Warning: Spoilers for The Wheel of Time season 3, episode 7
The Wheel of Timeseason 3 brought Aram back into the fold, finally laying the groundwork for a crucial ark from Robert Jordan’s novels. Prior to his single-episode appearance in season 1, it was unclear if the TV show’s take on Aram was meant to share the same level of importance to the narrative as his counterpart fromThe Wheel of Timebooks, but “Goldeneyes” has made that scenario highly likely.
The Tuatha’an re-entered the picture inThe Wheel of Timeseason 3, episode 7when they showed up at the Two Rivers in search of shelter from the Trollocs. But because of their pacifistic ways, Perrin Aybara naturally couldn’t count on them for assistance in the upcoming Battle of Emond’s Field; instead, he used them to protect the children. When their plan to escort the children out of the Two Rivers went awry, one of their own - Aram - found himself going against the Way of the Leaf. In taking up a weapon and killing a Trolloc, Aram violated his people’s belief systems, but also set up a major story arc from the source material.
Aram’s Role In The Wheel Of Time’s Story Explained
After Giving Up The Way Of The Leaf, Aram Becomes A Warrior Devoted To Protecting Perrin
Similar to what happens in the show, the Tuatha’an get wrapped up in the conflict between the Two Rivers folk and the Trollocs, with his group seeking refuge in the village. After noticing the weapons gathered for the villagers to use against the Trollocs, Aram picked up a sword and refused to give it up when ordered by one of his fellow Tuatha’an, effectively renouncing the Way of the Leaf. During the Battle of Emond’s Field (the samebattle depicted inThe Wheel of Timeseason 3, episode 7), Perrin rescued Aram, and in turn, formed a powerful bond.
I’m Starting To Suspect The Wheel Of Time Has Cut Perrin’s Greatest Wolfbrother Ability
The Wheel of Time show needs to make cuts from the book story, but there’s one Perrin narrative element that I’m worried will be omitted entirely.
Aram became Perrin’s self-appointed bodyguardinThe Wheel of Timebooks, with their partnership beginning in book 6,Lord of Chaos. Due to this role he had taken on,Aram became a lasting member of Perrin’s entourage, accompanying him to numerous locations onThe Wheel of Time’smap, including Caemlyn, Cairhein, and Ghealden. As a mainstay of Perrin’s group,Aram was involved in one way or another in most of the Perrin arcs that followedThe Shadow Rising. Aram also took part in several of the books' major battles, including the fight at Dumai’s Wells inA Crown of Swords.
Perrin May Be In Need Of A New Ally In Season 4
Image via Prime Video
Based on what happened in the new episode, the timing of Aram’s return couldn’t be anymore apt.Perrin just lost his most trusted ally in Loial, who gave his life in a remarkable change to the books when he sacriced himself to close the Waygate from the inside. With Loial dead,The Wheel of Timehas let go of one of the most important supporting characters in Perrin’s story, leaving Faile, Bain, and Chiad as the remaining members of his inner circle. The role of Perrin’s best friend is now left open, possibly for a new character to fill.
…unless the show reverses course and finally introduces Gaul, it looks like Aram is in a good position to take Loial’s place as Perrin’s right-hand man.
In the books, Perrin has an assortment of characters he can lean on in his adventures, with his biggest allies aside from Faile, Bain, and Chiad being Gaul, Loial, and Aram. From the looks of things,Gaul has been cut fromThe Wheel of Time, as evidenced by Perrin freeing Aviendha from a cage in season 2, which is how Perrin met Gaul in book 3,The Dragon Reborn. So unless the show reverses course and finally introduces Gaul, it looks like Aram is in a good position to take Loial’s place as Perrin’s right-hand man moving forward.
Aram’s Next Wheel Of Time Story Will Most Likely Differ From The Books
Perrin Wasn’t Captured In The Shadow Rising
While it’s true that Aram is now on track to follow in the footsteps of the book character, that’s not to say his next appearance will be lifted directly from the aftermath ofThe Shadow Rising. That’s because the show didn’t copyThe Shadow Rising’sending for Perrin; rather than end with the Two Rivers folks refusing the Whitecloaks' efforts to arrest Perrin, he surrendered to Dain Bornhald’s men. As a result,Perrin is now set to beginThe Wheel of Timeseason 4 in the custody of the Whitecloaks.Since that didn’t happen in the book, it’s unclear where that leaves Aram.
InLord of Chaos, Aram and Perrin formed a friendship in the Two Rivers and the two left the village together, along with Gaul, Loial, and the other members of their group.Perrin’s surprising capturecomplicates any plan for this to happen, but it’s possible that Faile will work to free Perrin, and turn to the Two Rivers folk for help. Aram will likely be cast out by the Tuatha’an over his decision to use violence, and it was indicated by his exchange with Egwene’s mother that he’ll be taken in by the village.
Aram didn’t appear in the book betweenThe Shadow RisingandLord of Chaos-The Fires of Heaven- because it didn’t include any storyline for Perrin.
If the Two Rivers remains relevant to Perrin’s story, he could wind up playing a role in any attempt by the people of the Two Rivers to rescue Perrin. After all, it would make sense for them to feel guilt over his capture and attempt to help him in some way. This could include Aram, even though Perrin didn’t personally save his life in “Goldeneyes.”
The Wheel Of Time Already Has The Framework For Aram’s Biggest Story
Aram Joins Up With Masema In The Books
When it comes to Aram’s long-term future in the series, it’s worth noting that the foundation for that has already been building. InThe Wheel of Timeseason 2’s ending, Masema Daggar was among those who witnessed Rand being proclaimed the Dragon Reborn in Falme. The implications of this particular detail extend all the way to Aram’s story, considering that the two eventually become allies.
Inspired by what he saw in Falme, theMasema fromThe Wheel of Timebookstook it upon himself to become the Prophet of the Dragon. But Masema did more than just support Rand, he developed fanatical views and a cult-like following that he exploited for his own ends. He drove a wedge between Perrin and Aram, even going as far as to bring Aram around to his way of thinking. There’s a good chance that with both Aram and Masema being on hand,The Wheel of Timewill tell this story sooner or later.
The Wheel of Time
Cast
The Wheel of Time follows Moiraine, a member of the powerful all-female organization Aes Sedai, as she leads a perilous quest with five young individuals. Moiraine suspects one among them could be the prophesized reincarnation of a mighty figure destined to either save or doom humanity.
