Book Summary – The Dragon Reborn – The Wheel of Time – Book 3
- Jason Montero
- Sep 5
- 35 min read
Updated: Sep 6
Book summary by chapter of The Dragon Reborn. Includes spoilers from the first prophecy to the end of the book. Within the vast weave of the Pattern, every thread hums with Rand al’Thor’s name, and the Wheel turns inexorably toward Tear, where Callandor blazes as both promise and punishment. Visions, dreams, and betrayals tangle like a living tapestry, as the Dragon rises not merely to claim a sword but to surrender his soul to the fate etched in the stone of time.
Introduction – The Dragon Reborn
Prophecies do not falter, but the men who fulfill them often do. In The Dragon Reborn, the third installment of Robert Jordan’s epic fantasy series The Wheel of Time, destiny sharpens its edge—each vision, each dream, and each step taken by Rand al’Thor pulls the world closer to collapse. There is no redemption without fire, and no power without hidden cost.
This chapter-by-chapter book summary guides you through the rising fracture between duty and desire, between free will and the weaving of the Pattern. What began as a journey of discovery now deepens into survival: Mat, Perrin, Egwene, and Nynaeve emerge as central forces, balancing the awakening of power with the looming threat of unseen enemies. Tear becomes destination, obsession, and symbol—where Callandor lies in wait and truth bares its blade.
Because when the Dragon walks among the living, reality bends to his presence. If you want to understand how this universe begins, don’t miss the main entry: Reading Order of The Wheel of Time ➤
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Chapter Navigation
Prologue Summary – The Dragon Reborn – Fortress of the Light
Pedron Niall, leader of the Children of the Light, reflects on recent reports while examining a portrait of Rand al’Thor, the self-proclaimed Dragon Reborn. Jaret Byar, a fanatical soldier, informs him about the unrest in Almoth Plain, the war between Tarabon and Arad Doman, and the influence of the Aes Sedai. Niall senses the impending chaos and the Last Battle. Jaichim Carridin, an inquisitor, receives orders not to eliminate Rand immediately but to let his threat grow to manipulate the people's fear. However, a Myrddraal confronts him in his quarters, demanding that he kill Rand within a month, threatening to murder his family if he fails. Terrified, Carridin prepares to send new orders, torn between obeying Niall or the Dark One, fully aware that any mistake could mean his death.
Chapter 1 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – The Waiting
In the Mountains of Mist, Perrin Aybara and a group of Shienarans wait in a hidden camp as spring approaches. The wait is tense, as they know their leader, Rand al’Thor, is the Dragon Reborn, and the world moves around him. The arrival of Leya, a Tuatha’an, interrupts their routine. Perrin escorts her to the camp, where she seeks Moiraine with urgent news. However, unease grips him when Min, using her gift of visions, warns him that Leya will die violently. Meanwhile, a raven spies on the group's movements, signaling that dark forces are watching. Despite the vigilance, Perrin cannot shake the feeling that something is about to happen and that destiny has already woven its path.
Chapter 2 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – Saidin
At the camp, Leya meets with Moiraine while the others reflect on their situation. Min tells Perrin that the Tuatha’an’s death is inevitable. Loial, the Ogier, ponders the influence of ta’veren, while the Shienarans pay homage to Rand, seeing him as their unquestioned leader. However, Rand continues to resist his fate and Moiraine’s manipulations. Frustrated, he retreats to a hidden valley, where Perrin finds him struggling with the power of Saidin. Rand feels its pull but fears losing himself to its corruption. In a moment of loss of control, he unleashes an earthquake that shakes the camp and terrifies everyone. Moiraine and Lan observe from afar, concerned about Rand’s growing power. Perrin, aware of the dangers ahead, begins to accept that his own fate is also tied to the events to come.
Chapter 3 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – News from the Plains
After the tremor caused by Rand, Moiraine remains calm and tends to Leya, who only suffers a minor head injury. However, Min remains convinced that the woman’s death is unavoidable. Meanwhile, the Aes Sedai shares news of events in Almoth Plain: the Whitecloaks have gathered a large force but strangely refrain from attacking the Dragon’s followers. Additionally, mysterious deaths of young men with similar features to Rand have begun occurring, suggesting the presence of deadly, unseen assassins. Perrin senses that something is coming—a brief moment of calm before the storm. As he retires to his cabin, he cannot shake the feeling that his fate and Rand’s are intertwined. That night, his dreams trap him once more, warning him that the true battle has yet to begin.
Chapter 4 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – Dreams of the Shadows
Perrin finds himself in an unreal inn, where a shadowed man urges him to abandon his axe and his destiny. When he refuses, the scene changes, and Perrin sees himself in golden armor, a symbol of glory, yet something inside him resists. A woman of dazzling beauty tries to seduce him with promises of power, but he refuses. Suddenly, he is in a strange world of bridges and impossible ramps, where he observes three men in a tense discussion. One of them, shrouded in darkness, unleashes a burst of fire that consumes the others. Finally, a wolf appears, and Perrin realizes he is dreaming. His confusion deepens as he hears a warning in his mind: the Degenerates are coming.
Chapter 5 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – Real Nightmares
Perrin wakes abruptly, sensing the presence of wolves warning of danger. As he steps out of his cabin, he sees Trollocs invading the camp. Lan leads the defense while Moiraine uses the One Power to repel the attack with fire. Perrin joins the battle with his axe, but his only concern is protecting Leya, the Tuatha’an. However, a Myrddraal cruelly kills her before he can save her. Consumed by rage, he fights alongside the wolf pack that arrives to help, and in a fierce struggle, he slays the Fade. His connection with the wolves deepens to the point where he nearly loses himself to his animal instincts. After the battle, Perrin feels the weight of the fight, and Leya’s death haunts him. Rand, distant, confesses his fear of losing control over Saidin, while Moiraine tries to keep him safe.
Chapter 6 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – The Hunt Begins
Rand has disappeared. Moiraine, Lan, Perrin, and the others try to determine how he managed to leave unnoticed. A note from him reveals that he is fleeing from Ba’alzemon to prevent more deaths. Ino finds tracks indicating that Rand left the valley through a new opening in the mountain. After questioning everyone about their dreams, Moiraine confirms that Rand is heading to Tear, where Callandor is located. The Aes Sedai decides to pursue him, taking Lan, Perrin, and Loial with her, while Min is sent to Tar Valon with a message for the Amyrlin Seat. Min warns Perrin about disturbing visions related to his fate and advises him to flee if he encounters a woman of unmatched beauty. Finally, the group prepares to depart in pursuit of Rand, fully aware that the fate of the world depends on reaching him before his enemies do.
Chapter 7 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – Leaving the Mountains
Perrin, Moiraine, Lan, and Loial descend from the Mountains of Mist, following Rand’s trail. As they advance, the snow disappears, and spring blossoms in the fields. Perrin senses the presence of wolves but avoids contacting them. Lan leaves markers to indicate their path, and Moiraine insists on increasing their pace. During a brief stop, Moiraine surprises Perrin and Loial fishing for trout with their bare hands, demonstrating skill even in mundane tasks. Unknowingly, Perrin and Loial find themselves handling camp chores under the Aes Sedai’s subtle influence. Finally, they leave the mountains behind and enter the lowlands of Ghealdan, where human presence becomes more noticeable. The proximity of a village gives Perrin hope of distancing himself from the wolves. By sunset, they arrive at the town of Jarra.
Chapter 8 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – Jarra and the Unexpected Weddings
Jarra appears deserted at dusk, but the remnants of a recent grand celebration are evident. Simion, the innkeeper’s assistant, mentions that a strange wave of weddings has swept through the town in recent days. Intrigued, Moiraine reserves rooms at the inn and avoids answering questions about their group. Meanwhile, Perrin inquires about Rand and learns that he passed through town, played the flute at weddings, and abruptly left after suffering a nightmare. Simion recalls that Rand spoke of being pursued and that someone had to die. Additionally, the Whitecloaks, upon their arrival, behaved erratically—some deserted, others wanted to burn the village down, and they eventually left, taking two of their own in chains. Perrin suspects that the chaos is a sign of Rand’s passage. Before retiring, Simion asks Moiraine for help with his sick brother, and the Aes Sedai agrees to see him.
Chapter 9 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – Wolf Dreams and Warnings
Moiraine, Perrin, and Simion visit Noam, the sick brother, who has been locked away after claiming he could speak with wolves. To Perrin’s horror, Noam has yellow eyes and has completely lost his humanity. When Perrin tries to communicate with him, he perceives only animal thoughts. Moiraine confirms that she cannot heal him—Noam has forgotten he was ever a man. Deeply moved, Perrin frees him and watches as he flees into the night like a wolf. Back at the inn, he confronts Moiraine about his own fate. The Aes Sedai warns him that some like him lose their identity and that he must be cautious in his dreams. That night, Perrin experiences a terrifying dream: a man is devoured by shadows, and Lanfear finds him and casts him out. A wolf named Hopper warns him of the danger. He wakes up with real bloodstains on his body and realizes that his dreams can kill him. Meanwhile, Rand, alone in the forest, uses the One Power against a black dog and continues his journey toward Tear.
Chapter 10 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – Secrets
Egwene al’Vere rides toward Tar Valon, hoping to receive training in the White Tower. As she travels with her group, she recalls the unsettling dreams she has had about Rand, who seems to be both chasing something and fleeing from it. Nynaeve urges her to stay alert, and Egwene wonders about the fate of Rand and Perrin. Traveling with them are Elayne, Verin Sedai, and Hurin, a thief tracker, as well as Mat, who is gravely ill and carried on a litter. Hurin senses trouble ahead, and soon they are intercepted by the Children of the Light. When the leader of the Whitecloaks attempts to arrest them, Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne use the One Power to scatter them. Verin reprimands their impulsiveness and warns them about the consequences of their actions, reminding them that they may face severe punishment in the White Tower.
Chapter 11 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – Tar Valon
The group arrives in Dairein, the town before Tar Valon. The city is buzzing with rumors about events in Falme, and the Whitecloaks attempt to incite conflicts, though without success. On the bridge leading to the White Tower, Verin gains immediate access but pauses to gather information. Egwene, marveling at the city's architecture, reflects on how much her life has changed since leaving Emond’s Field. Once inside the Tower, Verin delivers Mat for urgent medical attention and warns Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne to remain silent. Sheriam, the Mistress of Novices, imposes severe punishment on them for leaving the Tower without permission and places them under strict supervision. Egwene feels fear for what lies ahead, while Nynaeve, though furious, knows they must face the consequences.
Chapter 12 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – The Amyrlin Seat
Siuan Sanche, the Amyrlin Seat, receives Verin in private. The Aes Sedai reports that Rand al’Thor has proclaimed himself the Dragon Reborn in Falme, leading to the disappearance of other false Dragons. Verin also delivers the Horn of Valere, revealing that Mat sounded it and that only he can use it again. Siuan, aware of the gravity of the situation, decides to hide the Horn and focus on more immediate threats. Verin mentions the danger posed by the Seanchan and their use of the One Power as a weapon in battle, but the Amyrlin prefers to deal with more pressing matters. Finally, Siuan prepares to punish Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne, ensuring they will suffer so much that they will wish they had surrendered to river fishermen rather than face their fate in the White Tower.
Chapter 13 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – Punishments
Egwene and Elayne, confined to their rooms, reflect on their future in the White Tower after their return. They secretly converse through a hole in the wall, sharing their frustration and fear. Egwene feels that the Aes Sedai are manipulating them and is unwilling to accept her fate without resistance. Their conversation is interrupted by Faolain, an Accepted, who takes them before the Amyrlin Seat. On the way, they encounter Nynaeve, who has also been summoned. Siuan Sanche, the Amyrlin Seat, reprimands them harshly for leaving the Tower without permission and imposes exemplary punishments: they will be whipped by Sheriam and work indefinitely in the kitchens. However, she also promotes them to Accepted due to their rapid progress with the One Power. Morgase, Elayne’s mother, has severed ties with the Tower and demands her daughter's return, but the Amyrlin refuses to let her leave.
Chapter 14 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – The Bite of Thorns
Siuan Sanche reveals the dire situation within the White Tower: Liandrin and other Aes Sedai have stolen ter’angreal and murdered several people before fleeing. The Amyrlin Seat is uncertain whom she can trust and, after evaluating Egwene and Nynaeve, decides to use them as undercover agents to hunt the Black Ajah. They are the only ones she is sure do not belong to the traitorous faction. Both women are shocked by the mission, aware that confronting the Black Ajah is a deadly risk. Siuan gives them sealed documents with her authority, granting them power to act if necessary, though she warns that using them could attract enemies. Nynaeve, despite her fear, accepts the task with determination, and Egwene follows her, refusing to stand aside. They must now proceed with extreme caution, as the Black Ajah remains within the Tower, watching them.
Chapter 15 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – The Grey Man
Egwene and Nynaeve walk anxiously through the Tower, aware of the danger they face. Suddenly, Egwene is nearly killed by a crossbow bolt, but Nynaeve pushes her out of the way just in time. They pursue the attacker and find him immobilized, trapped by Nynaeve’s use of the One Power. However, they soon realize the man is already dead, stabbed in the chest. Sheriam Sedai appears and explains that they have encountered a Grey Man—an assassin who has surrendered his soul to serve the Dark One. The Mistress of Novices orders discretion and covers the corpse with a dome of Air before going to inform the Amyrlin Seat. Egwene, terrified, notices that the crossbow bolt has disappeared, implying that another Grey Man is still lurking within the Tower. As they try to process what has happened, Nynaeve grows suspicious of Sheriam’s reaction, noting that she never asked who had stabbed the assassin.
Chapter 16 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – The Trio
Egwene and Nynaeve find Elayne in her room, accompanied by her brothers, Gawyn and Galad. Gawyn expresses his concern over Elayne’s disappearance and Morgase’s anger, while Galad insists on protecting all of them, especially Egwene. Nynaeve, impatient, manages to get them to leave. Afterward, Nynaeve reveals to Elayne the secret mission assigned by the Amyrlin Seat. While Egwene has doubts, Elayne joins without hesitation, stating that she must learn to face danger if she wishes to rule Andor. They also discuss Mat’s illness and suspect that the Amyrlin might let him die. Determined to save him, they plan to use their combined power to heal him. However, their discussion is abruptly interrupted when an Aes Sedai enters the room unannounced.
Chapter 17 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – The Red Sister
Elaida, the feared Aes Sedai of the Red Ajah, harshly interrogates Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne, insinuating that they might be involved with the Black Ajah and questioning their departure from the White Tower. Her severity puts Elayne in danger, warning her not to risk her future as the first Aes Sedai queen of Andor. Egwene tries to deflect the questioning, insisting that everything was done to save Mat. Nynaeve, thinking quickly, mentions that the Amyrlin Seat ordered them to forget the past, which seems to halt Elaida’s suspicions. Just as the tension reaches its peak, Sheriam interrupts the conversation and rescues them from further interrogation. The Mistress of Novices reprimands them for discussing the Soulless assassin killed in the Tower and urgently takes them to witness Mat’s healing, warning them not to speak of the matter again.
Chapter 18 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – The Healing
Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne follow Sheriam into the underground passages of the White Tower, where preparations are being made to heal Mat using a powerful sa’angreal. The Amyrlin Seat and several Aes Sedai channel an enormous flow of the One Power, attempting to break the bond between Mat and the cursed dagger from Shadar Logoth. During the healing process, Mat begins shouting in the Old Tongue, reliving a battle from Manetheren. With extreme effort, the Aes Sedai manage to separate the dagger from his body, sealing it inside a metal box to prevent its corrupting influence. Exhausted, Mat collapses, but the Amyrlin confirms that he has been saved, though no one knows what lasting effects months of exposure to the curse may have left on him. Egwene shivers as she realizes Mat’s deep connection to the past and the power that may reside in his blood.
Chapter 19 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – The Awakening
Mat awakens in a luxurious room within the White Tower, unsure of how he got there. Dreams of ancient battles and words in the Old Tongue swirl in his mind, making him question what is real. He feels weak and starving but instinctively knows he must escape Tar Valon before the Aes Sedai try to use him. As he eats, he recalls his connection to the Horn of Valere and fears that it makes him either a tool for the Aes Sedai or a target for their enemies. Thinking of his family and Rand, he decides to seek out Egwene and Nynaeve before leaving. However, he realizes he doesn’t have enough money and will have to rely on gambling to obtain it. Convinced that Tar Valon is full of dangers, he begins to plot his escape at the first opportunity.
Chapter 20 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – Visits
Mat receives an unexpected visit from Selene, a woman of mesmerizing beauty who seems to know more about him than he would like. With subtle hints and promises of glory, she warns him that the Aes Sedai are using him and that he is far more important than he believes. She also reveals that his father and Tam al’Thor came to Tar Valon looking for him, but the Amyrlin sent them back without answers. After she leaves, Mat confronts the Amyrlin Seat, who confirms that he is linked to the Horn of Valere and that his fate is tied to its sound. Though he tries to convince them that he is nothing special, he understands that his life will never again be that of a simple farmer. Determined to escape Tar Valon, he knows he must find a way to evade both the Aes Sedai and Selene before either side traps him in their power games.
Chapter 21 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – A World of Dreams
Egwene, exhausted after a long day of labor in the White Tower, attends a meeting with Verin Sedai in her quarters. The Aes Sedai gives her documents on Liandrin and the Aes Sedai who fled with her, as well as information on the stolen ter’angreal. Additionally, she reveals the existence of Tel’aran’rhiod, the World of Dreams, a place Egwene could learn to visit consciously. To aid her, Verin gives her a mysterious stone ring ter’angreal, the same one used by the last Dreamer of the Tower. Though terrified by the risks, Egwene feels an increasing need to learn more. However, Verin harbors secrets, including ancient notes on the art of dreaming, which she hesitates to destroy.
Chapter 22 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – The Price of the Ring
As Egwene leaves Verin’s chamber, Sheriam finds her and immediately takes her to the ceremony for her ascension to Accepted. With no time to prepare, Egwene is led to the ter’angreal of the three arches, where she will face her greatest fears. In the first test, she sees a life where she is married to Rand and has a daughter, Joiya. Though happy, the call of the arch forces her to abandon her family. In the second test, she finds herself in a devastated Caemlyn, where Rand, trapped and on the brink of madness, begs her to kill him before he falls into the hands of the Black Ajah. Unable to do so, she flees through the arch. In the third test, she is the Amyrlin Seat, betrayed by Elaida and about to be subdued by thirteen Aes Sedai of the Black Ajah. When she sees the arch, she must choose between saving Rand or her own freedom. With a broken heart, she crosses and returns to reality.
Chapter 23 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – Bound
Egwene emerges from the arch filled with rage and pain over the choices she has made. However, something has gone wrong—the ter’angreal has vibrated with an unknown energy, and the Aes Sedai present are concerned. The Amyrlin places the Great Serpent ring on her finger and officially declares her Accepted. Though Alanna feels guilty for the danger Egwene faced, Elaida makes it clear that she does not trust her. Egwene realizes that the disturbance may have been caused by the ter’angreal Verin gave her, filling her with fear. Exhausted and confused, she seeks out Nynaeve and Elayne, who have also undergone the test and are devastated by their experiences. Together, they attempt to console each other, though Egwene cannot shake the anguish of having abandoned Rand in her visions.
Chapter 24 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – Reconnaissance Departure
Mat awakens in his room in the White Tower, feeling significantly recovered from his illness. Though he still lacks a clear escape plan, his determination remains firm. After freshening up and eating, he decides to explore in search of an exit. As he wanders through the halls and courtyards, he observes life within the Tower and realizes that no one seems to pay him much attention. Outside, he meets a guard from Illian and learns that the Whitecloaks are patrolling both sides of the river. However, the most concerning revelation is that the Aes Sedai have ordered that he not be allowed to leave the city. Mat feels trapped and furious. As he continues, he encounters Elsa Grinwell, who treats him with unusual coldness, leaving him perplexed. Later, he watches a training session where he ends up dueling Gawyn and Galad. Despite his recent recovery, he defeats them both with surprising skill using a staff. However, exhaustion and hunger overwhelm him, reminding him that he still lacks a clear way out.
Chapter 25 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – Questions
Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne analyze the list of names and objects Verin gave them. Though the information initially seems meaningless, Elayne notices a suspicious pattern—the Aes Sedai of the Black Ajah were carefully distributed in terms of origin and age, suggesting that more members remain hidden. Egwene has had disturbing dreams about Rand, Mat, and Perrin, but she hesitates to trust anyone with their interpretation. They also review the list of stolen ter’angreal, noting that several were studied by Corianin Nedeal, a former Dreamer. This reinforces the idea that the Black Ajah is interested in the World of Dreams. Suddenly, Elsa Grinwell appears with a message supposedly from the Amyrlin, indicating the location of Liandrin and her followers’ belongings. Egwene is suspicious of the way the information is delivered and decides to follow Elsa, but she loses sight of her. Instead, she encounters an imposing woman dressed in white and silver, whose presence deeply intimidates her. When Egwene tries to confront her, the woman mysteriously vanishes, leaving her with an unsettling sense of unease.
Chapter 26 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – Behind a Lock
Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne descend into the underground storage rooms of the library to investigate the belongings of the Aes Sedai of the Black Ajah. Upon arrival, they find the door secured with a lock, something unusual in the Tower. Nynaeve uses the One Power to break the chain and they enter the room, where they find thirteen sacks labeled with the names of the traitors. Inside, there are only clothes, shoes, and some personal belongings, but they also discover revealing clues: lists of ships bound for Tear, a book on Tearian customs, and a map mentioning the "Heart of the Stone." Everything points to the Black Ajah heading to Tear, but the trail seems too obvious, suggesting it could be a trap. Egwene decides to use Corianin Nedeal’s ter’angreal to enter Tel’aran’rhiod and seek answers. Nynaeve and Elayne agree to watch over her as she sleeps, preparing for the unknown.
Chapter 27 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – Tel’aran’rhiod
Egwene enters Tel’aran’rhiod, the World of Dreams, where she finds herself in a breathtaking landscape. She experiences the power of the place and attempts to channel but remembers she could be detected. Her first vision is of Perrin, chained to a stone pillar while a wolf watches over him. When she tries to help, the wolf chases her away. She then sees Rand, who mistakes her for a Dark One illusion and attacks her with his sword of fire, forcing her to flee. Finally, the ring takes her to the Heart of the Stone in Tear, where an old woman named Silvie speaks to her about Callandor, the Sword That Cannot Be Touched. When she tries to investigate further, Silvie violently expels her from the dream. Egwene wakes up with searing pain and shares what she has seen with her friends. Now certain that the Black Ajah is in Tear, they decide to follow them. Despite the danger, Egwene is determined to return to Tel’aran’rhiod to uncover more.
Chapter 28 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – An Exit
Mat, recovered from his illness, enjoys his newfound freedom until Nynaeve, Egwene, and Elayne burst into his room with a favor to ask: to deliver a letter to Queen Morgase in Caemlyn. Though Mat is suspicious of their motives, he is tempted by the idea of traveling. However, the Amyrlin has forbidden him from leaving Tar Valon, supposedly for his health. The young women, determined, give him a document bearing the Amyrlin’s seal, granting him free passage. Mat accepts the task, thinking of the opportunity to explore and avoid any influence from the Aes Sedai. He feels relieved to have secured a way out, though he still doubts what he might find along the way. With his characteristic humor, he mocks his own luck and the women, believing he has outwitted the Amyrlin. Unbeknownst to him, his journey will be filled with unexpected challenges.
Chapter 29 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – A Trap to Spring
Nynaeve, Egwene, and Elayne work in the White Tower’s kitchen, pretending obedience while hiding their escape plans. The Amyrlin bursts in and, with her authority, instills fear among the cooks before publicly reprimanding Elayne and Egwene, sending them off for minor punishment. Then, in private, she whispers alarming news to Nynaeve: another Grey Man has been found dead in Sheriam’s bed. Moreover, Elsa Grinwell was sent home days ago, confirming that someone from the Black Ajah tricked them into walking into a trap. Despite knowing this, Nynaeve insists on following the lead to unmask their enemies. The Amyrlin leaves them money and spreads the rumor that they have been sent to work on a farm. Before departing, she confesses to Nynaeve that Callandor is an extremely powerful sa’angreal and must not fall into the wrong hands.
Chapter 30 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – Tempting Luck
Mat spends the day preparing for his escape, eating relentlessly to regain his strength. He deceives the Aes Sedai by pretending he just wants to stroll, but as soon as night falls, he heads to the docks. Before boarding, he decides to test his luck with dice and, to his amazement, wins every game impossibly. His winning streak is so unbelievable that some begin eyeing him with suspicion. Intrigued, he continues gambling in different taverns, amassing a small fortune. However, upon leaving one of them, he realizes he is being followed. He escapes through alleys and rooftops, but a man attacks him with a dagger. In a desperate move, Mat throws himself off a ledge with his attacker, who dies upon impact with the ground. Shaken, he decides to leave immediately. He heads for the docks, determined to board the first available ship before anyone else tries to kill him.
Chapter 31 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – The Woman from Tanchico
Mat, still uneasy after the assassination attempt, enters an inn to calm himself and encounters Thom Merrilin, the gleeman. Mat convinces him to accompany him to Caemlyn, knowing that Thom needs a distraction from his past. Though the gleeman seems to drown his sorrows in wine, the proposal motivates him. While dining, Mat discovers that the corpse of the man who tried to kill him has disappeared, filling him with paranoia. Thom assures him that there are no thieves in Tar Valon, making Mat wonder who is truly after him. Worried, he insists on leaving as soon as possible. With a feeling that something is wrong, he hurries to the docks with Thom, determined to board any ship, regardless of its condition or destination. He senses that something greater is hunting him and that he must flee before it is too late.
Chapter 32 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – The First Ship
Mat and Thom arrive at Tar Valon’s South Harbor, intending to board the first departing ship. However, a dock official prevents them from embarking, as the Aes Sedai have ordered Mat to be detained. Determined to leave, Mat uses a document with the Amyrlin’s seal to demand passage. As the ship, the Gray Gull, begins to depart, Mat leaps aboard, and Thom follows. On deck, the captain, Huan Mallia, is reluctant to let them stay, but Mat persuades him with gold and a confident attitude. During the journey, Mat grows suspicious of his own luck as he rolls dice and repeatedly lands the same combination. Later, assassins attempt to kill him in his cabin, but Mat and Thom eliminate them. When they step onto the deck, they discover more enemies, but they manage to repel the attack, and the ship continues its course.
Chapter 33 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – Among the Threads of the Pattern
Perrin, Moiraine, Lan, and Loial travel along the road to Lugard, following Rand’s trail. Perrin notices strange marks on the stone, resembling the footprint of a giant hound, but he cannot identify their origin. Along the journey, they observe how Rand’s presence causes inexplicable events: uncontrolled fires, dried-up wells, and villages plunged into conflict. Moiraine explains that the Pattern weaves fate without distinguishing between good and evil. Finally, they arrive in Remen, where they find an Aiel caged in the town square, being taunted by children. Lan reports recent altercations, and Moiraine, concerned about Rand’s fate, plans to continue tracking him. Perrin feels a growing unease, and Min’s vision of a caged Aiel makes him suspect that something significant is about to happen.
Chapter 34 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – A Different Dance
While reflecting at the inn, Perrin cannot ignore Min’s vision of the caged Aiel. He descends to the square and, under cover of darkness, lowers the cage and breaks the chains to free him. The Aiel, named Gaul, thanks him and mentions that he is searching for the One Who Comes With the Dawn, who, according to prophecy, will lead them in Tear. Before they can escape, a group of Whitecloaks attacks. Gaul fights with speed and precision, while Perrin, wielding his axe, struggles to survive. After cutting down several enemies, they manage to flee. Before leaving, Perrin notices a young woman watching him. He knows his actions will have consequences, and Lan orders him to prepare to leave Remen immediately.
Chapter 35 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – The Falcon
Perrin and his group flee Remen after the confrontation with the Whitecloaks. They board the Snow Goose, which will take them downriver. As they set sail, a determined-looking young woman jumps aboard and pays for her passage. She introduces herself as a Hunter for the Horn and reveals that she has been watching Perrin. She saw him free the Aiel and fight the Whitecloaks but chose not to expose him. The young woman, who calls herself Mandarb, displays skill with knives and a bold attitude. Perrin is suspicious of her intentions, but she insists on following them. As the ship drifts away, Perrin feels his destiny becoming increasingly intertwined with Rand’s and the events unfolding in Tear.
Chapter 36 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – Daughter of the Night
Perrin searches for a cabin where he can sleep alone and reflects on his connection to the wolves, wishing to distance himself from them. Exhausted, he falls into a deep sleep. In his dream, he finds himself in a thick mist and is guided by Hopper, a wolf he believed to be dead. Together, they arrive at a place where Ba'alzemon gathers his followers and executes those who fail their missions. He also sees Lanfear, one of the Forsaken, defying Ba'alzemon and proclaiming that Rand belongs to her. Upon waking, Perrin discovers a burn on his chest, proof that his vision was real. He decides to tell Moiraine, who confirms that the Forsaken are free. Before departing, Perrin realizes that Zarine, the mysterious young woman on the ship, is hiding more than she appears.
Chapter 37 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – Fires in Cairhien
Egwene, Elayne, and Nynaeve travel aboard the Blue Crane, sailing down the Erinin River toward Tear. From the deck, Egwene observes the devastation of the civil war in Cairhien: burned villages and columns of smoke on the horizon. During the journey, her dreams warn her of the dangers Rand, Mat, and Perrin face. She finally deciphers that a Grey Man is hunting Mat, though they can do nothing to stop it. Suddenly, the ship runs aground on a sandbar. The captain tries to free it without success, and Nynaeve decides they should continue on foot to the nearest village. Walking across the Cairhienin plains, they avoid groves where bandits might be lurking. Just as they discuss the dangers of their journey, a figure emerges from the bushes, blocking their path.
Chapter 38 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – Maidens of the Spear
Egwene and Elayne prepare to defend themselves, but they discover the figure is Aviendha, a young Aiel Maiden of the Spear. Two other Aiel, Bain and Chiad, emerge from hiding and request help for their wounded companion, Dailin, who was attacked by soldiers who mistook them for bandits. Nynaeve agrees to help and follows them to their camp. Along the way, Egwene and Elayne learn about Aiel customs, such as the bond between first-sisters and their aversion to water. Upon arrival, Nynaeve examines Dailin’s wound and heals her completely using Saidar. The Aiel are astonished and grateful, confirming their respect for the Aes Sedai. However, Aviendha seems concerned about something else. As the young women prepare to continue their journey, Egwene senses that this encounter with the Aiel has a deeper meaning.
Chapter 39 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – Threads in the Pattern
Egwene, Elayne, and Nynaeve bid farewell to the Aiel after Nynaeve heals Dailin. Aviendha explains that they are searching for the One Who Comes With the Dawn, according to prophecy. While traveling toward Jurene, they are ambushed by bandits and beaten unconscious. Egwene awakens tied to a horse and discovers that the bandits plan to sell them. When they attempt to escape, they are taken to a hut under guard. Nynaeve, furious and desperate, manages to heal Elayne without using herbs, surprising even Egwene. Just as they plan to escape, they discover that three Myrddraal are involved in their capture. Before the Fades can act, a group of Aiel storms the hideout and unleashes a fierce battle. Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne use the One Power to annihilate the Myrddraal. Rhuarc, the Aiel leader, recognizes Lan’s ring and bids them farewell before they continue on to Jurene.
Chapter 40 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – An Act of Heroism
Mat and Thom arrive in Aringill and find the city overwhelmed with refugees from the Cairhienin war. They search for lodging in vain, as inns are full and food is scarce. After several attempts, they manage to sleep in a stable, where Mat purchases two horses. During the night, they discover a woman named Aludra, an Illuminator being pursued by former guild members trying to kill her for selling fireworks outside the Guild. Mat impulsively intervenes, defeating her attackers with Thom’s help. In gratitude, Aludra gives him a bundle of fireworks and warns him not to mishandle them. Before leaving, Mat tries to offer her money, but she refuses. After the encounter, Mat reflects on his impulse to help, wondering why he keeps acting like a hero, though he insists that he is not one.
Chapter 41 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – A Hunter’s Oath
Perrin and his companions arrive in Illian aboard the Snow Goose. While observing the city, Zarine challenges Moiraine and refuses to part ways with the group. The Aes Sedai imposes an oath on her: she must obey without question, or she will never leave Illian. Zarine accepts and swears by her Hunt for the Horn. Satisfied, Moiraine places her under Perrin’s watch, warning him that if she becomes a problem, they will both face the consequences. Perrin, annoyed, protests in vain. As they ride toward their destination, Zarine insists on being called Faile and constantly challenges Perrin. Frustrated, he resigns himself to the new dynamic, feeling trapped between forces beyond his control. The company ventures into Illian, unaware of the dangers awaiting them.
Chapter 42 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – Lightening the Badger
Perrin and his companions arrive in Illian, a city full of life and energy, yet with an eerie atmosphere. As they walk its streets, crisscrossed with canals, Perrin observes the peculiar architecture of the palaces and the rivalry between the king and the Council of Nine, giving Illian a constant air of political tension. While strolling, Loial, the Ogier, feels uncomfortable in a place where other Ogier have worked. Moiraine, Lan, and the others sense something strange in the air, and Perrin grows increasingly uneasy. At the Lightening the Badger inn, the music and festive atmosphere are interrupted when a group of armed men enters with murderous intent. Despite the violence, the situation is swiftly resolved, leaving Perrin pondering the threats that still loom over them.
Chapter 43 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – Brothers in the Shadow
At the inn, tension remains high after the attack by the Grey Men. Perrin, despite the intrusion, remains determined to understand what is happening. As he examines the situation, he listens with concern to the others' accounts of the attack. Lan and Moiraine discuss the presence of the Grey Men and their connection to Rand, who is likely the true target of the assassins. Loial is also troubled, and his awareness of the dangers around them increases as the night progresses. Meanwhile, the group senses the approach of a new threat when they discover strange tracks and the scent of Darkhounds. A foreboding sense of doom hangs over them as they prepare for what lies ahead, not just in Illian but on the path forward.
Chapter 44 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – Chases
The group is forced to flee the inn quickly after the threat of the Darkhounds, with Moiraine leading them into the unknown. Perrin feels uneasy, realizing that something far greater than the mere pursuit of Rand is at play. Dark forces lurk as they advance toward an uncertain destination, with no clear plan and increasing danger. As they ride toward safety, Perrin’s anxiety grows as he spots signs of the Darkhounds in the distance. Tensions within the group escalate, and with the threat so close, their chances of success seem to dwindle. However, the urgency of their mission is undeniable, and each must face their own fears and doubts.
Chapter 45 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – Caemlyn
Mat and Thom arrive in Caemlyn, where Mat intends to deliver an important letter. However, the city feels stranger than ever. Mat faces distrust from the guards, who deny him entry due to his appearance and association with Tar Valon. The officers’ hostility and Mat’s growing unease push him into rash decisions, such as sneaking into the royal palace through a risky route. Along the way, tensions rise as Mat reflects on the difficulties ahead. Despite the complications and obstacles, the letter must be delivered, and Mat has no choice but to press on, convinced that each step brings them closer to their goal—even as more enemies lurk in the shadows.
Chapter 46 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – A Message from the Shadow
Mat sneaks into the Caemlyn palace to deliver Elayne’s letter to Morgase. He climbs the wall and slips through the gardens, avoiding the guards. As he advances, he overhears a secret conversation: a man named Comar is ordered to assassinate Elayne, Egwene, and Nynaeve. The voice giving the orders belongs to Gaebril, the queen’s advisor. Mat manages to enter the court and delivers the letter but notices that Morgase is completely under Gaebril’s influence. Fearing his warning will go unheard, he invents a story about his origins to avoid questioning. He receives a bag of coins as payment and leaves. Realizing he must find the young women before the assassin does, he plans how to leave Caemlyn discreetly and head to Tear as soon as possible.
Chapter 47 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – A Race Against the Shadow
Mat leaves the palace without revealing what he has discovered about Gaebril. Tallanvor, a loyal guard of Morgase, asks if he knows anything about the White Tower, but Mat evades the question. Upon reaching Basel Gill’s inn, he informs Thom Merrilin about the conspiracy against Elayne. Thom, who has a past with Morgase, agrees to travel with Mat to Tear to warn the young women. Meanwhile, Basel Gill plans to spread rumors about Gaebril to sow doubt in the queen’s mind. Mat and Thom decide to take a boat from Aringill to reach Tear faster. Before leaving, Mat rolls the dice and lands five sixes, confirming his luck. Aware that time is running out, he prepares for the journey, determined to stop Comar and uncover more about the conspiracy unfolding in Andor.
Chapter 48 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – In the Same Trade
Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne arrive in Tear after a difficult journey by boat. Nynaeve, wanting to avoid detection by the Black Ajah, decides against staying at an inn. Instead, they find Ailhuin Guenna, a Tearian Wise Woman who takes them into her home after questioning them. Nynaeve tells her they are looking for thieves and murderers without revealing that they are renegade Aes Sedai. Ailhuin recommends Juilin Sandar, an expert thief-catcher. While Nynaeve remains cautious and strategic, Egwene grows impatient, leading to a tense argument with Elayne. The discussion is interrupted when Ailhuin, with her strong personality, proves that she can be a useful ally. Knowing they cannot afford mistakes, the three agree to proceed with the plan. As they wait for Juilin, they try to keep a low profile, aware that their enemies may already be watching them in Tear.
Chapter 49 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – A Storm in Tear
Egwene, Elayne, and Nynaeve contact Juilin Sandar, a Tearian thief-catcher, to locate the Black Ajah women. Ailhuin Guenna assures them that Juilin is trustworthy, though the young women remain cautious. Nynaeve describes the thirteen women and warns of the danger they pose. Intrigued, Sandar accepts the job. That night, Egwene enters Tel’aran’rhiod and witnesses the renegade Aes Sedai gathered in the Heart of the Stone, observing Callandor. Liandrin detects her presence, and Egwene wakes up abruptly, terrified. She informs her friends that their enemies are in Tear and likely already aware of them. Meanwhile, Mat and Thom arrive in the city under a raging storm. Worried for the young women’s safety, Mat begins searching for them immediately. At an inn, he finds Comar, the assassin sent by Gaebril. Facing him in a game of dice, Mat exposes him, but the confrontation escalates into a fight where Comar is accidentally killed—though not before warning that he is not the only one after Egwene and her companions.
Chapter 50 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – The Hammer
Perrin, Moiraine, Lan, Loial, and Zarine arrive in Tear in search of Rand. The city is steeped in a sense of hopelessness, and Perrin notices the absence of wolves. They stay at The Star, a modest inn, and Moiraine warns them to remain close. Restless, Perrin visits a nearby forge, where he immerses himself in work, finding an unusual sense of peace. The blacksmith, impressed, gifts him a hammer. Upon returning to the inn, Moiraine reveals that the High Lord Samon is actually Be’lal, a Forsaken. His plan is to allow Rand to take Callandor so he can then seize it from him. Lan and Moiraine prepare to infiltrate the Stone of Tear, while Perrin struggles with his emotions, holding both the hammer and his axe, trying to decide which represents his true path. Before leaving, Lan mentions that he has seen Aiel in Tear, leaving everyone questioning their purpose in the city.
Chapter 51 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – Bait for the Net
Nynaeve, Elayne, and Egwene continue their search for the Black Ajah in Tear. While returning from errands, Juilin Sandar informs Nynaeve that he has located the Aes Sedai they seek, but they are under the protection of High Lord Samon in the Stone of Tear. Upon arriving at Ailhuin Guenna’s house, Nynaeve is ambushed by Liandrin and other Black Ajah Aes Sedai. Unable to access Saidar, she is subdued along with Elayne and Egwene, who have been brutally beaten. Liandrin reveals that they have fallen into a trap and will be used as bait. Despite her fury and helplessness, Nynaeve vows revenge. Captured and escorted by Tearian soldiers, the young women are taken by carriage to the impregnable fortress, facing an uncertain fate.
Chapter 52 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – In Search of a Remedy
Concerned for Thom’s health, Mat takes the sick gleeman to Ailhuin Guenna, a Wise Woman of Tear, in search of treatment. While the woman tends to Thom with herbs and ointments, she mentions that she recently met three young women with a Two Rivers accent, alarming Mat. Upon discovering that Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne have been captured and taken to the Stone of Tear on orders from High Lord Samon, he decides to rescue them. Despite Guenna’s warning about the difficulty of the task, Mat is determined. He leaves Thom in her care, knowing the old gleeman cannot accompany him in his condition. As he walks away, he gazes up at the massive fortress and laughs, feeling the dice begin to tumble in his mind—an omen that his luck is about to be tested once more.
Chapter 53 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – Interwoven Energy
Still in Tear, Perrin senses the growing chaos in the city while working as a blacksmith. Moiraine confirms that Rand is there and that Be’lal, one of the Forsaken, is pulling the strings within the Stone of Tear. The Aes Sedai orders Perrin, Loial, and Zarine to flee to Tar Valon, but before they can leave, Zarine falls into a magical trap inside the inn. A hedgehog-shaped ter’angreal has ensnared her in a deep sleep. Moiraine warns that her essence is in Tel’aran’rhiod and that if she does not return, her body will die. Desperate, Perrin decides to reach her through the World of Dreams. With the help of Hopper, a wolf who warns him of the dangers, he ventures into Tel’aran’rhiod, determined to save Faile at any cost.
Chapter 54 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – In the Fortress
Mat moves across the rooftops of Tear, scouting the Stone of Tear for an entry point to rescue Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne. He spots a mysterious climber and is surprised by Aiel led by Rhuarc, who are also seeking to infiltrate. Juilin Sandar, the thief-catcher, offers them a secret entrance. Mat sets off a fireworks explosion, creating chaos in the fortress. Meanwhile, Egwene, in the World of Dreams, shields a Darkfriend. Mat reaches the cells and finds the prisoners battered but still determined to fight. Nynaeve and Elayne regain their connection to the One Power and heal their wounds. While Mat insists on escaping, the women seek revenge against Liandrin and her allies. Elsewhere, Perrin tries to rescue Faile from a dream prison, but his success is short-lived. The Stone of Tear trembles as Rand’s destiny draws near.
Chapter 55 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – What Is Written in the Prophecies
Rand arrives at the Heart of the Stone, where Callandor calls to him. Be’lal challenges him to take the sword and fight, but before he can, Moiraine kills the Forsaken with white fire. However, Ba’alzemon appears and attacks. Struck by a devastating blow, Rand manages to grasp Callandor, absorbing a torrent of the One Power. With the sword shining like the sun, he chases Ba’alzemon through a distorted fortress, unraveling his traps with Power. Finally, he reaches him and impales him with Callandor. Ba’alzemon dies screaming, his body consumed by flames. Rand, convinced that he has defeated the Dark One, proclaims himself the Dragon Reborn. The Aiel and Tearian soldiers kneel before him, repeating his name. Elsewhere, Egwene uses the World of Dreams to weaken Amico, allowing Nynaeve to break free. The battle in the fortress reaches its climax as the prophecies are fulfilled.
Chapter 56 Summary – The Dragon Reborn – The People of the Dragon
The city of Tear awakens to the echo of a shared dream: the Dragon fighting in the Heart of the Stone. At the top, a banner with a golden and crimson dragon waves. The crowd cheers for Rand, proclaiming the fulfillment of the Prophecy. Mat, watching from an arrow slit, has yet to grasp the magnitude of the events. Inside the fortress, Rand, wielding Callandor, is followed by Aiel and Tearian nobles, while Moiraine examines an unbroken seal of the Dark One’s prison. Rhuarc reveals that the Aiel are the true People of the Dragon. Mat, relieved, believes it is all over, but Moiraine warns that the Dark One still lives. The arrival of a message from Lanfear confirms that the threat persists. As the crowd’s cheers resound, Mat realizes that his fate remains tied to Rand’s and that the battle is far from over.
Conclusion – The Dragon Reborn
The marks left by The Dragon Reborn do not vanish with the wind. Each wound exposed in these chapters reminds us that power is as fragile as the soul that wields it. Robert Jordan heightens the narrative tension through fractured visions, silent betrayals, and a magic that devours as much as it protects. This chapter-by-chapter summary proves that there is no easy path to truth, and even the mightiest heroes tremble on the edge of the abyss.
Rand al’Thor is no longer just a name in prophecy—he is the eye of a world coming undone. Yet while the echoes of Callandor still ring within the Stone of Tear, new threats rise on the horizon: darker, subtler, more lethal. How far can one soul go before it breaks?
The story doesn’t end here, and the next turn of the Wheel is even more devastating. Continue the journey in the next chapter-by-chapter summary: The Shadow Rising ➤
FAQs – Chapter by Chapter Summary – The Dragon Reborn
Why is Min’s vision about Leya’s death so significant in The Dragon Reborn?
Min’s vision of Leya’s violent death sets the prophetic and tragic tone of the book. It confirms the reliability of her abilities and serves as an emotional warning to Perrin, who begins to realize that fate, even when foreseen, cannot be avoided. This moment reinforces the core tension in The Wheel of Time between free will and destiny, and raises the stakes for every character touched by prophecy.
What does Perrin’s decision to free Gaul reveal about his character?
Perrin’s choice to free Gaul is a defining moment in his transformation from reluctant participant to active leader. It introduces the Aiel as powerful allies and underscores Perrin’s moral compass, even when defying the Whitecloaks. This act strengthens his agency and foreshadows his future as a central figure in the battle against the Shadow.
What is Tel’aran’rhiod and why is it so dangerous for Egwene?
Tel’aran’rhiod, the World of Dreams, is a realm where thoughts and will shape reality. For Egwene, it’s both an opportunity and a lethal threat. Untrained, she risks exposure to the Forsaken and the loss of her own self. The Dragon Reborn uses this realm to expand the magical framework of the series and plant seeds for future conflicts that transcend the physical world.
What does Noam’s condition reveal about wolfbrothers in The Wheel of Time?
Noam, a man who fully loses his humanity to the wolf within, is a chilling mirror for Perrin. His case shows the mental and emotional peril of communicating with wolves. Without balance and self-awareness, the gift can consume one’s identity. Noam’s fate haunts Perrin and raises crucial questions about the limits of power and the cost of embracing one’s nature.
Why is Rand heading to Tear and what makes Callandor so important?
Callandor is a legendary sa’angreal that greatly amplifies the One Power and can only be wielded by the Dragon Reborn. Tear, where the sword lies, symbolizes both prophecy and legitimacy. Rand’s journey to Tear isn’t just about claiming power—it’s about confronting madness, proving identity, and fulfilling a destiny he’s tried to escape. His arrival marks a turning point in the saga’s cosmic war.
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