The Jaw-Dropping Death That Alters The Entire Wheel of Time Series in Season 2
The Wheel of Time Season 2's pivotal character death alters a significant plot point from the books With Ishamael's demise, a major event takes an unexpected turn in the series Find out how this impacts Rand's journey and his pursuit of Callandor in Season 3
Warning: Spoilers for The Wheel of Time season 2, episode 8
Summary
In the season 2 finale of The Wheel of Time, the plot takes an unexpected turn as a significant character, Ishamael, is unexpectedly killed. This departure from the original story raises uncertainty about whether the show will adhere to the book's narrative of Rand's quest to claim Callandor at the Stone of Tear.
The divergence of the show from the book yields a fresh narrative trajectory for Rand, offering the potential to encounter alternative adversaries and discover the whereabouts of Callandor in a new setting. Significantly, the demise of a prominent character in the season 2 finale of The Wheel of Time eliminates a significant conflict depicted in the books, thereby altering Rand's future. In the concluding episode of the season, numerous individuals meet their fates in the skirmish against the Seanchan in Falme. While certain deaths align with the events in the book, others depart from expectations, presenting an unforeseen departure in the show.
The Wheel Of Time Hints Ishamael Really Is Dead
Considering that season 2 is based on The Great Hunt, the second book in Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series, it was always anticipated that the story would culminate in Falme. This location provided the perfect backdrop for a climactic battle, filled with bloodshed and high stakes. The show did not disappoint in this regard. Rand's proclamation as the Dragon Reborn, Mat summoning the Heroes of the Horn, and the various character deaths all contributed to the intensity and significance of the events. In the book, Ingtar, Turak, and Geofram Bornhald all met their demise, so it was not unexpected to see their fate in the show. One surprising deviation, however, was what happened to Ishamael, as it was not in The Great Hunt.
Fares Fares' character appeared to be killed off before when Rand fought him at the Eye of the World. Ishamael, who was believed to be the Dark One at the time, seemed to die in that encounter. However, it was widely understood that he somehow survived. This recent death scene, however, had a much stronger sense of finality. His conversation with Rand about the experience of dying gave the impression that this time he was truly gone forever, despite the possibility of the Forsaken being reborn as new individuals in the books.
Long after meeting his demise at the hands of Rand in The Dragon Reborn, Ishamael makes a reappearance as Moridin. Although theoretically possible to include this storyline in the show, the tone of Ishamael's death scene raises doubts, not to mention the immense challenge of adapting a 14-book saga like The Wheel of Time. Recycling antagonists through reincarnation would only further complicate matters, suggesting that Ishamael's narrative has likely reached its conclusion.
Ishamael’s Death Changes A Major Event From The Wheel of Time Books
In contrast to the events in the book, Ishamael's demise takes a different path. In The Great Hunt, Rand managed to overcome Ishamael, but the antagonist made a comeback in the sequel, The Dragon Reborn. Similarly to The Great Hunt, The Dragon Reborn reaches its conclusion with another confrontation between Rand and Ishamael, this time occurring at the Stone of Tear. After obtaining Callandor, the prophesized weapon of the Dragon Reborn, Rand employs it to vanquish Ishamael in a spectacular battle. Ishamael's significance in The Dragon Reborn heightens the impact of his death in the Wheel of Time season 2 finale, as it engenders substantial alterations to the storyline that lie ahead.
In the grand tapestry of Wheel of Time lore, the monumental battle at the Stone of Tear parallels the significance of the conflicts at Falme and the Eye of the World. The profound encounter between Rand and Ishamael not only propels Rand further along his destined path as the Dragon Reborn but also sets the stage for his subsequent journey to the Aiel Waste, the central narrative of book 4, The Shadow Rising. With Ishamael's demise, The Wheel of Time presents a multitude of inquiries regarding its intricate designs for Rand's future.
Wheel Of Time’s Season 3 Plan Explains Ishamael’s Death
The decision to have Ishamael's death occur in Falme instead of following the source material is a logical one, considering what lies ahead in season 3. In the books, Rand travels to the Aiel Waste after encountering the Aiel at the Stone of Tear and realizing that they can be his loyal army. However, the TV adaptation takes a different approach. Unlike their book counterparts, Aviendha and her fellow Maidens of the Spear were present in Falme during the finale. From a distance, Aviendha witnesses the spectacle unfolding atop the tower and quietly utters the words "Car'a'carn," signifying that she has identified Rand as her desired target.
Now that Rand's true identity as the Car'a'carn has been revealed to the Maidens of the Spear, it provides a compelling reason for him to embark on his journey across the vast Aiel Waste. In order to incorporate Rand's next encounter with Ishamael into his storyline, additional changes are required since Rand had already defeated Ishamael before venturing into the Aiel Waste. It appears that the show has chosen to skip ahead to book 4 and consequently omit several storylines from book 3, resulting in the early conclusion of Ishamael's narrative arc.
Will Rand Still Claim Callandor In The Wheel Of Time Show?
The potential truncation of Ishamael's story in the show has broader implications beyond the altercation itself. It also raises questions about Rand's acquisition of Callandor at the Stone of Tear. The decision to omit the pivotal moment of Rand dueling Ishamael for Callandor introduces concerns regarding the narrative adaptation of the series. While Rand technically doesn't need to engage in another battle with Ishamael for a faithful retelling of his tale, the circumstances surrounding Callandor are more intricate. Regardless of Ishamael's presence, Rand must locate the artifact, as it plays an indispensable role in his Wheel of Time journey.
The One Power-imbued weapon, known as the "sword that is not a sword," is crucial for Rand to fulfill the prophecy and defeat the Dark One. This mission is likely to be integrated into a separate storyline in the show, such as Rand's journey in the Aiel Waste in The Wheel of Time season 3 or a completely different adventure. As a result, it may not take place at the Stone of Tear. Moreover, it seems that Rand will face a new villain now that Ishamael is no longer a threat. Considering that Rahvin and Be'lal were present, Rand may have to confront one of them in order to obtain Callandor in The Wheel of Time's future.
