Episode 4 Breakdown: Rhuidean from Leaf to Spear

In Wheel of Time Season 3, Episode 4, Rand’s journey through Rhuidean takes center stage, offering a stunning dive into the history of the Aiel and his own ancestry. The Glass Columns force him to relive pivotal moments, from the Aiel’s cultural split. Lanfear’s past is also recontextualized, showcasing her as a brilliant scientist rather than just Lews Therin’s lover. Moiraine’s trial mirrors his, intertwining their fates. This episode is a masterclass in lore expansion, visually breathtaking and deeply emotional, making it one of the strongest episodes of the series.

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In The Wheel of Time, a humble farm boy, Rand al’Thor, learns he is The Dragon Reborn—a dangerous figure from history destined to save the world … or break it. The Wheel of Time turns, and the Last Battle approaches. After defeating Ishamael, one of the most powerful of the Forsaken, at the end of Season Two, Rand reunites with his friends in the city of Falme and is declared the Dragon Reborn. But in Season Three, the threats against the Light are multiplying: the White Tower stands divided, the Black Ajah run free, old enemies return to the Two Rivers, and the remaining Forsaken are in hot pursuit of the Dragon… including Lanfear, whose relationship with Rand will mark a crucial choice between Light and Dark for them both. As the ties to his past begin to unravel, and his corrupted power grows stronger, Rand becomes increasingly unrecognizable to his closest allies, Moiraine and Egwene. These powerful women, who started the series as teacher and student, must now work together to prevent the Dragon from turning to the Dark…no matter the cost. The Wheel of Time series on Prime Video has solidified its place as a monumental success for the platform. Based on Robert Jordan's beloved and epic fantasy book series, the show weaves a tale of magic, destiny, and adventure that has captured the imagination of fans worldwide. In 2021, Season One launched as the biggest original series debut in Prime Video history at the time, excelling in both reach and subscriber acquisition. It continues to remain among the top three series debuts of all time on Prime Video behind The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and Fallout. Overall, the show has generated more than 100 million viewers worldwide to-date. Additionally, both Seasons One and Two are Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, further cementing the show's critical acclaim. The Wheel of Time serves as a cornerstone of Amazon MGM Studios' suite of successful, high-quality tentpole fantasy series, and together, these series underscore the studio's leadership in delivering premium storytelling to a global audience. The Wheel of Time stars Rosamund Pike (Saltburn, Gone Girl) as Moiraine Damodred, Daniel Henney (Criminal Minds) as al’Lan Mandragoran, Josha Stradowski (Gran Turismo) as Rand al’Thor, Zoë Robins (Power Rangers Ninja Steel) as Nynaeve al'Meara, Madeleine Madden (Dora and the Lost City of Gold) as Egwene al'Vere, Marcus Rutherford (Obey) as Perrin Aybara, Dónal Finn (Rogue Heroes) as Mat Cauthon, Ceara Coveney (Young Wallander) as Elayne Trakand, Sophie Okonedo (Hotel Rwanda, Slow Horses) as Siuan Sanche, Kate Fleetwood (Harlots) as Leandrin Guirale, Natasha O’Keeffe (Peaky Blinders) as Lanfear, Ayoola Smart (Killing Eve) as Aviendha, Kae Alexander (Game of Thrones) as Min Farshaw, Priyanka Bose (Lion) as Alanna Mosvani, Taylor Napier (Hanna) as Maksim, Hammed Animashaun (Black Ops) as Loial, Meera Syal (The Devil’s Hour) as Verin Mathwin, Jennifer Cheon Garcia (Van Helsing series) as Leane, Johann Myers (Halo series) as Padan Fain, Jay Duffy (Northern Lights) as Dain Bornhald, Laia Costa (The Diplomat) as Moghedien, Isabella Bucceri (Everything In Between) as Faile Bashere, Olivia Williams (Dune: Prophecy, The Crown) as Queen Morgase Trakand, and Shohreh Aghdashloo (House of Saddam, The Penguin) as Elaida do Avriny a’Roihan. #thewheeloftime

[kristinal-ghoul]

I loved that Josha actually played all his ancestors--it was so well put together and he did a masterful job portraying all of them! Definitely the best episode of the series so far.

[khemanig]

As someone that hasn't read the books but loves lore and worldbuilding this was such a magnificent episode

[JeffreyBaughman-fkld]

What an incredible episode! The scope and lore of this world expanded greatly for me as a casual book reader. Probably one of the best episodes of fantasy or scifi television I've ever seen.

[itchmon]

You are certainly not the only one who shed a tear when Rand's ancestor's mom said "I used to have a son with a face like yours"

What a great episode especially for us book readers.

Thank you for the great recap :)

[wyvern]

I have been waiting 30 years to see this book adapted. I am so emotional right now. This was beautifully done.

[rahimmolla]

I was literally crying when rands mother told to cover his face she had a son with face like him . The lines and acting got tears in my eyes

[MarcosSantos-djlk]

this episode was 10/10 really well done, looks like a movie

[nickboratti]

This episode was everything! Someone needs to give this show a budget! Loved every second of it.

[lunacascade]

12/10 episode. This episode was off the chart! I loved it.

[C.J.R.]

I'm not a reader, and this episode left me wanting more. I think it's my favorite episode of the three seasons so far. I hope this week goes by quickly because I can't wait to see more of this series.

[sin_pyro]

I cannot say enough good things about this episode. I was so emotionally drained, but it was so satisfying and rewarding to see one of the most beloved chapters in one of the best books in the series come to life in such a way that no one thought was possible. Absolutely fantastic work from everyone and superb acting from Josha.

[ryankwon]

I absolutely loved this episode—it was heartbreaking and tragic. It truly highlighted why we should all despise Lanfear, who was responsible for the Bore, leading to the suffering of countless people in the Age of Legends and their descendants. All of this pain occurred because of her insatiable hunger for power.

“As an aside, for those who think that Lanfear was in some way twisted against her will by being involved in drilling the Bore—I have heard the theory advanced—of all those involved in the project, she was the only major figure to go over to the Shadow. She was ripe for the Shadow’s plucking long before the Bore was drilled.” - Robert Jordan

[paulsweeney]

That pastoral scene of the sphere above the harvest evokes the artwork associated with the board game, Scythe. A mix of the grounded past and modernity.

[dmann]

I really loved this episode! And your insight on making Lanfear more human by showing her relationship with Rand's Aiel Ancestor vs. Lews Therin feels spot on. Great catch!

[eatmorenachos]

I wasn't sure if I was going to keep watching the series, but I'm glad I kept with it. This year has been stellar, especially the fourth episode.
Thank you for the concise breakdown and not including spoilers! I haven't read the books, so I need a video like this to make sense of what happened.
The worldbuilding of this series is fascinating----but really dense.

[Jjjkuzeee]

I've had my issues with this show in the past, but I've enjoyed it overall, but this was the first episode I finished and yelled: DUDE THAT WAS AWESOME!

[alveolate]

breathtaking... this episode really shows what is possible for fantasy series on tv. we're approaching peak GoT levels of hype now.

[zyonhenderson]

They did such a great job with showing the history of the AIEL. The atmosphere and overall feel of the episode was amazing.

Had NO idea Rand's actor played all his ancestors. Crazy work

[ivanbolo]

this was one of the best eps of the WoT! It was well put. I'm not a book reader but this episode makes me want to read the book series. Loved it! 5/5 stars

[ebrennie]

This moment in the books is so meaty, and this episode delivers. Finally, this show feels like it’s honoring the source material.