The Wheel of Time star Ayoola Smart has explained why Aviendha’s introduction in season 2 of the show is different from when she first appears in the books. The Aiel fighter is first introduced in season 2, episode 5, when Perrin frees her from a group of Whitecloaks after he escapes the Seanchan. This is a far cry from her introduction in the books, which happens long after the Seanchan threat has been dealt with.
Speaking with Comicbook.com, Smart revealed Aviendha’s appearance in The Wheel of Time season 2 allows her to forge connections with characters like Perrin, who she doesn’t interact with much in the books. The actor also said there was a purpose to making the two meet one another in the show, possibly hinting at what the future will bring. Check out what Smart had to say below:
Aviendha and Perrin, they’re … I think they just are great comrades. They come across as great comrades. And I know it’s not how Aviendha is introduced in the books. It’s different. And if you take from the books, these two characters don’t necessarily interact as much. I think it’s nice to be able to build new connections where both characters can get something from each other. I think that there’s a reason that they chose Perrin to be the person that she interacts with first.
What To Expect From Aviendha In Wheel Of Time Season 3
![Why The Wheel Of Time Season 2 Shows Aviendha’s Entrance Differently From The Book](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/screenshot-2023-11-24-at-11-20-17-pm-2-1.jpg)
Aviendha had a small role in season 2, traveling with Perrin and introducing him to Bain and Chaid, two other Aiel warriors. She eventually helped the group in battling the Seanchan during the season finale, though didn’t have a focal role in the episode. However, this is likely to change in The Wheel of Time season 3 as she gets introduced to the rest of the group.
It was previously confirmed that the next season will be based on the fourth book in Robert Jordan’s original series, The Shadow Rising. This entry explores the Aiel Waste, a stretch of land the Aiel believe someone in the group is destined to lead them out of. This means Aviendha is important for season 3, since she will likely lead the group to her homeland, moving the story in a similar direction to the books.
Given how many changes The Wheel of Time has made from its source material, it’s unclear if the same character will be their alleged savior. Perhaps her connection with Perrin is hinting at him taking on this role instead of the person who does in the books. Either way, it appears Aviendha will be a defining character for the series moving forward as its sprawling story continues.
![Wheel of Time Season 2 Poster](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/wheel-of-time-season-2-poster.jpg)
The Wheel of Time
Brandon Sanderson and Robert Jordan’s expansive fantasy series is brought to life in The Wheel of Time, a fantasy tv series created for Amazon Prime Video. The series follows a woman named Moiraine, a member of the all-female Aes Sedai group who can utilize a great power. Following an attack on a local village, Moiraine heads there to find a villager that may be the reincarnation of an all-powerful dragon that will either save or destroy the world.
- Release Date
- November 19, 2021
- Cast
- Barney Harris , Zoe Robins , Madeleine Madden , Marcus Rutherford , Daniel Henney , Rosamund Pike , Josha Stradowski , Kate Fleetwood , Priyanka Bose , Hammed Animashaun
- Genres
- Adventure , Drama , Action , Fantasy
- Seasons
- 2
- Season List
- The Wheel of Time – Season 1 , The Wheel of Time – Season 2
- Story By
- Rafe Judkins
- Writers
- Rafe Judkins , Robert Jordan , Michael Clarkson , Paul Clarkson , Celine Song
- Streaming Service(s)
- Prime Video
- Franchise(s)
- The Wheel of Time
- Directors
- Sanaa Hamri , Ciaran Donnelly , Thomas Napper
- Showrunner
- Rafe Judkins