The Wheel of Time Season 3, Episode 4 Recap: Confronting the Past and Shaping the Future in Rhuidean

In The Wheel of Time Season 3, Episode 4, "The Road to the Spear," Rand and Moiraine navigate crucial moments in the city of Rhuidean. Rand undergoes tests that uncover long-held secrets regarding his family and his destiny as the Dragon Reborn, and Moiraine sees visions of potential futures that have the potential to alter everything.

The Wheel of Time Season 3, Episode 4 is full of dramatic revelations, difficult decisions, and foreshadowing of what is to occur in the narrative. Rhuidean is a mythical location, bathed in intrigue and history, and it takes center stage in determining the trajectory of the characters.

Rand's experience in the city confronts him with his past, while Moiraine's visions confront her with uncertainty about her future. Together, both stories in The Wheel of Time Season 3, Episode 4 probe into themes such as destiny, free will, and the burden of responsibility.

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Rand's Trials in Rhuidean in The Wheel of Time Season 3, Episode 4

In The Wheel of Time Season 3, Episode 4 Rand's trial begins as he steps into the misty city of Rhuidean, guided by the Wise Ones. The city is shrouded in mystery, with glass columns at its center that hold the secrets of the Aiel’s past. Rand must walk through these columns to prove he is the Car’a’carn—the prophesied chief of chiefs—and gain insight into his destiny.

As Rand steps into the columns, he is carried into a sequence of visions that depict significant events in Aiel's history. His first vision presents his biological father, Janduin, grieving over the death of Tigraine (Rand's mother) during the Aiel War. Janduin had slain the oathbreaker king who had initiated the war but was devastated by the death of Tigraine and his lost child.

This experience establishes the emotional tone for Rand's journey, as he starts to realize the sacrifices of his ancestors. The visions push Rand further into the past, revealing Mandein, an ancient clan leader who originally entered Rhuidean and discovered the Aiel's true history.

Rand can see how the Aiel were originally servants of the Aes Sedai in the Age of Legends and how their people became "oathbreakers" when they refused to fight during the Breaking of the World. These revelations shake Rand's understanding of himself and his people.

Rand also encounters Muradin, another Aiel warrior who is undergoing his trial. Muradin is overcome by what he sees and scratches out his eyes before falling dead onto the ground. For these atrocities, Rand, though witnessing this gruesome act, does not care; he pushes on with his trial.

In one vision, Rand encounters Mierin Eronaile—more commonly known as Lanfear—who announces her finding of a vulnerability in the Pattern that might bring access to overwhelming power for both men and women.

Their discussion is filled with indications of impending struggles and questions regarding Lanfear's intentions. As Rand departs Rhuidean, dragon tattoos materialize on his forearms, branding him Car'a'carn.

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Moiraine's Visions in Rhuidean in The Wheel of Time Season 3, Episode 4

While Rand faces trials in Rhuidean’s columns in The Wheel of Time Season 3, Episode 4, Moiraine embarks on her journey through three rings near Avendesora (the Tree of Life). Before entering Rhuidean, she channels her powers to uncover Sakarnen—a powerful artifact hidden beneath Avendesora—which she carefully pockets.

Once inside the rings, Moiraine experiences visions of possible futures. These glimpses range from hopeful moments to dark outcomes filled with betrayal and sacrifice. In one vision, she sees herself as Amyrlin Seat killing Rand with the One Power while surrounded by Sitters in Tar Valon’s Great Hall.

In another chilling scenario, she witnesses Lanfear slitting her throat while surrounded by Egwene, Nynaeve, Perrin, Elayne, and others—all dressed in black. Moiraine also has visions where she releases Lan from his bond as her Warder or bonds Rand instead. She leaves with disturbed thoughts, now seeing how fragile alliances can be and how much will depend on her choices.

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Aftermath: Returning from Rhuidean in The Wheel of Time Season 3, Episode 4

As dawn breaks over Rhuidean, Rand emerges from the city carrying a weakened Moiraine in his arms. Aviendha wakes nearby and is shocked to see dragon tattoos on Rand’s forearms—proof that he has completed his trial and fulfilled part of his prophecy. Rand apologizes to Aviendha for misunderstanding Aiel's culture earlier in their journey:

“I understand enough to know I’ll never fully understand.”

Despite Aviendha insisting he leave her behind, Rand refuses to depart without Moiraine. Back at the Aiel camp, Egwene waits anxiously alongside Lan for their return. Aviendha had emerged two days earlier but refused to speak about what happened inside Rhuidean. Just as foretold by prophecy, Rand returns at dawn with Moiraine—a moment that solidifies his role as Car’a’carn among the Aiel.

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Stream The Wheel of Time Season 3 Episode 4 on Prime Video.