‘The Wheel of Time’ season 3 completely flipped the Aes Sedai narrative from Robert Jordan’s books. The White Tower’s foundation has been shaken, Black Ajahs have been revealed, and the Forsaken are coming for the sisterhood and the Dragon Reborn. Amid the light and shadow battle, the series brutally killed the Amyrlin Seat, Siuan Sanche, in the third season’s finale.
Siuan wasn’t just the powerful leader of the Aes Sedai, but also their moral authority. She was rightly the “Mother” for her countless Aes Sedai daughters, and Moiraine’s lover. But after her shocking death, what direction can the show take? Could the books shed light on the future? Let’s dive into Siuan and the Amyrlin Seat’s ‘The Wheel Of Time’ fates, both on the pages and the screen.
The Reason Behind Siuan Sanche’s Tragic Death In ‘The Wheel Of Time’ Season 3
Dangerous enemies and betrayals led to growing unrest at the White Tower in ‘The Wheel Of Time’ Season 3. Siuan Sanche was further put into a precarious position out of loyalty to Moiraine and her mission to prepare Rand for the Last Battle.
Throughout the season, it was Moiraine who felt the breath of death after going to Rhuidean, convinced that her demise was crucial in order for Rand to save the world. But she survived the fight with Lanfear, only to get a vision of Siuan’s sacrifice.
At the White Tower, she was stripped of the Amyrlin Seat status after a coup orchestrated by Elaida do Avriny a’Roihan. Once deposed, Siuan was stilled. Without access to the One Power, members of all Ajahs banded with the new Amyrlin Elaida and executed Siuan. Her last words were heartbreaking. She confessed her love for Moiraine and her devotion to their cause in her position as Watcher of the Seals, The Flame of Tar Valon.
Related: ‘The Wheel Of Time’: Why Did Liandrin Join The Black Ajah?
Siuan’s journey in ‘The Wheel Of Time’ was inspiring. Born in the City of Tear, she left her fishing village and used her skills and intelligence to be worthy of the highest political status in their world, the Amyrlin Seat. She was kind and just, and her death will have devastating consequences. It wasn’t just for a plot twist or shock factor. It will break Moiraine, affect the upcoming battles, and change the White Tower forever.
Siuan Sanche’s Fate In The Books
For ‘The Wheel Of Time’ readers, Siuan Sanche’s death is as much of a shock as it is for fans of the show. While the storyline of Siuan being outmanoeuvred, tortured, and stilled by the new villain, Elaida, is faithful to the books, the character didn’t die there.
She was rescued by Min Farshaw and Elayne Trakand’s brother, Gawyn. They helped her escape the White Tower, aided by Keeper of the Chronicles, Leane. On the show, Leane was stilled while defending Siuan. In the books, while they survived, none of them possessed the One Power after the Amyrlin Seat was overthrown.
In the aftermath, Siuan had to reinvent herself, find a new purpose, and live in secret. She could hide as her younger looks returned once the One Power was snatched away. So, no one quite recognised her as the wise woman she became at the White Tower.
Siuan also found a companion in this new life – a former general of Andor, Gareth Bryne. The man had suffered due to Forsaken Rahvin, and his experiences helped him bond with Siuan, who had enough trauma herself. Her relationship with Moiraine is a new addition in the TV adaptation. No such romance existed in the books.
While the show eliminated the possibility of Siuan ever taking back the Amyrlin Seat from Elaida, this rebellion is exactly what happened in the books. After all, the heroes needed the Aes Sedai’s support, and as long as Elaida was at the centre of it, there was no reprieve.
But did Siuan Sanche die in the books? Yes, she did. However, she fell during the Last Battle along with many other brave characters. Her absence might help streamline the story in the show, but she was a great character who will be missed.
