The Surprising Deviation of Mat's Character in Wheel of Time Season 2 Sets a New Course
Mat's Season 2 journey diverges from the books, adding complexity to his character The Wheel of Time sets up an intriguing story involving Mat and Min Will Mat be the one to sound the Horn of Valere?
Warning: Spoilers for The Wheel of Time season 2, episodes 1-3
Summary
In The Wheel of Time season 2, Mat's storyline takes a divergent path from the books, leading to a fresh and exciting journey for his character. The unexpected turn of events with Mat's confinement adds complexity to his bond with the ruby-hilted dagger and gives rise to uncertainties regarding his ultimate recovery.
The outcome of Mat sounding the Horn of Valere is currently unknown. In the first three episodes of The Wheel of Time season 2, Mat's storyline diverges significantly from the books, which has significant consequences for his future. After already deviating from the original story in season 1, the show seems prepared to further alter Mat's narrative as depicted in Robert Jordan's books. Within just three episodes, the series has made significant efforts to separate Mat's original tale from the one unfolding onscreen.
Mat’s Season 2 Story Doesn’t Resemble His Great Hunt Arc
The season 2 premiere of The Wheel of Time concluded with an unexpected twist that rewarded Moiraine for her decision to inform the Red Ajah about Mat. Surprisingly, Mat has been held captive by Liandrin for several months. However, his time as Liandrin's prisoner has come to an end. Liandrin lost interest in Mat after mistakenly assuming that Nynaeve had perished while passing through the Silver Arches. Consequently, she allowed Mat to depart freely. Now, Mat embarks on a fresh adventure in the world of The Wheel of Time, accompanied by Min. The future that lies ahead for him remains uncertain, particularly since his storyline deviates significantly from the books.
Most Wheel of Time characters in season 2 have storylines that align to some degree with their arcs in the second book, The Great Hunt. Perrin and Loial are both on a quest for the Horn of Valere, Rand is in Cairhein accompanied by Selene, and Nynaeve and Egwene are undergoing Aes Sedai training at the White Tower. In contrast, Mat seems to have a completely different storyline. Unlike The Great Hunt, where Mat played a role in the search for Padan Fain, his season 2 story takes a new direction. However, it is worth noting that Mat's involvement in the search for Padan Fain was significant, as it eventually led to him blowing the Horn of Valere and summoning an army of long-dead heroes.
Wheel Of Time’s Mat Twist Complicates Another Important Story
The current events differ greatly from the narrative presented in The Great Hunt. Instead of embarking on a quest alongside Perrin and Loial, plagued by the malevolent effects of the cursed dagger, Mat finds himself unwittingly entangled in a scheme orchestrated by Liandrin, accompanied by Min. Presently, there is no apparent correlation between Mat's venture with Min and the pursuit of the Horn of Valere, which serves as the ultimate objective in Mat's narrative within The Great Hunt.
Min's vision of Mat potentially killing Rand with the ruby-hilted dagger reveals that Mat's connection to the dagger is still intact. This aligns with the belief that Moiraine alone couldn't remove the curse from Mat in the books. The prevailing theory suggests that Mat's isolation in Tar Valon was a deliberate act to facilitate his proper healing. In the book version of events, it wasn't until the third installment, The Dragon Reborn, when multiple Aes Sedai healed him at the White Tower, that the darkness within him was completely eradicated.
What Story Wheel Of Time May Be Setting Up With Mat & Min
Even though it made sense at the time that Mat's proximity to the White Tower would expedite the process, the show has now taken him away from Tar Valon, causing further delay in any potential scenario where he can be Healed. Presumably, Mat will eventually need to return to Tar Valon to undergo the Healing process, which raises even more question about the purpose behind his imprisonment.
Considering that Mat is not currently searching for the Horn and is not at the White Tower awaiting healing, it raises questions about the direction the show is taking his character. One potential scenario, although unlikely, is that The Wheel of Time is fast-tracking Mat's journey to Caemlyn in The Dragon Reborn and introducing the character Min as his companion. After receiving healing, Mat traveled to the palace in Caemlyn where he became entangled in a plot to assassinate Queen Morgase orchestrated by one of the Forsaken, Rahvin. The show exploring the court in Caemlyn is theoretically possible since Elayne has already been introduced, but casting announcements for Queen Morgase or Rahvin have not been made, making it less probable.
Chances are, the story it's building toward is a complete invention of the series. Min's vision, which isn't included in the Wheel of Time books, serves as evidence of that. Concerned about the possibility of suffering the same fate as Logain, Mat struck a deal with Rand: if either of them turned out to be a channeler, one would be responsible for killing the other. Min's vision alludes to this promise, implying that when their paths intersect again, Mat will discover the truth and attempt to fulfill his vow. While it is difficult to fathom Mat actually taking Rand's life, this vision does indicate that they will be in conflict with each other in season 2.
Will Mat Blow The Horn Of Valere?
The Horn of Valere remains one of Mat's most intriguing mysteries. Its significance cannot be underestimated, as it becomes deeply intertwined with Mat's journey in the books once he becomes the Hornsounder in The Great Hunt. The TV series deviates from this path, leaving us uncertain if The Wheel of Time has chosen a different Hornsounder. At present, Perrin or Loial seem the most likely candidates to assume this role, but as season 2 draws to a close and multiple storylines converge, we cannot rule out the possibility of other characters joining the quest, including Mat.
The inclusion of the Horn of Valere story in The Wheel of Time, which extends beyond Perrin's group, is logical considering its previous mention in Rand's storyline. Liandrin's intentions for Min and Mat may bring him back into contact with his former allies, granting him the opportunity to finally sound the Horn and summon Artur Hawkwing and others. While the show has made significant alterations, Mat Cauthon still has a chance to experience a crucial moment from the books. New episodes of The Wheel of Time are available on Amazon Prime Video every Friday.
