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The White Tower, the center of Aes Sedai strength, is irrevocably altered in The Wheel of Time Season 3. With a vicious and public coup, Elaida do Avriny a'Roihan of the Red Ajah is in charge as Amyrlin Seat. The previous Amyrlin, Siuan Sanche, was overthrown on charges of being a Darkfriend and put to death by hanging.
This is not a simple change of leadership; this is a fundamental crack in the Tower's cohesion and a radical upheaval in Ajah politics. The Red Ajah, previously discredited, is now in power, while the Blue Ajah and its affiliates are marginalized or driven underground.
The coup, initiated by Elaida and backed by influential Tower leaders such as Alviarin, reveals deep divides and puts the White Tower on a new and more autocratic course.
The Coup: How Elaida took over
Elaida's coup is cunning and ruthless. She returns to the White Tower in The Wheel of Time Season 3 with a political reputation and sets about undermining Siuan's authority immediately. Elaida recalls recent troubling events: Elayne Trakand's disappearance, the growing threat posed by the Black Ajah, and Siuan's secret collaboration with Moiraine and the Dragon Reborn, Rand al'Thor.
Elaida uses the Aes Sedai discontent, particularly in the Red Ajah, to gather a coalition against Siuan. Elaida stages a vote to remove Siuan from her position, assuring that she is present only with her supporters.
Siuan is not affected by the One Power; she is cut off from her status as Aes Sedai, and she is sentenced to death by beheading—an order given by Elaida and executed by her supporter Alviarin. Siuan's last speech reveals her clandestine work with Moiraine and foretells the Tower's doom at Elaida's command.
Ajah politics: Shifting alliances and deepening divides
The coup's aftermath finds the Ajahs more divided than ever. The Red Ajah, under Elaida, takes over and demands a hardline response to the crisis in the world, particularly with Rand al'Thor. The Blue Ajah, which was powerful under Siuan, is pushed to the sidelines. Blues flee or hide out, fearing persecution under Elaida's rule.
The rest of the Ajahs—Green, Yellow, Brown, White, and Gray—are divided. Some are loyal to Elaida for the stability she brings, while others oppose her tactics and the brutality of her ascension.
The uncovering of the Black Ajah—a secret faction of Aes Sedai loyal to the Dark One—adds to the growing atmosphere of distrust and suspicion. Sisters now wonder about one another's loyalty, and the bonds of trust that once united the Tower are severed.
The Black Ajah and the Fracturing of the Tower
The discovery that the Black Ajah has penetrated the White Tower shakes the Aes Sedai to their foundations. Numerous sisters are revealed as Darkfriends and depart, weakening the Tower and its leadership. This loss of trust undermines Elaida's authority right from the beginning and fills the air with suspicion and fear.
Moiraine, formerly a dominant figure in Tower politics, warns her friends to keep their distance, aware that there are now enemies within the ranks of the Tower itself.
Elaida's rule: Vision and controversy
As Amyrlin, Elaida's overriding intention is to subdue Rand al'Thor. She calls for a vote to send a delegation to "encage" the Dragon Reborn, holding the belief that the Tower needs to steer or box him in if she is to make it through the impending strife. Elaida's rule is one of compulsion, obfuscation, and willingness to fight.
Her behaviors open further chasms in the Aes Sedai ranks, as increasing numbers of sisters doubt her vision and her rightful place as Amyrlin. Her rule is marked by public executions, crushing dissent, and an emphasis on eliminating any form of opposition. The Tower's power to shape world events is weakened, as war and prophecy hang over the entire continent as a threat to its stability.
How The Wheel of Time Season 3 differs from Robert Jordan's novels
In Robert Jordan's novels, the coup against Siuan is close but less graphic. Siuan is overthrown and stilled (cut off from the One Power), but not executed. She makes her escape from the Tower with assistance from Min Farshaw, Gawyn Trakand, and Leane.
They all join the rebel Aes Sedai at Salidar, who resist Elaida's regime. The show's version, with Siuan's execution, is a radical departure, highlighting the violence and finality of Elaida's coup.
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The Wheel of Time Season 3 is currently streaming on Prime Video.
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