The Astonishing Revelation: Moiraine's Unyielding Powers Unveiled in Wheel of Time Season 1

In the finale of The Wheel of Time season 1, there is a significant indication that gives hope for Moiraine to retain her ability to channel. Despite an unexpected turn of events where Rosamund Pike's portrayal of Moiraine appears to lose her connection to the One Power due to the actions of the Dark One, this would have a devastating impact on her character as channeling is a central aspect of the Aes Sedai lifestyle.

In Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time books, the term for a female character losing her ability to channel is called "stilling". While it aligns with the lore, Moiraine's loss of the One Power is not anticipated based on her storyline in the books. Considering that Moiraine still has more tales to share in The Wheel of Time that require the use of the One Power, it is likely that a cure for being stilled will be discovered in the future, providing an opportunity for her healing. Alternatively, it is possible that Moiraine's connection to the One Power remains intact, unbeknownst to others.

Moiraine Was Most Likely Shielded From The One Power (Not Stilled)

Moiraine's claim of not being able to sense the One Power does not signify its disappearance. Upon closer examination of the weave that rendered her powerless, it becomes evident that she was shielded rather than stilled. In the season 1 finale of Wheel of Time, there was no energy shockwave emanating from Moiraine, unlike when the Aes Sedai gentled Logain. Furthermore, the Dark One, possibly disguised as Ishamael, moved his hand as if tying a knot after completing the weave. Interestingly, this mirrors how shielding functions in the books.

The villain himself hinted at the concept of shielding with his remark, "must be an awful feeling. To know the One Power is there, just at the end of your fingertips, yet you can’t touch it." These words accurately depict the experience of being shielded for an Aes Sedai. They technically maintain a connection to the True Source and the One Power, but a barrier prevents them from accessing it. In the case of shielding, this barrier takes the form of a knot. Based on all indications, Moiraine has been subjected to this knot, implying that her powers are not truly lost at the season's end.

How Moiraine Can Be Unshielded In Wheel Of Time Season 2

Shielding remains a formidable challenge for Aes Sedai, though it is a preferable option compared to the alternative. As previously mentioned, the Wheel of Time's universe provides a resolution for the issue of stilling, but such a solution has yet to be found within the current timeline of the television show. On the contrary, there exists a remedy for shielding. An Aes Sedai wielding a sufficient level of the One Power, such as Siuan Sanche or potentially even Nynaeve, could possess the capability to unravel the impediment and restore Moiraine's ability to channel.