The Wheel of Time Season 3 Episode 3 Recap: Lanfear’s alliance and Liandrin’s deadly mission

The Wheel of Time Season 3 Episode 3, Seeds of Shadow, reinforces the mounting tension and complex game of power that has characterized the season up to now. The episode is built on what has happened before, bringing characters closer to their fates and presenting new threats.

Spoiler Alert: This article contains detailed spoilers for The Wheel of Time Season 3, Episode 3. If you haven't watched the episode and wish to avoid spoilers, please proceed with caution.

Lanfear is in the spotlight in this episode as she tries to forge an alliance with Lord Gabriel and Sammael to counter Moghedien. In the meantime, Elayne and Nynaeve keep questioning the Black Ajah members they have captured in hopes of getting important information regarding Liandrin's schemes.

Rand al'Thor, tormented by Lanfear once more, is left wondering about her true motives. Somewhere else, Liandrin takes a perilous step in Tanchico, and Perrin is faced with a hard decision about his destiny and the protection of the people around him.

The Wheel of Time Season 3 Episode 3 is replete with political machination, strategic contrivance, and unforeseen events that intensify the stakes. As tensions escalate, all characters are confronted with decisions that will decide the fate of the upcoming battle.

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Lanfear’s proposal and the interrogation of the Black Ajah

In The Wheel of Time Season 3 Episode 3, Lanfear, intent on securing her status, meets with Lord Gabriel and Sammael in a darkened hallway. She threatens them with the increasing power of Moghedien, implying that their fellow Forsaken intends to attack first, taking them out separately.

Sammael is cautious of his status, heeding Lanfear's words intently, whereas Gabriel is skeptical of the plan, citing that Forsakens such as Graendal and Semirhage would not appreciate being left out of the coalition. Meanwhile, Elayne and Nynaeve increase the pressure on their two Black Ajah captives.

To crack the captives' will, they divide them and interrogate them. One of the captives confesses that the Black Ajah is organized into "hearts," small sets of three who know only each other's names, keeping the group secret. When questioned about Liandrin's intentions, she says that the Aes Sedai has traveled to Tear to help a Forsaken and seize control of Callandor.

Elayne immediately shoots down this assertion, aware that only the Dragon Reborn can handle the legendary sword. The second captive, Joiya, gives a different piece of information, saying that Liandrin is looking for Mazrim Taim, a one-time False Dragon.

Both captives, however, refuse to mention a major stolen relic, and Elayne is convinced that Liandrin has indeed proceeded to Tanchico. Their fears are proven correct when an assassin tries to kill them, and they are compelled to make a quick decision—Elayne, Nynaeve, and Mat have to go to Tanchico immediately.

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Rand’s dream and Liandrin’s arrival in The Wheel of Time Season 3 Episode 3

As Moiraine, Rand, and their party press on through the desolate Aiel Waste, they stumble upon a grim sight—dead bodies left behind as a warning. Lan is quick to realize that the savage act was done by the Shaido Clan, marking the perils to come. At night, Rand is again visited by Lanfear in a dream.

She mentions a means of escaping the control of the Dark One, suggesting that if the Dark One were vanquished, she might be freed from her vows. The dream ends before Rand can ask her more questions, leaving him with even greater doubt about her intentions.

Meanwhile, in Tanchico, Liandrin makes her entrance at midnight. She sneaks into a decadent wedding ceremony and sees the groom's noble heritage—his ancestor had once betrayed her. Without hesitation, she employs the One Power to kill him, leaving the bride dismayed but uninjured. Liandrin's entry in Tanchico marks a perilous new era in her schemes.

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Perrin’s decision and Mat’s challenge in The Wheel of Time Season 3 Episode 3

In the Two Rivers again, Perrin discovers that the White Cloaks have captured Na'ati and are requesting his surrender in return for her freedom. Standing in front of the villagers, he maintains that if surrendering himself will free her, he is willing to surrender.

The villagers, however, do not permit him to give himself up, reasoning that surrender will not stop the White Cloaks' rule. Rather, they have to stand and fight. Perrin, conflicted between the obligation to defend his people and the obligation to retaliate, prepares himself for the impending battle.

Elsewhere, Mat practices with a wooden staff to the delight of Elayne's brothers. They offer him a match, but Mat soon demonstrates his proficiency by defeating them easily. This further strengthens his confidence, and he vows that he will go with Elayne and Nynaeve to Tanchico.

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The Wheel of Time Season 3 Episode 3 is currently available on Prime Video.