Chapter 43: Decisions and Apparitions

This chapter is monumental to the story. It's Jordan's Fellowship chapter. The characters are gathered in Caemlyn at the Queen's Blessing and finally decide that they need head to the Eye of the World, with Loial's help, to protect the Green Man and prevent the Dark One from using the power of the Eye. More importantly, however, we learn of the Ways in this chapter. The Ways were created by male Aes Sedai and therefore created with tainted saidin. I had forgotten WHY the Ways were evil--I just remembered that they were. Loial provides us with some great history in this chapter.

Also, Moiraine and Loial both explain the effects of ta'veren as well. ALSO, Rand and Mat have the extremely important dream with Ba'alzamon in this chapter as well (good lord there's a lot in this chapter). Jordan's symbolism is fantastic here--Jordan points to the ruby-hilted dagger, the wolf, and the sword, all as symbols of the three main characters. Plus, Ba'alzamon describes the cyclic nature of time in this universe which is not only really neat but also gives precedence to the current turning of the Wheel: Ba'alzamon argues that this time is different. The Pattern won't simply repeat itself again. I had completely forgotten this. This makes Tarmon Gai'don so much more important now. This truly is the Last Battle--the deciding battle of who will prevail. Great stuff.

After reading your post I went to look at a chapter summary on Encyclopedia WOT. They always have footnotes filled with important content. Though not as big of a deal as everything else that went on in that chapter but this chapter is the first time Moraine's Ajah was revealed. Just a little fun fact for you.

Wow, very cool. I didn't even realize it! I just had that in the back of my head the entire time I've been re-reading the book. Nice.

Yeah I had done the same thing. Its been common knowledge to me for so long I didn't really think of it.