The first two seasons of Prime Video’s The Wheel of Time had constant threats for the heroes from the Two Rivers. However, Season 3 quickly introduces a deeper sense of danger by showing more Forsaken on the loose. Robert Jordan’s novels establish 13 Forsaken, but the TV adaptation suggests there are only eight. So far, the series has introduced five of them while mentioning two others by name.
Ishamael (played by Fares Fares) and Lanfear (played by Natasha O’Keeffe) were the most dominant Forsaken in Season 2. Moghedien (played by Laia Costa) also appeared at the end of the season, expanding the roster of villains. The third episode of Season 3 introduces two more Forsaken: Rahvin, also known as Lord Gaebril (played by Nuno Lopes), and Sammael (played by Cameron Jack).
Rahvin has a brief but impactful moment on screen, while Sammael remains more mysterious. His presence raises important questions: Who is he? How powerful is he? And what role will he play in the unfolding story?
Also Read: ‘The Wheel of Time’ Season 3 Episode 4 Recap: Rand’s Journey Through Rhuidean Reveals Hidden Truths
What We Know About Sammael in the TV Series
The TV adaptation has not revealed much about Sammael yet. The only confirmed details are that he is one of the Forsaken who has been freed and that he appears in a brief but significant scene.
Lanfear calls a secret meeting with Sammael and Rahvin in a dark, hidden cellar. The meeting does not focus on Sammael, as it mainly highlights Rahvin’s deceptive nature and Lanfear’s warning about Moghedien.
Still, Sammael’s appearance leaves an impression. He stands in the background with a serious and stern expression. A scar runs across his face, and he wears a stiff, militaristic uniform.
Although Sammael is curious about Lanfear’s intentions, he treats the meeting as a waste of time. His body language and tone suggest impatience. He mocks Lanfear’s concerns about Moghedien and refers to her as a “spider” in a dismissive way.
Lanfear calls Sammael the “weakest” of the three Forsaken in the room. She suggests that Moghedien might target him first, placing him lower in the ranking of the Forsaken. However, to truly understand Sammael’s character, it is helpful to look at how he is portrayed in the books.
Who Is Sammael in the “Wheel of Time” Books?
Sammael’s real name was Tel Janin Aellinsar. During the Age of Legends, he was a champion in a highly competitive, bloodless sword-fighting sport. He had a strong desire to win and valued action over diplomacy.
During the War of Power, he became one of the top generals in the Light’s army, working alongside other Aes Sedai. He was even friends with Lews Therin Telamon (played in the series by Alexander Karim), the man later known as the Dragon.
However, when Lews Therin was chosen as the army’s supreme commander, Tel Janin felt overlooked and grew bitter. This resentment eventually led him to betray the Light. He swore allegiance to the Dark One alongside Graendal, another Forsaken who has been mentioned in the series. As a reward for his betrayal, he received the name Sammael.
In the books, Sammael is not considered weak. He is actually one of the most powerful Forsaken, capable of competing for the prestigious title of Nae’blis. Alongside Ishamael and Lanfear, he sought this high rank before all the Forsaken were imprisoned at Shayol Ghul. The TV series seems to have lowered his status compared to the books.
Sammael ruled his assigned territory with a strict military mindset. When Lews Therin and his forces defeated the Forsaken, they managed to imprison them all. However, before that happened, Lews Therin struck Sammael in the face, leaving him with a deep scar. Sammael refused to heal it, choosing to wear it as a symbol of his grudge.
When the Forsaken were finally released in the books, Sammael disguised himself as a noble in Illian. He secretly took control of the country’s Council of Nine, one of its key governing bodies. Over time, he became a major problem for Rand al’Thor (played by Josha Stradowski).
Sammael did not attack Rand directly for most of the series. Instead, he worked behind the scenes, damaging Rand’s credibility and launching strategic raids. His story in the books ends in A Crown of Swords, the seventh novel in the series. In that book, he and Rand finally engage in a direct battle at Shadar Logoth. During the fight, Sammael is killed by Mashadar, a deadly fog that consumes everything in its path.
How Will “The Wheel of Time” Adapt Sammael’s Story?
Season 3 is primarily adapting The Shadow Rising, the fourth book in the series. Interestingly, Sammael does not appear physically in the books until the fifth novel. Before that, he is only mentioned by name as he builds his power in the background.
In the fifth book, Sammael appears in a secretive meeting with other Forsaken. This scene is similar to the one shown in Season 3, Episode 3. In the books, Graendal is also present during the meeting.
Together, the Forsaken discuss their plans to either defeat or recruit Rand. However, despite working together, none of them trust each other, and each has their own selfish agenda.
The TV series has three possible ways to develop Sammael’s story:
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His plot could move faster than in the books. The show may choose to bring him into action sooner rather than leaving him as a background figure. This would make him an active threat earlier than expected.
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His story could follow the books closely. The show might let him remain in the shadows, growing his influence in secret. This approach would make him a long-term enemy for Rand, gradually increasing his power until a final confrontation.
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The series could completely change his role. The adaptation has already made some changes to character arcs, so Sammael’s story may take an entirely different direction.
Regardless of which path the show chooses, Sammael remains a major force. Even if Lanfear considers him the weakest Forsaken in their current gathering, he is still powerful enough to be dangerous. His military background, competitive nature, and aggression make him a serious threat.
The heroes of Two Rivers will need to stay alert, as Sammael’s presence means more battles, deception, and dangerous alliances ahead.
New episodes of The Wheel of Time Season 3 premiere every Thursday on Prime Video.
