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The Forsaken are formidable villains in The Wheel of Time, a fantasy series created by Robert Jordan and adapted by Amazon Prime. They are thirteen channelers who rebelled against humanity in the Age of Legends and pledged themselves to the Dark One.
They are immortal and sinister, and were once revered by Aes Sedai. Referred to as the "Chosen" by Shadow followers, they assisted in commanding the Dark One's forces during the War of Power. They were imprisoned, along with the Dark One, by Lews Therin Telamon, the Dragon of his day. As the seals holding their prison fail, they are coming back into the world.
In Amazon Prime's version, the Forsaken are the primary villains. Characters such as Ishamael and Lanfear have already been introduced, with additional ones featured in The Wheel of Time Season 3. Their abilities, intricate motivations, and history of betrayals fuel much of the tension.
The Wheel of Time TV adaptation modifies their backstories somewhat to accommodate the pace of the series, but their fundamental traits are intact. These villains bring danger, manipulation, and destruction wherever they go.
Origins and role in the Age of Legends
The Forsaken were once great Aes Sedai in the Age of Legends, a time of peace, advancement, and profound understanding of the One Power. They were disillusioned with the world, though. They wanted to live forever and be free of moral limitations.
They joined the Dark One. They turned during the War of Power and were generals, scientists, and manipulators for the Shadow's armies. Their treachery brought widespread destruction. They utilized their abilities and power to disrupt society and spread anarchy.
Lews Therin Telamon, the Dragon of his time, spearheaded the sealing of the prison of the Dark One, imprisoning the Forsaken along with him. Although this concluded the war, it did not eradicate the threat. Through time, the deterioration of the seals has permitted several Forsaken to break free, becoming primary threats once more.
The Forsaken featured in Amazon's The Wheel of Time Series
The Wheel of Time on Amazon Prime has introduced many Forsaken in its seasons. Their plots are taken from the books but retold for TV. Ishamael and Lanfear have already been showcased earlier in the series, while The Wheel of Time Season 3 features Moghedien, Sammael, and Rahvin in the forefront.
Ishamael: The Betrayer of Hope
Ishamael is introduced in Season 1. He seems to be the Dark One initially, but later turns out to be his second-in-command. He is called the Betrayer of Hope and is the strongest of the Forsaken. He wants to break the cycle of rebirth and kill existence itself.
He manipulates Rand al'Thor's friends to influence Rand to the Shadow side in Season 2. His power to shield Moiraine from the One Power displays his strength. Ishamael is slain in Falme by Rand, but his presence continues through Season 3.
Lanfear: Daughter of the Night
Lanfear is seen in Season 2, first in disguise as Selene, an innkeeper who is friendly with Rand. Her true nature is revealed once Ishamael shatters her prison seal. Lanfear was romantically involved with Lews Therin in the past, and she is obsessed with Rand (his reincarnation), which motivates her.
She can control Tel'aran'rhiod, the World of Dreams, and employs it to influence individuals. She allies herself with Moiraine and Rand in Season 3 briefly, though she is still working for the Shadow.
Moghedien: The Spider
Moghedien has a minor appearance toward the end of Season 2 and an increased role in Season 3. She prefers to operate behind the scenes, by fear and manipulation rather than direct conflict. She shares skill with Lanfear in Tel’aran’rhiod and is often the attacker through dreams. Her methods are targeted at characters such as Nynaeve and Egwene, turning their fears against them.
Sammael: The Grudge-Bearer
Sammael is introduced in Season 3 as a retired general from the Age of Legends. He became a member of the Shadow because he was jealous of Lews Therin. Sammael is arrogant and famous for his military tactics. In the show, he is a political and military threat, opposing Rand and the forces of Light.
Rahvin: The Diplomatic Manipulator
Rahvin also appears in Season 3 as Lord Gaebril, whom he resembles. He specializes in compulsion, a talent that enables him to manipulate people. Rahvin employs his charm to gain leverage in the royal court of Andor. His political ambitions and magical prowess render him a formidable hindrance to Rand and his supporters.
Other Forsaken from The Wheel of Time Books
The book series includes eight additional Forsaken that have not yet shown up in the show but could in future seasons of The Wheel of Time:
- Demandred: A military commander and Lews Therin's arch-nemesis.
- Semirhage: Torturer who enjoys causing pain and uses it as a weapon.
- Aginor: Scientist behind creating Trollocs and Myrddraal.
- Graendal: Ex-psychologist who uses compulsion to manipulate others.
- Balthamel: A rotting figure who poisons the land.
- Asmodean: Musician, artist with divided loyalties.
- Be'lal: Also called the Netweaver due to his guile and plots.
- Mesaana: Spies in the White Tower and inspires inner turmoil.
These Forsaken have unique skills and histories. Each presents an additional level of conflict and challenge for Rand and his friends.
The Forsaken's role in the story
The Forsaken are at the center of the conflict in both The Wheel of Time books and the television series. They are the Dark One’s most loyal agents, each with their own agenda but working for the Shadow. They push the main characters to their limits, testing their strength, morality, and determination.
In the series, not all thirteen Forsaken will be appearing. Only chosen ones will be revealed, based on how they fit into Rand’s story and the timeline of the show. This will enable the series to use the most important villains every season without losing the essence of the narrative.
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The Forsaken are integral to The Wheel of Time’s villainy, embodying the peril of power gained at the expense of ambition. Their presence guarantees that the struggle between Light and Shadow is far from finished.
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