Blogpost:
EricWijnen
Robert Jordan and the Wheel of Time (WOT)
The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass leaving memory that becomes legend. Legend fades to myth and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again.
In the world of fantasy literature, few series have achieved the monumental success and enduring legacy of The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. Born James Oliver Rigney Jr. on October 17, 1948, in Charleston, South Carolina, Jordan led a fascinating life that ultimately shaped the complex and intricate world he would later create in his novels. Trained as a nuclear engineer, after he served in the United States Navy and later pursued a career in writing. His experiences in the Vietnam War and his passion for diverse cultures greatly influenced his writing.
Unfortunately, on September 16, 2007, Robert Jordan passed away due to cardiac amyloidosis. Despite his passing, his legacy endures through his remarkable body of work, with "The Wheel of Time" being the pinnacle of his literary achievement.
Before crafting the intricate tapestry of The Wheel of Time, Robert Jordan had already established himself as a skilled writer. Here are his notable works prior to, during and after embarking on the epic journey of the Wheel:
The Fallon Blood in 1980 as Reagan O'Neal
The Fallon Pride in 1981 as Reagan O'Neal
The Fallon Legacy in 1980 as Reagan O'Neal
Cheyenne Riders in 1982 as Jackson O'Reilly
The Conan Chronicles in 1996 as Robert Jordan
The Conan Chronicles 2 in 1997 as Robert Jordan
The World of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time as Robert Jordan (with Teresa Patterson)
The Wheel of Time Companion in 2015 as Robert Jordan (with Harriet McDougal)
Warrior of the Altaï in 2019 as Robert Jordan
Following Jordan's untimely death, the responsibility of concluding The Wheel of Time fell upon the capable shoulders of Brandon Sanderson. An accomplished fantasy writer in his own right, Sanderson, Born on December 19, 1975, in Lincoln, Nebraska, took up the challenge of completing Jordan's vision with respect and dedication.
Before joining the world of The Wheel of Time, Brandon Sanderson had already made a name for himself with several notable works. Here are some of his published works before taking on this monumental task:
Elantris in 2005
Mistborn: The Final Empire in 2006
The Well of Ascension in 2007
Warbreaker in 2009
The Wheel of Time is a sprawling epic fantasy series that spans 15 books, with the first installment, The Eye of the World, published in 1990. Set in a meticulously crafted world, the series follows a diverse cast of characters as they navigate a world where magic, politics, destiny and a struggle between the forces of Light and Shadow intertwine in a complex dance.
Drawing inspiration from various real-world cultures, Robert Jordan masterfully constructs a world that feels both familiar and fantastical. The Wheel of Time spans diverse cultures, including: Culture Earth Inspiration
Andor European feudalism
Aiel various nomadic cultures, such as Bedouin and Native American
Arafel Medieval Mongol Empire Cairhien Renaissance France
Domani Arabian
Illian Italian Renaissance
Murandy Italian Renaissance
Seanchan Imperial China, Japanese and Roman
Tairen Italian Renaissance
These are just a few examples, and the series incorporates a myriad of influences, creating a truly immersive experience.
Embarking on the Wheel of Time journey is an investment in a literary legacy. The series offers a masterclass in world-building, character development, and the intricate interplay of destinies. With its rich cultural tapestry and epic scope, The Wheel of Time is an immersive experience that will leave readers spellbound, making it a must-read for any fantasy enthusiast. In the words of the Wheel of Time itself, the journey is cyclical, and each reading opens new perspectives. So, whether you seek adventure, intricate world-building, or a tale that transcends Ages, The Wheel of Time awaits, inviting you to join the ranks of those who've traversed its captivating realms.
Used Sources:
My own bookcase
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jackson%20O'Reilly/author/B001HCV0TA https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/108933.Reagan_O_Neal https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Jordan# https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandon_Sanderson#
ChatGPT
https://run.unl.pt/bitstream/10362/31475/1/Rui_Mateus_Disserta%C3%A7%C3%A3o.pdf https://www.theoryland.com/intvmain.php?i=114&utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-P9T8lJ30H0 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wheel_of_Time
