The Prophecy of Rhuidean

“The stone that never falls will fall to announce his coming. Of the blood, but not raised by the blood, he will come from Rhuidean at dawn, and tie you together with bonds you cannot break. He will take you back, and he will destroy you.” ⁹

     The Prophecy of Rhuidean stated that a man would come, the Car’a’carn.  This man would be the chief of chiefs, and he was

Artwork by Joe Trimarchi

to unite the Aiel clans.  Also known as He Who Comes With the Dawn, his coming would also cause the destruction of a large part of the Aiel people.  Only a remnant of a remnant would survive his coming.

     Rand al’Thor was faced with great challenges on his journey to Rhuidean.  The penalty for a wetlander entering Rhuidean was death.  A brash young Aielman named Couladin sought to prevent Rand from entering Rhuidean.  It was Couladin, who eventually became the leader of the rebel Shaido Aiel, who refuted Rand’s claim as the Car’a’carn , despite the two dragons clear upon Rand’s arms after his return from Rhuidean.  Couladin refused to accept a wetlander as the chief of chiefs, claiming Rand was soft and weak.

     The Car’a’carn, however, is not privileged with the absolute power of a wetlander King or Queen.  He is simply a chief among chiefs; he is expected to listen to his advisors, and is in general treated as any other man might be.

     It was also prophesied that the Car’a’carn would be born of a Maiden of the Spear.  A baby born of a Maiden was always given to an adoptive family, as Maidens were not allowed to raise their own children.  Thus Rand was the first son ever to come back to the Maidens, and the Maidens made themselves his personal guard.  They also have a very special relationship with Rand, most treating him as either a son or as a brother.

     The coming of the Car’a’carn has made life difficult for many of the Aiel.  His revelation of the early history of the Aiel has led to many warriors giving up their way of life.  The Bleakness has reduced Rand’s following by a substantial amount.  Many of these warriors, refusing to believe the truth Rand speaks, have sought refuge with the Shaido Aiel.

     Many of the Aiel, particularly the Wise Ones, are concerned that Rand does not truly see himself as Aiel.  This has led to a struggle of sorts, as the Wise Ones strive to make sure that the “remnant of a remnant” is as large as possible.

     Rand’s coming has given the Aiel a chance to prove themselves, and they have proven themselves equal to every task set before them.

All chapter icons and references to The Wheel of Time are copyrighted by Tor Books and Robert Jordan.  All computer renders are copywrited by their owners.   All pictures from the collectible card game are copyrighted by Precedence Entertainment and their respective creators.  Website design, graphics, summaries, and text are copyrighted by Michael Mackert.

webmaster@wotmania.com