The Intriguing Connection between Liandrin and Nynaeve in Wheel of Time Season 2

Warning: Spoilers for The Wheel of Time season 2, episodes 1-3

Summary

Liandrin recognizes Nynaeve's potential and desires to exploit it, viewing her as a valuable asset she can shape into a formidable ally among the Aes Sedai.

The TV adaptation has the potential to deviate from the original books, presenting Liandrin with an alternative agenda for Nynaeve, which could involve her participation in a plot to overthrow the White Tower.

After Nynaeve's presumed death, Liandrin redirects her attention to Egwene, recognizing her potential and deeming her a valuable asset in her plans. She intends to target both Nynaeve and Egwene in her future actions. Throughout the first three episodes of The Wheel of Time season 2, Liandrin's obsession with Nynaeve has been a significant plot point. Portrayed by Kate Fleetwood, Liandrin of the Red Ajah has become a prominent character in the Amazon series, often causing tension with main characters like Moiraine, played by Rosamund Pike. Recently, Liandrin has become a central figure in Egwene and Nynaeve's storyline in The Wheel of Time season 2.

Liandrin Wants To Use Nynaeve As A Weapon

: Despite their conflicting opinions on male channelers and contrasting perspectives, the cunning Aes Sedai exhibited a clear personal investment in Nynaeve's future during the initial three episodes of the new season. She went to great lengths to advocate for Nynaeve's acceptance into the ranks of the Aes Sedai, with the intention of overseeing her training personally. Liandrin, often seen as a self-serving and villainous figure within the White Tower, showcased an unexpected and vulnerable side when faced with the loss of a dying man who bore a striking resemblance to her son. This portrayal raised further inquiries into her underlying motivations.

Contrary to her attempts to portray Liandrin's human side, it's important to recognize her visible distress when Nynaeve appeared to perish in season 2, episode 3 of The Wheel of Time. However, it should be clear that her sorrow shouldn't be misconstrued as mere frustration. It is highly likely that Liandrin's true emotion at Nynaeve's failure to return from the Silver Arches was annoyance. The show strongly suggested this when Liandrin expressed her "disappointment" to Egwene about Nynaeve's absence. In essence, Liandrin's sadness doesn't stem from the loss of someone she cared for, but rather from the anger she feels towards the futility of her efforts to cultivate Nynaeve as an ally.

Liandrin’s Plan For Nynaeve May Be Different From The Books

Liandrin readily acknowledged Nynaeve's formidable power throughout the series, indicating her full awareness of Nynaeve's potential as an Aes Sedai. It is highly probable that Liandrin believed that by fostering a strong teacher-student bond with Nynaeve, she could shape her into a like-minded Aes Sedai whom she could manipulate as a weapon for her own future endeavors. These endeavors could involve Liandrin recruiting Nynaeve into the Red Ajah, or potentially even something more sinister.

In the book version of the story, Liandrin was a covert member of the Black Ajah, a renegade faction of Aes Sedai sworn to the Dark One. In The Great Hunt, Liandrin did not attempt to mentor Nynaeve directly, but she cunningly sought to manipulate her. Acting on behalf of the Black Ajah, Liandrin deceived Nynaeve, Elayne, and Egwene into leaving the White Tower, fully aware that they would stumble into a carefully set trap. Judging by appearances, Liandrin seemed genuinely interested in training Nynaeve, pointing towards the possibility that she did not intend to expose her to an ambush later. If Liandrin, much like her literary counterpart, is indeed a Black Sister, her motivation might have been to corrupt Nynaeve and convince her to join their ranks.

Conversely, if the TV series takes a different direction, Liandrin may perceive Nynaeve as a valuable ally for an alternative plan. Liandrin's endeavors to infiltrate the politics of the White Tower, both in season 1 and season 2, contribute to the speculation that she will lead a rebellion among the Aes Sedai, resulting in the downfall of the current Amyrlin Seat. In the books, this role was fulfilled by Elaida, but so far, the show has not hinted at her upcoming appearance. If that remains the case, it is possible that Liandrin might attempt to replace Siuan Sanche. In this scenario, it would be logical for her to seek the support of someone as powerful as Nynaeve – especially if a conflict within the White Tower is imminent.

Liandrin Is Likely To Target Nynaeve & Egwene Now

Nynaeve's alleged demise has redirected Liandrin's scheming in The Wheel of Time season 2. Previously, Liandrin had focused her attentions on Nynaeve, but it seems that her interest has now shifted towards Egwene. The confrontation between Liandrin and Egwene atop the White Tower seems to have caught Liandrin's attention. Her remark about the value of intelligence over raw power suggests that she has recognized Egwene's potential as the next best option in the absence of Nynaeve. It appears that Liandrin is prepared to transition her allegiance from Nynaeve to Egwene, valuing the latter's usefulness despite her lesser strength compared to other Aes Sedai.

Liandrin will inevitably learn about Nynaeve's emergence from the Arches, which will reignite her original schemes involving Nynaeve in The Wheel of Time. However, instead of solely focusing on Egwene, she may expand her strategy by manipulating both of them as her pawns. As a result, Liandrin's villainous narrative could evolve to involve both characters.