Warning: Spoilers for The Wheel of Time season 3, episode 7

The Wheel of Time books, but "Goldeneyes" has made that scenario highly likely.

The Tuatha'an re-entered the picture in The Wheel of Time season 3, episode 7 when they showed up at the Two Rivers in search of shelter from the Trollocs. But because of their pacifistic ways, Perrin Aybara naturally couldn't count on them for assistance in the Battle of Emond's Field; instead, he used them to protect the children. When their plan to escort the children out of the Two Rivers went awry, one of their own - Aram - found himself going against the Way of the Leaf. In taking up a weapon and killing a Trolloc, Aram violated his people's belief systems, but also set up a major story arc from the source material.

Aram's Role In The Wheel Of Time's Story Explained

After Giving Up The Way Of The Leaf, Aram Becomes A Warrior Devoted To Protecting Perrin

Aram in The Wheel of Time season 3

Similar to what happens in the show, the Tuatha'an get wrapped up in the conflict between the Two Rivers folk and the Trollocs, with his group seeking refuge in the village. After noticing the weapons gathered for the villagers to use against the Trollocs, Aram picked up a sword and refused to give it up when ordered by one of his fellow Tuatha'an, effectively renouncing the Way of the Leaf. During the Battle of Emond's Field (the same battle depicted in The Wheel of Time season 3, episode 7), Perrin rescued Aram, and in turn, formed a powerful bond.

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Aram became Perrin's self-appointed bodyguard in The Wheel of Time books, with their partnership beginning in book 6, Lord of Chaos. Due to this role he had taken on, Aram became a lasting member of Perrin's entourage, accompanying him to numerous locations on The Wheel of Time's map, including Caemlyn, Cairhein, and Ghealden. As a mainstay of Perrin's group, Aram was involved in one way or another in most of the Perrin arcs that followed The Shadow Rising. Aram also took part in several of the books' major battles, including the fight at Dumai's Wells in A Crown of Swords.

Aram Could Be The Wheel Of Time's Replacement For Loial

Perrin May Be In Need Of A New Ally In Season 4

Loial (Hammed Animashaun) roaring in The Wheel of Time Season 3 Ep 7

Image via Prime Video

Based on what happened in the new episode, the timing of Aram's return couldn't be anymore apt. Perrin just lost his most trusted ally in Loial, who gave his life in a remarkable change to the books when he sacriced himself to close the Waygate from the inside. With Loial dead, The Wheel of Time has let go of one of the most important ing characters in Perrin's story, leaving Faile, Bain, and Chiad as the remaining of his inner circle. The role of Perrin's best friend is now left open, possibly for a new character to fill.

...unless the show reverses course and finally introduces Gaul, it looks like Aram is in a good position to take Loial's place as Perrin's right-hand man.

In the books, Perrin has an assortment of characters he can lean on in his adventures, with his biggest allies aside from Faile, Bain, and Chiad being Gaul, Loial, and Aram. From the looks of things, Gaul has been cut from The Wheel of Time, as evidenced by Perrin freeing Aviendha from a cage in season 2, which is how Perrin met Gaul in book 3, The Dragon Reborn. So unless the show reverses course and finally introduces Gaul, it looks like Aram is in a good position to take Loial's place as Perrin's right-hand man moving forward.

Aram's Next Wheel Of Time Story Will Most Likely Differ From The Books

Perrin Wasn't Captured In The Shadow Rising

Aram stands in front of a colorful Tuatha'an wagon in The Wheel of Time

While it's true that Aram is now on track to follow in the footsteps of the book character, that's not to say his next appearance will be lifted directly from the aftermath of The Shadow Rising. That's because the show didn't copy The Shadow Rising's ending for Perrin; rather than end with the Two Rivers folks refusing the Whitecloaks' efforts to arrest Perrin, he surrendered to Dain Bornhald's men. As a result, Perrin is now set to begin The Wheel of Time season 4 in the custody of the Whitecloaks. Since that didn't happen in the book, it's unclear where that leaves Aram.

In Lord of Chaos, Aram and Perrin formed a friendship in the Two Rivers and the two left the village together, along with Gaul, Loial, and the other of their group. Perrin's surprising capture complicates any plan for this to happen, but it's possible that Faile will work to free Perrin, and turn to the Two Rivers folk for help. Aram will likely be cast out by the Tuatha'an over his decision to use violence, and it was indicated by his exchange with Egwene's mother that he'll be taken in by the village.

Aram didn't appear in the book between The Shadow Rising and Lord of Chaos - The Fires of Heaven - because it didn't include any storyline for Perrin.

If the Two Rivers remains relevant to Perrin's story, he could wind up playing a role in any attempt by the people of the Two Rivers to rescue Perrin. After all, it would make sense for them to feel guilt over his capture and try to help him in some way. This could include Aram, even though Perrin didn't personally save his life in "Goldeneyes."

The Wheel Of Time Already Has The Framework For Aram's Biggest Story

Aram s Up With Masema In The Books

When it comes to Aram's long-term future in the series, it's worth noting that the foundation for that has already been building. In The Wheel of Time season 2's ending, Masema Daggar was among those who witnessed Rand being proclaimed the Dragon Reborn in Falme. The implications of this particular detail extend all the way to Aram's story, considering that the two eventually become allies.

Inspired by what he saw in Falme, the Masema from The Wheel of Time books took it upon himself to become the Prophet of the Dragon. But Masema did more than just Rand, he developed fanatical views and a cult-like following that he exploited for his own ends. He drove a wedge between Perrin and Aram, even going as far as to bring Aram around to his way of thinking. There's a good chance that with both Aram and Masema being on hand, The Wheel of Time will tell this story sooner or later.

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The Wheel of Time
Release Date
November 18, 2021
Network
Prime Video
Showrunner
Rafe Judkins

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

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