The Wheel of Time: 4 best candidates to mentor Rand as Moiraine seeks a teacher

In The Wheel of Time, Moiraine's role of mentoring Rand al'Thor — the Dragon Reborn — has been dramatically altered. She is no longer a consistent force of control and guidance, as the extent to which she can direct Rand's training has now been constrained, especially with regard to the One Power. With Moiraine deprived of access to the Power, and with Rand's growing autonomy, there has been a growing distance between master and apprentice.

With the burden of prophecy weighing on Rand and the unstable nature of saidin tearing at his sanity, the quest to find a new mentor is not only practical — it is necessary. The change triggers questions paramount to Rand's journey: If Moiraine can no longer guide Rand, who can? Also, who can instruct the Dragon Reborn now that Moiraine no longer can?

These are not just hypothetical questions — they reflect a richer story arc of the show and the source books. Rand is now forced to seek out other sources of mentoring to prepare for the colossal burden facing him.

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The following four characters are possible contenders to mentor Rand in Moiraine's absence

1. Logain Ablar

Logain is the most evident choice when it comes to someone who understands the burden of male channelers. A former self-proclaimed Dragon now humbled and back to the One Power, Logain's experience reflects many of the temptations Rand must endure: the allure of power, the terror of madness, and the burden of expectation.

Logain in the series is both introspective and powerful, a man who has returned with wisdom. His experience provides Rand with information about the price of saidin and how to endure its perils without losing oneself. Although not ideologically on Rand's side, Logain is one of the only living men who can discuss his experiences with firsthand knowledge.

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2. Lan Mandragoran

Although Lan is unable to channel, his worth as a mentor cannot be overlooked. As Moiraine's Warder and a man characterized by discipline and unflinching devotion, Lan provides the sort of pragmatic wisdom that Rand does not have. His lessons are not based on the Power, but on the code of obligation and the strength of the human spirit.

Rand's increasing alienation from his friends and inner conflict over destiny leave him in dire need of someone who can ground him emotionally. Lan's guidance would be about inner strength and emotional awareness — abilities that Rand must have to handle the Power without being overwhelmed by it. Their relationship need not be mystical, but would still be crucial.

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3. Thom Merrilin

A former court bard and gleeman, Thom is among the most seasoned and well-rounded members of Rand's circle. As he provides no instruction in the One Power, his strategic thinking and mastery of history and diplomacy position him well to set Rand up for the political and prophetic aspects of his role.

Both in the books and on television, Thom is shown to be a behind-the-scenes person, manipulating events wisely instead of by force. His association with Moiraine's family and concern for Rand give him a personal interest in the young man's destiny. Thom might be able to instruct Rand in the game that he's now playing, beyond swords and channeling.

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4. Ishamael

Menacing, manipulative, and profoundly intelligent, Ishamael is a mentor only in the worst sense of the word — but a mentor, nonetheless. With no equal as a Forsaken, knowing more about the One Power and the Pattern's cyclical nature, Ishamael tests Rand in ways no other friend can. His purpose is not to aid but to provoke.

Through philosophical argument and psychological manipulation, Ishamael confronts Rand with the lesser side of his fate. Not a teacher by conventional standards, he is a shadow mentor challenging Rand to resolve his commitment and make himself clear. Whether in opposition or coercion, Ishamael's influence in forming Rand cannot be denied.

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Moiraine's position in Rand's life is changing from a teacher to remote mentor, as is the direction of the show and the themes of the source material. As Rand becomes more powerful, he is no longer able to look to Moiraine for guidance. Logain provides emotional and raw Power experience, Lan offers emotional and philosophical stability, Thom contributes political and historical perspective, and Ishamael gives Rand purpose.

Each character could give a unique form of mentorship — none are wholly ideal, but all are meaningful. In a world coming apart at the seams, Rand's survival might depend on not one mentor but on the lessons derived from all four.

Also read: The Wheel of Time Season 3 introduced a channeler and she is more than meets the eye