Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we spotlight strong women and nonbinary folks who inspire us. This includes fictional characters and creators in geeky media. They are a prime example of empowerment and how crucial it is for youth to have said example to follow.
DISCLAIMER: The following contains spoilers from Prime Video’s The Wheel of Time series, specifically for Egwene al’Vere’s arc.
Egwene al’Vere
Fast Facts
Egwene al’Vere (Madeleine Madden) was born in Emond’s Field in the Two Rivers. When we meet her at the beginning of the series, Egwene is essentially betrothed to Rand al’Thor (Josha Stradowski), and she joins the Women’s Circle. She also begins an apprenticeship with Wisdom Nynaeve al’Meara (Zoë Robins) to become a Wisdom herself, driving a wedge between her and Rand (as Wisdoms can’t marry).
Season 1
However, Moiraine Damodred (Rosamund Pike), an Aes Sedai, changes Egwene’s life when she rolls into the Two Rivers with her Warder, Lan Mandragoran (Daniel Henney). Moiraine believes the Dark One is searching for the Dragon Reborn, and it could be either Egwene, Rand, Perrin Aybara (Marcus Rutherford) or Mat Cauthon (Barney Harris, then Dónal Finn in Season 2).
RELATED: Madeleine Madden Teases Egwene’s Journey in The Wheel of Time Season 3
So, following a major Trolloc attack in their village, Egwene hits the road with Moiraine and the others. They’re heading for Tar Valon. While on the road, Egwene displays signs of being a channeler.
At one point, Egwene and Perrin become separated from the group after a night in Shadar Logoth. After narrowly evading a pack of wolves, Egwene and Perrin fall in with the Tuatha’an. Unfortunately, outside Tar Valon, the Children of Light, led by Eamon Valda (Abdul Salis), capture Egwene and Perrin. After Valda tortures them for a spell, Egwene channels enough of the One Power to sever Perrin’s bonds and stabs Valda before they escape.
Eye of the World
Later, Egwene and Perrin reunite with the others at the White Tower, including Nynaeve, who was initially thought dead. Moiraine leads them through the Ways, along with Loial (Hammed Animashaun), to reach the Eye of the World. They stop in Fal Dara. Egwene and Rand finally have a night together, where the latter encourages her to pursue her dreams of becoming an Aes Sedai. He vows to be her Warder. However, the following day, Rand accompanies Moiraine into the Great Blight to confront the Dark One’s strongest lieutenant, Ishamael (Fares Fares), leaving Egwene behind. Rand is the Dragon Reborn.
Meanwhile, Egwene and Nynaeve help defend the city from encroaching Shadowspawn. At one point, Egwene heals Nynaeve, who becomes almost mortally wounded.
RELATED: TV Review: The Wheel of Time Season 3
Season 2
In Season 2, Egwene and Nynaeve begin their time at the White Tower as Novices. Egwene believes Rand died at the Eye of the World (but he’s in hiding). She befriends Elayne Trakand (Ceara Coveney) and witnesses Nynaeve going through the Arches to become Accepted.
Unfortunately, the Seanchan enslave Egwene, courtesy of Liandrin Guirale (Kate Fleetwood), a Red Ajah who’s secretly a member of the fabled Black Ajah.
Renna (Xelia Mendes-Jones), a Seanchan sul’dam, puts a collar around Egwene’s neck to suppress the latter’s ability to touch the One Power. Egwene is dubbed a damane. Renna tortures Egwene to make her subservient and control her channeling.
RELATED: Read our The Wheel of Time recaps
Nynaeve and Elayne travel to Falme, where Egwene is held captive, to save her. Egwene frees herself and kills Renna. Violence has broken out in Falme as Rand faces off against Ishamael again. Egwene soon learns Rand is alive as he reunites with her after she strangles Renna. She assists Rand in attacking Ishamael. After Rand slaughters Ishamael, he’s officially declared the Dragon Reborn for all to see.
The Real Deal
Egwene is not only one of the strongest channelers but also ta’veren, which is incredibly rare. She’s immensely intelligent and wise beyond her young years. Egwene is unwavering in her loyalty to her loved ones. She’ll gladly fall on her sword to help others. She possesses ambition in spades, with her sights set on honing her channeling abilities as an Aes Sedai.
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In addition, Egwene is empathetic and kind. However, don’t mistake her kindness for weakness. We see her true strength — visceral and raw — come into play while a captive of the Seanchan. Egwene overpowers her torturer and kills her, but not before slipping the collar around Renna’s neck, making her a damane. It’s a triumphant and inspiring tale of giving abusers what they deserve — uncompromising punishment.
Why She Matters
Egwene is a multifaceted, nuanced young woman who knows her worth and that she’s destined for greatness. She’s driven to succeed. She loves deeply and wholly. Not to mention, if anyone fits the definitions of “survivor” and “fighter,” it’s Egwene.
So, be like Egwene al’Vere. Be brave, bold and tenacious. Have confidence in your abilities. Know you’re made of strong stuff, so don’t let anyone walk all over you. Never shy away from doing the right thing. And when in doubt, listen to the wind.
The Wheel of Time Season 3 premieres on March 13, only on Prime Video.
THE WHEEL OF TIME: Ayoola Smart and Ceara Coveney Talk Season 3
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