Warning: Spoilers for The Shadow Rising, the fourth book in The Wheel of Time series
While several characters from the books are sure to join the fold inThe Wheel of Timeseason 3, there’s a few I expect will get cut from the story altogether. Given the sheer size ofeachWheel of Timebookand the overall length of the series, it’s not surprising the Prime Video’s adaptation has had to trim a few things. Not only has that approach resulted in some dropped storylines, but it’s also coming at the cost of certain figures fromThe Wheel of Time’srich library of characters.
The show’s willingness to remove characters from the narrative was made clear within its first two seasons. It didn’t escape my attention that the Green Man, Aginor, and Balthamel were all missing from Rand’s visit to the Eye of the World in the season 1 finale. And when the search forthe Horn of Valere fromThe Great Huntkicked off in season 2, Hurin was curiously absent from the adventure. I’d be surprised if the show doesn’t take the same approach toThe Shadow Rising, the book that will serve as the basis ofWheel of Timeseason 3’s story.
4Gaul
Gaul Helped Perrin Defend The Two Rivers In The Shadow Rising
Gaul, an Aiel warrior, was one of the principal characters in Perrin’sShadow Risingarc. The show is clearly gearing up for that story, as trailers have already previewed Perrin’s involvement in the Battle of the Two Rivers. The setup indicates it’ll be accurate to the books in most respects; Dain Bornald is likely to be there andFaile Bashere is already confirmed for season 3’s cast. But I think it’ll diverge from the books where Gaul is concerned, especially after Aviendha’s introduction in season 2.
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Aviendha being freed by Perrin and subsequently owing him a life debt was oddly reminiscent of the dynamic that Perrin formed with Gaul inThe Dragon Reborn. I don’t see the books repeating this storyline with another character, so my suspicion is that Gaul’s role as a loyal ally to Perrin has been replaced with Aviendha, who didn’t previously have a meaningful connection to the Wolfbrother.
3Juilin Sandar
Juilin Sandar Helped Nynaeve & Elayne Hunt The Black Ajah In The Shadow Rising
If he’s removed, Juilin Sandar would arguably be the biggest characterThe Wheel of Timehas cut to date. A thief-catcher (bounty hunter) from Tear, Juilin Sandar is a supporting figure in several of Elayne and Nynaeve’s stories, with his first appearance occurring in The Dragon Reborn. The show is skipping this, but could theoretically move his introduction to Tanchico since he does accompany Nynaeve and Elayne there.
As much as I’d enjoy his presence, I have doubts about this happening, particularly with the marketing signaling that Mat will be with them.Mat replacing Juilin Sandarwon’t be hard for the show to do. And what’s more, it already has a massive cast. Juilin would give the series one more character to juggle for seasons to come.
2Berelain
Berelain Was A Major Political Figure In The Wheel Of Time
Evidently,The Wheel of Timeis either removingThe Dragon Rebornfrom the narrative or changing its place in the timeline. The book version of Rand went from Falme (The Great Hunt) to Tear (The Dragon Reborn), and then to the Aiel Waste (The Shadow Rising). By avoiding a full-season adaptation ofThe Dragon Reborn, the show has raised questions about where Tear fits into the equation.The Stone of Tear definitely exists inThe Wheel of Time’sshow, but may not be visited anytime soon. If that’s the case, Rand probably won’t meet the beautiful and seductive leader of Tear, Berelain.
Since Tear is where the story left off at the end ofThe Dragon Reborn, it’s the first major setting inThe Shadow Rising.That allowed Berelain to develop a big presence in the first few chapters, partially as a source of jealousy for Elayne. But with the trailers suggesting that the story will begin in Tar Valon instead of Tear, there won’t be an obvious place for Berelain.
1Be’lal
Be’lal Fought Rand Before The Shadow Rising’s Story
One of the13 Forsaken inThe Wheel of Time, Be’lal was the final adversary of Rand al’Thor inThe Dragon Reborn. Knowing that the Dragon Reborn would eventually try to claim Callandor, Be’lal waited for him at the Stone of Tear, and wound up getting killed by Moiraine. Because this victory is such an important moment for Moiraine, I expect the TV series will try to honor it at least to some degree, but I doubt the adaptation will include Be’lal. After all, the ending ofThe Dragon Rebornwas really the extent of Be’lal’s contribution to the narrative.
With the show seemingly reducing the number of Forsaken from 13 to eight, it’s hard to imagine Be’lal being among the villains it keeps.
With the show seemingly reducing the number of Forsaken from 13 to eight, it’s hard to imagine Be’lal being among the villains it keeps. It would make more sense that if and when the show does find room for Rand’s trip to the Stone of Tear, it’ll give the role of his opponent to a more prominent member of the Forsaken.
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.
