Wheel of Time is an epic fantasy series created and written by the late Robert Jordan and later continued by Brandon Sanderson. And now, this fantasy epic has finally hit the small screen with a stunning streaming series on Amazon Prime. Fans love the fantasy saga for its intricate world-building, its links to mythology and religion, its ambitious, far-spanning storyline, and—perhaps most importantly—the characters who bring the story to life. Rand al'Thor is one of the main Wheel of Time protagonists, and he’s widely beloved. Rand is a complicated character with a fascinating backstory and a character arc that forces him to grow and change.
Warning: The following article contains spoilers for Wheel of Time.
The debut novel in the Wheel of Time series, The Eye of the World was first published in 1990. It introduced Rand al'Thor, a shepherd from Two Rivers. Early in the novel, Rand discovers that the couple who raised him are not his blood parents. It is later revealed that Rand is the reincarnation of Lews Therin and the Dragon Reborn, fated to both destroy and save the world. Many cultures in the world of this series have prophecies about the return of the Dragon. As the prophecy foretold, Rand was born on the slopes of Dragonmount on 2 Danu 978 NE on the last day of the Battle of the Blood Snow at the end of the Aiel War. His mother died in childbirth, and Rand was rescued by Tam al'Thor, who became his surrogate father.
Rand al'Thor's Important Relationships
Min Farshaw
Min Farshaw is one of three of Rand's lovers over the course of the Wheel of Time series. Min is the second woman to become Rand's partner and the only one of his paramours who remains by his side at all times. Min's knowledge of philosophy helps Rand figure out how to face the Dark One, while her love keeps Rand grounded and closer to his humanity.
Elayne Trakand
Elayne Trakand is another of the three women who have chosen to love Rand. With Rand, she becomes pregnant with twins, a boy and a girl. Elayne has a strong bond with Rand's two other lovers and is particularly close to Aviendha.
Aviendha
Aviendha is a Wise One of the Nine Valleys sept of the Taardad Aiel. She is the third woman to claim Rand's love, and the first of Rand's three lovers to sleep with him. She is drawn to Rand immediately but holds back because of her closeness to Elayne, for whom Rand had already declared his love.
Alanna Mosvani
Rand is also bonded to Alanna Mosvani, although unwillingly. Alanna forcefully bonds Rand al'Thor as a Warder when she meets him at an inn called the Culain's Hound. When Rand bonded with Min, Elayne, and Aviendha, Alanna was furious, and the bonding caused her to faint and remain weak for several days.
“The Watcher”/Moridin
"The Watcher," later revealed to be Moridin, helps Rand during his battle with Sammael in Shadar Logoth. When a wave of Mashadar threatens them both, Moridin and Rand end up weaving bars of balefire to destroy it. But when the balefire streams cross, it creates an unexpected paradox that leaves Rand and Moridin mentally linked.
What happens to Rand al’Thor in Wheel of Time?
In the beginning of the Wheel of Time series, Rand is a simple shepherd living in a village so remote that its inhabitants aren't even aware they're part of a larger kingdom. When Trollocs attack his small town one Winternight, Rand discovers that he was adopted. While learning the truth of his lineage and the prophecy about him, he is told that the Dark One is trying to find him, which is why the village was attacked. To protect his home from being targeted again, Rand flees with his friends, Mat Cauthon and Perrin Aybara. Thus begins Rand's journey to becoming a channeler and living out the prophecy as the Dragon Reborn.
Rand al’Thor, as the current reincarnation of the Dragon, has many prophecies about him concerning his return and the end of the Third Age. The Prophecies of the Dragon detail how the Dragon will be reborn and how his return will affect the Light and the Shadow. The Prophecies are vague and have been interpreted in many ways, but most people just avoid them, fearing what they might mean.
Despite Rand's many powers as the Dragon Reborn, his greatest strength throughout Wheel of Time is his bond with other characters. At the end of the series, Rand's body dies, but he lives on. Because of Rand's mental link to Moridin, they are able to switch bodies during the Last Battle. Consequently, it is Moridin who actually dies. Through their bond to Rand, Min, Elayne, and Aviendha sense that this is what happened, and so they find no need to mourn their lover's death.
Rand al’Thor’s Weapons, Possessions, and Powers
Rand is the prophesied savior of the world, and so he is very powerful. He has the ability to channel the One Power, the force that drives the turning of the Wheel of Time. While many can wield the One Power, Rand is one of the strongest channelers. The One Power is split into five elements: Fire, Water, Earth, Air, and Spirit. Rand has the ability to project his dreams on others, which suggests that he is very strong in Spirit. He's also good at creating weaves of Fire. Rand's natural strengths are enhanced by several angreal, objects that allow channels to draw more of the One Power, and sa'angreal, which are similar to angreal but even more powerful.
The Best Rand al’Thor Quotes
"The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills, Perrin. We've become what we needed to become." — A Memory of Light
"Only a battle lost is sadder than a battle won." — The Fires of Heaven
"Trust was a knife, and the hilt was as sharp as the blade." — The Path of Daggers
