Season 3 of The Wheel of Time has introduced many different places and cultures. However, the recent episodes have expanded the story even more. The latest episode, “Tel’aran’rhiod,” written by Ajoke Ibironke and directed by Marta Cunningham, focuses on a world that fans already know. This episode explores how this world functions and how dangerous it can be if someone enters the wrong dream.
At the same time, the episode delivers some of the most emotional moments of the season. Tel’aran’rhiod is a place where characters’ deepest wishes become visible. In their dreams, they see what they want most, even if those things may never happen in real life.
Also Read: Avendesora: The Wheel of Time’s Legendary Tree of Life and Its Deep Connection to Rand’s Destiny
Moiraine Struggles with Power and Truth
Before exploring the dreams of the characters, there is an important moment at the start of the episode. In the previous episode, Moiraine (Rosamund Pike) found a powerful object called Sakarnen in Rhuidean.
She secretly took it after finding it under the great tree, Avendesora. Now, she is trying to figure out how to use it. However, Sakarnen is so strong that even someone as powerful as Moiraine could harm herself.
Luckily, Lan (Daniel Henney) is with her. He stops her before she loses control. Through their bond, he can feel what she experiences while channeling the One Power.
He realizes that she felt intense joy but also a deep craving for more power. When Lan asks what she saw in the rings of Rhuidean, Moiraine avoids answering. She seems too weak to explain the truth—at least for now.
Egwene Learns the Risks of Dreamwalking
Rand (Josha Stradowski) recently completed a trial in Rhuidean. He now has two tattoos on his arms, marking him as the prophesied leader of the Aiel, the Car’a’carn. However, this does not mean the Aiel accept him.
Bair (Nukâka Coster-Waldau), one of the Wise Ones, reveals that they have been meeting other Aiel leaders in Tel’aran’rhiod. They want all the clan chiefs to gather at Alcair Dal, also known as “the Golden Bowl,” so Rand can officially claim his place.
However, not everyone is happy about Rand’s presence. Aviendha (Ayoola Smart) is not surprised that Sevanna (Natasha Culzac) and Couladin (Set Sjöstrand) refused to accept him. According to Aiel customs, Rand is considered an outsider—he is “of the blood but not raised by the blood.” Because of this, he struggles to follow their traditions.
To solve this, Bair and Melaine (Salóme Gunnarsdóttir) decide that Aviendha must stay by Rand’s side at all times. This is part of her training as a Wise One, and she will teach him the ways of the Aiel. Aviendha is shocked by this decision, but she has no choice.
The group arrives at Cold Rocks Hold, home of the Taardad Aiel. Rhuarc’s (Björn Landberg) other wife, Lian (Nicole Sherin), welcomes them. She is the leader of the hold and greets her family with warmth, showing that Aiel relationships are different from what Rand is used to.
Meanwhile, Egwene (Madeleine Madden) begins her training in dreamwalking. Bair and Melaine teach her that many people accidentally enter Tel’aran’rhiod, but only a few can control their movement within it. They also warn her that dying in the dream world means dying in real life. Even the smallest thought can change the dream’s reality.
Egwene quickly learns this when she accidentally shifts her location and changes her clothes with a simple thought. However, the danger becomes real when Lanfear (Natasha O’Keeffe) appears and attacks her. When Egwene wakes up, she finds bruises on her neck, proving that the fight in Tel’aran’rhiod was real. Bair and Melaine recognize this as a sign that a Forsaken is hunting her.
Rand, however, remains unaware of Lanfear’s threat. She visits him in his dreams but hides her true intentions. Rand remembers seeing her in Rhuidean and questions her identity. Lanfear insists that she is no longer the woman she once was. She then confesses that she loves every part of Rand, including the darkness within him. In response, Rand kisses her.
Siuan Faces Challenges in the White Tower
In the White Tower, Elaida (Shohreh Aghdashloo) finally meets with Siuan (Sophie Okonedo). Their conversation quickly turns into an argument. Siuan insults Elaida’s strong perfume, while Elaida mocks Siuan’s simple taste in decorations. However, Elaida soon gets to the real reason for their meeting.
Elaida tells Siuan that her influence over the Aes Sedai is weakening. The fact that Siuan secretly met Rand in Cairhien has caused a scandal. Elaida now plans to call a vote to imprison Rand, something she believes Siuan should have done long ago. She also takes the opportunity to comment on Siuan’s relationship with Moiraine, making it clear that their past together is no secret.
After the meeting, Siuan shares her suspicions with Leane (Jennifer Cheon Garcia) and Verin (Meera Syal). She believes that Elaida might be a secret member of the Black Ajah. They have been tracking the Black Ajah sisters and believe they are missing only one name.
Meanwhile, Elaida makes her own moves, gaining allies in the White Tower. However, when two assassins suddenly attack her, it becomes clear that she may not be Black Ajah after all. Siuan and Leane arrive just in time to save her.
Moiraine Faces Her Fate
Moiraine cannot stop thinking about the future she saw in Rhuidean. Every version of events leads to the same conclusion—Rand will only survive if she dies. She tells Lan the truth, accepting that she will not live to see the Last Battle. They drink together, choosing to focus on the present instead of worrying about what is to come.
Moiraine takes another risk by asking Egwene to help her contact Siuan in Tel’aran’rhiod. When she finds Siuan in her dream, she warns her that the White Tower must support Rand. However, their conversation quickly turns emotional. Moiraine believes their relationship cannot be repaired, but Siuan refuses to give up.
She promises to wait for Moiraine in the next life, “again and again, until we get it right.” Moiraine tearfully agrees, and the two share a passionate kiss.
Perrin’s Rescue Mission Ends in Tragedy
Perrin (Marcus Rutherford) sets out to rescue Natti Cauthon (Juliet Howland) and her daughters from the Whitecloaks. However, things do not go as planned. Dain Bornhald (Jay Duffy) prevents Eamon Valda (Abdul Salis) from torturing the women at first, but when Natti tries to escape, she is captured again.
At night, Perrin and his group sneak into the camp. Bain and Chiad successfully rescue the Cauthon girls, but Perrin arrives too late to save Natti. Valda has already tortured and burned her. When Perrin finds her body, he is heartbroken.
A battle breaks out between Perrin and Dain. Just as Dain injures Perrin, Faile (Isabella Bucceri) throws a knife into Dain’s shoulder, giving Perrin the chance to escape.
The Episode Ends with Dreams
As the episode ends, Egwene enters the dreams of her friends. Nynaeve dreams of raising a daughter, while Elayne imagines herself sailing on a Sea Folk ship. Mat dreams of giving his family a good life, and Perrin dreams of a peaceful future with Faile. However, Egwene is shocked when she sees Rand’s dream. He is with Lanfear, locked in a passionate embrace.
The Wheel of Time Season 3: A Deeper Dive into Dreams and Destiny
Season 3 of The Wheel of Time continues to build on its rich world, bringing deeper character development, emotional stakes, and thrilling new challenges. The latest episode, Tel’aran’rhiod, introduces viewers to the mysterious dream world that plays a crucial role in the story.
One of the standout moments is Egwene’s training in dreamwalking. Under the guidance of the Wise Ones, she begins to understand the power and dangers of Tel’aran’rhiod.
However, her journey takes a terrifying turn when she is attacked by Lanfear, proving that even dreams can kill. Meanwhile, Rand struggles with his own destiny as the Car’a’carn, facing resistance from the Aiel despite fulfilling prophecy.
Moiraine, one of the most complex characters in the series, continues her quest for answers. After seeing visions of her future in Rhuidean, she faces a painful truth—her survival may not be guaranteed. Her emotional reunion with Siuan in the dream world adds depth to their relationship, hinting at the sacrifices yet to come.
Perrin’s storyline takes a heartbreaking turn as his mission to rescue the Cauthon family ends in tragedy. The loss of Natti weighs heavily on him, pushing him further toward his internal struggle between violence and mercy.
As the season progresses, The Wheel of Time deepens its themes of fate, love, and sacrifice. With enemies closing in and the Last Battle drawing near, the stakes have never been higher. Fans can look forward to more revelations as the story unfolds.
New episodes release every Thursday on Prime Video.
Also Read: What Makes Rhuidean Sacred? ‘The Wheel of Time’s’ Hidden City and Its Powerful Legacy Explained
