The Wheel Of Time Season 3 Looks Like The Beginning Of The End For One Doomed Romance

Warning: Spoilers for the first four Wheel of Time books

It would appear that one of the biggest romances in The Wheel of Time will have run its course by the time its third season ends. Across two seasons, Prime Video’s adaptation of Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time books has introduced a number of romantic subplots, one of which pertains to Rand al’Thor and Egwene al’Vere. The series has done much to emphasize the strong, romantic bond between the two Wheel of Time characters, who have been engaged in a relationship since before the story even started.

Although Rand and Egwene spent most of the second season apart, the show has remained committed to their romance – thus far. In fact, Rand’s love for Egwene served as his main motivation for traveling to Falme and facing off with Ishamael in Wheel of Time season 2’s ending. Even so, the lengths he was willing to reach to save her shouldn’t be treated as a sign of how much value The Wheel of Time is placing on ther love story. As important as it may seem, its end is likely near, and the marketing for season 3 is making that abundantly clear.

The Wheel Of Time Season 3’s Trailer Teases Trouble For Rand & Egwene

It Looks Like Rand & Egwene Will Drift Apart Soon

A new trailer for The Wheel of Time season 3 highlights cracks in Rand and Egwene’s relationship. Egwene can be heard saying to Rand, “do you love her?” The subject of the question isn’t confirmed directly, but the trailer’s focus on Rand and Lanfear’s growing connection strongly implies that it’s the Dragon’s ancient lover that’s stirring up tension between the two. That’s not surprising, given that Lanfear did have her hooks in Rand in season 2.

theoretically, any of the three women could be the source of the issues seemingly brewing between Rand and Egwene

Of course, the trailer’s fixation on Rand and Lanfear’s relationship could be a misdirection; the season 2 finale did lay the groundwork for Rand and Elayne’s romance, and the two were seen interacting in the trailer. Plus, Rand is also set to spend time with Aviendha, another character he’s expected to become romantically involved with soon. So theoretically, any of the three women could be the source of the issues seemingly brewing between Rand and Egwene. Either way, however, there’s evidently someone driving a wedge between them, and with another woman entering the picture, a breakup has become inevitable.

Rand & Egwene’s Wheel Of Time Romance Was Always Doomed Thanks To The Books

Rand & Egwene’s Romance Was Always Going To Be Temporary

The trailer isn’t the first clue that Rand and Egwene’s relationship wasn’t going to persevere. The Wheel of Time books themselves established that expectation. In the novels, Rand and Egwene started the narrative in love with each other, but ultimately drifted apart as time passed and their priorities changed. Because of that, it always made sense that regardless of how close they were, the show would eventually lean in that direction as well.

In the early books, Rand and Egwene were usually on separate adventures. During their time away from each other, the two gradually fell out of love with each other, with Egwene coming to accept – because he’s the Dragon Reborn – that their romance can’t work out in The Great Hunt. In the fourth book, The Shadow Rising, Egwene gives Elayne Trakand her blessing to pursue a relationship with Rand, having accepted that she doesn’t want him anymore. Rand likewise recognizes that he no longer loves Egwene either, and admits this to her. Due to the growth they’ve both experienced, they no longer feel the same connection they once had.

Rand’s Romance Story In The Wheel Of Time Season 3 Is A Good Sign For The Series

It Could Mean That Other Storylines Will Follow The Books As Well

The show’s apparent intentions to end Rand and Egwene’s romance provides yet another indication that in spite of all the changes it’s made to the Wheel of Time books, it hasn’t abandoned the bigger picture – or at least, not yet. If Rand’s attachment to someone else is indeed what tears them apart, then the circumstances of their breakup will be a departure from Jordan’s books, but the result will still be the same.

After all, it is in The Shadow Rising – the book The Wheel of Time season 3 is adapting – that Rand and Egwene verbally declare to each other that their romance is over. From the looks of things, the TV show will match that timeline, allowing Rand and Egwene to find love with their respective romantic partners from the books that follow.This will pave the way for the show to explore Rand’s conflicting feelings for Elayne and Aviendha, as well as the love triangle that entangles Egwene with Elayne’s brothers, Galad and Gawyn.