THE WHEEL OF TIME Goes to Rhuidean in Season 3

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Based on the latest trailer for season three of “The Wheel of Time“, fans of Robert Jordan’s novels won’t find it unexpected that the series is heading to Rhuidean. During a visit to the set, showrunner Rafe Judkins told TopMob, “We dedicated a significant amount of our time and resources this season to crafting Rhuidean and making it work.” He added, “It may be either the most adored or the most criticized episode of ‘Wheel of Time’ due to its peculiar nature.” In the books, Rhuidean is a unique and unusual experience. Here’s some background on why Rhuidean holds significance—without revealing any spoilers from the storyline.

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What Is Rhuidean?

In the fourth book of “The Wheel of Time” series, titled “The Shadow Rising”, we encounter the city of Rhuidean situated within the Aiel Waste. Constructed by the Aiel after the World’s Breaking, the identity of the clan responsible for building this city will be revealed later in the story. Despite its size and potential to accommodate numerous Aiel inhabitants, Rhuidean stands empty. Instead, it serves as a destination for certain Aiel during a rite of passage. Scattered across its central square are ter’angreal and other objects connected to the One Power. The presence of such items suggests that the Aes Sedai might have played a role in helping the Aiel construct Rhuidean.

Why Is Rhuidean Important in The Wheel of Time?

It’s noted that not every Aiel ventures to Rhuidean – only their leaders (clan chiefs and Wise Ones) do so. They make this journey to gain insight into the roots of the Aiel people, which serves as a kind of test or rite of passage for them as they assume their roles. Not everyone who enters Rhuidean emerges alive; some find the truth about their past too difficult to bear. The visions that clan chiefs experience can be quite powerful. According to Aiel custom, “The law is unambiguous: no woman may visit Rhuidean more than twice, no man more than once, and none at all unless they have Aiel blood.

People who go to Rhuidean tend to keep their visions and knowledge of the Aiel’s history to themselves, as it is rarely discussed or shared with outsiders. The clan leaders and Wise Ones are privy to what transpires within this city, but others remain unaware. This secrecy surrounding Rhuidean plays a crucial role in selecting suitable candidates for leadership among the Aiel. Furthermore, some other characters from the TV series have ties to this mysterious location, but we won’t reveal those connections just yet to avoid spoilers – you’ll need to watch and discover them for yourself.

The Wheel of Time season three premieres on March 13.

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2025-02-24 17:03