Warning: Spoilers for The Wheel of Time season 2, episode 5
While in line with the books, the introduction of Tel’aran’rhiod is a game-changing development for The Wheel Of Time that’s sure to have an impact on all future seasons of the show. Due to the massive scope of the world Robert Jordan created in his critically acclaimed fantasy novels, it’s no surprise that Amazon’s show has only gradually introduced the many concepts that define the books. Some, even those that are crucial to the fabric of the story, weren’t in season 1 – Tel’aran’rhiod included.
The ongoing fight with Natash O’Keeffe’s Lanfear in The Wheel of Time season 2, episode 5, titled “Damane,” saw the series introduce what thus far appears to be an accurate take on a major corner of Jordan’s Wheel of Time world. After Moiraine brought it up in a conversation with Rand, the episode officially introduced Tel’aran’rhiod, laying the groundwork for a difficult battle with Lanfear. The existence of this dimension in the TV show’s canon certainly does create some big problems for the Wheel of Time characters to overcome, but it also sets up new opportunities for them at the same time.
How Tel’aran’rhiod Works In The Wheel Of Time
As explained by Moiraine in The Wheel of Time, Tel’aran’rhiod is the World of Dreams. The name is to be taken literally, as it’s essentially a place where Wheel of Time’s characters can go when they sleep. It mirrors the waking world, meaning that it looks exactly the same. Part of what makes it different is that it’s shaped by those who travel through it. In other words, objects and buildings can be manifested by the people navigating Tel’aran’rhiod. Because of that, Tel’aran’rhiod can be forcibly altered into a place different from the real world.
Through Tel’aran’rhiod, people have access to the dreams of others. This was on display in The Wheel of Time season 2, episode 5, which showed Lanfear invading both the dreams of Rand and Ishamael. This allows for immediate communication between characters in the books (and now the show), as it means that close proximity isn’t required. If someone knows how to use Tel’aran’rhiod, they can walk into the dreams of the person they want to talk to in The Wheel of Time, not unlike Lanfear’s antics in the episode. What’s more, interactions in Tel’aran’rhiod can go far beyond talking; people can also be killed there, hence why Moiraine was so afraid of what would happen to Rand if he fell asleep.
Who Can Use Tel’aran’rhiod In The Wheel Of Time
Entering Tel’aran’rhiod is done via an ability called Dreamwalking. Similar to Perrin’s wolf communication powers and Min’s viewings, Dreamwalking is an ability that doesn’t necessarily depend on a person being able to channel the One Power. However, Dreamwalking lacking that requirement doesn’t make it any less rare. In fact, the books established early on that the Aes Sedai of the White Tower didn’t have a Dreamwalker in their midst for hundreds of years before the timeframe of the book series. This changed when Egwene developed the ability.
Though most Aes Sedai don’t Dreamwalk, there are other groups in The Wheel of Time’s world that can visit Tel’aran’rhiod. For example, numerous Wise Ones (Aiel channelers) are Dreamwalkers because they’ve able to teach the talent to others. Those within the Forsaken can do it as well, with Lanfear being among the most skilled Dreamwalkers in Jordan’s books. Since Moiraine commented on Lanfear’s “mastery” of Tel’aran’rhiod, it’s clear that this element of her character has been carried over to the show. Moghedien, a member of the Forsaken Lanfear mentioned in “Damane,” can also use Tel’aran’rhiod remarkably well. Another character known to use Tel’aran’rhiod on occasion is Rand, who’s traveled there by accident in the past.
Arguably the most surprising character who discovers an affinity for using Tel’aran’rhiod is Perrin Aybara. Wolves frequent Tel’aran’rhiod, which is known to them (and Wolfbrothers like Perrin) as the Wolf Dream. In the books, Perrin develops a near-perfect understanding of Tel’aran’rhiod through help from Hopper, who shows him how to properly navigate it and use its properties to his advantage. Partially for this reason, Perrin is a formidable adversary to nearly anyone who faces him in Tel’aran’rhiod. On account of this connection, there’s a good chance that the TV show’s interpretations of both Elyas and Hopper have some experience with it, meaning that Perrin’s story could begin exploring Tel’aran’rhiod in the near future.
Why Tel’aran’rhiod Is So Important To Wheel Of Time’s Future
All things considered, the introduction of Tel’aran’rhiod is a massive addition to The Wheel of Time mythos. How it impacted the characters in the books speaks volumes about the significance it’ll likely hold in the TV version of the story. Just the fact that Lanfear can use Tel’aran’rhiod to attack Rand as she pleases is enough to demonstrate the danger that comes with it. The presence of villainous Dreamwalkers like Lanfear – and eventually, Moghedien – puts Wheel of Time’s characters into a constant state of peril where they’ll never be truly safe.
Of course, Tel’aran’rhiod comes with both bad and good implications for the show. As noted above, Egwene and Perrin go on to become masters at Dreamwalking in The Wheel of Time books. In turn, it becomes integral to their respective stories and gives each of them a way to advance certain plotlines. For Egwene, that’s something her character sorely lacks. Though she’s been described as extremely powerful, she’s not unique in the way that Rand, Perrin, and Nynaeve are. The three ta’veren all bring something special to the table, whereas Egwene doesn’t – yet. But that will no longer be the case if and when she starts Dreamwalking.
The malleability of Tel’aran’rhiod, Egwene and Perrin’s Dreamwalking abilities, and the danger posed by its existence comes with all manner of storytelling potential for The Wheel of Time, and not just in season 2. Similar to what happened in the books, the discovery of the World of Dreams is likely to pave the way for it to become a fixture of the series. The fight with Lanfear may be the reason why it’s relevant in season 2, but based on how it’s used in the books and the rules attached to it, Tel’aran’rhiod will return in multiple episodes across several seasons, serving as a major plot device in the storylines of Rand, Egwene, Perrin, and more.
The Wheel of Time releases new episodes on Fridays on Amazon Prime Video.
