In the late hours of Cape Town, stars twinkled against a backdrop of smoke-scented night sky from small bonfires. The Wheel of Time team had magically transformed an outdoor space near the studio into the Aiel Waste. Tents with rustic charm dotted the area, along with actors portraying Aiel warriors. TopMob was among three reporters witnessing al’Lan Mandragoran (Daniel Henney) engage in combat with Aviendha (Ayoola Smart), using a sword versus a spear.
Aviendha underwent a significant change following the battle: shattering her spears and embarking on her journey as a trainee Wise One in Rhuidean. Now that she’s successfully navigated the challenges of Rhuidean, the Prime Video adaptation based on Robert Jordan’s novels is set to delve further into the expansive Three-fold Land. Here’s some insight into how they’re faithfully recreating the Aiel Waste for the screen.
What Is the Aiel Waste in The Wheel of Time?
The TV adaptation of “The Wheel of Time” has ventured beyond the Spine of the World, a mountain range that borders the western edge of the Aiel Wasteland. Rand al’Thor and his group moved directly to Rhuidean, yet they still have much unexplored terrain in the unforgiving climate. The Aiel Waste, a barren desert, is not inviting or comfortable. Though its layout remains a mystery, Aiel septs have set up settlements scattered throughout this arid land. In the third season of “The Wheel of Time”, portions of the Aiel Waste were filmed at Cape Town Film Studios, such as the encampment where the Wise Ones snapped Aviendha’s spears in episode four. However, filming also took place elsewhere in South Africa to portray the vast, desolate feel of the Aiel Wasteland.
Cold Rocks Hold in The Wheel of Time
Rand emerged from Rhuidean bearing two tattoos, symbolizing him as their long-awaited Car’a’carn. With much to learn about his Aiel ancestry, particularly if he aims to mobilize them into an army, he plans to continue interacting with the Taardad Aiel. Their dwelling is known as Cold Rocks Hold. Constructed in film studios, this hold was surprisingly expansive, featuring intricate pathways and staircases that led to compact residences.
The stage was strategically positioned among large artificial rocks modeled after real desert rocks, as revealed by production designer Ondřej Nekvasil. Painters utilized these natural formations as their muse and spent considerable time studying and experimenting with the texture to ensure it mirrored the on-location scenery. In a lighthearted moment, Nekvasil referred to their operation as a “big rock workshop.” Production on the rocks began in July 2023 for filming in early 2024. Each rock was given a name, such as “Section C,” to facilitate easier organization during set construction.
In this creative setup, Cold Rocks Hold boasts a modest water supply. One wall functioned as a water source, with a constant drip that kept it cool and shaded. This accumulated moisture served as an irrigation system for a small, verdant room housing herbs and vegetables. The aroma of fresh greenery filled the area, creating a tranquil Aiel-style greenhouse – a lush, magical oasis nestled at the end of a corridor. It’s the presence of water that allows the Taardad to thrive within this dwelling.
As Rand explores the Aiel Waste, he uncovers more about his lineage. Meanwhile, Moirane and Egwene are receiving instruction from the Wise Ones. Rosamund Pike highlighted Moiraine’s fascination with the Wise Ones’ capacity to access the World of Dreams. She explained, “The Wise Ones of Aiel culture share a unique connection with the Aes Sedai. What sets these Wise Ones apart is their prophetic dreams. They can see visions in their sleep, which Moiraine is beginning to recognize as a valuable skill for her. If only she could dream, it would enable her to accomplish much while sleeping, making her work never-ending. For Moiraine, this would be perfect, allowing her to work tirelessly.
Moiraine might be drawn more towards the Realm of Dreams, or Tel’aran’rhiod, due to her work with the Dragon Reborn. On the other hand, Egwene appears to possess an innate talent for navigating it. The Wise Ones are eager to instruct her in this skill. Madeleine Madden pondered how the incidents of season two shaped Egwene. Although those events were harrowing, Madden stated, they demonstrated to Egwene that she was stronger than she thought. Madden continued, “This chapter is another intriguing one, and as an actor, it’s captivating to delve into the concept of dreamwalking and entering Tel’aran’rhiod. You can voluntarily enter this dream world, and you can also invade other people’s dreams from there. However, it’s extremely risky. It’s been a power and ability that I’ve relished expanding upon and bringing to life with our exceptional actors who portray the Wise Ones. It’s provided a fresh, exciting dynamic on set.
New episodes of The Wheel of Time season three drop on Thursdays on Prime Video.
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2025-03-27 16:03