I won't ever do it again. I swear it." (Rand to Moiraine, Siuan and Verin, TGH, Ch. 8)

"That's right! The Dragon's banner! Moiraine wants me to be a puppet on Tar Valon strings, a false Dragon for the Aes Sedai. She's going to push it down my throat whatever I want. But-I-will-not-be-used!" (Rand to Mat and Perrin; TGH, Ch. 11)

"Duty. Death is lighter than a feather, duty heavier than a mountain. That's what they say in Shienar. 'The Dark One is stirring. The Last Battle is coming. And the Dragon Reborn has to face the Dark One in the Last Battle, or the Shadow will cover everything. The Wheel of Time broken. Every Age remade in the Dark One's image.' There's only me. I have the duty, because there isn't anybody else, now is there?" (Rand to Perrin; TDR, Ch. 2)

This section contains spoilers relating to The Shadow Rising. Please expand to view.

"By the right of blood, I ask leave to enter Rhuidean, for the honor of our ancestors and the memory of what was." (Rand to the Wise Ones; TSR, Ch. 23)


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"I...do not like to see a woman die. I hate it, Sulin. It curdles me up inside. I could not kill a woman if my life hung on it. (Rand to Sulin; TFoH, Ch. 53)


This section contains spoilers relating to Lord of Chaos. Please expand to view.

"I forget nothing, Aes Sedai. I said six could come, but I count nine. I said you would be on an equal footing with the Tower emissaries, and for bringing nine, you will be. They are on their knees, Aes Sedai. Kneel!" (LoC, Ch. 55)


This section contains spoilers relating to A Crown of Swords. Please expand to view.

"You were wrong, Cadsuane. He's real. I'm certain of it. I know he is." (Rand to Cadsuane concerning Lews Therin's Voice; ACoS, Ch. 36)


This section contains spoilers relating to The Path of Daggers. Please expand to view.

"I don't have time for tears, either, Min. Sometimes, the hounds catch the wolf and wish they hadn't. Sometimes, he turns on them, or waits in ambush. But first, the wolf has to run." (Rand to Min; TPoD, Ch. 29)


This section contains spoilers relating to Winter's Heart. Please expand to view.

"With this, you can touch the greatest sa'angreal ever made for a woman. It's buried on Tremalking, I understand, but that doesn't matter. With this one, I can touch its male twin. I was told by...someone...once, that a man and woman using those sa'angreal could challenge the Dark One. They might have to be used for that, one day, but in the meantime, I hope they're enough to cleanse the male half of the Source." (Rand to Nynaeve; WH, Ch. 11)


This section contains spoilers relating to Crossroads of Twilight. Please expand to view.

"It has to end! I don't need a war with the White Tower, and you bloody Asha'man bloody well won't give me a war with the White Tower! Do I make myself understood?" (Rand to Logain; CoT, Ch. 24)

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