Even the short list of main characters consists of an impressive ten, signifying extreme depth to the series in ability to center around ten separate beings. These characters are so intricate and complex that they can be grouped again and again based on varying criteria. The Wheel of Time, partially due to its sheer volume in books, features of veritable plethora of characters numbering into the thousands. This leads to the creation, by the Wheel, of the Dragon, who serves as the force of good opposite the Dark One. Over time, however, the Dark One is accidentally given influence in the universe, which ultimately leads to his release into this almost utopian society and freedom to spread his influence amongst the people. In the dawn of the series, the Creator’s opposing force of evil, the Dark One, is imprisoned in order to inhibit his influence or access to the Wheel of Time in any way. Built into this universe is a wheel, The Wheel of Time, which controls all lives and is composed of two halves that essentially bring balance to the world. In fact, Jordan even terms his god the Creator, and in Wheel of Time, he creates the entire universe. To further delve into the situation surrounding the main character, or the Dragon Reborn, the backdrop of Wheel of Time is not entirely unlike that of creationism.

In essence, Jordan has not only created a fantasy story, he’s created an extensive alter universe. In fact, the experience of the outlying characters is so important to the development and flow of the series that the character list reaches into the thousands, each with a specific background and unique description. In less simple terms, Jordan’s protagonist has the capacity to save the world but the risk of destroying it in the process, and the stories center around, not only the struggles of the protagonist himself, but also the struggles of his world in general to handle their fate and the destructive path it may take. In a simple portrayal of good versus evil, Wheel of Time pits the protagonist, a reincarnated savior, against the Dark One, who serves as the pure essence of evil.

Unlike other fantasy books, Jordan’s series takes place not only in the past, not only in the future, but in both realms of the existence of humans. Initiated by fantasy writer, Robert Jordan, and finished by his hand-picked successor, Brandon Sanderson, Wheel of Time is a high fantasy series consisting of fourteen total books each serving as a step toward the story’s final climax.

Wheel of time eye of the world book