The Unseen Characters from 'Wheel of Time' Season 2 Revealed
The highly anticipated Season 2 of 'The Wheel of Time' left fans longing for key book characters who didn't make the cut Thom Merrilin, Elaida do Avriny, Gawyn Trakand, and others were notably absent, leaving viewers craving their beloved presence
The Wheel of Time's second season (2021-) has concluded, introducing a plethora of fresh characters. This renowned series takes inspiration from Robert Jordan's extensive 15-book collection. Naturally, when transitioning from books to screen, certain artistic freedoms are taken.
A common occurrence in television adaptations is the omission of numerous characters from the original source material. This is often done to prevent overwhelming the audience or to maintain a streamlined storyline. Nevertheless, fans of the novels still yearn for the appearance of their beloved characters in some capacity.
Thomdril Merrilin
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Thomdril, also known as "Thom," (played by Alexandre Willaume) already made an appearance in Season 1 of the series. Like his character in the book, it was believed that he died following a brutal fight with a Myrddraal in the first season/book. However, much to everyone's surprise, he unexpectedly returns in book 2, albeit with a noticeable limp from his injuries.
Given Thom's popularity among fans and his significant role in the later part of the story, it was expected that he would also return for the show. However, to everyone's astonishment, he was absent from Season 2, leaving his fate unclear.
Elaida do Avriny a'Roihan
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Elaida, a member of the Red Ajah, is portrayed as a non-evil Aes Sedai, unlike Liandrin (played by Kate Fleetwood). Her frequent disagreements with Moiraine (played by Rosamund Pike) can be attributed to their differing Ajahs.
Interestingly, Elaida is initially introduced in the first novel as a court wizard for the Trakand family of Andor. This part of her story was omitted in Season 1 of the show. Nevertheless, Elaida's significant role in future events underscores the importance of her eventual appearance.
Gawyn Trakand
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Gawyn Trakand has only been mentioned in the show thus far. In an attempt to leave the White Tower, Elayne (Ceara Coveney) and Egwene (Madeline Madden) use the excuse of visiting Gawyn for his birthday. This is because Gawyn is Elayne's brother and therefore holds the title of prince.
While Gawyn actually makes an appearance in the first novel, the show bypasses the part where Rand (Josha Stradowski) goes to Caemlyn and interacts with the Trakands. As a result, fans are left wondering if Gawyn will ever be seen. However, there is hope that he will appear later on, especially since he eventually falls in love with a character who has already been introduced on the show.
Galadedrid Damodred
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Galadedrid, commonly known as "Galad," is the half-brother of Elayne and Gawyn Trakand and the nephew of Moiraine. He is not only admired for his striking appearance but also for his exceptional skills as a fighter. Despite making appearances in the earlier novels, Galad is mostly absent throughout the series until the final moments. It remains uncertain whether the showrunners plan to introduce him in later seasons, if at all.
Aludra Nendenhald
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Aludra may not be considered a significant character, and her presence in the novels is limited. However, her character is undeniably intriguing as she is a member of the Illuminators' Guild, a group dedicated to the art of creating fireworks.
In addition to her affiliation with the guild, Aludra forms a friendship with Mat Cauthon (Dónal Finn) and provides him with valuable guidance at a later point. Regrettably, it seems unlikely that she will appear in the show, given that her character has not yet been introduced.
Vandene Namelle
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Vandene, an Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah, is the sister of Adeleas Namelle (Nila Aalia), a newly introduced character in Season 2. Despite belonging to different Ajahs (Vandene is Green, while Adeleas is Brown), the two sisters share a close relationship.
In book 2, Vandene makes her first appearance alongside her sister. Unlike some of the other Aes Sedai, they are genuinely helpful and caring towards the young novices. As for whether she will ever appear on the show, it remains uncertain. With only two seasons aired and reportedly six more to come, there is still a possibility.
Pedron Niall
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Pedron Niall, the leader of the Whitecloaks known as the Children of the Light, is yet to make an appearance. While his role may not be the most significant, his presence would add another dimension to the menacing nature of the Whitecloaks, alongside characters such as Eamon Valda, Geofram Bornhald, and Geofram's son Dain.
Anaiya Carel
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Anaiya, a member of the Blue Ajah within the Aes Sedai, makes her debut at the White Tower. Intrigued by Egwene's detailed dreams, Anaiya closely observes her, suspecting that her abilities may surpass those of the majority of Aes Sedai.
Furthermore, Anaiya serves as a steadfast companion to Moiraine and proves to be a valuable asset in the impending conflict. However, it is not unthinkable that her character could be omitted entirely from the show.
Jaichim Carridin
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Jaichim Carridin is another member of the Child of the Light, playing a secondary role in the series. He serves as a background character in several novels, mainly providing a point of view for the audience to understand the political happenings within the Children of the Light. While showrunners could choose to omit his introduction, it would be a thoughtful gesture to include him, even if only briefly, as a nod to the fans.
Egeanin Sarna
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Egeanin Sarna, a member of the Seanchan, holds a respectable rank that commands respect wherever she travels. In book 2, she is introduced by hijacking the boat belonging to Bayle Domon (played by Julian Lewis Jones).
Over time, Egeanin and Domon evolve into an unexpected friendship with an unconventional dynamic, although it takes time for this bond to develop. It would have been satisfying to witness her presence on the show, as it would demonstrate that not all Seanchan are entirely evil, or at the very least, redeemable to some extent.
