Even with one of the Forsaken defeated and the scattered people from Two Rivers finding their way back to one another, the end of The Wheel of Time season 2 did not leave the Light triumphant just yet.
Still, plenty happened that brought satisfaction to the audience, especially those familiar with Robert Jordan’s work who had been waiting for certain big moments to appear. For viewers who are still puzzled by some events, there’s plenty to think about.
Moiraine’s emotional reunion with Lan rekindles a powerful bond forged in trust (Photo: The Wheel of Time Season 2/Amazon Studios and Sony Pictures Television)Ishamael and Lanfear at Odds
Questions remain about what Ishamael and Lanfear were truly aiming for. While Ishamael looked focused on stopping time from repeating itself and preventing heroes from being reborn, Lanfear’s true desire seemed to revolve around bringing Lews Therin back, even if it meant going against the wishes of the Dark One.
Ishamael told Lanfear that Rand would only consider embracing the Dark if he believed it would save his friends, showing that he was manipulating the situation carefully.
There’s a strong chance Ishamael allowed Lanfear to act freely because he assumed Mat would end Rand’s life, as foretold by Min’s vision. At one point, Ishamael even admitted he might need to wait for Rand’s next incarnation, and when Rand lay bleeding atop the tower, it looked like Ishamael was ready to move on.
Meanwhile, Lanfear was ready to discard the six seals containing the remaining Forsaken into the sea, so she could keep Rand, her Dragon, all to herself.
Meet the New Forsaken for Season 3
A key moment pointing to what lies ahead in season 3 came when Ishamael managed to free his dark allies before Rand and his group managed to defeat him. He even brushed off his hands and walked away to meet with High Lady Suroth, hinting at the damage already done.
Later, Lanfear discovered the shattered seals, confirming the danger. The only new character among the Forsaken that was shown clearly was Moghedien, known for her sneaky style and spiderweb-like methods. Who else among the thirteen escaped still remains to be seen.
Moiraine’s Reunion and Defeating the Seanchan
Another major moment came when Moiraine reunited with Lan after being thrown out of the Ways while Rand and Lanfear took a faster route to Falme. Once the bond between Warder and Aes Sedai was restored, Moiraine laid bare her self-doubts, telling Lan that the reason she claimed he wasn’t her equal was because deep down, she had always seen him as better than her.
Despite those feelings, Moiraine proved just how powerful and brave she still was by wiping out the Seanchan fleet alone. She eliminated the damane who were stopping Rand from using his power, and she also dealt with High Lady Suroth.
Rand had already taken down High Lord Turok earlier, so their attempt to invade from the west looked to be stopped for now. We also learned something important about Rand’s sword — the heron-mark shows he is a Blademaster, a status shared across both sides of the ocean.
The Horn of Valere and Other Big Book Moments
Rand endured two major injuries in the final episode — a wound in his side that won’t heal and a burn on his palm shaped like the heron. Readers of the books would recognise both as crucial parts of his journey. Moiraine also created a dragon-shaped illusion to declare Rand as the Dragon Reborn, which was a visual nod to an old prophecy.
Perrin had his own important moment too. He finally picked up an axe — his signature weapon from the novels — which helped ease the sadness of losing Hopper, the loyal wolf, to the White Cloaks.
When Perrin took revenge on Geofram Bornhald, Hopper’s killer, it’s likely he made an enemy out of Geofram’s son, Dain, who may appear again in future episodes. Maybe Perrin will soon wield an axe that rivals those of the Bornhald family.
Mat took a big step forward by claiming some of the role that fans had been waiting for. Although Loial wanted Rand to blow the Horn of Valere, saying it could call upon fallen heroes to help the Dragon in the Last Battle, it was Mat who ended up doing it.
Right before blowing it, Mat said, “I remember,” and then fought like one of the great warriors of old using just a homemade spear. Those memories seem to come from his previous lives, which Ishamael had started to reveal to him. There’s more to Mat than we’ve seen so far.
The Channeling of Egwene, Elayne, and Nynaeve
Unlike Lanfear, Moghedien appears to have her sights set on all five of the young heroes from Two Rivers. Egwene seems to have found great strength through the pain she suffered while being kept as a damane. She stood firm while Elayne worked to heal Rand after Mat’s attack.
As the seals break a new wave of Forsaken rises to challenge the balance of power (Photo: The Wheel of Time Season 2/Amazon Studios and Sony Pictures Television)At the same time, Egwene and Nynaeve stumbled on a discovery that may change things: sul’dam, the women who control the damane, can also use the One Power.
Though they’re not powerful enough to be easily detected, their ability to link through the a’dam puts them in a vulnerable position. This information could change the way the Seanchan operate moving forward.
Only Nynaeve was unable to connect fully with her power in the finale, but this doesn’t mean her time is over. Elayne helped her realise that she should act more like a Wisdom, which is what she was back in the village, instead of trying to force herself into being an Aes Sedai.
That mindset might be the key to unlocking her true strength. As for Elayne, when Rand asked, “Who are you?” in his half-conscious state, could that hint at something deeper developing between them? Time will reveal more.
Although the group is back together now and a strong enemy has been dealt with, this victory does not bring the conflict to a close. More threats are still out there — including the Black Ajah hidden among the Aes Sedai, the brewing clash between the Amyrlin Seat and Moiraine, and the matter of the future ruler of Cairhien being revealed as a servant of the Dark One.
There’s much left to face when the series picks up again for its already-confirmed third season. All eight episodes from season 2 of The Wheel of Time are available to watch on Prime Video.
