The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan: A Book Review and Analysis
The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan: A Review of the Second Book in the Wheel of Time Series
If you are a fan of epic fantasy, you have probably heard of The Wheel of Time, a 14-book series by Robert Jordan that spans over four million words and has sold over 80 million copies worldwide. The series is set in a world where magic exists, but only certain people can access it, and where a dark force known as the Dark One is trying to break free from his prison and destroy the world. The series follows the adventures of a group of young heroes who are destined to fight against the Dark One and his minions, while also dealing with political intrigue, cultural clashes, and personal struggles.
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The Great Hunt is the second book in the series, and it picks up where the first book, The Eye of the World, left off. In this book, we see more of the world that Jordan has created, as well as more of the characters that we have come to know and love. We also see more of the challenges and dangers that await our heroes, as well as some surprising twists and turns that will keep you hooked until the end.
In this article, I will give you a brief overview of what The Great Hunt is about, who are the main characters, and what are the main themes. I will also summarize the plot, analyze some aspects of the book, and give you my opinion on its strengths and weaknesses. Finally, I will tell you why you should read The Great Hunt if you haven't already, or why you should re-read it if you have.
Introduction
What is The Great Hunt about?
The Great Hunt is about a quest to recover a powerful artifact that has been stolen by the Dark One's forces. The artifact is called the Horn of Valere, and it is said to be able to summon the dead heroes of legend to fight for whoever blows it. The Horn was found by Rand al'Thor, a young man who is believed to be the Dragon Reborn, a prophesied savior who will either save or destroy the world. Rand and his friends must travel across lands filled with danger and mystery to find the Horn before it falls into the wrong hands.
Meanwhile, another group of characters must deal with a different threat: an invasion by a mysterious empire called Seanchan, which has enslaved many people who can channel magic. Among them are Egwene al'Vere and Nynaeve al'Meara, two young women who have been training to become Aes Sedai, an order of female magic-users who wield great influence and power. Egwene and Nynaeve must escape from their captors and find a way to stop them from conquering more lands.
The Great Hunt is also about exploring more of the history and lore of the world that Jordan has created. We learn more about the Age of Legends, a time when magic was abundant and civilization was advanced. We also learn more about the prophecies that foretell the coming of the Dragon Reborn and his role in the final battle against the Dark One. We also encounter more of the creatures and races that inhabit the world, such as the Ogier, the Trollocs, the Aiel, and the Whitecloaks.
Who are the main characters?
The Great Hunt has a large cast of characters, but here are some of the main ones:
Rand al'Thor: The protagonist of the series, a young man from a small village who discovers that he can channel magic and that he is the Dragon Reborn. He is brave, loyal, and stubborn, but also insecure, conflicted, and reluctant to accept his destiny.
Matrim Cauthon: Rand's best friend, a prankster and a gambler who has a knack for getting into trouble. He is also affected by a cursed dagger that he stole from an ancient city, which makes him paranoid, greedy, and sickly.
Perrin Aybara: Rand's other best friend, a blacksmith's apprentice who has a gentle and calm demeanor. He also has a special connection to wolves, which allows him to communicate with them and sense their emotions.
Egwene al'Vere: Rand's childhood sweetheart, a spirited and curious girl who wants to become an Aes Sedai. She is brave, intelligent, and loyal, but also impulsive, stubborn, and naive.
Nynaeve al'Meara: The Wisdom of Rand's village, a healer and a leader who is fiercely protective of her people. She is also a very powerful channeler, but she has trouble controlling her temper and her pride.
Lan Mandragoran: The Warder of Moiraine Damodred, an Aes Sedai who guides Rand and his friends. He is a master swordsman and a king without a throne, who belongs to a nation that was destroyed by the Dark One. He is stoic, loyal, and honorable, but also distant, reserved, and melancholic.
Moiraine Damodred: An Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah, an order of magic-users who are dedicated to finding and aiding the Dragon Reborn. She is wise, cunning, and powerful, but also secretive, manipulative, and mysterious.
Loial: An Ogier, a race of giant humanoids who are peaceful and love books. He is curious about the world outside his homeland, and he joins Rand and his friends on their quest. He is kind, gentle, and loyal, but also naive, timid, and long-winded.
What are the main themes?
The Great Hunt explores several themes that are common in fantasy literature, such as:
Destiny vs. free will: The characters have to deal with the fact that their lives are shaped by prophecies and fate, but they also have to make their own choices and actions.
Good vs. evil: The characters have to face the Dark One and his minions, who represent the ultimate evil in the world. They also have to deal with moral dilemmas and gray areas that challenge their sense of right and wrong.
Identity and self-discovery: The characters have to discover who they are and what they want in life. They also have to cope with the changes that happen to them physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Loyalty and friendship: The characters have to rely on each other and form bonds of trust and affection. They also have to deal with betrayal, jealousy, and conflict among themselves.
Duty and honor: The characters have to fulfill their obligations and responsibilities to their people, their causes, and their beliefs. They also have to uphold their codes of conduct and ethics in the face of adversity.
Summary of the plot
Part One: In the Shadow
The book begins with a prologue that shows how the Dark One's prison was weakened by an event called the Breaking of the World. We then see how one of his followers named Ba'alzamon tries to recruit three men who can channel magic: Ishamael (the leader of the Forsaken), Bors (a spy for the Whitecloaks), and Fain (a former peddler who was corrupted by the Dark One).
Part Two: The Hunt Begins
One night, Fal Dara is attacked by Trollocs (humanoid beasts that serve the Dark One) and Fades (shadowy creatures that command the Trollocs). During the attack, the Horn of Valere and the dagger that Mat Cauthon stole from Shadar Logoth (an ancient city that was corrupted by evil) are taken by Fain and a group of Darkfriends (people who serve the Dark One). Rand and his friends survive the attack, but they are shocked to learn that the Horn and the dagger are gone.
Moiraine tells Rand that he must go after Fain and recover the Horn and the dagger, because they are both vital for the final battle against the Dark One. The Horn can summon the heroes of legend to fight for the Light, while the dagger can cure Mat from his sickness. Rand agrees to go, but he insists that he is not the Dragon Reborn. He is joined by Mat, Perrin Aybara, Loial (an Ogier who befriended Rand), and Hurin (a Shienaran soldier who can smell violence).
They are also accompanied by Ingtar (a Shienaran noble who leads a group of soldiers), Verin (an Aes Sedai of the Brown Ajah who studies history and lore), and Masema (a fanatical follower of Rand). They set out to follow Fain's trail, which leads them to Cairhien (a kingdom that is plagued by civil war and intrigue).
Along the way, they encounter several obstacles and enemies, such as Whitecloaks (a militant order that hates magic-users), Darkfriends (who try to kill Rand), Seanchan (who capture Egwene and Nynaeve), and Grolm (giant three-eyed beasts that hunt them). They also meet some allies and friends, such as Selene (a beautiful and mysterious woman who flirts with Rand), Thom Merrilin (a gleeman who helped Rand in the first book), and Min Farshaw (a young woman who can see glimpses of the future).
They also discover some secrets and mysteries, such as Portal Stones (ancient devices that can transport people to different worlds), Daes Dae'mar (the Game of Houses, a complex web of political manipulation and deception), and the Dragon Banner (a symbol of the Dragon Reborn that Rand carries with him).
Part Three: To Come Out of the Shadow
The final part of the book focuses on the climax and resolution of the story. Rand and his friends finally catch up with Fain in Toman Head (a peninsula that is invaded by Seanchan). They find out that Fain has allied himself with Turak (a Seanchan lord who collects ancient artifacts) and has given him the Horn of Valere. They also find out that Egwene and Nynaeve have escaped from their captors and have joined forces with Bayle Domon (a smuggler who helped them in the first book) and Egeanin (a Seanchan officer who is curious about Aes Sedai).
Rand decides to challenge Turak to a duel for the Horn, while Ingtar leads a charge against the Seanchan army. Rand manages to kill Turak and reclaim the Horn, but he is wounded in the process. He also realizes that he can channel magic without going mad, because he is protected by a mysterious force called saidin. He then blows the Horn of Valere, which summons the heroes of legend to fight for him. Among them are Artur Hawkwing (a legendary king who unified the world), Birgitte Silverbow (a famous archer who is friends with Min), and Gaidal Cain (a renowned swordsman who is Birgitte's lover).
the shadow (a metaphor for the Dark One's influence) and has revealed himself to the world. She also tells him that he has to face Ba'alzamon in a final confrontation, because he is the only one who can stop him.
Rand agrees to go, but he asks his friends to stay behind and guard the Horn. He is joined by Mat, Perrin, Loial, Hurin, and Verin, who insist on going with him. They use a Portal Stone to travel to Falme (a city that is occupied by Seanchan), where Ba'alzamon is waiting for them. They enter a strange dimension where time and space are distorted, and where they have to face their fears and doubts.
Rand finally confronts Ba'alzamon, who claims to be the Dark One himself. They engage in a fierce battle of wills and magic, which is visible in the sky as a storm of fire and lightning. Rand manages to wound Ba'alzamon with a sword that he forged from his own power, but he is also wounded in the same place. He then collapses, thinking that he has killed the Dark One and ended the threat.
However, Moiraine later tells him that he has not killed the Dark One, but only one of his agents: Ishamael, the leader of the Forsaken. She says that the Dark One is still imprisoned, and that Rand will have to face him again in the future. She also says that Rand's wound will never heal, and that it is a sign of his link to the Dark One.
The book ends with Rand accepting his identity as the Dragon Reborn, and declaring that he will fight the Dark One until the end. He also says that he will not be controlled by anyone, not even Moiraine or the Aes Sedai. He then leaves Falme with his friends, while the people cheer for him and the heroes of legend salute him.
Analysis of the book
The worldbuilding and magic system
One of the strengths of The Great Hunt is its worldbuilding and magic system. Jordan has created a rich and complex world that is inspired by various myths, legends, cultures, and histories. He has also created a unique and consistent magic system that is based on two opposing forces: saidin (the male half) and saidar (the female half). The magic system has rules and limitations that make it believable and interesting.
The worldbuilding and magic system are revealed gradually and organically throughout the book, without overwhelming or confusing the reader. Jordan uses various techniques to show rather than tell his worldbuilding and magic system, such as descriptions, dialogues, flashbacks, dreams, visions, and prophecies. He also uses different perspectives and viewpoints to show different aspects and facets of his world and magic.
, and duty and honor.
The character development and relationships
Another strength of The Great Hunt is its character development and relationships. Jordan has created a diverse and dynamic cast of characters who are realistic and relatable. He has also created a variety of relationships among them that are complex and compelling. He has also made the characters grow and change throughout the book, as they face different challenges and experiences.
The character development and relationships are shown through the actions, thoughts, feelings, and interactions of the characters. Jordan uses various techniques to show the character development and relationships, such as inner monologues, dialogues, body language, facial expressions, and gestures. He also uses different perspectives and viewpoints to show the character development and relationships from different angles and perspectives.
The character development and relationships also serve to enhance the plot and the themes of the book. They create conflicts and resolutions for the characters, as well as motivations and goals. They also reflect the plot and the themes of the book, as they mirror and contrast the events and issues that happen in the world. They also illustrate the themes of destiny vs. free will, good vs. evil, identity and self-discovery, loyalty and friendship, and duty and honor.
The writing style and tone
A final strength of The Great Hunt is its writing style and tone. Jordan has written the book in a clear and engaging way that captures the reader's attention and imagination. He has also written the book in a consistent and appropriate tone that matches the genre and mood of the book. He has also written the book in a way that balances between showing and telling, between action and description, between dialogue and narration, and between humor and seriousness.
The writing style and tone are shown through the words, sentences, paragraphs, chapters, and sections that Jordan uses to write the book. Jordan uses various techniques to show his writing style and tone, such as word choice, sentence structure, paragraph length, chapter division, section break, punctuation, capitalization, italicization, bolding, underlining, quotation marks, parentheses, brackets, dashes, ellipses, etc. He also uses different perspectives and viewpoints to show his writing style and tone from different angles and perspectives.
and involvement for the reader, as well as a sense of pace and tension. They also reflect the plot and the themes of the book, as they convey the emotions and messages that Jordan wants to express. They also illustrate the themes of destiny vs. free will, good vs. evil, identity and self-discovery, loyalty and friendship, and duty and honor.
Conclusion
What are the strengths and weaknesses of The Great Hunt?
The Great Hunt is a well-written and well-crafted book that has many strengths and few weaknesses. Some of the strengths are:
The worldbuilding and magic system: The book expands and deepens the world and magic that Jordan has created, making them rich and complex.
The character development and relationships: The book develops and explores the characters and their relationships, making them realistic and relatable.
The writing style and tone: The book is written in a clear and engaging way that captures the reader's attention and imagination.
Some of the weaknesses are:
The length and complexity: The book is long and complex, which may make it difficult or tedious for some readers to follow or finish.
The pacing and structure: The book has some slow or repetitive parts, which may make it boring or frustrating for some readers to read.
The clichés and tropes: The book uses some clichés and tropes that are common in fantasy literature, which may make it predictable or unoriginal for some readers to read.
How does The Great Hunt compare to The Eye of the World?
The Great Hunt is a sequel to The Eye of the World, the first book in the Wheel of Time series. The two books have some similarities and differences. Some of the similarities are:
The genre and mood: The two books are both epic fantasy books that have a dark and serious mood.
The plot and themes: The two books are both about a quest to stop the Dark One and his forces, while also exploring themes such as destiny vs. free will, good vs. evil, identity and self-discovery, loyalty and friendship, and duty and honor.
The characters and relationships: The two books are both about Rand al'Thor and his friends, who are the main characters and protagonists of the series. They also have similar relationships among them, such as friendship, romance, rivalry, etc.
Some of the differences are:
The scope and scale: The Great Hunt has a larger scope and scale than The Eye of the World, as it shows more of the world and its history, culture, politics, etc.
and suspense than The Eye of the World, as it has more battles, fights, chases, escapes, etc.
The twists and turns: The Great Hunt has more twists and turns than The Eye of the World, as it has more surprises, revelations, secrets, etc.
Why should you read The Great Hunt?
You should read The Great Hunt if you are a fan of epic fantasy, or if you want to read a well-written and well-crafted book that has a rich and complex world, a diverse and dynamic cast of characters, and a clear and engaging writing style. You should also read The Great Hunt if you want to continue the Wheel of Time series, which is one of the most popular and influential fantasy series of all time.
The Great Hunt is a book that will take you on an exciting and thrilling adventure, that will make you think and feel, and that will leave you wanting more. It is a book that will satisfy your curiosity and imagination, that will challenge your expectations and assumptions, and that will inspire your dreams and hopes. It is a book that you will not regret reading.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about The Great Hunt:
Q: Do I need to read The Eye of the World before reading The Great Hunt?
A: Yes, you need to read The Eye of the World before reading The Great Hunt, because The Great Hunt is a direct sequel to The Eye of the World. If you don't read The Eye of the World first, you will miss important information and context that are necessary to understand and enjoy The Great Hunt.
Q: How long is The Great Hunt?
A: The Great Hunt is about 600 pages long in its original hardcover edition. It may vary depending on the edition and format that you choose to read.
Q: How many books are there in the Wheel of Time series?
A: There are 14 books in the Wheel of Time series, plus a prequel novel called New Spring. The series was completed by Brandon Sanderson after Robert Jordan's death in 2007.
Q: Where can I buy or download The Great Hunt?