Unraveling the Perrin Enigma in Wheel of Time Season 2

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

Summary

In The Wheel of Time season 2, Perrin's true nature as a "Wolfbrother," someone with the ability to communicate telepathically with wolves, has been revealed. Accompanying Perrin is Elyas Machera, who also possesses the distinctive yellow eyes and journeys alongside a pack of wolves.

Perrin's future holds significant implications as a Wolfbrother, as it aligns him with the Dragon Reborn, affects his relationship with the Aes Sedai, and grants him the ability to traverse the Wolf Dream. The Wheel of Time has finally revealed Perrin's true nature, after a prolonged period, paving the way for fresh storylines for the character in season 2 and beyond. With occasional yellow eyes and a profound connection to the wolves in the show's world, Marcus Rutherford's Perrin Aybara has remained an enigmatic figure throughout the series. While it has been established that he is not the Dragon Reborn, it has been evident from the beginning that he possesses a uniqueness unmatched by other characters.

Wolfbrothers In Wheel Of Time Explained

In the episode, Elyas and Perrin are identified as "Wolfbrothers," a concept derived from Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time books. A Wolfbrother possesses the ability to communicate with wolves. In the original material, Perrin and the wolves could send messages to one another telepathically, regardless of the distance separating them. They conveyed both emotions and visual messages to fellow pack members, including Perrin. The show depicted this phenomenon when a wolf, acting as a scout, shared an image of the deer it had discovered with its pack. This effectively demonstrated the interconnectedness of the wolves and how it contributes to their survival and collaborative hunting.

Wolfbrothers Don’t Use The One Power, But Are Still Distrusted By The Aes Sedai

Moreover, Wolves possess the ability to recognize individuals who share their bond, known as Wolfbrothers. Elyas disclosed that for months, Perrin had been unknowingly communicating with them through subtle signals, which ultimately led them to find him during season 1. These signals, according to Elyas, explain why the wolves were present when Perrin and Egwene fell into the hands of the Whitecloaks. To the wolves, Perrin's status as a Wolfbrother solidifies his place within their pack, thus justifying their swift intervention to rescue him. The profound connection between Wolfbrothers and wolves became evident when Elyas proclaimed, "I am them. So are you."

While Elyas provided an explanation of what it means to be a Wolfbrother, the actual source of their powers remains a mystery. This enigma predates even the ancient order of Aes Sedai and continues to baffle both the characters in the book and the readers. However, what is established is that their abilities are distinct from the use of the One Power. Elyas himself explicitly mentioned this in The Eye of the World, emphasizing that not every extraordinary feat in the series can be attributed to channeling the One Power. There exist other remarkable talents that do not require the skill of channeling, such as Min's glimpses into the future.

How The Wolves Fit Into The Dragon Reborn’s Destiny

In spite of not utilizing the One Power and lacking the status of male channelers, the Aes Sedai's relationship with Wolfbrothers is far from harmonious. Elyas, in the show, acknowledged this predicament and clarified that the Aes Sedai's suspicion arises from their inability to comprehend the Wolfbrother phenomenon. Similar unease is also present in the books, where numerous uncertainties surround the origins of Perrin's abilities. Even the Aes Sedai find themselves at a loss when it comes to understanding the true source behind the powers of the Wolfbrothers.

Elyas has not yet revealed how the wolves fit into the larger story. In the books, these creatures hold a deep-rooted animosity towards the Trollocs and the Dark One, whom they refer to as "Heartfang". Wolves, somehow possessing knowledge of their species' entire history, are aware of the ongoing battle between the Dark One and the Dragon, known as the Dragon Reborn. The wolves have bestowed upon Rand al'Thor the name "Shadowkiller" in recognition of his true identity. However, it remains uncertain if Rand has caught the attention of the wolves, as his destiny has only just begun.

What Being A Wolfbrother Means For Perrin’s Future

The Wheel of Time season 2 provides insight into Perrin's future based on the questions answered. Perrin's ability and shared enemies with the Dark One make him a crucial ally to the Dragon Reborn. His long-range wolf communication grants him valuable knowledge across various locations, making the wolves indispensable scouts for Perrin. However, their significance is not solely based on their usefulness, as Perrin forms a deep bond with the wolves, much like his relationship with Elyas. The development of this connection is expected to be a significant part of Perrin's arc in season 2.

Furthermore, Elyas's remarks about the relationship between Aes Sedai and Wolfbrothers add another layer of complexity. The books suggest that the inherent distrust between them will influence how Perrin interacts with characters aligned with the Aes Sedai in the future, potentially including Nynaeve and Egwene. Perrin harbors suspicion towards the Aes Sedai and their motives, and his interactions with Elyas serve as a foundation for his future reservations towards them in subsequent seasons.

Perrin’s story in Wheel of Time includes an intriguing tease with the introduction of Hopper. This wolf plays a crucial role in Perrin's journey in the books, specifically helping him explore the Wolf Dream, a dream dimension known as Tel'aran'rhiod in the world of wolves. While typically visited by channelers in their dreams, wolves and Wolfbrothers like Perrin can also access this realm. This adds to Perrin's importance within the overall narrative of the show. Similar to the wolf in the books, Hopper will likely assist Perrin in navigating the Wolf Dream when it is eventually introduced. The Wheel of Time airs new episodes on Amazon Prime Video every Friday.