Rand al’Thor becomes the Car’a’carn in The Wheel of Time season 3: What it means for the Aiel and the Pattern

The Wheel of Time season 3 finale (image via Instagram/@thewheeloftime)
The Wheel of Time season 3 finale (image via Instagram/@thewheeloftime)

Rand al'Thor's rise to the position of Car'a'carn in The Wheel of Time Season 3 is significant to the Aiel people and the Pattern of the world in general. The Car'a'carn, or "Chief of Chiefs," is a prophesied messiah who shall unite the Aiel clans and lead them toward a new light.

In Season 3 of The Wheel of Time, Rand's passage through the glass pillars of Rhuidean marks him with two dragon tattoos, closing the prophecy and making him both the Dragon Reborn and the Car'a'carn. This dual role is important not only for Rand's destiny but also for the fate of the Aiel and the world.

The season shows Rand struggling with his new position, the truth regarding the Aiel's origins, and the duty to unite a fractured people. His new role carries far-reaching consequences with respect to the balance of power and the evolution of the Pattern itself.


Rand al'Thor's Position as Car'a'carn in The Wheel of Time Season 3

In Season 3 of The Wheel of Time, Rand al'Thor's embracing of the role of Car'a'carn is one of the central plots. The Aiel have been waiting for ages for the Car'a'carn, the one who is said to gather the clans and take them away from the Aiel Waste.

The Car'a'carn should have the mark of the dragon on both arms, a symbol Rand receives after surviving the visions in Rhuidean. These visions make known the Aiel's true past, including where they came from and the shame they bear for leaving the Way of the Leaf. Rand's right to the title is questioned by some Aiel, like Couladin, and it creates strife.

Despite this, Rand starts to make good on the prophecy by demonstrating his power and making the Aiel's secret past known. His leadership is at the heart of bringing the Aiel clans together, but acceptance is not yet full by the end of the season.


The significance of Rand's Car'a'carn status to the Pattern and the World

Rand's Car'a'carn status in The Wheel of Time Season 3 has significant implications for the Pattern, the metaphysical force that governs destiny. Since he is both the Dragon Reborn and Car'a'carn, Rand's actions play a central part in the Last Battle, the ultimate battle against the Dark One.

The Pattern draws Rand into these roles due to the repetitive cycle of history and prophecy in the series. The Aiel, or the People of the Dragon, share a connection with Rand's life as Lews Therin and thus have a destiny that is inextricably connected to his.

By uniting the Aiel, Rand puts a formidable power into the battle against the Shadow. The finale of Season 3 leaves the leadership of Rand as Car'a'carn in question, with the Aiel remaining in disarray. This conflict serves to create plots down the road as the Pattern continues to progress around Rand.


Challenges and changes for the Aiel in The Wheel of Time Season 3

The happenings in Rhuidean compel the Aiel to confront their history and the significance of their prophecy. Rand's position as Car'a'carn compels the Aiel to confront the reality of their beginnings and culture. Sportskeeda observes that this leads to internal strife, as some Aiel are resistant to embracing their history and the transformation Rand's leadership entails.

Clan opposition and rival claimants to the position of Car'a'carn emphasize the challenge Rand must overcome in unifying the Aiel. In The Wheel of Time Season 3, the Aiel transformation is still underway, with complete acceptance of Rand as Car'a'carn remaining to be seen. The destiny of the Aiel and their role in the Last Battle hinge on overcoming these factions and Rand's success in the prophecy.


The Wheel of Time Season 3 is available to watch on Prime Video.

Edited by Ritika Pal