Book Summary – The Great Hunt – The Wheel of Time – Book 2
- Jason Montero
- Sep 5
- 32 min read
Updated: Sep 6
Book summary by chapter of The Great Hunt. Includes spoilers from the shadow ritual to the end of the book. In a windowless chamber lit by cold fire, masks crack and prophecy strikes: three farm boys, a mission whispered through fear. That echo reaches Falme, where Rand stands—sword blazing, Horn sounding—as the skies burn and the world watches the Dragon rise, no longer a secret but a storm in full bloom.
Introduction – The Great Hunt
Blood calls to blood when fate begins to weave with threads that burn. In The Great Hunt, book two of The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan, the lines between free will and prophecy begin to blur, as the characters are pulled by a force older than time itself. This isn’t just a pursuit of legendary artifacts—it’s a battle against the shadow within and the choices that shape the Pattern.
Rand al’Thor, burdened with a power he never asked for, embarks on a flight that becomes a confrontation. From the icy towers of Fal Dara to parallel worlds where dreams whisper forbidden truths, each chapter reveals more of the prophecy—and the shadow stalking it. This entry offers a chapter-by-chapter book summary, following with clarity and emotional depth the arc of characters caught between fear, fate, and the spark of greatness.
And if you want to understand how this epic fantasy universe begins, don’t miss the full guide here: Reading order of The Wheel of Time ➤
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Chapter Navigation
Prologue Summary – The Great Hunt – In the Shadow
In a dark, windowless hall illuminated by fires that give off no heat, a hundred masked figures gather. Among them, a man who calls himself Bors observes in silence, searching for any sign of weakness among the other attendees. Perfect, expressionless servants offer wine as the tension in the room rises. Suddenly, two Trollocs appear, bowing before the entrance of a Myrddraal, whose pale, eyeless face sends shivers through the crowd. A masked figure in red, who introduces himself as Ba'alzamon, proclaims the imminent arrival of the Great Lord of the Dark. He then reveals images of three young farmers, declaring that they are key to the world's fate. Bors is given orders to watch over them and continue his mission in Tarabon. Terrified yet eager for the promised power, he obeys, convinced that any sacrifice is worth achieving greatness.
Chapter 1 Summary – The Great Hunt – The Flame of Tar Valon
Rand al'Thor trains with Lan in the fortress of Fal Dara, striving to perfect his swordsmanship. During a duel, an unusual gust of wind pushes him, causing an unexpected strike that wounds him. Though he tries to ignore it, he feels an ominous presence looming over him. Meanwhile, the Amyrlin Seat arrives in the city, accompanied by several Aes Sedai, stirring fear in Rand—he knows their presence is no coincidence. He suspects they have come for him, dreading that they will discover his connection to the One Power. As he contemplates escape, the fortress gates close, and the pressure mounts. The arrival of the leader of the Aes Sedai forces him to confront his fate, caught between the fear of being controlled and the horror of what he might become.
Chapter 2 Summary – The Great Hunt – The Welcome
The announcement of the Amyrlin Seat's arrival causes a stir in Fal Dara. Feeling cornered, Rand prepares to flee, only to discover that all exits have been sealed by order of Lord Agelmar. Meanwhile, servants, following Moiraine’s instructions, replace his clothes with noble garments, reinforcing his sense that he is being prepared for something far beyond his desires. In the courtyard, Rand watches with unease as the solemn welcoming ceremony unfolds, the presence of the Amyrlin Seat filling him with dread. He knows his time is running out—if he does not find a way to escape soon, he will be summoned before the leader of the Aes Sedai. Each glance he receives, each greeting, reminds him that he cannot keep hiding. Trapped between doubt and desperation, his only choice is to keep searching for an escape before it is too late.
Chapter 3 Summary – The Great Hunt – Friends and Enemies
Rand attempts to flee Fal Dara, but every door is locked, and the guards refuse to let anyone out. As he roams the fortress searching for a way out, he feels a dark presence watching him from the shadows. Desperate, he pushes Mat, Perrin, and Loial away to protect them, though his words wound his friends. Finally, Egwene finds him and, despite his resistance, convinces him to hide in the dungeons near Padan Fain. There, the peddler—imprisoned for his ties to the Dark One—displays signs of madness, chanting ominous verses about the eternal battle to come. Rand shudders as he realizes that, even if he escapes, his fate has already been sealed. The darkness is closing in, and the fear of what he is becoming grows within him.
Chapter 4 Summary – The Great Hunt – The Audience
Moiraine prepares for her audience with the Amyrlin Seat, adjusting her blue shawl—the symbol of her Ajah. She knows that the leader’s visit signals urgent problems. As she leaves her quarters, she is escorted by Anaiya and Liandrin through the halls of Fal Dara. Along the way, Anaiya shares troubling news: three false Dragons have appeared simultaneously, something unheard of. Additionally, there are disturbances in Andor and rumors of war on the Almoth Plain. Upon entering the chamber of the Amyrlin Seat, Moiraine senses the tension in the air. The other Aes Sedai watch her coldly. The Amyrlin informs her that Elaida has warned of a dangerous young man whom Moiraine is protecting. The fate of the world hangs by a thread, and the White Tower is divided.
Chapter 5 Summary – The Great Hunt – The Shadow in Shienar
Moiraine and the Amyrlin Seat discuss the dangers they face. The Amyrlin confesses that the Hall of the Tower has been trying to limit her power, signaling internal divisions. Moiraine then reveals that she has found Rand al’Thor, the true Dragon Reborn. The Amyrlin confirms that he is an incredibly powerful ta’veren. Meanwhile, Liandrin manipulates Lady Amalisa through threats and coercion, secretly ordering her to locate Rand and his friends. Elsewhere, the Children of the Light march through Tarabon with uncertain motives, while their leader, Geofram Bornhald, suspects they are being used in a greater scheme. In the dungeons of Fal Dara, Padan Fain, imprisoned by the Aes Sedai, smiles in the darkness—he knows something is coming, something he has been waiting for a long time. The Shadow spreads over Shienar, and the fate of all is in peril.
Chapter 6 Summary – The Great Hunt – Ominous Prophecies
Rand wakes up terrified from a nightmare where he faces Ba’alzemon, Mat and Perrin appear wounded, and Fain torments him with the idea that the battle never ends. Still trembling, he finds Nynaeve in Egwene’s room. The Wisdom confirms that Egwene has gone down to see Padan Fain, believing she can help him. Rand insists that Fain is dangerous and fears for Egwene’s safety. Suddenly, the fortress of Fal Dara shakes with the roar of an alarm. Fearing the worst, Rand rushes into the hallway, ignoring Nynaeve’s warnings. Chaos has erupted: Trollocs and a Myrddraal have broken into the citadel. He faces a group of enemies, but Shienaran soldiers arrive to aid him. Desperate, Rand runs to the dungeons and finds a bloody scene. Egwene and Mat are unconscious. On the wall, a message from Fain haunts him: "We will meet at Toman Head."
Chapter 7 Summary – The Great Hunt – Blood Calls to Blood
Moiraine and the Amyrlin Seat manage to stabilize Mat, but the dagger from Shadar Logoth has disappeared, endangering his life. Without it, his link to the darkness cannot be broken. Meanwhile, Verin finds prophecies written in blood in the dungeon. They mention the "Daughter of the Night," referring to Lanfear, one of the Forsaken. They also warn of a man who channels the One Power and faces a fatal destiny. Perrin visits Mat and discovers that the Aes Sedai are not telling the whole truth. Meanwhile, Rand, confused and distressed, faces the reality of his fate. Liandrin of the Red Ajah watches him closely. Lan helps him prepare for an audience with the Amyrlin Seat, giving him advice on how to behave. Rand fears the worst. He knows he can no longer run and that his fate is in the hands of the Aes Sedai.
Chapter 8 Summary – The Great Hunt – The Amyrlin Seat’s Revelation
Rand, tormented by uncertainty, is escorted by Lan to the Amyrlin Seat, fearing he will be gentled. Along the way, he senses the tension in the fortress and the reverence the Shienarans have for the ancient blood of Manetheren. Once before the Amyrlin, he finds Moiraine and Verin, who reveal the truth: he is the Dragon Reborn. Rand tries to deny it, clinging to his identity as a simple shepherd, but the story of his birth on the slopes of Dragonmount confirms his destiny. Enraged and terrified, he swears that he will not allow the Aes Sedai to use him. Meanwhile, Nynaeve senses that a storm is coming and feels that Rand is at its center. Lan gives her his Malkier ring, symbolizing his loyalty, and Egwene bids farewell to Rand, torn between her future in Tar Valon and her love for him.
Chapter 9 Summary – The Great Hunt – Departure and the Looming Shadow
Rand joins Ingtar’s expedition to retrieve the Horn of Valere and Mat’s dagger. In the fortress courtyard, the Amyrlin Seat blesses them before they depart, but a mysterious archer attempts to assassinate Rand, wounding another man instead. Feeling watched, Rand realizes that the threat is still present. Hurin, a sniffer with the ability to track violence by scent, joins the group and confirms that the thieves of the Horn took a southward direction. Meanwhile, in Illian, Captain Domon discovers that someone wants to manipulate him and forces him to set sail eastward. As the Hunt begins, Rand’s fate intertwines with hidden forces, while danger lurks from the shadows.
Chapter 10 Summary – The Great Hunt – The Hunt Begins
Ingtar and his group move quickly, guided by Hurin, who follows the trail of the Horn of Valere. Rand notices that Mat and Perrin avoid his company, which unsettles him. The terrain is wooded, with hills and trees that make travel difficult, but the tracks of the Darkfriends are clear. Ino, a seasoned veteran, confirms that their pursuers are exhausting their mounts with their speed. He also warns that Trolloc tracks are present, confirming that the Shadow’s servants are heading in the same direction. During the night, Rand discovers that his belongings have been replaced with luxurious clothing, presumably by Moiraine’s order, which fuels his distrust of her. Ingtar insists that they must continue the pursuit without rest, while Rand feels that his destiny is dragging him down a path he can no longer avoid.
Chapter 11 Summary – The Great Hunt – Echoes of the Past and the Pursuit
The group arrives at an abandoned village showing signs of violence but no bodies. Hurin senses the stench of death, though not from direct killings. Ingtar orders an inspection, and Rand enters a house where he seems to relive a moment from the past: he sees a family dining before a terrifying presence overwhelms them. He feels trapped in a loop of the event until he manages to break free with a burst of power. In the square, the group finds the corpse of a Myrddraal nailed to a door, filling them with unease. Something unknown has brutally killed the creature. Ingtar decides they must continue following the Darkfriends’ trail. Meanwhile, Padan Fain leads his own hunt, feeling transformed by the darkness. His obsession with Rand drives him to vengeance, leaving a trail of horror behind him, convinced that the final confrontation will be at Toman Head.
Chapter 12 Summary – The Great Hunt – Woven into the Pattern
Egwene and Nynaeve prepare to depart Fal Dara with the Amyrlin Seat when a mysterious archer attempts to assassinate her. Though the arrow misses its target, the Aes Sedai leader decides to leave for Tar Valon without delay. The entourage moves slowly, and along the way, Egwene and Nynaeve are visited by Verin Sedai, who warns Egwene that she has begun channeling the One Power uncontrollably, which could be dangerous. During the lesson, Nynaeve, in a burst of anger, unintentionally ignites a fire, demonstrating her immense potential. As they travel, Egwene grows anxious about Rand and begins having disturbing dreams about him, sensing he is in danger. In Medo, upon learning of Moiraine’s sudden disappearance, Egwene searches for someone who will take her warnings about Rand seriously. Anaiya Sedai suggests she might be a Dreamer and promises to help her in Tar Valon.
Chapter 13 Summary – The Great Hunt – From Stone to Stone
Rand awakens in a strange place alongside Loial and Hurin, discovering they have been transported to a different world through a mysterious Stone inscribed with arcane symbols. The environment is familiar yet distorted, with muted colors and no signs of life. Loial recalls reading about these Stones, used by the Aes Sedai of the Age of Legends to travel between possible worlds. Rand unsuccessfully tries to return to the real world using the One Power, feeling an unsettling resistance. Desperate, he decides to follow the footprints of the Darkfriends, who seem to have arrived there as well, hoping to find a way back. Hurin, using his tracking ability, leads them southward. As they progress, the reality of the place grows increasingly disturbing, with landscapes that distort in their peripheral vision. Rand assumes responsibility for finding their way back as the eerie atmosphere engulfs them.
Chapter 14 Summary – The Great Hunt – Brother Wolf
Ingtar and his group discover that Rand, Loial, and Hurin have vanished without a trace, leaving them bewildered. Perrin, fearing for his friend, turns to his connection with the wolves to track the Darkfriends, keeping his ability a secret from the others. The wolves reveal that the enemy is heading south, and with reluctance, he shares this information with Ingtar. To avoid suspicion, Ingtar presents him as a sniffer to the other soldiers, who accept the explanation. Along the way, Perrin receives visions of a village devastated by Trollocs, confirming the brutality of their enemies. Verin Sedai catches up with the group and joins them, showing a particular interest in Rand and his mysterious disappearance. Though the group's goal is to recover the Horn of Valere, Verin seems more concerned about Rand’s fate, unsettling both Perrin and Mat.
Chapter 15 Summary – The Great Hunt – Executioner of Mankind
Rand, Loial, and Hurin continue their journey through a strange and faded world where reality seems distorted. The land is marked by streaks of ash stretching as if painted by a brush of fire. There are no animals or sounds, only an unsettling silence. Hurin continues tracking the Darkfriends, though their trail is growing fainter. Loial, disturbed by the emptiness, sings to a tree and carves from it a staff, turning it into a weapon. During the night, Rand faces Ba’alzemon, who calls him the "Executioner of Mankind" and claims they have been linked since the beginning of time. Rand resists the temptation to touch Saidin, but when he awakens, he discovers a new mark on his hand—the heron from his sword has burned into his skin like a brand.
Chapter 16 Summary – The Great Hunt – In the Mirror of Darkness
At dawn, Rand hides his wound, and the group moves forward without finding any physical traces of the Darkfriends, though Hurin insists their scent lingers. They spot a tall spire on the horizon, resembling the monument of Artur Hawkwing, but as they approach, Rand notices it is adorned with Trolloc symbols and a raven pierced by a lightning bolt. Loial theorizes that they have entered an alternate world where the Trollocs won the war. Hurin believes he sees a woman, but the distortion of the environment confuses him. Then, to the south, the Mountains of Dhoom appear, even though they are hundreds of miles away in the real world. Rand concludes that this place is similar to the Ways. Suddenly, they hear a woman’s scream for help. Rand rushes to her aid and faces a monstrous Grolm, successfully killing it with a well-aimed arrow to the eye.
Chapter 17 Summary – The Great Hunt – Choices
Rand meets Selene, a strikingly beautiful woman who seems to know much about the world they are trapped in. She praises him and urges him to seek greatness with the Horn of Valere. As they continue, a pack of Grolm begins pursuing them. Rand kills several with his bow, but Selene insists they must use a Portal Stone to escape. Rand resists, but the growing number of Grolm forces him to relent. Standing before the Stone, Selene points to a symbol and tells him to focus on it. Rand touches the Stone, and without understanding how, he activates its power. The world trembles, and the group is transported back to the real world. Selene watches him with admiration, declaring that he is destined for greatness. Rand, unsettled by his ability to use the Stone and the temptation of Saidin, chooses to stay and find the Horn.
Chapter 18 Summary – The Great Hunt – On the Way to the White Tower
Egwene and Nynaeve travel on the River Queen toward Tar Valon, accompanied by the Amyrlin Seat and other Aes Sedai. The journey is swift thanks to a constant wind, causing murmurs among the sailors. Egwene retreats to her cabin, where Nynaeve expresses relief that they will arrive soon, as she hates traveling by boat. Egwene, worried about Rand, confesses that she has had another dream about him, in which a masked figure haunts him. Nynaeve tries to reassure her, but both sense that Rand is in danger. The Amyrlin Seat interrupts their conversation and, with a demonstration of power, immobilizes them, teaching them the importance of controlling the One Power. Nynaeve, furious, resists, but the Amyrlin overpowers her with ease. As they arrive in Tar Valon, the city glows under the morning light. They are greeted by Sheriam, the Mistress of Novices, who leads them to the White Tower for their training.
Chapter 19 Summary – The Great Hunt – Under the Dagger
Rand, Loial, and Hurin wait in the mountains for signs of Fain and the Darkfriends. During the night, Rand sees Selene rummaging through his saddlebags. When he questions her, she claims she was just looking for a shirt to change into. Rand, uncomfortable with her closeness, grows suspicious but lets it go. Hurin alerts them to a campfire in the distance, confirming Fain’s presence. Rand decides to investigate with Loial. In the enemy camp, they find the Horn of Valere and the dagger from Shadar Logoth. Aware of the dagger’s danger, Rand carefully picks it up while Loial carries the chest containing the Horn. As they attempt to leave, they are discovered, and Rand is forced to fight several Trollocs. Despite the tension and the call of Saidin, he maintains control and escapes with the treasure. Selene, seeing the Horn, shows great interest in its power, but Rand reaffirms his decision to return it to Shienar.
Chapter 20 Summary – The Great Hunt – Saidin
Rand and his group travel toward Cairhien, avoiding Fain. Selene insists on seeing the Horn, but Rand refuses, growing more suspicious of her true intentions. As they enter Cairhienin territory, they stop in a nearby village. Rand discovers a colossal statue with a crystal sphere and feels a strong connection to Saidin. As he gazes at it, he falls into a trance and mutters unknown words until Selene snaps him out of it. The excavation guards notice them, prompting the group to leave quickly. In town, Rand chooses an inn called The Nine Rings, a name that stirs childhood memories. Selene, still unsettled by what happened, suggests they flee together with the Horn and promises him greatness, but Rand rejects her offer. Disappointed, Selene leaves, leaving Rand with even more doubts about who she truly is.
Chapter 21 Summary – The Great Hunt – The Nine Rings
Rand, Selene, Loial, and Hurin arrive at The Nine Rings inn in Cairhien, where the innkeeper, Maglin Madwen, welcomes them warmly but suggests they might be searching for the Horn of Valere, which Rand vehemently denies. During dinner, Rand plays the flute for the patrons, attracting the attention of Captain Aldrin Caldevwin, who seems suspicious of his presence and informs him about the excavation of a massive statue from the Age of Legends, ordered by King Galldrain to be transported to the capital. Rand senses that Caldevwin is playing Da’es Daemar, the intricate Cairhienin political game. The next morning, Selene has disappeared, leaving only a note promising to meet again in the capital, and Caldevwin assigns a military escort to Rand and his companions on their journey to Cairhien.
Chapter 22 Summary – The Great Hunt – Spies
Moiraine is at Tifan’s Well, taking refuge in the home of Adeleas and Vandene, two retired Aes Sedai, where she studies ancient manuscripts searching for answers while reflecting on her bond with Lan and her plan to transfer him to another Aes Sedai after her death, which enrages Lan, who refuses to be treated as an object. Moiraine questions his growing attachment to Rand and the young man’s influence on his actions, but their discussion is interrupted when a Draghkar attacks in the garden, only to be swiftly defeated by Lan and Jaem, the sisters’ Warders. The presence of the Shadowspawn confirms the existence of the Black Ajah, forcing Moiraine to leave immediately, though before departing, she uncovers clues linking the Dragon Reborn to Toman Head and the Watchers Over the Waves.
Chapter 23 Summary – The Great Hunt – The Test
Nynaeve is taken deep within the White Tower to face the trial to become Accepted, where she must pass through a ter’angreal that exposes her to visions of her greatest fears. In the first trial, she is hunted by Aginor through a labyrinth but manages to fight back using the One Power before escaping. In the second, she returns to Emond’s Field, where a false Wisdom, Malena, terrorizes the villagers, and Nynaeve discovers that she has killed Bran al’Vere and Haral Luhhan, but despite her fury, she abandons her people to return. In the third trial, she finds herself in a future where she is married to Lan, living happily in Malkier with their children, but she must leave it all behind to fulfill her destiny. She returns to reality in tears and rage, now officially Accepted.
Chapter 24 Summary – The Great Hunt – New Friends and Old Enemies
Egwene arrives at the White Tower as a novice and is assigned to Elayne, the Daughter-Heir of Andor, who introduces her to the strict rules and punishments of the Aes Sedai. While practicing with the One Power, they both discover they can see the glow of Saidar surrounding each other, and Egwene also meets Min, who warns her that Elaida, a Red Ajah Aes Sedai, is closely watching Rand. Later, Egwene and Elayne witness Logain, the false Dragon, now gentled and stripped of his power. During a conversation with Gawyn and Galad, the latter expresses interest in Egwene, leaving her confused, but their interaction is abruptly interrupted by Elaida, who reprimands Elayne for her behavior, while Min, troubled by Elaida’s questions and her insistence on learning about Rand, begins to worry about what the future holds.
Chapter 25 Summary – The Great Hunt – Cairhien
Rand arrives in Cairhien with Loial and Hurin, escorted by soldiers under Captain Tavolin, and finds the city divided between its orderly inner walls and the chaotic outskirts, filled with political intrigue. Under military escort, he is officially registered upon entry, drawing further attention to his arrival, and when he inquires about Selene, he receives no clear information. Settling at The Defender of the Dragonwall inn, Rand begins receiving invitations from nobles but burns them all, refusing to participate in the Great Game of Cairhien, only for Hurin to warn him that rejecting them only makes him appear more involved in local politics. Seeking distraction, Rand wanders through the outer city and is shocked to stumble upon Thom Merrilin, whom he believed to be dead, now settled with a young apprentice named Dena, who invites him to his inn for a conversation.
Chapter 26 Summary – The Great Hunt – Discord
Rand visits Thom and returns his harp and flute, overjoyed at their reunion, and tells him about the Horn of Valere, inviting him to join the journey, but Thom, traumatized by his nephew’s death at the hands of the Aes Sedai, refuses to get involved. As Rand leaves, Thom wrestles with the temptation to follow him but ultimately decides to stay in Cairhien with Dena, while Zera, the innkeeper, warns Rand about the dangers of the Great Game, explaining that his noble-like appearance will draw the attention of powerful houses, potentially trapping him in their intrigues, and Thom tries to convince himself that Rand is just a shepherd, but destiny’s shadow looms over him.
Chapter 27 Summary – The Great Hunt – The Shadow in the Night
Rand and Loial walk through Cairhien’s streets after a dice game where Dena displays a mysterious streak of luck, and they notice a massive puppet resembling a Trolloc, only to realize too late that it is real when it attacks, forcing Rand to wound it with his sword, but another Trolloc grabs him before Loial, using his immense strength, defeats it. As they move on, they realize they are being surrounded by more Trollocs and Darkfriends sent by Fain, leaving them with no escape, so Rand decides to head toward the Illuminators’ compound, hoping its walls will protect them, and at the last moment, Selene appears unexpectedly, urging him to embrace greatness, while Rand and Loial infiltrate the fortress as the Trollocs pursue them, and an accident involving fireworks triggers a massive explosion, allowing them to escape, but Selene vanishes mysteriously.
Chapter 28 Summary – The Great Hunt – A New Thread in the Pattern
Perrin rides alongside Ingtar and Verin, troubled by Mat’s worsening condition due to the dagger’s influence and Verin’s growing fixation on Rand, and through the wolves, he learns of a mysterious warrior who has attacked the Darkfriends, whom the wolves call the Shadowkiller, while Ingtar, desperate to recover the Horn of Valere, repeatedly questions him. Along the way, Ino spots an Aiel named Urien, who deliberately reveals himself, and although the Shienarans react warily, Urien peacefully introduces himself as a Red Shield from the Reyn clan, claiming he is searching for He Who Comes with the Dawn, a man of Aiel blood destined to lead their people. Verin questions him about Rhuidean, but Urien provides little information, and before departing, he mentions ancient prophecies about the unification of the Aiel, leaving Verin deep in thought about Rand’s connection to them.
Chapter 29 Summary – The Great Hunt – Seanchan
Geofram Bornhald arrives at a devastated village and finds a gallows with the bodies of men, women, and even children, growing outraged as he suspects that the interrogators have acted with excessive brutality, and as he questions the prisoners, he receives a message from Carridin ordering him to withdraw, but he decides instead to march toward Falme to confront the true invaders—the Seanchan. Meanwhile, Domon attempts to flee by ship, but a Seanchan vessel intercepts him, and Captain Egeanin captures him, taking him to Falme, where he witnesses the terrifying damane, women controlled by collars who wield the One Power, and in the city, he sees the submission of the locals to the Seanchan and their monstrous war beasts. Egeanin brings him before Lord Turak, who collects cuendillar, and upon discovering that Domon possesses an ancient Aes Sedai seal, Turak imprisons him, intrigued by their conversation, leaving Domon fearing for his fate at the hands of these conquerors.
Chapter 30 Summary – The Great Hunt – Da’es Daemar
Rand watches Cairhien from his inn while dealing with increasing noble attention, as Hurin, growing more formal, insists on treating him as a lord, and he receives invitations from King Galldrain and Lord Barthanes Damodred, the two most powerful men in the kingdom, further entangling him in Da’es Daemar, the Game of Houses, but knowing that either acceptance or rejection will have political consequences, he publicly displays the invitations without opening them to buy time. While seeking news of Ingtar, he realizes the guards are withholding information, and upon returning to his inn, he finds it engulfed in flames, rushing inside to rescue Hurin, who has been attacked and left unconscious, and as they flee, the building collapses behind them. At that moment, Mat, Perrin, Ingtar, and Verin arrive in Cairhien, only to find it covered in ash, and Rand, exhausted and laughing nervously, tells them they have arrived too late.
Chapter 31 Summary – The Great Hunt – On the Trail
Verin uses the One Power to calm Rand and heal Hurin, revealing her presence as an Aes Sedai in the city, while Ingtar and the others arrive after following Rand’s trail, confused as to how he got ahead of them by several days. Overwhelmed, Rand confesses that he held the Horn of Valere in his hands but lost it again, and while Mat, still concerned about the dagger, agrees to move forward, Hurin tracks the thieves to a grand mansion newly built by Lord Barthanes Damodred, the most powerful noble after the king. Verin warns that seeking aid from Galldrain would be a mistake, as the king would never return the Horn if he obtained it, and when Rand reveals that he received an invitation from Barthanes, Verin sees an opportunity to infiltrate the mansion, leaving Rand with no choice but to accept the dangerous game of nobility as Verin suggests that the Pattern has led them to this crucial moment.
Chapter 32 Summary – The Great Hunt – Dangerous Words
Rand, accompanied by Verin, Ingtar, Loial, Hurin, and Mat, attends Barthanes’ reception to locate the Horn, drawing curious glances from the Cairhienin nobility while being pulled into political intrigue. Barthanes, shrewd and dangerous, hints that Rand is interested in a sa’angreal from the Age of Legends that the king is excavating, putting Rand on high alert, and as he avoids noblewomen attempting to seduce him, he is shocked to discover Thom Merrilin performing at the party, who warns him that the White Tower has once again ensnared him in its plans. While Rand tries to maintain his cover, Hurin arrives with a coded message: Mat has found something, prompting Rand to feign indifference toward his "servant" before hurriedly following him, knowing that time is running out and that Barthanes’ mansion could be a deadly trap.
Chapter 33 Summary – The Great Hunt – A Message from the Darkness
Rand, Hurin, Mat, and Loial follow the Darkfriends’ trail within Barthanes’ mansion, discovering that the scent leads to a walled garden where they find an entrance to an Ogier Waygate. Rand opens the door, but inside lurks Machin Shin, the Black Wind, which calls his name and threatens to escape, forcing Rand to battle against Saidin’s pull while Loial quickly places a leaf of Avendesora to close the gate. Back at the party, Barthanes delivers a message from Fain: the Horn of Valere is in Toman Head, where he awaits. Verin decides they must leave at dawn, fearing the Horn could fall into the wrong hands, and as Mat, further weakened by the dagger’s influence, deteriorates, the urgency of their mission grows while Rand finds himself torn between his fate and the need to recover the Horn.
Chapter 34 Summary – The Great Hunt – The Wheel Weaves
Thom Merrilin returns to his inn to find Dena murdered, and as two thugs attempt to capture him, he kills them and discovers they were working for Barthanes and Galldrain, both of whom were interested in Rand. Zera, the innkeeper, urges him to flee, revealing that Barthanes has been brutally assassinated, while in Falme, Padan Fain arrives with the Horn of Valere and the Shadar Logoth dagger, deceiving the Seanchan by claiming descent from a follower of Artur Hawkwing. He offers the Horn to Turak, a Seanchan noble, hoping to manipulate him, but Turak, instead, plans to send it to the Empress in Seanchan, frustrating Fain, who nevertheless warns him about Rand and his companions. Meanwhile, in Cairhien, riots break out and granaries burn, signaling impending chaos in the city.
Chapter 35 Summary – The Great Hunt – Stedding Tsofu
Rand and his companions travel to Stedding Tsofu, seeking an alternative entrance to the Ways, where they are welcomed by Erith, a young Ogier, and encounter three Aiel Maidens of the Spear who, upon seeing the Shienarans, cover their faces in preparation for battle before an Ogier reminds them of the Pact. Rand notices the Aiel watching him intently while Loial, nervous, fears the Ogier will force him into marriage, and Mat and Perrin begin to suspect that the Aiel are searching for He Who Comes with the Dawn, wondering if it could be Rand. As they await the Stedding Elders’ decision, Verin prepares to use the Ways to follow Fain’s trail, and although Mat dreads returning to the Ways, the urgency of recovering the Horn and the dagger leaves him with no choice but to press on.
Chapter 36 Summary – The Great Hunt – Among the Elders
Rand and his group present themselves before the Ogier Elders in Stedding Tsofu to request access to the Ways, while Loial, nervous, fears being forced to stay. The elder Alar, leader of the Elders, warns them of the dangers by showing Trayal, an Ogier left soulless after entering the Ways. Despite this, Rand insists on continuing the mission, and Alar grants them passage, but when they open the Waygate, they find the Black Wind waiting for them, forcing Verin to quickly shut it, confirming that the Ways are no longer safe. With no other choice, Rand agrees to use a Portal Stone, despite his fear of channeling the One Power, and with Verin’s guidance, they activate the Stone to travel to Toman Head, hoping to recover the Horn of Valere and Mat’s dagger.
Chapter 37 Summary – The Great Hunt – The Realm of Possibility
Rand channels the Power to activate the Portal Stone, but something goes wrong, and in an instant, he and his companions experience countless alternate lives where he is a farmer, a soldier, a king, and a beggar, but in each one, tragedy strikes, always ending with the same voice whispering, "I have won again, Lews Therin." Desperate, he fights to regain control and finally breaks free from the cycle, awakening to find that the group has arrived at Toman Head but has lost four months in the process. Guilt-ridden, Rand fears that Fain is already gone, but Verin confirms they are in the right place and warns Rand that he must learn to control the Power before it destroys him, while Ingtar reaffirms his resolve to find the Horn, and without wasting time, they ride west in search of Padan Fain and the Horn of Valere.
Chapter 38 Summary – The Great Hunt – Practices
At the White Tower, Egwene and Nynaeve secretly practice channeling the One Power despite the risk, with Min and Elayne accompanying them, discussing concerns over their training and the news of wars in Cairhien and Toman Head. Suddenly, Liandrin of the Red Ajah visits them, claiming that Rand and his friends are in danger and that they can help, ordering them to meet her in secret to travel to Toman Head, warning them about the Black Ajah. Though Nynaeve distrusts Liandrin’s intentions, Egwene insists they must help Rand, and Min and Elayne decide to join, sensing they are part of a greater destiny, while as they plan their departure, Egwene grows anxious, fearing that Rand’s fate is bound to dark forces beyond her understanding.
Chapter 39 Summary – The Great Hunt – Escape from the White Tower
Egwene, Nynaeve, Elayne, and Min move stealthily through the White Tower, dressed in elegant clothes to avoid drawing attention, with Min carrying supplies while they evade detection by novices and Aes Sedai. Reaching the stables, Nynaeve intimidates the stablehand using her serpent ring, securing horses for their escape, and cloaked, they ride unnoticed through the gates into the bustling city of Tar Valon. They travel to the Ogier Grove, where Liandrin awaits them with a mule and lanterns, and speaking cryptically, she leads them to a Waygate, and despite their fears, Egwene is the first to step through, followed by the others. Inside, an oppressive darkness distorts time, and as Liandrin leads them through the winding paths of stone, Egwene begins to fear that the destination awaiting them is not what they expected.
Chapter 40 Summary – The Great Hunt – Damane
As they emerge from the Waygate, Egwene finds herself surrounded by strange soldiers in dark armor and chained women, and confused, she turns to Liandrin, only to be betrayed as she and her friends are handed over to High Lady Suroth. Instantly, a man seizes Min and Elayne, while a woman fastens a silver collar around Egwene’s neck, and when she strikes her captor, pain surges through her as she realizes she is bound to the sul’dam Renna through the a’dam. Powerless to resist, she is subjected to brutal punishments that gradually break her spirit, and in the distance, lightning flashes in the sky—Nynaeve is still free. As they are taken toward Falme, Egwene suffers under Renna’s control, treated like an animal, while Min is threatened with death, forcing Egwene to promise obedience to save her friend, and with tears in her eyes, she realizes that her only hope lies in Nynaeve finding them.
Chapter 41 Summary – The Great Hunt – Discrepancies
Rand and his group press on through a storm on the Almoth Plain, while Verin refuses to use the One Power to alter the weather, fearing detection by the Seanchan and their damane. They arrive at an abandoned village, finding traces of a recent massacre, and while Ingtar, frustrated by the lack of leads on the Horn of Valere, grows impatient, Rand insists that Fain is in Falme and that they must hurry. Verin advises caution, but Rand feels an inexplicable urgency, and later, exhausted, he falls asleep and is visited by Ba’alzemon, who tempts him with power and threatens him with madness and death. Rand channels Saidin to attack, but his energy is swallowed by the darkness, and when he wakes, drenched in sweat, he discovers burn marks on the chair where his enemy had sat, realizing in terror that Ba’alzemon’s shadow still haunts him.
Chapter 42 Summary – The Great Hunt – Shadows in Falme
Nynaeve and Elayne hide in an alley in Falme, avoiding the dreaded damane and their sul’dam, witnessing the city’s complete submission under Seanchan rule, and as they try to remain unnoticed, Nynaeve believes she sees Padan Fain, filling her with unease. Their lack of money forces them to steal food, but Nynaeve scolds Elayne for the risks, and as they watch a house where Egwene might be held, they reflect on the people’s lack of resistance. Meanwhile, Egwene, locked away and watched by Renna, suffers under the a’dam’s control, unable to free herself, and Min visits her, hoping to find a way to help, only to learn that Egwene is about to be sent to Seanchan. The situation worsens when Renna catches Egwene channeling, punishing her cruelly and stripping her of even her own name.
Chapter 43 Summary – The Great Hunt – A Desperate Plan
Min flees from Egwene’s punishment, feeling powerless, but in the streets, she encounters Nynaeve and Elayne, who have arrived in Falme searching for their friend. Min informs them that she has found a ship willing to take them, but only if they can first free Egwene, though the real challenge is removing the collar that binds her. Determined, Nynaeve begins forming a plan, and they meet Captain Domon, a merchant desperate to escape the Seanchan. Initially reluctant, he changes his mind when Nynaeve shows him her Aes Sedai ring, promising him a real chance to flee, though he warns them of the risks, recounting how an Aes Sedai was captured and turned into a damane. Nynaeve remains resolute, setting the plan in motion, while Min, despite her doubts, feels hope for the first time.
Chapter 44 Summary – The Great Hunt – The Riders of Destiny
Perrin, Mat, and Hurin arrive at a town overshadowed by the Seanchan, where the terrified and resigned locals avoid contact with them, and Hurin confirms that Padan Fain’s trail leads toward Falme. Suddenly, Whitecloaks arrive, forcing them to flee before being questioned, escaping into the hills, where Perrin, using his wolf connection, confirms they are not being followed. Meanwhile, Geofram Bornhald leads his Children of the Light in a strategic assault against the Seanchan, preparing for a battle he expects to die in. Elsewhere, Rand and Ingtar plan their approach into Falme, while Verin insists that only five riders should go, and Rand, Perrin, Mat, Hurin, and Ingtar set out toward the city, hoping to recover the Horn of Valere and rescue Egwene.
Chapter 45 Summary – The Great Hunt – Blademaster
Nynaeve, Elayne, and Min execute their daring plan to free Egwene, sneaking through Falme at dawn and capturing a sul’dam, discovering that the a’dam also affects her, revealing that sul’dam can channel. Using this knowledge, Nynaeve forces the woman to cooperate, infiltrating the fortress where Egwene is held. Meanwhile, Rand and his companions break into Turak’s house, reclaiming the Horn of Valere and Mat’s dagger, but they are caught, and Rand is forced into a deadly duel with Turak, a master swordsman. With great effort, Rand defeats him, but their escape proves difficult as chaos engulfs Falme, with explosions, lightning, and fire spreading through the streets, and in the confusion, Ingtar, seeking redemption, sacrifices himself to ensure his friends can flee with the Horn.
Chapter 46 Summary – The Great Hunt – Rescue from the Shadow
Nynaeve and her group successfully infiltrate the fortress and find Egwene, who has suffered under the sul’dam’s torment, and they discover that the women controlling the damane can also channel but deny their power. Filled with rage, Egwene places an a’dam on her captor, forcing her to experience the same suffering, and Nynaeve decides to leave them imprisoned with the collars, ensuring they face their punishment. As they escape, the streets are eerily empty, but a Seanchan troop advances, and though they try to go unnoticed, Egwene, terrified of being recaptured, uses the Power to shatter the ground beneath the soldiers. The city erupts into chaos as the damane retaliate with fireballs, forcing Nynaeve and the others to flee amidst explosions, while at the harbor, Bayle Domon waits aboard his ship, determined to keep his promise as the Seanchan forces regroup.
Chapter 47 Summary – The Great Hunt – The Grave Is No Bar to My Call
With the Seanchan and the Children of the Light on the verge of battle, Mat blows the Horn of Valere, summoning legendary heroes, and Artur Hawkwing and his army emerge from the mist, ready to fight. Rand, raising the Dragon Banner, leads them into combat, but as the battle rages, he is drawn into a duel with Ba’alzemon in a strange void outside time. Surrounded by the One Power, he struggles against his enemy, resisting his threats and refusing to surrender, sensing that his fate is intertwined with both this duel and the war in Falme, where the heroes clash with the Seanchan. Summoning all his strength, Rand strikes Ba’alzemon down with his sword, claiming victory, but collapses, exhausted and wounded, and though he does not fully grasp his role, he knows that the war is far from over and that the world still needs him.
Chapter 48 Summary – The Great Hunt – The First Claiming
Min, driven by an unknown impulse, navigates through the chaos of Falme and finds Rand unconscious, his sword burned into his hand and a cauterized wound on his side. Worried, she drags him inside a house and covers him with blankets for warmth, and Egwene arrives, revealing that she and Elayne felt Rand calling them. Min realizes that her fate is tied to him, whether she wishes it or not, but before they can act, a strikingly beautiful woman appears—Lanfear, one of the Forsaken—declaring that Lews Therin still belongs to her and that they will soon be reunited. Min, terrified, begins to understand the magnitude of what they are facing, while elsewhere, Byar escapes, carrying news of the Children of the Light’s defeat and blaming the Darkfriends, determined to inform Pedron Niall of what he witnessed in the skies over Falme.
Chapter 49 Summary – The Great Hunt – The Unavoidable Tide
Rand wakes days later, weak and disoriented, as Min explains that they have been traveling east and that Egwene, Mat, and the others have left for Tar Valon with the Horn of Valere, making him feel betrayed by Egwene’s departure. Moiraine arrives and reveals that his duel with Ba’alzemon was seen by everyone in the skies over Falme, showing him a drawing of the battle and informing him that rumors have already spread. She also finds another shattered seal from the Dark One’s prison, heightening the urgency of the conflict, and though Rand refuses to accept being the Dragon Reborn, the evidence is undeniable. At the camp, the Shienarans, including Masema, who gazes at him with fervor, kneel before him and swear loyalty, and Moiraine warns that the world is changing, forcing Rand to finally accept his destiny with newfound determination.
Chapter 50 Summary – The Great Hunt – Aftermath
Stories of Falme spread across the continent, telling of omens in the sky, the return of the Horn’s heroes, and a man who battled Darkness, and in Arad Doman and Tarabon, these tales spark conflict, with some proclaiming the Dragon’s return while others reject him. Rumors speak of an army marching east, led by a man whose face was seen in the heavens, carrying the Dragon Banner, and throughout the world, prophets and believers recite ancient prayers, calling for the Dragon to rise again and protect them in the Last Battle. The wheels of fate are now in motion, with no turning back, as war, hope, and fear spread like wildfire, preparing the world for the return of the Prophesied Savior and the final confrontation with the Dark One.
Conclusion – The Great Hunt
When the Horn is sounded, it not only awakens heroes of old—it stirs truths long buried in the hearts of the living. So ends The Great Hunt, echoing with a power that has yet to fully reveal itself, and with Rand al’Thor standing closer than ever to a destiny he dreads as much as he is bound to fulfill. What began as a desperate mission has unveiled cracks in the Pattern and signs that the world is on the cusp of irrevocable change.
The Wheel of Time universe makes it clear here: every choice, every vision, and every shadow is a deliberate thread in a vast design. The chapters in this book summary bring us to the edge of a storm, laden with prophecy, rising truths, and betrayals yet to surface. And while answers begin to emerge, it is in the next book that the fire of truth will burn without disguise.
The hunt may be over—but the war for the soul of the world is just beginning. Continue this journey in the next summary: The Dragon Reborn – Book Summary by Chapter ➤
FAQs – Chapter by Chapter Summary – The Great Hunt
What does “blood calls blood” mean in The Great Hunt?
“Blood calls blood” is a recurring phrase in the prophecies surrounding Rand al’Thor. It carries both symbolic and literal weight. On one hand, it refers to Rand’s heritage as the Dragon Reborn; on the other, it foreshadows that sacrifice—often violent—will be the catalyst for destiny. The phrase underscores moments where duty outweighs personal desire and becomes particularly powerful when tied to the corrupted dagger from Shadar Logoth and the consequences of touching the Shadow.
Who is Selene really in The Great Hunt?
Selene, the mysterious woman who appears during Rand’s journey through alternate worlds, is actually Lanfear, one of the Forsaken. Though her identity isn’t confirmed outright in this book, many clues—including her knowledge of the Power and her obsession with Rand—point to her true nature. Her manipulation is subtle but constant, always tempting Rand toward greatness and power, hoping to guide his transformation into something she can control.
Why is the Horn of Valere so important in The Great Hunt?
The Horn of Valere is a legendary artifact capable of summoning heroes of the past to fight in the Last Battle. In The Great Hunt, it becomes a central object of pursuit, not just because of its power, but because of what it represents: hope, prophecy, and legacy. The race to recover the Horn forces characters like Rand and Ingtar to confront their loyalties and identities. Ultimately, the Horn’s appearance at Falme is a turning point in both the story and the world’s perception of the Dragon Reborn.
What role does Toman Head play in the prophecy of The Great Hunt?
Toman Head is not just a geographic location; it’s a fulcrum of prophecy. Fain’s bloody message sends Rand there, and visions from Egwene and insights from Verin suggest that it is the place where the Dragon must be revealed. The confrontation at Falme, in Toman Head, is the moment when Rand stops being a secret and becomes a sign. It's where the world first sees the Dragon rise—sword blazing, prophecy unfolding—and there is no turning back.
What does the alternate world with the grolm represent in The Great Hunt?
The shadowed world where Rand kills a grolm reflects what could have been: a reality where the Shadow won. Accessed through a Portal Stone, this world symbolizes both Rand’s potential and the vastness of the Pattern. The creatures he faces, the eerie silence, and Selene’s temptations all converge into a trial of identity. That encounter is a key moment: Rand begins to wield the One Power instinctively, marking the threshold between denial and acceptance of who he is becoming.
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