Crossroads of Twilight The Seanchan Prophecy regarding Rand

[Erika 4]

The Seanchan believe that the Dragon will kneel before the Empress and I was wondering if anyone had any ideas or theories on how or if that will come to pass? Especially considering it is a 'false' prophecy

[Olivia 26]

I never really gave much thought to that. I think you're right that it's false; I always assumed it was simply the Seanchan revisionist version of the Prophecies. It especially seems unlikely considering now that Rand is all Jesus-ified and people ridiculously seem to be awed just by his "presence" and wouldn't expect him to kneel to anyone. Tuon's appearances as Empress have almost the same tone in that her people treat her like a magnificent god-figure, but the readers know that Seanchan culture (and Tuon) are deeply flawed and unjust. So to have Rand kneel before Tuon would symbolically be like having Jesus kneel to a false idol, something that (based on their use of Jesus parallels) I think both RJ and Sanderson would probably object to. (yeah, I mentioned Jesus on an internet forum, prepare for incoming flamewar... )

 

But if the kneeling does happen, I'd think it'll probably be as some sort of deception or ploy to gain Seanchan alliance for the Last Battle, rather than genuine genuflection (lol someone slap me ). On the other hand, given how ToM played out, maybe Rand will just make a simple plea for alliance and the Seanchan will be so blown away by his "presence" that they'll just agree.

 

It might not even be the real Dragon Reborn who kneels, as a lot of fans have pointed out that foreshadowing indicates that Rand will appear to be dead and another may take his place for a time.

[Marie 73]

I want a real Rand death...anyway.

 

The Seanchan prophecies were tampered with by one of the Forsaken, weren't they? Not that changes how the Seanchan feel about them, so yes, something will have to be done to gain their aid in fighting the Dark One. As much as I hate them, the Wetlanders need all the help they can get.

[Deadsy 19]

I want a real Rand death...anyway.

 

The Seanchan prophecies were tampered with by one of the Forsaken, weren't they? Not that changes how the Seanchan feel about them, so yes, something will have to be done to gain their aid in fighting the Dark One. As much as I hate them, the Wetlanders need all the help they can get.

There's only one difference in the two Karaethon Cycles. "Bind the nine moons" was replaced by the Dragon kneeling. It was Ishamael who did that. The Essanik Cycle is all real prophecies, like "the fox that makes the ravens fly" thing.

 

Anyhow, I think Rand will kneel and it will be no big deal to him. It's just a gesture. It will probably piss Egwene off but he pisses her off all the time already. Then, after that, he'll tell Tuon what to do. Maybe there'll be a funny scene where they're arguing over who is going to be the general of the armies and they don't realize it but they both want Mat.

Edited October 24, 2011 by Deadsy

[Olivia 26]

Maybe there'll be a funny scene where they're arguing over who is going to be the general of the armies and they don't realize it but they both want Mat.

 

Haha, that's a great idea.

[Sam 19]

i'm sure there will be drama around the whole thing but that he'll eventually just kneel and get it over with