The Wheel of Time

The Wheel of Time is a high fantasy series written by American author Robert Jordan. The series, comprising fourteen main series novels and a prequel, was first published in 1990 with the novel The Eye of the World and concluded in 2013 with A Memory of Light, which was completed by Brandon Sanderson after Jordan's death in 2007. The series draws on numerous elements of both European and Asian mythology, most notably the cyclical nature of time found in Buddhism and Hinduism, the metaphysical concepts of balance and duality, and a respect for nature found in Daoism. Additionally, its storytelling and character development were influenced by Jordan's experiences as a veteran of the Vietnam War.

Plot Summary

The narrative of The Wheel of Time spans several continents and features a large cast of characters. The story begins in the rural area of the Two Rivers, where five young villagers - Rand al'Thor, Mat Cauthon, Perrin Aybara, Egwene al'Vere, and Nynaeve al'Meara - are thrust into a grand adventure that leads them on a quest against the Dark One, a malevolent entity seeking to break the Wheel of Time and remake the universe in his image. The series explores themes of destiny, free will, and the eternal struggle between light and dark.

Development and Reception

Robert Jordan began writing the first volume, The Eye of the World, in 1984, and it was published in January 1990. The series was originally intended to be a six-book saga but expanded significantly over the years. After Jordan's death, Brandon Sanderson was chosen to complete the series based on extensive notes left by Jordan. The Wheel of Time has been praised for its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and richly detailed world. However, it has also been criticized for its pacing and for the perceived repetitiveness of some plot elements.

Adaptations

The series has been adapted into various media, including a computer game, a role-playing game, and a comic book series. Most notably, in 2021, Amazon Prime Video released a television series adaptation of The Wheel of Time, bringing the epic story to a new generation of fans.

Themes and Influences

The Wheel of Time series is notable for its complex themes of time, memory, and identity, heavily influenced by Jordan's reading of world mythology and his experiences in combat. The cyclical nature of time, a concept borrowed from Eastern philosophies, plays a central role in the narrative, with history in the series being both a record of the past and a prophecy of the future.

Legacy

Since its debut, The Wheel of Time has become one of the best-selling fantasy series of all time, with over 90 million copies sold worldwide. It has left a lasting impact on the fantasy genre, influencing a generation of writers and readers alike.