The Eye of the World – Chapter Guide
A Chapter-by-Chapter Guide to Robert Jordan’s Classic Fantasy Novel
Review: The Eye of the World: Book One of The Wheel of Time – Prologue: Dragonmount
Introduction
The prologue of The Eye of the World, titled Dragonmount, serves as a gripping and powerful opening to The Wheel of Time series. It introduces readers to the tragic downfall of Lews Therin Telamon, the Dragon, and establishes the cosmic struggle between light and shadow. This section not only sets the stage for the novel but also foreshadows many of the central themes and conflicts that will drive the series forward. Robert Jordan’s masterful world-building, his use of dramatic irony, and the sheer emotional weight of the scene make Dragonmount one of the most memorable prologues in fantasy literature.
Plot Summary
The prologue opens in the aftermath of a devastating battle, with Lews Therin Telamon, once the most powerful male Aes Sedai and the leader of the forces of light, wandering through his palace in a dazed and broken state. The grandeur of his surroundings is marred by destruction, and the corpses of his family and retainers lie strewn across the halls. Yet, Lews Therin, driven mad by the Dark One’s taint on saidar, the male half of the One Power, does not even recognize them or realize the horror he has wrought.
Enter Elan Morin Tedronai, known as Ishamael, the Betrayer of Hope, one of the most powerful of the Forsaken. He confronts Lews Therin, revealing to him the full extent of his actions. Ishamael takes pleasure in tormenting the fallen hero, explaining that Lews Therin had murdered his wife, Ilyena, along with his children and kin. At first, Lews Therin does not believe him, but as his fragmented mind clears for a brief moment, the truth of Ishamael’s words shatters him. Overcome with grief and horror, he lets out an anguished cry and teleports away.
Alone on a desolate plain, Lews Therin calls upon the One Power one last time, drawing in so much energy that his body and soul cannot contain it. He unleashes a massive surge of Power, causing the land to shatter and rise into a towering mountain—Dragonmount. This cataclysmic event is both his final act of despair and the beginning of a new cycle of the Pattern. As Ishamael watches, he acknowledges that Lews Therin’s soul will be reborn, setting the stage for the return of the Dragon and the battle against the Dark One.
Themes and Symbolism
The Cycle of Time and Rebirth
Dragonmount immediately introduces one of the core concepts of The Wheel of Time: the cyclical nature of history. Lews Therin’s destruction is not an ending, but a beginning. His soul will be reborn, just as the struggle between light and darkness will continue. This theme of repetition and renewal will define the entire series, reinforcing the idea that history is destined to repeat itself, but not always in the same way.
Madness and Despair
The tragedy of Lews Therin’s downfall is deeply tied to the corruption of saidar, the male half of the One Power, by the Dark One. His madness is not only personal but symbolic of the broader fate of all male channelers who will suffer the same fate. This foreshadows the challenges that Rand al’Thor, the protagonist of the series, will face as he struggles with both the burden of his destiny and the threat of madness.
The Duality of Light and Shadow
The confrontation between Lews Therin and Ishamael is a microcosm of the eternal struggle between the forces of the Light and the Shadow. Ishamael’s words drip with cynicism and nihilism, as he insists that the battle is meaningless, that Lews Therin and his allies are doomed to fail again and again. This stark contrast between hope and despair will be a recurring motif throughout the series.
The Power of the One Power
The sheer scale of destruction caused by Lews Therin’s final act is a testament to the terrifying power of the One Power. The creation of Dragonmount is not just a moment of grief, but a display of how world-shattering the consequences of wielding such power can be. This sets the tone for the entire series, where the struggle to control and understand the One Power will be central to the protagonist’s journey.
Writing Style and Narrative Impact
Robert Jordan’s prose in Dragonmount is rich and evocative, drawing the reader into a world that feels both ancient and immediate. His ability to blend epic scale with intimate tragedy is on full display here. The descriptions of Lews Therin’s palace, the haunting imagery of his slain loved ones, and the explosive climax all contribute to an unforgettable opening sequence.
Jordan’s use of dramatic irony is particularly effective—while Lews Therin is unaware of his own atrocities, the reader quickly grasps the horror of his situation. This technique heightens the emotional impact when he finally realizes the truth. Additionally, Ishamael’s dialogue is chilling and poetic, reinforcing his role as both a tempter and a harbinger of doom.
The pacing of the prologue is also worth noting. It begins in eerie silence, slowly unveiling the depth of Lews Therin’s madness, then builds to an explosive and world-altering climax. This careful escalation makes Dragonmount a masterclass in narrative structure.
Conclusion
The prologue of The Eye of the World, Dragonmount, is an unforgettable introduction to The Wheel of Time series. It establishes key themes, introduces one of the most important historical events in the series, and delivers a tragic, powerful character moment in Lews Therin’s downfall. Jordan’s writing is immersive and impactful, making this one of the most compelling openings in modern fantasy literature.
For new readers, Dragonmount is both a tantalizing glimpse into the grand scale of the series and a deeply emotional moment that sets the tone for everything to come. For returning fans, it serves as a haunting reminder of the stakes at play and the weight of destiny. Whether experienced for the first time or revisited after finishing the series, this prologue remains one of the most iconic scenes in The Wheel of Time.
- Hits: 568
