Shadows Gather in the Keep

In a shadowy chamber, a man known as Bors attends a secret meeting with others, all masked and cloaked in black. They are summoned by a Myrddraal to hear the words of Ba'alzamon, who appears as a floating, masked figure. Ba'alzamon speaks of three young men who are crucial to his plans, and Bors is given orders to watch for them. The meeting is filled with tension and fear, as the attendees realize the power and danger of the one they serve.

The Amyrlin's Secret Summons

Rand al'Thor is summoned to meet the Amyrlin Seat, the leader of the Aes Sedai, in Fal Dara. He is nervous, fearing what she might know about him. The Amyrlin, along with Moiraine and other Aes Sedai, confronts Rand about his ability to channel the One Power. They reveal that he is the Dragon Reborn, destined to face the Dark One. Rand is shocked and struggles to accept this revelation, fearing the implications for his future.

Dark Prophecies Unveiled

In the dungeons of Fal Dara, a horrific scene is discovered: guards are murdered, and the walls are scrawled with dark prophecies in blood. The Aes Sedai, including Moiraine and Verin, examine the writings, which speak of the return of the Forsaken and the coming of the Last Battle. The prophecies hint at a dire future, and the Aes Sedai are troubled by the implications.

The Hunt for the Horn Begins

The Horn of Valere, a legendary artifact, has been stolen from Fal Dara. Ingtar and a group of Shienaran soldiers, along with Rand, Mat, Perrin, and Loial, set out to retrieve it. They are joined by Hurin, a sniffer who can track the scent of violence. The group is determined to recover the Horn before it falls into the wrong hands, knowing its power could turn the tide in the battle against the Shadow.

Shadows of the Past Linger

Rand al'Thor, along with Loial and Hurin, finds himself in a world that seems a shadow of their own. The landscape is eerily empty, with no signs of life except for the occasional burned swath of land. As they travel, Rand struggles with the void and the seductive pull of saidin, the male half of the One Power. The group is on the trail of Padan Fain and the stolen Horn of Valere, but the path is fraught with uncertainty and danger. Rand's internal battle with the Power and his fear of madness loom large as they press on, hoping to find a way back to their own world.

A Mysterious Woman's Influence

Rand encounters Selene, a beautiful and mysterious woman who claims to be from Cairhien. Her presence is both captivating and unsettling, as she encourages Rand to embrace the glory of finding the Horn of Valere. Despite her insistence, Rand remains wary of her true intentions. Selene's knowledge of the world and her influence over Rand create tension within the group, as they navigate the challenges of their journey. Her allure is undeniable, but Rand's loyalty to his friends and his mission keeps him grounded, even as he grapples with his growing feelings for her.

The Great Game's Deadly Dance

Thom Merrilin, the gleeman, finds himself drawn back into the deadly dance of Daes Dae'mar, the Great Game. Despite his efforts to remain uninvolved, Thom becomes a target of intrigue and assassination attempts. The murder of his companion, Dena, is a brutal reminder of the dangers of Cairhien's political machinations. Thom's past as a court bard and his knowledge of the Game make him a valuable asset and a dangerous threat. As he navigates the treacherous landscape, Thom must decide whether to seek revenge or escape the city before he becomes another casualty of the Game.

The Black Wind's Terrifying Return

Rand, Loial, and Hurin discover a Waygate in Lord Barthanes's manor, a remnant of an ancient Ogier grove. As they attempt to follow Fain and the Darkfriends through the Ways, they are confronted by the Black Wind, Machin Shin. The malevolent force, a terrifying entity that devours souls, nearly escapes into the world, but Rand, tapping into the One Power, manages to close the Waygate just in time. The encounter leaves Rand shaken, as he grapples with the seductive and dangerous nature of saidin. The experience underscores the peril of their quest and the relentless pursuit of the Darkfriends, who have taken the Horn of Valere into the Ways.

The Unexpected Alliance

Nynaeve, Elayne, and Min execute a bold plan to rescue Egwene from the Seanchan. Disguised as a sul'dam, Nynaeve uses her knowledge of the a'dam to free Egwene, who has been held captive and forced to channel. The group navigates the dangerous streets of Falme, evading Seanchan patrols and the ever-present threat of discovery. Their determination and quick thinking allow them to escape, but not without leaving a trail of chaos in their wake. The rescue is a testament to their bravery and the strength of their friendship, setting the stage for the battles to come.

The Battle for Falme

As the Seanchan and Whitecloaks clash in Falme, Rand confronts Ba'alzamon in a battle that transcends the physical realm. The fight is fierce and desperate, with Rand drawing on every ounce of his strength and skill. The clash is witnessed by all in Falme, as their battle is projected into the sky, a spectacle that will be remembered and retold across the land. Rand's victory is hard-won, but it comes at a cost, leaving him wounded and questioning his path. The battle marks a turning point, not only for Rand but for the world, as the Dragon Reborn's presence is revealed to all.

The Heroes of the Horn

Mat blows the Horn of Valere, calling forth legendary heroes from the past to aid in the battle against the Seanchan. Led by Artur Hawkwing, these heroes turn the tide, driving the Seanchan back and securing a victory for Rand and his allies. The appearance of the heroes is a moment of awe and wonder, reinforcing the significance of the Horn and its connection to the Dragon Reborn. The battle is a testament to the power of legend and prophecy, as the heroes fulfill their ancient roles in the Pattern.

The Dragon's Revelation

In the aftermath of the battle, Rand's identity as the Dragon Reborn is revealed to the world. The events in Falme have set the stage for the fulfillment of prophecy, and Rand must come to terms with his role in the Pattern. The revelation is both a burden and a calling, as Rand grapples with the implications of his destiny. The chapter closes with Rand's acceptance of his path, setting the stage for the challenges and conflicts to come. The world has changed, and Rand's journey as the Dragon Reborn has truly begun.

Characters

Rand al'Thor

Rand is a young man from the Two Rivers who discovers he can channel the One Power. He is revealed to be the Dragon Reborn, a figure prophesied to face the Dark One in the Last Battle. Rand struggles with the fear of going mad and the responsibility of his destiny, determined to find his own way. His journey is marked by internal conflict and growth, as he learns to accept his role in the Pattern and the immense burden it carries.

Moiraine Damodred

Moiraine is a member of the Blue Ajah, dedicated to finding and guiding the Dragon Reborn. She is calm and composed, using her knowledge and influence to protect Rand and prepare him for his role in the coming conflict. Moiraine is a key figure in the struggle against the Shadow, providing insight and direction in the midst of chaos. Her commitment to the fight against the Shadow is unwavering, and her presence is a stabilizing force for Rand and his allies.

The Amyrlin Seat (Siuan Sanche)

The Amyrlin Seat is the head of the Aes Sedai, tasked with maintaining the balance of power in the world. She is aware of Rand's identity and the importance of his role, working with Moiraine to ensure the prophecies are fulfilled. The Amyrlin is a formidable figure, balancing the needs of the White Tower with the fate of the world. Her leadership and determination are crucial in shaping the events that unfold.

Mat Cauthon

Mat is one of Rand's closest friends, known for his luck and mischievous nature. He is linked to a cursed dagger from Shadar Logoth, which threatens his life. Mat joins the quest to recover the Horn of Valere, hoping to break the dagger's hold on him. Despite his reluctance, he blows the Horn, summoning legendary heroes to aid in the battle. Mat's actions are pivotal in turning the tide against the Seanchan, and his connection to the Horn marks him as a key figure in the unfolding events.

Perrin Aybara

Perrin is another of Rand's friends, a blacksmith with a gentle nature. He possesses a mysterious connection to wolves, which he struggles to understand. Perrin is loyal and determined, joining the hunt for the Horn to support his friends and confront his own destiny. His connection to the wolves and his growing awareness of his abilities add layers of complexity to his character.

Loial

Loial is an Ogier, a race known for their love of knowledge and nature. He is fascinated by the ta'veren nature of Rand and his friends, eager to witness history unfold. Loial is wise and thoughtful, providing guidance and support on their journey. His strength and loyalty are invaluable to the group, as they face the challenges of their quest.

Ingtar Shinowa

Ingtar is a Shienaran lord tasked with leading the search for the Horn of Valere. He is a skilled and dedicated warrior, committed to the fight against the Shadow. Ingtar's leadership is crucial to the success of their mission. His revelation as a Darkfriend and his subsequent sacrifice are central to his character arc, highlighting the themes of redemption and the struggle between light and shadow.

Padan Fain

Padan Fain is a former peddler turned Darkfriend, who has become a twisted and dangerous figure. His obsession with Rand and the Horn of Valere drives him to pursue the group relentlessly. Fain's madness and the dark influence of Shadar Logoth make him a formidable adversary, as he seeks to fulfill his own twisted goals. His presence looms over the journey, a constant threat to Rand and his companions.

Selene

Selene is a captivating and enigmatic figure who joins Rand's journey. Her beauty and knowledge of the world are matched by her influence over Rand, as she encourages him to embrace the glory of finding the Horn of Valere. Despite her insistence that she is not Aes Sedai, her true nature and intentions remain unclear. Selene's presence adds tension and intrigue to the group's mission, as Rand grapples with his growing feelings for her and the mystery she represents.

Ba'alzamon

Ba'alzamon's confrontation with Rand is a central conflict in this section. His presence as a dark adversary and his attempts to sway Rand highlight the ongoing struggle between light and shadow. Ba'alzamon's character is a representation of the forces of darkness, and his interactions with Rand are a test of Rand's resolve and strength.

Plot Devices

The Horn of Valere

The Horn of Valere is a powerful artifact that can summon heroes from the past to fight in the Last Battle. Its theft from Fal Dara sets off a desperate quest to recover it before it falls into the wrong hands. The Horn's significance is a driving force in the story, symbolizing hope and the potential for victory against the Shadow. Its allure and the responsibility it represents weigh heavily on Rand, as he navigates the challenges of his journey.

Dark Prophecies

The dark prophecies scrawled in blood in the dungeons of Fal Dara hint at a grim future. They speak of the return of the Forsaken and the coming of the Last Battle, creating a sense of urgency and foreboding. These prophecies add depth to the story, highlighting the stakes and the challenges the characters face.

Ta'veren

Rand, Mat, and Perrin are ta'veren, people around whom the Pattern of the world weaves in unpredictable ways. This concept is central to the story, influencing events and the characters' destinies. The ta'veren nature of the three friends adds complexity to their journey, as they navigate the forces shaping their lives.

The Great Game (Daes Dae'mar)

The Great Game is a complex web of political intrigue and deception, where every action and word is scrutinized for hidden meanings. In Cairhien, the Game is a way of life, and Rand finds himself caught in its deadly dance. The Game shapes the destinies of those who play it, as alliances are formed and broken, and power is sought at any cost.

The Black Wind (Machin Shin)

Machin Shin is a terrifying entity that haunts the Ways, devouring souls and driving its victims mad. Its presence at the Waygate in Cairhien is a chilling reminder of the dangers that lurk in the shadows. The Black Wind's connection to the Darkfriends and its pursuit of Rand add layers of tension and danger to the quest for the Horn of Valere.

The A'dam

The a'dam, a device used by the Seanchan to control women who can channel, is a significant plot device in this section. Its role in Egwene's captivity and Nynaeve's rescue plan highlights the themes of power and control. The a'dam is both a symbol of oppression and a tool of liberation, as Nynaeve uses it to free Egwene and turn the tables on the Seanchan.

Analysis

"The Great Hunt" by Robert Jordan is a rich tapestry of destiny, choice, and the struggle between light and shadow. The narrative explores the burden of prophecy and the weight of responsibility, as Rand al'Thor grapples with his identity as the Dragon Reborn. The story delves into themes of power, control, and redemption, as characters navigate a world fraught with danger and intrigue. The Horn of Valere and the dark prophecies serve as symbols of hope and foreboding, driving the plot forward and highlighting the stakes of the conflict. The book's exploration of ta'veren and the Great Game adds layers of complexity, as characters are caught in the web of fate and political machinations. Ultimately, "The Great Hunt" is a tale of growth and acceptance, as Rand and his companions confront their fears and embrace their roles in the Pattern, setting the stage for the epic battles and challenges to come.

Last updated: March 1, 2025