Unlocking the Secrets of The Wheel of Time’s Hidden Regions and Locations!

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Exploring the vast and sometimes perplexing world of ‘The Wheel of Time’ can be a daunting task. Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with our comprehensive guide map, highlighting key locations such as Tanchico, the capital of Tarabon, Rhiudean nestled deep within the Aiel Waste (or the Three-Fold Land, as it is known by the Aiel people), and the Two Rivers, alongside numerous other significant spots.

This article offers a comprehensive overview of significant areas, cities, and locations within the ‘Wheel of Time’ book series. For an engaging, interactive map, visit The Wheel of Time Maps.

Andor

Our tale finds its roots here. This place, encompassing the Two Rivers and Emond’s Field, lies at the farthest east in Andor. Andor extends from the Misty Mountains to the River Erinin, with Caemlyn as its grand capital city. It is the largest and most influential nation west of The Spine of the World, governed by Queen Morgase, whose daughter Elayne is destined to rule next. This region is pivotal in the world of ‘The Wheel of Time’ and is landlocked, with Cairhien to its west and the Almoth Plain beyond the Misty Mountains to the east.

Andor has historically maintained a close bond with Tar Valon, the seat of Aes Sedai authority. Each Andoran queen is required to undergo tutelage at the White Tower before ascending the throne, which explains why Elayne was dispatched for Aes Sedai training. Queen Morgase’s counselor is Elaida, a prominent and influential member of the Aes Sedai.

Tar Valon

The city of Tar Valon serves as the central hub of power for the Amyrlin Seat, the leader and maternal figure of the Aes Sedai order. Situated on an island within the river Erinin, it lies at the border between Andor and Cairhien. This significant location plays a pivotal role throughout the epic saga known as The Wheel of Time. Two characters hailing from the Two Rivers, Egwene and Nynaeve, embark on their journey to master the art of channelling here, ultimately employing their powers to aid Rand al’Thor in fulfilling his destiny as the Dragon Reborn. The White Tower, a stunning architectural marvel, stands as the Aes Sedai’s stronghold within Tar Valon. Notably, this structure was crafted by Ogiers, much like our acquaintance Loial. In fact, Ogier influence can be seen throughout the entirety of Tar Valon in its distinctive architecture.

Throughout the Western territories, Tar Valon and the Aes Sedai are both renowned and respected for their formidable powers. They stand alone as the only females in the world who can harness the One Power. These groups consist of various divisions, and many of them serve as counselors to leaders across the Western lands.

Cairhien

Cairhien serves as another influential city-state within the Western Lands and is where Moiraine resides. Originating from the prestigious House Damodred, she shares familial ties with Elayne, Galad, and Gawyn through her brother. The city itself is deeply divided; the impoverished Foregate contrasts starkly with the aristocratic district. In the novels and television series, Rand’s adventures in Cairhien predominantly revolve around Selene, who goes by Lanfear the Forsaken in the books. An intriguing difference lies in how their encounters unfold: in the novels, Rand discovers a lost Selene in the woods, while in the series, he is involved with Selene, an innkeeper located outside of the Foregate.

Cairhien is one of the riskier locations that Rand encounters throughout the series. In the novels, he becomes entangled in Daes Dae’mar, the intricate political game involving the noble families of Cairhien and their secrets. In the television adaptation, his safety is jeopardized by various parties such as the noble houses, Selene/Lanfear, and ultimately, Aes Sedai who aim to confine him during the season two finale.

Tear

In the series, Tear serves as a significant area and houses the famed Stone of Tear. Wealthy beyond compare, it stands as a vital trading hub and port. The Stone of Tear is renowned for its impregnable walls, where the High Lords of Tear safeguard Callandor, a sword only the Dragon can wield. The proverb goes, “He who possesses the Stone of Tear rules over Tear, city and realm.

In essence, Callandor serves a role similar to Excalibur within The Wheel of Time’s narrative, being one of several references to Arthurian lore. Tear, on the other hand, is a locale that houses Min and Siuan Sanche, the Amyrlin Seat, and it thrives economically through its fishing sector and commerce.

Shienar

Shienar is among the five northern territories that primarily concentrate on defending against the Blight, a decay caused by the Dark One’s influence. These territories constantly battle hordes of Trollocs and various creatures to safeguard themselves and the regions located further south.

In the TV series’ first season, Shienar is governed by a late lord who leads his troops in a battle against the Blight. This land serves as a secondary residence for Lan, our stoic warder, who was once the king of fallen Malkier, also affected by the Blight. As the final destination before the Two Rivers people reach the Eye of the World, Shienar plays a pivotal role in setting off events that lead to Ishamael’s release and the significant battles between Rand and the Forsaken.

Tarabon

In pursuit of the Black Ajah, Nynaeve, Mat, Elayne, and Min travel to Tanchico, which serves as the capital of Tarabon. Known for its deceitful ways and unique traditions, Tanchico is a city that demands caution. Tarabon is governed by both a king and a Panarch, with the nobility forming the majority of its ruling body. This region, predominantly made up of port cities, thrives on its export trade.

Additionally, Tarabon lays claim to the contested Almoth Plain, a territory that has long been at the center of disagreement between Tarabon and Arad Doman. The chief city within this region is Falme, where Rand asserted his Dragon identity following his confrontation with Ishamael and the Seanchan.

The Aiel Waste a.k.a. The Three-Fold Land

In their own terminology, the Aiel Wastes, also known as the Three-Fold Land, serves as the ancestral home of the Aiel tribe, lying far beyond the Western Lands’ longest mountain range, the colossal Spine of the World.

Previously established is that Rand’s true origin lies amongst the Aiel, hailing from the Dragonmount slopes near Tar Valon during the Aiel War. Despite his repeated claims denying his heritage, driven by a curiosity about his birth parents’ people, Rand embarks on a journey to the Aiel Waste. To fulfill the role of the Dragon or Car’a’carn, he must undergo the Rhiudean trial, similar to every other Aiel chief. The Aiel are pivotal to Rand’s transformation into the Dragon Reborn and also play significant roles in Moiraine and Egwene’s adventures.

Illian

After the confrontation at Falme, the Horn of Valere has become a source of great excitement, and it is in Illian where the Great Hunt commences. The commissioning of the Hunters takes place in the Grand Square of Tammaz, with Faile, a female hunter seeking the Horn, among them. Illian is governed by a King and the Council of Nine, and they are enemies of Tear. Similar to the Seanchan and other nations, Illian experiences infiltration by the Forsaken and holds significant strategic importance for the Dragon as well.

Ghealdan

Ghealdan is a modest nation nestled between the Misty Mountains and Garen’s Barrier. Its leader goes by the title ‘Defender of Garen’s Barrier.’ To its north lies Andor, while to the south it touches Amadicia, home to the Whitecloaks, and Altara. This area is significant as it was where the pretender known as Logain proclaimed himself the Dragon; he was subsequently apprehended and detained by the Aes Sedai.

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2025-03-06 01:17