The Sinister Scheme of Ishamael Revealed in Wheel of Time Season 2

Warning: Spoilers for The Wheel of Time season 2, episode 4

Summary

Ishamael has plans for Mat Cauthon, even though he is not the Dragon Reborn.

Liandrin and Ishamael are working together, and Ishamael has a vested interest in Mat.

Ishamael's intentions towards Mat could center on his ta'veren condition and his potential to be employed as a tool against Rand. Despite being aware that Mat Cauthon is not the Dragon Reborn, Ishamael exhibits a clear interest in the character in Season 2 of The Wheel of Time. Portrayed by Fares Fares, Ishamael directs Min to accompany him to Cairhein in Episode 4, titled "Daughter of the Night." The cunning antagonist is evidently crafting a malevolent scheme of significant consequence in the Amazon series.

Why Mat Is So Important To Ishamael In The Wheel Of Time

The Wheel of Time’s latest revelation intertwines with Liandrin's previous actions. In an elaborate scheme, she pretended to release Mat so that he could comfort Egwene, but it was all part of her plan. Liandrin orchestrated for Mat to flee with Min, who is under her strict command. By association with Liandrin, it becomes clear that Min was merely a pawn manipulated by Ishamael. Despite her status as an Aes Sedai, Liandrin is secretly aligned with Ishamael, a known member of the Forsaken. This group consists of 13 powerful channelers who had once fought on behalf of the Dark One 3,000 years ago. Not only does Ishamael pose a significant threat to the Dragon Reborn, but he also has a deep interest in Rand's companions, especially Mat.

The events thus far indicate that Ishamael is interested in more than just the Dragon Reborn. His interactions with Perrin previously hinted at this, and now his instruction to Min to bring Mat to Cairhien strengthens this idea. Although the particular event of Ishamael using Min to lure in Mat did not occur in The Wheel of Time books, the source material does provide hints about his intentions. Considering both the books and the show, it is probable that his interests are influenced both by his personal connection to Rand and by Mat's role as a ta’veren.

Why Is Ishamael Sending Mat To Cairhein?

Mat and Perrin, like Rand, were ta’veren, individuals with the ability to shape the Pattern. Ishamael acknowledged this fact in his book counterpart and saw them as threats. Consequently, upon his rebirth as Moridin, he attempted to assassinate both of them. In the television adaptation, Ishamael might manipulate this aspect to his advantage rather than resort to outright murder. It is logical for Ishamael to capitalize on Mat's role as a ta’veren, considering his interest in Perrin, who also possesses this ability. Additionally, Nynaeve and Egwene, who may have been captured under his orders, are ta’veren in the TV series as well.

Although Ishamael refused to disclose his reasons when Min inquired about Cairhein's significance, the enigma surrounding this location is hardly mysterious. By releasing Lanfear and potentially orchestrating her pursuit of Rand, it is highly likely that he is aware of the presence of the Dragon Reborn there. Strengthened by Mat's ta'veren status within The Wheel of Time, Ishamael may perceive him as a potential weapon against Rand. Furthermore, their friendship provides an opportunity for Ishamael to utilize Mat as bait if he chooses to confront the Dragon Reborn directly. In such a scenario, Min's unsettling vision of Mat supposedly ending Rand's life could potentially unfold.

The Wheel of Time releases new episodes on Fridays on Amazon Prime Video.