Revealed: Will Rand Turn Evil in ‘The Wheel of Time’?

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Among the key characters in the hit Amazon Prime fantasy series “The Wheel of Time” is Rand al’Thor (played by Josha Stradowski). Originally a simple shepherd from Emond’s Field, he witnesses his homeland being destroyed by the Dark One, leading him to join forces with the powerful organization known as Aes Sedai. As suspicion falls upon Rand for being The Dragon Reborn, there is renewed hope that he may guide all towards redemption.

On a different note, The Dragon Reborn is likewise affected by the malevolent influence of The Dark One, whose power has the potential to corrupt Rand and bring about the destruction of the world. Despite this, Rand manages to find time for romantic liaisons with several Aes Sedai women, leaving viewers curious about his ultimate choice when The Wheel of Time Season 3 draws to a close in April. As we approach the final four episodes, it’s high time to focus on Rand and unravel the truth behind his situation.

Is Rand the Dragon Reborn?

In “The Wheel of Time,” Rand al’Thor is initially portrayed as a humble sheep farmer residing in Emon Fields close to the Two Rivers region. Notably, this ordinary shepherd is selected by Aes Sedai member Moiraine (played by Rosamund Pike) as the possible human reincarnation of the Dragon, also known as The Dragon Reborn. This powerful figure is said to be the sole entity with the ability to vanquish the malevolent presence referred to as the Dark One. Besides Rand, other potential candidates for this role include Perrin Aybara, Mat Cauthon, and Egwene al’Vere.

In the course of The Great Hunt, Moiraine comes to understand that Rand is indeed the prophesied figure known as The Dragon Reborn. Legendarily, The Dragon Reborn is believed to be the reincarnation of Lews Therin Telamon, a noble character hailing from The Age of Legends. With the Dark One and the Trollocs relentlessly pursuing him with either the intention of destroying or sacrificing The Dragon Reborn to the Shadow, Rand acquires swordfighting skills and enhances his martial prowess. Upon being officially recognized as The Dragon Reborn by the head Aes Sedai, he is secretly whisked away to a remote dimension, shielded from the Dark One’s reach.

Regardless of where he travels or who he encounters romantically, Rand continues to be tainted by the corrupting power of the Dark One. In Season 3, Moiraine and Egwene team up with the intention of safeguarding Rand from this malevolent influence. While Rand shares intimate moments with Selene (Lanfear) in the original books, he forms closer bonds with other women during his travels.

Who Does Rand End Up with in The Wheel of Time?

In the enchanting world of ‘The Wheel of Time’, I found myself in a unique predicament, tying the knot not once, but thrice. My first wife was Elayne Trakand, a remarkable woman who stood by my side after the grueling battle with Ishmael. Together, we were blessed with twins.

Later on, as the pages turned and the seasons unfolded, I found myself exchanging vows with Min Farshaw, a union that started to blossom in Season 3. Despite remaining childless, I found myself spending more time with Min than anyone else, save for Selene, better known as Lanfear, Lews’ former lover who made her grand entrance midway through Season 3.

In the midst of all this, there was a fleeting romance with Egwene, but that tender bond dissolved when I was declared the Dragon Reborn.

In the books, Aviendha is Rand’s third wife who they have quadruplets with, though this hasn’t happened in the TV series so far. However, Min has a vision that they will eventually have four children together, which could still happen. Rand is currently bound to Alanna Mosvani without love, but as we move into Season 3’s remaining episodes, it seems likely that Rand and Min may develop a relationship. Throughout the story, Min spends more time with Rand than his other two wives do.

No matter who Rand eventually pairs up with in the TV show, his goal remains consistent: to vanquish the Dark One at any price. This involves fighting against the corrupting influence seeping into his spirit and drawing upon the virtuousness that resides within him. If he ends up with Min, there’s a higher likelihood of goodness prevailing in him. Should he end up with Selene, there could be an increased risk of him succumbing to evil.

Does Rand Become Evil?

Despite Rand appearing as a fundamentally good human character, when he transforms into The Dragon Reborn and taps into the One Power, the Dark One’s wickedness seeps into his thoughts, actions, and spirit. Instead of just unleashing Trollocs to pursue Rand, the Dark One seeks to manipulate him through his malevolent presence, pushing Rand towards madness and anger. Beneath this turmoil, a noble figure resides within Rand, who struggles to maintain his goodness amidst flaws and poor choices throughout the epic high fantasy story.

In Season 3, Episode 1 of “The Wheel of Time,” titled “To Race the Shadow,” Moiraine and Egwene are seen guarding Rand from the malevolent grasp of the Dark One. By Episode 5, “Tel’aran’rhiod,” Lanfear reveals her genuine emotions to Rand, adding another layer of complexity to his internal battle between good and evil. In one of the books, Rand utilizes his intelligence and arsenal to demolish the Dark One’s prison. An interesting twist is introduced when it’s hinted that both Rand and The Dark One must coexist to fulfill the Pattern, a universal law governing the fabric of reality, making Rand’s character more intricate as he battles between right and wrong.

Consequently, although Rand didn’t ask for the Dark One’s corruption, it falls on him to use his inherent goodness to combat the Dark One, along with its wicked allies. He may not always succeed, but he must draw upon his power as the Dragon Reborn, lean on Moiraine and other Aes Sedai for support, and maintain his romantic relationships for self-protection and to avert the catastrophic “Breaking of the World.” Even though Season 4 hasn’t been confirmed yet, there’s still much more story to unfold in The Wheel of Time.

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2025-03-29 20:32