by Simon Cohen

Created on: November 26, 2010

The Wheel of Time was begun by James Oliver Rigney Jr., under the name  Robert Jordan over 20 years ago, and after his death 3 years ago continued by acclaimed novelist Brandon Sanderson (author of the Mistborn series). The series now spans 14 books (to be 15 by March 2012), and follows them through the eyes of the 3 main characters: Rand al Thor; Matt Cauthon; and Perrin Aybara.

The underlying theme of the book is good vs. evil, but what makes it such an epic tale is the breadth of detail that Jordan infuses into not only the major characters, but also the places and minor characters. In the books the main protagonist, Rand al Thor, is the Dragon Reborn, an almost mythical figure who is to do battle with the "The Dark One" at a final battle to determine the fate of mankind. It was prophesized that he would die in this battle.

The book follows his trials and tribulations trying at first to accept the role that has been thrust upon him, and then trying to unite the lands under a common banner. Whilst Rand is the main character, makes clear that in order to win the final battle, Rand will need the help of his childhood friends Matt and Perrin. The 3 are split up at the end of the first book and are never really all together again. By breaking up the characters, Jordan is able to develop the other 2 characters so the reader feels a strong bond to all 3.

 The books draw heavily from many of the world’s religions. The idea of someone dying to save mankind is reminiscent of Jesus Christ. The books also heavily feature reincarnation, a Hindu belief, and, as the title suggests, a Wheel of Time. This wheel has neither beginning nor end, and as long as the Creator is in existence, it will turn forever, which is also reminiscent of Buddhism.

As well as good vs. evil, the book explores many other themes. Foremost among them is the responsibility to do what is right over doing what is easy. Many times throughout the book, the heroes are tempted to turn away from the great destinies and trade them for a simpler life.

Another underlying theme is that no man is an island; in the last few books Rand tries to harden himself from others, to keep himself distant so that he will be able to make the ultimate sacrifice. He then realises that, in order to overcome the ultimate evil, he needs love rather than cold. There has been much speculation about how the majestic series will end, but I guess only the spinning of the wheel will tell us.

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