Summary
- Prime Video's adaptation of Wheel of Time faces challenges with the Forsaken due to the need for big changes and condensed narrative.
- The "Taimandred" theory speculated that Demandred and Mazrim Taim were the same person in Robert Jordan's books.
- Merging Mazrim Taim and Demandred in the show could solve a major story problem and give Demandred a more meaningful role.
Confirming a book theory that goes all the way back to the 1990s would solve one of the biggest problems facing Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time books. Consisting of 13 powerful channelers, the Forsaken serve as major antagonists across the entire series and are currently proving to occupy the same roles in Prime Video's live-action adaptation.
As it stands, the Forsaken are the subject of several mysteries in the show. Though Jordan's novels chart a clear course for how they could be used, there are good reasons why there are so many unknown factors to their part of the story. Firstly, it's no secret at this point that Prime Video's show is willing to make big changes to the source material. Plus, there may be a need to condense the narrative, considering that the show's season count is unlikely to match the books. Other challenges face Wheel of Time's adaptation of the Forsaken as well, and one can be fixed if the series revisits an abandoned book theory.
Why Wheel Of Time Book Fans Were Convinced Demandred & Mazrim Taim Were The Same Person
The theory was commonly referred to as "Taimandred"
For years, there was a strongly held theory among the Wheel of Time fanbase that two of Jordan's characters - Demandred and Mazrim Taim - were one and the same. In The Lord of Chaos, Rand crossed paths with Mazrim Taim, a fellow male channeler and a force to be reckoned with in his own right. Teaming to create the Black Tower wherein they would teach other men to channel, Rand and Mazrim emerged as allies. But despite his usefulness to the Dragon Reborn's cause, there were reasonable suspicions that Mazrim Taim was actually Demandred, one of the 13 Forsaken.
There was quite a lot about Taim that piqued readers' curiosity, including his astounding power level. Taim was strong enough in the One Power to be comparable to a member of the Forsaken, which was highly unusual. Not only that, but he had intimate knowledge of channeling and other matters involving the Dark One that other characters were oblivious to. Then, there was the matter of Mazrim Taim's personal similarities to Demandred; though powerful in his command over the One Power, Demandred was always in the shadow of Lews Therin Telamon a.k.a. The Dragon, not unlike the relationship Taim had with Rand.
Another point of interest was the timing of Demandred's introduction. He made his first appearance in The Lord of Chaos prologue, but didn't appear again in that particular book, prompting speculation that he had some sort of hidden involvement in the narrative. This persisted beyond The Lord of Chaos, as Demandred seemingly lingered on the sidelines, bolstering theories that he was furthering his agenda by masquerading as an established character.
These claims picked up so much steam that they were eventually addressed by Robert Jordan himself, who debunked the theory that they were the same person. And as the story developed, Mazrim Taim and Demandred being different characters became clear in-universe as well. Later on, Brandon Sanderson - the author who took over the series after Jordan's death in 2007 - addressed the "Taimandred" speculation on Reddit, confirming that Jordan did indeed intend for Taim and Demandred to be the same person, which explained the various hints of a connection in The Lord Chaos [via Reddit].
Why Merging Mazrim Taim & Demandred Would Solve A Major Story Problem
Combining the two villains would help streamline the story
Whereas the books diverged from this path to make them separate villains, the show could instead honor Jordan's original plan for the characters. Doing so would make a lot of sense for the story, given that it would help the series avoid one of the biggest issues with Demandred's role. While Ishamael and Lanfear were regarded as the strongest of the Forsaken, it was Demanded who was essentially the "final boss" of the Forsaken, outlasting most of his contemporaries and surviving until the very last book, A Memory of Light.
It was odd for a villain of that magnitude to be of so little importance for the vast majority of the series. By following this direction, Prime Video's Wheel of Time show would risk Demandred coming across as an underdeveloped antagonist who didn't fully earn his position as the show's second-greatest villain. But to have him reveal himself early and fight Rand, like other of the Forsaken tend to do, would be contrary to the book character, who prefers to remain in the shadows. Arguably the best way to satisfy both needs for the character's story is to combine him with Mazrim Taim.
Everything Wheel Of Time's Confirmed Season 3 Locations Reveal About The Story
Confirmed locations for The Wheel of Time season 3 offer a lot of hints about what stories from the books the show plans to tell when it returns.
In this way, The Wheel of Time can make Demandred a meaningful part of the show, incorporating him into the story in a way that doesn't involve a direct Rand vs. Demandred fight occurring too early. If the show were to go this route, he could meet Demandred (as Mazrim Taim) when the series gets to the events of The Lord of Chaos, which would most likely happen during or near The Wheel of Time season 4. That would enable Demandred's arc to stretch across the show's remaining seasons, allowing a much deeper and more nuanced look at his motivations and conflict with Rand.
The Wheel Of Time's Taimandred Theory Will Most Likely Be Revived by The Show
Rand could meet Mazrim Taim in season 4
Chances are, the "Taimandred" theory will be revived by The Wheel of Time show - whether it turns out to be true or not. After all, one character is already confirmed to exist in the world of the TV show and the other has excellent odds of showing up. Mazrim Taim was name-dropped as a powerful male channeler by Ihvon in a season 2 episode. Demanded could technically be cut since The Wheel of Time seems to be limiting its Forsaken lineup from 13 to eight, but in light of his significance to the overarching story, it's hard to imagine Demandred not being on hand as one of the three unconfirmed Forsaken.
If the Wheel of Time's interpretation of Mazrim Taim is accurate to the books, it's inevitable that he'll be linked to one of the Forsaken - namely, Demandred. All the same factors that led to the original theory, such as his powers and mysterious backstory, should cause it to spring up again. The show's history of combining book characters (like Hurin and Elyas) will only reinforce this speculation. And this can be to the show's benefit, as it'll be difficult to predict - even for book readers - if Mazrim Taim really is who he claims to be.
Source: Reddit
The Wheel of Time
- Release Date
- November 18, 2021
- Network
- Prime Video
- Showrunner
- Rafe Judkins
Cast
Moiraine Damodred
al'Lan Mandragoran
WHERE TO WATCH
- Writers
- Amanda Kate Shuman, Dave Hill, Rohit Kumar, Justine Juel Gillmer, Celine Song, Rammy Park, The Clarksons Twins, Katherine B. McKenna
- Franchise(s)
- The Wheel of Time
- Seasons
- 3
- Streaming Service(s)
- Prime Video
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