I found the Forsaken chapter somewhat disappointing. It was clearly the work of someone who had all the superficial information about each Forsaken, but was trying to summarize their personalities all over again as if presenting it for the first time.
It's strange that you figured this out, yet attribute some of Brandon's 'shortcomings' to the character itself.
What is clear to me now is that the female Forsaken are even more gender-biased than the males when it comes to assessing the strengths of fellow Chosen. Everyone was criticising Rahvin for underestimating Lanfear in FoH, but Graendal seems to naturally consider the female Semirhage to be a foe as dangerous as Demandred. This despite her acknowledging that Demandred might have been the Dragon HIMSELF had he stayed with the Light!
you should reread that. She doesn't think he might have been the Dragon himself. She says that HE thinks he might have been. It's also implied she thinks he's deluding himself.
That simply does not make sense. It is clear that Demandred is the leader of the trio. And it is also clear that Graendal is not half as cunning and intelligent as everyone has been making out up to now.
I don't agree with either statement. There's isn't really a leader to the trio and there's nothing clear about it.
For one, it has NEVER before been suggested that Demandred sought to keep his alliance with Mesaana and Semirhage secret from the other Forsaken. For pete's sake, they've openly huddled together AT FORSAKEN MEETINGS in previous books. Arangar knew about their alliance in Book 11, yet she did not consider it to be any kind of achievement to have this insight. It is open knowledge. Yet Graendal thinks herself smart for "cracking that secret." I mean, come on.
This is Brandon's mistake. Quite obviously.
What has come across yet again, however, is just how dangerous Demandred is. In EVERY appearance thus far, throughout the series, he has only been regarded with respect or awe by other Forsaken. We have had references to his ability and menace from almost all the Forsaken by now.
I'm not sure I agree. One interesting part was when Demandred goes into a "Only I get to kill Lews Therin" fit, and Moridin kind of shrugs him off as a useful hound. "Yeah sure sure whatever. You'll do it". Later when Moridin is left with Graendal he remarks thar Al'Thor musn't be hurt till he faces Morirind on the last day. Clearly he isn't taking Demandred too seriously. I wonder if it might turn out to Rand's advantage at that final moment.
More revealing than Graendal's opionion, however, was Arangar's comparative view of Graendal and Demandred. The common thread between Arangar and Graendal's views was their high estimates for Demandred's ability. The difference, is that Arangar considered Graendal a far less dangerous adversary to try and manipulate. If I recall, her words were something to the effect that Demandred was far too dangerous to play her games with.
Yes, but that's because he might try to kill you. Graendal would rather entangle you in her plots. And she has more sense of humor to flirting/ploting.
This message last edited by AgentOrange on 19/09/2009 at 09:54:05 AM
TGS Prologue - your thoughts (part 2) *spoilers*
- 16/09/2009 04:55:21 AM
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Where can i find it at? Can someone give me a link? *NM*
- 18/09/2009 02:21:10 AM
328 Views
mobipocket.com
- 18/09/2009 02:53:13 AM
874 Views
Thanks, It was interesting especially the last part of the prologue *NM*
- 20/09/2009 02:42:28 AM
340 Views
A pointless survey - take your guess at who wrote what of the Prologue
- 18/09/2009 01:30:24 PM
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Re: A pointless survey - take your guess at who wrote what of the Prologue
- 18/09/2009 07:08:43 PM
679 Views
The prologue gives us strong evidence that Graendal is weaker than Demi or Semi
- 18/09/2009 03:55:58 PM
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I'm a little surprised nobody is discussing this. I thought this would get more attention. *NM*
- 20/09/2009 09:17:57 PM
435 Views
Is it me or do the Forsaken seem more viscious?
- 18/09/2009 04:17:22 PM
835 Views
yep, leaner and meaner...except for mesaana-she's still twitchy after shadar haran *NM*
- 18/09/2009 05:09:29 PM
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Trollocs!
- 18/09/2009 05:35:12 PM
870 Views
Why not a gray man then?
- 18/09/2009 07:52:55 PM
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Because they wanted to destroy as much of the force as possible
- 19/09/2009 12:07:57 AM
701 Views
But there's no plausible deniability
- 19/09/2009 12:50:42 AM
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But even several grey men or slayer aren't going to get the deed done
- 19/09/2009 02:28:36 AM
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Who is Graendal going to wack?
- 18/09/2009 06:00:12 PM
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I think it could be Tam. *NM*
- 18/09/2009 06:05:12 PM
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Great idea.
- 18/09/2009 07:12:40 PM
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Its about time for Perrin to reunite with Rand he's got Faile back
- 18/09/2009 08:15:47 PM
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Re: Its about time for Perrin to reunite with Rand he's got Faile back
- 18/09/2009 10:41:12 PM
779 Views
Mesaana's statement gives us a big clue about Demandred's and Moridin's whereabouts
- 18/09/2009 09:11:49 PM
998 Views
My favorite quote: "Who will win? The child or the fool?" - Graendal
- 18/09/2009 09:48:55 PM
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but she didn't say 'the fool or the fool'
- 19/09/2009 02:07:20 PM
787 Views
- 19/09/2009 02:07:20 PM
787 Views
Yes, because Cannoli has long valued the opinions of the Forsaken...
- 20/09/2009 06:10:58 AM
800 Views
- 20/09/2009 06:10:58 AM
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Forsaken Chapter
- 18/09/2009 10:30:10 PM
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I agree that Graendal will die in this book.... her and A'rangar *NM*
- 19/09/2009 08:14:07 AM
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Various comments
- 19/09/2009 05:38:21 PM
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The Dying Man
- 19/09/2009 06:48:09 PM
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After a reread I think I know who sent the Trollocs
- 19/09/2009 08:28:08 PM
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Another reason why Moridin is not Taim
- 19/09/2009 08:41:03 PM
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This isn't evidence.
- 19/09/2009 08:51:54 PM
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It isn't evidence, but it is another perspective to add to the table
- 19/09/2009 09:11:15 PM
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Why is Moridin and not Demandred marshalling the Dark Forces in the Blight?
- 19/09/2009 10:35:06 PM
720 Views
I think there are many issues here
- 19/09/2009 10:51:13 PM
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The Malign Influence of the Forsaken
- 19/09/2009 11:08:00 PM
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I have doubts about that degree of conversion
- 19/09/2009 11:17:44 PM
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Re: Why is Moridin and not Demandred marshalling the Dark Forces in the Blight?
- 20/09/2009 09:44:06 AM
806 Views
Did Demandred make the connection between Moridin's phantom hand-pain and Semirhage's firebolt?
- 20/09/2009 12:11:32 PM
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I don't think that Demandred will be a key player at the end with Rand
- 20/09/2009 01:00:58 PM
863 Views
Some sweeping statements there...
- 20/09/2009 01:21:46 PM
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Not at all
- 20/09/2009 03:34:59 PM
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A lot of twisting my words there, and direct contradictions of your own points...
- 20/09/2009 04:19:57 PM
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Not really
- 20/09/2009 05:12:42 PM
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I couldn't have summarized it better myself...
- 20/09/2009 05:25:56 PM
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But...
- 20/09/2009 06:01:33 PM
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Possible...
- 20/09/2009 06:08:21 PM
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So that's your argument now?
- 20/09/2009 07:35:52 PM
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- 20/09/2009 07:35:52 PM
670 Views
I think you took that the wrong way...
- 20/09/2009 08:53:28 PM
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Wow, then I think you're in for a surprise
- 20/09/2009 08:38:37 PM
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Just a general comment...
- 20/09/2009 09:13:51 PM
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Re: Just a general comment...
- 20/09/2009 09:59:51 PM
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I reject the cult of the "cool" villain.
- 20/09/2009 11:24:40 PM
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I don't really agree
- 21/09/2009 05:02:10 AM
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But these aren't criminals...
- 21/09/2009 05:47:40 AM
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*NM*
*NM*