A theory about a missing character in the identity of only one Forsaken remains unrevealed.
Seven of the 13 Forsaken in The Wheel of Time are confirmed to exist in Prime Video's TV series: Ishamael, Lanfear, Moghedien, Sammael, Graendal, Rahvin, and Semirhrage. That leaves six different options for the last mystery Forsaken. A few of these are non-essential, and are all but guaranteed to be removed from the narrative, but even then, there's still no clear-cut answer. After all, there are at least three Forsaken from the books with a strong case for representation in the show. It's unfortunate, but it looks like only one is going to be included - unless a theory about Mazrim Taim turns out to be true.
Mazrim Taim And Demandred Were Supposed To Be The Same Person In The Books
The "Taimandred" Theory Lingered For Years
Mazrim Taim, mentioned in the second and third seasons of the show, is a major character in Prime Video's adaptation of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time books. In the source material, he was understood to be an extremely formidable male channeler and a False Dragon - much like Logain Ablar. In the sixth book, Lord of Chaos, he was recruited by Rand al'Thor to his side and help run the Black Tower, which they would use to teach other men how to use the One Power. As time ed, there were multiple clues that led fans to theorize that Rand's supposed ally was secretly a Forsaken in disguise.
For a while, Mazrim Taim and the elusive Demandred being the same person was a common theory, so much that it had its own name - "Taimandred." Ultimately, it was debunked, although it's now understood that these notions were never without merit. Brandson Sanderson, the author who took over the series after Jordan's death in 2007, has acknowledged that Jordan likely did intend for Taim to be Demandred at one point [via Reddit]. But, Jordan eventually decided not to go that route.
Wheel Of Time Season 3's Ending Sets Up A Completely Different Battle Over Callandor
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Mazrim Taim was never a Forsaken as many had assumed, but that was his fate in the books. In the final installment in the series, A Memory of Light, it was revealed that Demandred had been bestowed the rank of Forsaken, which came complete with a new name, "M'Hael." This demonstrated that even though he wasn't one of the Dark One's generals, he certainly had that capability.
Mazrim Taim Could Become "Demandred" In The Wheel Of Time's Show
Like Liandrin, Mazrim Taim Could Seek To Become A Forsaken
Image via Prime Video
The Wheel of Time's show could take inspiration from A Memory of Light when it comes to Mazrim Taim's role - albeit with a massive twist. Considering all the Mazrim Taim references found in The Wheel of Time's show, there's little doubt he'll have a presence in the series. While some changes may be in order, there's a good chance the show will keep the most important elements of Mazrim Taim's storyline, such as the character helping Rand lead the Black Tower. This may also include the discovery that Mazrim Taim is a traitor, as well as his decision to the Forsaken.
The latter scenario happening has already been set in motion by The Wheel of Time season 3, with Liandrin's masterplan seemingly confirming that not all Forsaken have been pre-selected; apparently, it's not impossible for someone in the current era to become one of the Chosen. Since that's the case, Mazrim Taim could technically could earn that distinction too. But rather than receive the name "M'Hael" when this moment comes, a much better alternative would be "Demandred." Were this to happen, The Wheel of Time could - in its own way - pay off a decades-old theory from the books.
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A very subtle cameo hint in The Wheel of Time season 3 set up one of the main villains in the series, potentially for season 4's Perrin story.
Were Wheel of Time to make "Taimandred" a reality, this would be the most feasible way for it to take place. After all, it's extremely unlikely - if not impossible - that the original book theory, that Mazrim Taim is Demandred in disguise, is true in the canon of the TV series. After all, Mazrim Taim's activities were discussed before Ishamael unleashed the other six Forsaken ahead of his death in The Wheel of Time season 2 finale. So while Mazrim Taim definitely isn't Demandred now - he could take the name before the show ends.
Mazrim Taim Becoming Demandred Would Make Room For Someone Else To Be The Last Forsaken
"Taimandred" May Be The Only Way For Demandred To Be Involved At This Point
Mazrim Taim being merged with Demandred in this manner would be good news for those disappointed that The Wheel of Time only has room for eight of the 13 Forsaken. With Demandred being one of the most powerful Forsaken in the books, he comes across as a strong candidate for that eighth spot, although this would come at the expense of the other characters, particularly Asmodean and Mesaana. Be'lal, Aginor, and Balthamel are all ittedly minor characters and are therefore easily cut, but Demandred, Mesaana, and Asmodean all fill memorable roles in the novels.
Forsaken Name |
Status In The TV Show |
|---|---|
Ishamael |
Debuted in season 1. Died in the season 2 finale. |
Lanfear |
Debuted in season 2. |
Moghedien |
Debuted in season 2. |
Rahvin |
Debuted in season 3. |
Sammael |
Confirmed in season 2. Died in the season 3 finale. |
Aginor |
Unknown |
Be'lal |
Unknown |
Aginor |
Unknown |
Balthamel |
Unknown |
Graendal |
Confirmed in season 2. |
Asmodean |
Unconfirmed, but hinted at in season 1. |
Semirhage |
Confirmed in season 3. |
Demandred |
Unknown |
Based on the current evidence, Asmodean has the best odds of getting into the show out of all of them. A statue of a Forsaken holding a guitar in season 1 was taken as a huge Asmodean hint, given his love of music. The show later teased Sammael as a replacement for Asmodean, but delivered a massive fakeout with his death in The Wheel of Time season 3 finale, and then confirmed the need for Rand to have a One Power teacher, thus offering clear setup for Asmodean getting his book role.
Asmodean definitely feels deserving of a place in the show, but it would be disappointing for that to come at Demandred's expense. But if the show uses the "Taimandred" theory, it can allow its take on Mazirm Taim to absorb elements of Demandred's character from the books, enabling the villain to have at least some sort of role in the narrative. In doing so, The Wheel of Time can make use of two of the remaining six Forsaken, as opposed to just one.
The Wheel of Time
- Release Date
- November 18, 2021
- Network
- Prime Video
- Showrunner
- Rafe Judkins
Cast
Moiraine Damodred
al'Lan Mandragoran
WHERE TO WATCH
The Wheel of Time follows Moiraine, a member of the powerful all-female organization Aes Sedai, as she leads a perilous quest with five young individuals. Moiraine suspects one among them could be the prophesized reincarnation of a mighty figure destined to either save or doom humanity.
- Main Genre
- Fantasy
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