Summary
The Eye of the World, the first novel in Robert Jordan's epic fantasy series The Wheel of Time, captivated readers upon its release in 1990. This #1 New York Times bestseller introduced millions to a richly imagined world of magic, prophecy, and adventure. Jordan's intricate worldbuilding and complex characters laid the foundation for what would become a 14-book saga spanning over two decades.
The novel's enduring popularity led to its adaptation as a major television series. In 2021, Amazon Prime Video premiered The Wheel of Time, starring Rosamund Pike as the mysterious Aes Sedai, Moiraine Damodred. The show's first season, based primarily on The Eye of the World, brought Jordan's vision to life for a new generation of fans.
Critically acclaimed for its immersive storytelling, The Eye of the World has earned numerous accolades since its publication. It was named one of America's best-loved novels by PBS's The Great American Read, coming in at #62 on their top 100 list. The novel's audiobook version, narrated by Rosamund Pike, won the 2023 Audie Award for Best Female Narrator.
Plot
The Eye of the World begins in the peaceful village of Emond's Field, where three young men—Rand al'Thor, Mat Cauthon, and Perrin Aybara—find their lives forever changed with the arrival of Moiraine Damodred, an Aes Sedai, and her Warder, Lan Mandragoran. When the village is attacked by Trollocs, monstrous beings serving the Dark One, Moiraine reveals that one of the three young men is prophesied to stand against this evil force. Along with Egwene al'Vere and the village Wisdom, Nynaeve al'Meara, they flee their home, pursued by dark forces.
As they journey, the group is separated. Rand and Mat travel with a gleeman named Thom Merrilin, eventually making their way to the city of Caemlyn. Meanwhile, Perrin and Egwene are guided by a man who can communicate with wolves. They face numerous challenges, including an encounter with the Children of the Light, a zealous religious group. Moiraine, Lan, and Nynaeve search for their companions, ultimately reuniting in Caemlyn.
In Caemlyn, Rand has a chance encounter with Elayne Trakand, the daughter-heir of Andor, and meets an Ogier named Loial. The group learns of a threat to the Eye of the World, a pool of untainted male magic. Believing this to be crucial to their quest, they journey to the Blight, a corrupted land on the borders of the Dark One's influence.
At the Eye of the World, they confront two of the Forsaken, powerful servants of the Dark One. In a climactic battle, Rand discovers he can channel the One Power, defeating the Forsaken and a Trolloc army. This revelation leads Moiraine to conclude that Rand is the prophesied Dragon Reborn, destined to fight the Dark One. However, she keeps this information from the male members of the group, setting the stage for the continuing saga.
Themes
Coming of age and personal growth
Destiny versus free will
Good versus evil
Power and its corrupting influence
Loyalty and friendship
The cyclical nature of time and history
Identity and self-discovery
Setting
The Eye of the World is set in a medieval-like fantasy realm known as the Westlands. This world exists in a cyclical timeline where Ages come and go, with history fading into myth and legend over vast stretches of time. The story takes place near the end of the Third Age, as prophesied events begin to unfold that will shape the fate of the world.
The geographical scope of the novel spans much of the western continent, from the remote Two Rivers region in the west to the imposing Mountains of Dhoom in the north. Key locations include the rural village of Emond's Field where the protagonists begin their journey, the cursed city of Shadar Logoth, and the regal capital of Caemlyn. The dangerous area known as the Blight looms to the north, a corrupted wasteland under the Dark One's influence.
Characters
Rand al'Thor: A shepherd from the Two Rivers who discovers he can channel the One Power. Rand is the prophesied Dragon Reborn, destined to fight the Dark One. Stubborn and noble, he struggles with his destiny as he leaves his simple village life behind. Rand's journey forms the core of the story as he grapples with his newfound abilities and role in saving the world.
Egwene al'Vere: A young woman from Emond's Field with the potential to become an Aes Sedai. Determined and quick to learn, Egwene embraces the chance to leave her village and seek adventure. Her strength and adaptability are tested as she faces dangers on the road and begins to discover her own powers.
Matrim (Mat) Cauthon: A mischievous friend of Rand's who reluctantly joins the quest. Mat's carefree nature is challenged by the perils they face, especially after he takes a cursed dagger from Shadar Logoth. His luck and cunning often help the group, though his recklessness sometimes leads to trouble.
Perrin Aybara: A thoughtful blacksmith's apprentice with an unexpected ability to communicate with wolves. Perrin's quiet strength and connection to nature become vital to the group's survival. He struggles with violence and his growing wolf-like instincts as their journey becomes more perilous.
Nynaeve al'Meara: The village Wisdom (healer) who pursues the group to bring them home. Fierce and protective, Nynaeve discovers her own ability to channel. Her stubbornness and healing skills prove invaluable, though she often clashes with Moiraine's authority.
Moiraine Damodred: An Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah searching for the Dragon Reborn. Mysterious and powerful, Moiraine guides the group on their journey while keeping many secrets. Her knowledge and abilities are crucial to their survival, but her manipulations sometimes cause friction within the group.
Lan Mandragoran: Moiraine's Warder and a skilled warrior. Stoic and loyal, Lan protects the group and teaches Rand swordsmanship. His tragic past as the uncrowned king of a fallen nation adds depth to his character.
Thom Merrilin: A gleeman (traveling entertainer) who joins the group. Thom's knowledge of history and politics proves useful, and he becomes a mentor figure to Rand and Mat.
Loial: An Ogier scholar fascinated by human society. Gentle and knowledgeable, Loial aids the group with his understanding of ancient lore and the Ways.
Ba'alzamon: The primary antagonist, believed to be the Dark One. He appears in the dreams of Rand, Mat, and Perrin, tormenting them and trying to turn them to his side.
Quick facts
It was first published on January 15, 1990 as the first book in The Wheel of Time series.
The original unabridged audiobook was narrated by Michael Kramer and Kate Reading.
A later unabridged audiobook edition was narrated by Rosamund Pike, who stars as Moiraine in the TV adaptation.
The book initially consisted of one prologue and 53 chapters.
In 2002, it was split into two separate young adult books: From the Two Rivers and To the Blight.
The split version included a new prologue called “Ravens” focusing on the character Egwene.
Jordan intentionally made the early chapters evoke the Shire from Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.
The book explores themes of power deployment, in contrast to Tolkien's focus on power renunciation.
After the TV series premiered, the book hit #1 on The New York Times Best Seller list for audio fiction in January 2022.
About the Author
Robert Jordan, born James Oliver Rigney Jr. in 1948, was an American author best known for his epic fantasy series The Wheel of Time. A graduate of The Citadel with a degree in physics, Jordan served two tours in Vietnam as a helicopter gunner before embarking on a career as a writer. His military service earned him several distinguished awards, including the Bronze Star and Vietnamese Gallantry Crosses.
Jordan's writing career began in 1977, and he quickly gained recognition for his contributions to the Conan the Barbarian franchise. However, it was The Wheel of Time series that cemented his legacy in the fantasy genre. The series, which spans 14 books and a prequel novel, showcases Jordan's intricate worldbuilding and complex character development. Despite its expansive nature, Jordan maintained a dedicated fan base throughout the series' publication.
Beyond his writing, Jordan was a man of diverse interests. He enjoyed activities such as hunting, fishing, and sailing, as well as intellectual pursuits like chess and pipe collecting. A self-described “High Church” Episcopalian and “libertarian monarchist,” Jordan's personal beliefs often influenced the themes in his works. He lived with his wife and editor, Harriet McDougal, in a historic Charleston home until his passing.
In 2006, Jordan was diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis. Despite facing a challenging prognosis, he continued to work on A Memory of Light, the final installment of The Wheel of Time. Jordan passed away in September 2007, leaving behind a rich literary legacy. The series was later completed by Brandon Sanderson using Jordan's extensive notes, ensuring that his vision for the epic tale would be fully realized.
