Did The Wheel of Time Really Fix Mat’s Memories or Rewrite His Story?

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In the finale of The Wheel of Time season 3, it seems that Mat’s memory issue might have found a resolution – though if this is indeed the show’s intended direction, it would be quite unexpected. While the scenario deviates from what occurred in Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time books, Mat’s encounter with the Eelfinn was significantly influenced by the original storyline. In the fourth book, The Shadow Rising, Mat passed through a red ter’angreal doorway and ventured into the Eelfinn’s realm, where he made three wishes. These wishes were preserved in the television adaptation of the series, although with some notable adjustments.

In both the novels and the series, Mat had a keen interest in discussing three topics with the Eelfinn: sorting out his memory problems, escaping the clutches of the Aes Sedai and the One Power, and most certainly, finding a way to leave the Eelfinn’s realm. The implications of these desires in the books are rather clear-cut for two of them. However, it seems that the wish concerning Mat’s memories could differ significantly from the books in “The Wheel of Time” season 3 finale, going beyond mere surface-level changes.

How Mat’s Wish About His Memories Differs From The Books

Mat Didn’t Ask For The “Holes” In His Memory To Be Filled In The Show

Prior to meeting the Eelfinn in “The Shadow Rising”, Mat was dealing with memory lapses due to the influence of the tainted dagger he discovered in Shadar Logoth, as depicted in “The Eye of the World”. In response to this, when speaking to the Eelfinn, Mat expressed his desire saying, “I would prefer those gaps in my recollections to be sealed“. Interestingly, they did just that, but not by restoring his lost memories. Instead, they granted him memories of his past lives, where he had been commanders in ancient armies.

In contrast to his book version, the show’s portrayal of Mat already had recollections from his previous lives before encountering the Eelfinn in “The Wheel of Time.” After drinking the enigmatic tea prepared by Ishamael, the character’s memories and knowledge of the Old Tongue were reawakened following the blowing of the Horn of Valere in the season 2 finale of “The Wheel of Time.” Consequently, Mat no longer needed to query about any gaps in his memory. Instead, he was more focused on clearing up all the confusion caused by the multitude of thoughts swirling around within his mind.

The Eelfinn understood the predicament Mat found himself in, and proposed to “relieve” him of the memories that weren’t his own. Mat’s question, “Can you heal me?“, signaled his acceptance. It appeared that Mat immediately felt a change, although the scene did not clarify exactly what the Eelfinn performed on him.

Despite Mat’s Request, Mat’s New Memories Probably Aren’t Gone

Mat Is Likely To Keep The Memories He Recieved In Season 2’s Ending

In my opinion, as a movie reviewer, the enigmatic nature of the Eelfinn’s interpretation of Mat’s wish in this adaptation deviates somewhat from his journey in Robert Jordan’s original “Wheel of Time” series. The source material doesn’t explicitly clarify how the Eelfinn chose to interpret Mat’s wish, leaving room for speculation. One plausible theory is that they simply took the memories as promised. However, considering the profound impact these memories have on Mat’s character development and the intricate storylines they spark in the later books, a simple reversal would undercut the very purpose of granting him these memories in the first place, thereby robbing Mat of significant aspects of his narrative arc.

Indeed, he significantly contributes to the Dragon Reborn’s mission in “The Wheel of Time” series. While Mat, as the Hornsounder, undeniably adds weight to his importance, the memories he holds are a valuable resource in themselves. Given Mat’s deep grasp of military tactics, he outmatches any individual general Rand has on his team in terms of competence. Essentially, because Mat carries the memories of numerous generals, he essentially possesses centuries of military wisdom and experience.

Removing this artifact, as suggested by the Eelfinn, would strip Mat of his crucial part in Rand’s battle against the Last One. Furthermore, it could hinder Mat from leading the Band of the Red Hand, a mercenary group he establishes in the storyline. His military prowess is what makes him an attractive leader for them. Given that his memories form the foundation of his larger story arc, it’s highly likely that regardless of what the Eelfinn propose, Mat will encounter them again in some capacity throughout the rest of the series.

What Mat’s Second Wish Could Really Mean in The Wheel of Time

Mat May Have More Control Over The Extra Memories In His Mind

In examining how the Eelfinn might have acted towards Mat, it’s crucial to remember that their race and their counterparts from ‘The Wheel of Time’, the Aelfinn, are known for their meticulousness when it comes to the phrasing of requests. Although the Eelfinn offered to “take” his memories, what Mat actually asked was if they could “fix” him. It’s plausible that the Eelfinn granted this request not by eradicating them completely, but by making them less disorganized. This way, Mat can continue with his additional memories without them causing problems in his daily functioning.

As a movie critic, I must clarify my initial impression regarding the Eelfinn and their peculiar artifact, the hanging Mat from the ter’angreal doorway in “The Wheel of Time.” At first glance, it seemed they had a knack for twisting every wish made to them. However, upon closer examination, these enigmatic beings may not be as malicious as they appear.

In fact, the “gifts” bestowed by the Eelfinn can occasionally be of great assistance. A prime example is the silver foxhead medallion Mat received after requesting release from the One Power’s grasp. This seemingly ordinary trinket proved to be a priceless treasure in the novel, serving as a protective shield against weaves of the One Power.

With this revelation in mind, it is not entirely implausible that the Eelfinn eased Mat’s intricate predicament, providing him with a silver lining amidst his otherwise tumultuous journey.

In season 4 of “The Wheel of Time,” there’s a possibility that Mat’s dream might come true. The specific book the series will follow next isn’t certain, but as the plot unfolds, military matters will gain significance as Rand endeavors to enlist more nations into his cause. Since “The Shadow Rising” is followed by “The Fires of Heaven,” which features Rand obtaining the Stone of Tear and Cairhein, Mat’s memories becoming clearer could enable him to showcase his exceptional military prowess from Jordan’s novels.

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2025-04-27 22:48