The only real argument against it is that Be'lal was balefired.
However, we know that the Dark One can protect his followers even from balefire if he knows of the danger ahead of time and is grab their souls before they die.
Be'lal was killed by the relatively weak Moiraine, and the time differential was very small. And considering that Be'lal was in Tear as part of a trap intended to capture the Dragon Reborn at the moment of his public recognition, it is certainly plausible that the Dark One was watching closely.
After that, everything else works out. Mazrim Taim escaped/was kidnapped by darkfriends from the Aes Sedai in the next book. Like the poor man and woman who became Osan'gar and Aran'gar, his body could have been provided for Be'lal.
Lots of little things about Taim appear in a different light if you consider that he might be Be'lal. For instance, his disgust with the Asha'man learning to use swords could be because the men's clumsy attempts are a mockery of the sport he perfected rather than because he really dislikes the weapons.
And as for the oft-quoted "Let the Lord of Chaos rule" line, if Taim really is only a darkfriend, I think that would be the first (and only) time that was spoken by anyone other than a forsaken or the Dark One himself.
However, we know that the Dark One can protect his followers even from balefire if he knows of the danger ahead of time and is grab their souls before they die.
Be'lal was killed by the relatively weak Moiraine, and the time differential was very small. And considering that Be'lal was in Tear as part of a trap intended to capture the Dragon Reborn at the moment of his public recognition, it is certainly plausible that the Dark One was watching closely.
After that, everything else works out. Mazrim Taim escaped/was kidnapped by darkfriends from the Aes Sedai in the next book. Like the poor man and woman who became Osan'gar and Aran'gar, his body could have been provided for Be'lal.
Lots of little things about Taim appear in a different light if you consider that he might be Be'lal. For instance, his disgust with the Asha'man learning to use swords could be because the men's clumsy attempts are a mockery of the sport he perfected rather than because he really dislikes the weapons.
And as for the oft-quoted "Let the Lord of Chaos rule" line, if Taim really is only a darkfriend, I think that would be the first (and only) time that was spoken by anyone other than a forsaken or the Dark One himself.
Is Mazrim Taim just a jerk?
09/02/2011 11:04:00 PM
- 1612 Views
It's Demandred.
09/02/2011 11:16:33 PM
- 817 Views
because RJ said so *NM*
09/02/2011 11:32:53 PM
- 358 Views
"let the lord of chaos rule." Pretty much Darkside-only. *NM*
10/02/2011 02:13:17 AM
- 349 Views
He can still be a huge jerk though.
10/02/2011 01:48:08 PM
- 792 Views
Yes, Lord Katie, it's true - he could jusy be a huge jerk. But the odds are slim, dontcha think? *NM*
11/02/2011 12:23:48 PM
- 353 Views
I think the odds are pretty close to one that he's a jerk.
11/02/2011 06:25:02 PM
- 736 Views
not compulsion
10/02/2011 03:30:24 AM
- 753 Views
Re: not compulsion
10/02/2011 04:08:30 AM
- 810 Views
There has to be at least one 13x13 in the series. Right? RIGHT?! *NM*
10/02/2011 04:26:46 AM
- 327 Views
I lean toward Darkfriend turned Dreadlord (because he could channel) or turned by 13x13
10/02/2011 05:47:06 AM
- 730 Views
Nevermind.
10/02/2011 05:58:14 AM
- 729 Views
taim is insane?
10/02/2011 03:19:33 PM
- 707 Views
I always took that 'so called Aiel' comment at face value, to be honest .
10/02/2011 06:38:29 PM
- 806 Views
I still think he's Be'lal.
12/02/2011 07:22:57 AM
- 1024 Views