How New Characters in Wheel of Time Season 3 Will Impact the Storyline

As The Wheel of Time gears up for its third season, fans are buzzing about the introduction of several pivotal characters from the source material. However, given the show’s track record of deviating from Robert Jordan’s novels, it’s crucial to consider how these new figures may fit into the overarching narrative. The series has already showcased its flexibility with established characters like Min, Logain, Mat, and Aviendha by altering their storylines and introductions significantly.

It is worth noting that the adaptation of the third book, The Dragon Reborn, is unlikely to be treated as a full season’s worth of content. Instead, the show is poised to leap directly from the events of book 2, The Great Hunt, to the fourth installment, The Shadow Rising. This shift will undoubtedly necessitate additional adjustments within the story, potentially leading to entirely new introductory arcs for some of the incoming characters, while others may remain true to their literary origins.

Faile Bashere Joins Perrin’s Journey as a New Love Interest

Faile Bashere Set to be Key in the Two Rivers Arc

In The Shadow Rising, Perrin is drawn back to the Two Rivers, where he faces threats from Whitecloaks and Trollocs with a group of characters that includes Gaul, Loial, Bain, Chiad, and Faile Bashere, who is now confirmed to be part of season 3, portrayed by Isabelle Bucceri. Her presence suggests a significant role in assisting Perrin as he copes with the emotional aftermath of losing his wife, while she likely stands beside him in battles against the Trollocs and Whitecloaks.

The specifics of Faile’s entrance remain undetermined. In the books, Perrin’s first encounter with Faile occurs during her quest for the Horn of Valere. However, with the Horn not playing a pivotal role in the upcoming season, the show may introduce a different object as the basis for Faile’s storyline.

Elaida to Ascend as the New Amyrlin Seat

Elaida Could Ignite Discord Within the White Tower

Morgase and Elaida side by side in The Wheel of Time season 3

Elaida is another character set to influence the upcoming season, portrayed by Shoreh Aghdashloo. Originally introduced in book 1 alongside Queen Morgase, the series may skip this introductory moment, as Rand appears destined for the Aiel Waste, which omits his journey to Caemlyn. It’s more likely that the show will fast-forward to Elaida’s rise to prominence within the Aes Sedai ranks.

The anticipated shift in power dynamics seems to lean towards Siuan losing her influence as Amyrlin Seat, which aligns with Elaida’s trajectory in the books—she usurps Siuan’s position in a dramatic coup. Given Siuan’s recent failure to contain Lanfear’s escape with Rand, it’s plausible that the series will replicate this storyline, paving the way for Elaida’s ascent.

Gawyn Trakand Starts His Romance with Egwene, Though He Backs Elaida

Egwene and Nynaeve ride horses in The Wheel of Time season 3

With Elaida’s pending coup as a backdrop, Gawyn Trakand’s introduction in season 3 seems set to unfold. Although Gawyn is primarily seen as a virtuous character, his literary counterpart controversially allies with Elaida and participates in the deaths of two Warders during the conflict. This paves the way for his involvement in the impending power struggle.

If Egwene is present at the White Tower during this time, it creates fertile ground for tension between her and Gawyn. In the books, Gawyn remains Egwene’s main love interest, and if their allegiances differ regarding Siuan and Elaida, their romantic relationship could face significant challenges.

Galad Damodred to Face Off with Perrin and Mat in Season 3

Galad Damodred Could Join the Whitecloaks Earlier Than Expected

Galad’s storyline appears primed for substantial deviation from the original book series as hinted at in the season 3 trailer. Instead of simply being at the White Tower as per the books, Galad seems slated to interact with Elayne and Egwene, as well as play a significant role in the forthcoming conflicts.

Throughout The Dragon Reborn, both Galad and Gawyn contribute to an iconic moment where Mat Cauthon duels them—ultimately losing. Considering the popularity of this sequence, it stands a good chance of being adapted into the show. Furthermore, as his character becomes more entwined with the Whitecloaks, there’s potential for an early alliance with them, especially during conflicts with Perrin and Mat.

Morgase Trakand to Reunite with Thom Merellin

While Unwittingly Caught in Rahvin’s Scheme

Queen Morgase's Lion of Andor Banner from The Wheel of Time.

Queen Morgase Trakand’s delayed introduction is also set for season 3, with Olivia Williams cast to portray her. The narrative timeline has pushed her appearance back; while her presence would have been expected in season 1, significant plot events meant her story will kick off in this upcoming season. However, due to her limited involvement in The Shadow Rising, the writers must find a thoughtful way to weave her character into the ongoing events.

Throughout the earlier novels, it’s revealed that Morgase becomes manipulated by Rahvin, one of the Forsaken. Nuno Lopes has joined the cast as “Lord Gaebril, ” Rahvin’s alias when influencing Morgase’s decisions, suggesting a complex and perhaps treacherous narrative in store. With Thom Merellin—a key figure from Morgase’s past—returning for season 3, viewers can anticipate an intricate love triangle, where Thom may be pivotal in enlightening Morgase to Rahvin’s treachery and thwarting further plots against her life in The Wheel of Time.

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