Wheel of Time Season 3: 6 Shocking Deaths That Didn’t Happen in the Books Revealed!

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Includes SPOILERS for The Wheel of Time season 3 finale and spoilers from the book series.

In the third season of “The Wheel of Time,” six key characters met their end, yet these deaths vary from the books in some aspects. The expansive nature of Robert Jordan’s “Wheel of Time” series is such that it teems with countless characters, each contributing to the richness and depth of his intricately woven world. However, due to the constraints of television – specifically, a maximum of eight hours per season and a budget for casting – certain characters who are still alive at this stage in the novels were unfortunately written out in the third season.

In Season 3, the primary source material was “The Shadow Rising,” the fourth book in Jordan’s series. Unlike its literary counterpart, where no main characters met their end, there were several deaths in the TV series. Compared to George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice & Fire” novels, Jordan kept most of his characters alive for as long as he could. It remains uncertain how these numerous character deaths in the show will influence the storyline over time. As we wait to find out, it would be insightful to examine the differences between these instances.

6. Siuan Sanche

Dies In The Last Battle

In the finale of Wheel of Time season 3, one of the most gripping narratives from Robert Jordan’s book series, the Fall of the White Tower, unfolds. Throughout the third season, Elaida, a member of the Red Ajah among the Aes Sedai, caused quite a stir within the White Tower, leading Siuan Sanche to suspect her of being one of the Black Ajah. Although Elaida isn’t in league with the Dark One, she might be even more perilous because she thinks subduing the Dragon Reborn is beneficial for the Light. The season concluded with Elaida seizing control of the tower and having Siuan Sanche put to death.

In the narrative, Siuan Sanche served as the Amyrlin Seat of the Aes Sedai and began to favor Moiraine’s opinion that the White Tower should side with Rand, after he claimed to be the Dragon. Although the tale is more intricate in the books, it generally follows this trajectory, until the point where Siuan Sanche doesn’t perish, which is different in the novels. Instead of dying, she undergoes a process called stilling, losing her ability to channel the One Power, but manages to elude the White Tower.

In Jordan’s books, she makes it through until the Last Battle, where she gets killed by a Gray Man. Prior to that, she plays a significant role in forming a group of renegade Aes Sedai, standing against Elaida’s White Tower. She also guides Egwene in the political aspects of the order and even regains partial control over the One Power, though her abilities are never as potent again. Additionally, she has a distinct romantic storyline in the novels, which was largely overshadowed by her relationship with Moiraine in the series adaptation.

5. Loial

Doesn’t Die In The Books

In one of the popular “The Wheel of Time” book series, Loial is a cherished character whose early departure in the storyline leaves fans heartbroken. Previously, the TV show had tricked audiences by feigning Loial’s death at the end of season 1, causing quite a stir among viewers. However, this time around, it appears that his demise might be permanent. In the show, Loial was granted a heroic final moment that matches the level of admiration readers have for the character. Essentially, he saved the day during the Battle of the Two Rivers.

Even though Loial doesn’t meet his end in the books, it’s surprising to witness a significant character’s demise so early on. Unlike Rand or Perrin, Loial isn’t the main focus, but he certainly adds a touch of humor to an otherwise somber series, much like Hagrid in “Harry Potter.” Moreover, Loial contributes significantly by linking our characters with other Ogier and showing that not all non-human beings in Jordan’s world are malevolent.

4. Ihvon

Presumably Dies In Winter’s Heart

In the third season of “The Wheel of Time,” Ihvon is the least prominent character to meet his end, a role that may have gone unnoticed by many viewers. However, he was a character from the books who experienced an untimely demise and holds significance as he’s linked to one of the show’s Aes Sedai, Alanna. Alanna belongs to the Green Ajah, which means she has more than one Warder at the start of the series, specifically Ihvon and Maksim. In the books, her Warders are Ihvon and Owein, but their roles have been significantly altered for the TV adaptation.

In the first episode of the series, Ihvon perished as the Black Ajah fled from the White Tower, creating tension between Alanna and Maksim throughout the season. Unlike the books where Owein dies in “The Shadow Rising” during the Battle of the Two Rivers, Ihvon survives longer in the novels but vanishes in “Winter’s Heart,” leaving many to believe his death occurred off-screen. As a replacement for Owein on the show, it seems Maksim will be around for some time.

3. Sammael

Dies In A Crown Of Swords

In the story, Sammael transforms into Lord Brend and gets involved in the political dealings of Illian, a major city within The Wheel of Time’s world, after being freed from captivity. As the Dragon Reborn requires widespread support for the Last Battle, the paths of Rand and Sammael become inevitable adversaries, making their confrontation the main conflict depicted in “A Crown of Swords.

In the third season of ‘The Wheel of Time’, episode 6 saw Rand defeating Sammael who appeared to perish, but resurfaced in the finale, ultimately meeting his end at Moghedien’s hands. With Sammael no longer appearing in subsequent episodes, the events of ‘A Crown of Swords’ may be entirely omitted from the TV series adaptation. The creators could introduce another Forsaken character in Illian, find a means to reintroduce Sammael, or forgo the Illian storyline altogether – which would be regrettable as it forms an integral part of the world-building in Robert Jordan’s book saga.

2. Eamon Valda

Dies In Knife Of Dreams

As a dedicated fan, I’d rephrase it like this: At the Battle of the Two Rivers, it was Eamon Valda who met his end among the antagonists. Despite his side offering aid against the Trollocs, Valda seized an opportunity to strike at an injured Aes Sedai. The White Cloaks are usually tasked with upholding the Light, but their radical views and animosity towards the Aes Sedai often make them seem like villains. Eamon Valda was one of the most wicked among them. Fortunately, the courageous Cauthon sisters were present to safeguard Alanna, and they brought an end to Valda’s malevolent reign.

In the book series, Eamon Valda doesn’t meet his end until much later than depicted on the show. Interestingly, he commits even more horrific deeds, notably with Queen Morgase Trakand. His demise is portrayed in the prologue scene of “Knife of Dreams”, carried out by Galad Damodred, a character who made his appearance earlier in season 3 on the TV show.

1. Natti Cauthon

Doesn’t Die In The Books

In The Shadow Rising, Perrin manages to rescue his mother, Natti Cauthon, from the White Cloaks, but in the Wheel of Time series adaptation, her character is brutally tortured and murdered by Eamon Valda under the suspicion that she could channel. Despite being a relatively minor character, Natti Cauthon plays an essential role due to her relation to Mat as his mother. In season 3, the TV show uses this plotline from the books, where Perrin embarks on a rescue mission to save his mother.

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2025-04-20 04:58