Rand al’Thor might have the weight of saving the world on his shoulders as the Dragon Reborn, but he isn’t immune to the human pursuit of love and passion. While Egwene al’Vere is his childhood sweetheart and he pines after her in the ‘The Wheel Of Time’ novels, the show flips the storyline to give him a chance with the utterly charming and unimaginably dangerous, Lanfear, who is known as Daughter of the Night. It’s befitting since she can swing in and out of people’s dreams, or more accurately, nightmares.
One of the Forsaken, Lanfear, had seduced Rand as Selene – the owner of the Crescent Inn in Cairhien. But, the Aes Sedai, Moiraine, helped break that illusion. Sure, Lanfear and Rand have a complex history going back centuries, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be together. At least that’s how many fans feel, and even actor Josha Stradowski, who plays Rand, has proposed that the two should get married. Wouldn’t it be great for this good versus evil dynamic to culminate in an epic romance?
Rand And Lanfear’s Complicated Relationship Explained
Rand was an innocent shepherd from Two Rivers, who spent his days working hard, spending time with his friends, and dreaming of having a family with Egwene. Then his life changed as he found out his destiny as the reincarnated hero – Dragon Reborn. Possessing the One Power, a rarity in males, Rand is the one who can save or destroy the world.
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Enter Lanfear, whose backstory is all shades of twisted. Originally known as Mierin Eronaile, she was one of the Aes Sedai, who, after being betrayed by her one true love, gave in to the dark side and emerged as a formidable Forsaken named Lanfear. This love of hers was Lews Therin Telamon, the first Dragon itself, who chose Ilyena over her. Heartbroken, she turned to the Dark One. But her obsession has continued for centuries. So, she seeks out Therin’s reincarnated version, Rand al’Thor, and tricks him into having a relationship with her.
Sure, the novels had a ‘will-they-won’t-they’ angle for these two, but the series gives many steamy scenes and an inescapable tension between them. After all, Lanfear possesses irresistible beauty and the ultimate power of manipulation. And, actress Natasha O’Keeffe portrays the complicated Lanfear to perfection.
In ‘The Wheel Of Time’ show, Lanfear is not like the other Forsaken who want to obliterate the Dragon Reborn. Instead, she wishes for him to join her.
Josha Stradowski Is Team Lanfear
Josha Stradowski is a fan of ‘The Wheel Of Time’ fantasy saga and has read all the books. So, with that kind of knowledge and having embodied Rand on screen, he shared his true feelings about the woman Rand should end up with, and it’s Lanfear in his opinion.
In an interview with Looper, he said, “Lanfear is the Devil, and you can’t love the Devil.” So, why is he envisioning their future? Stradowski explained his stance: “It feels at times that Lanfear is the only one that really understands Rand, and because Rand is often very lonely in what he feels and sees, it seems like, at times, he can’t express it to anyone else, and she’s exactly what he needs — but she’s the devil. That was very interesting for us to explore, and I secretly hope that Rand and Lanfear marry, but I don’t think that will happen.”
It is always risky to change aspects from books while adapting shows, just take ‘Game Of Thrones’ for example. Author George R.R. Martin wasn’t amused by many of the discarded characters or switched plot lines. He had similar complaints about ‘House Of The Dragon’ too. ‘The Wheel Of Time’ show also mixed up quite a lot of material from Robert Jordan’s books, but in Lanfear and Rand’s case, it has been wholeheartedly welcomed. The decision paid off.
Rand’s Love Interests In ‘The Wheel Of Time’
Rand al’Thor’s heart might’ve belonged to Egwene al’Vere in their years of growing up together, but their paths will diverge, even if they both are aiming for the greater good. In the books, Egwene rises in the ranks of the Aes Sedai all the way to the Amyrlin Seat, while Rand has three wives in his lifetime.
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Elayne, the Daughter-Heir of Andor is the first woman who marries Rand. Theirs is not a strategic union, but one of love. Then comes Min, a seer, who gets glimpses of the Pattern that tell what might happen in the future. She has already told the Dragon Reborn that his fate includes “three beautiful women.” Only, she hasn’t yet foretold her part as his second wife. Lastly, the books pair up Rand the Aiel warrior, Aviendha.
But, with the direction ‘The Wheel Of Time’ series has taken, it seems there will be changes in Rand’s love interests. In the show, Elayne and Aviendha share an intimate moment, while Min is only close to Mat Cauthon. So, it will take a lot to convince audiences about the women Rand marries in the books, considering he is caught up on Egwene currently. And, the other object of his life desire could be Lanfear. Well, whatever the case, the Dragon Reborn will certainly have passionate love affairs. But we also vote for Lanfear.
