I do think the number is high, but then when I think of Sheriam's PoV, I believe we are given a very strong backing for that high of a number. Most of them probably aren't "worshipping the Devil," they are just willing to renounce oaths and morals to gain power. That is a typical human choice. They believed they could get ahead and play the game, not necessarily that the end times would come while they were still alive and that they'd have to take such extreme actions.
In the AOL it was a huge honour to be an Aes Sedai, and they held most of the world's highest offices. There could be no doubt that the Dark One was evil at that time, once people identified the reason for societal anarchy about a hundred years after Mierin released him.
And it wasn't just channelers. Imagine half the people you know. Do you think they'd give up all their morals and values for power and immortality, and be willing to do massive evil to get it? It makes me uncomfortable to think that 1 in 5 people would do it, never mind one is two.
Wheel of Time board admin
Fan of Lanfear
Fan of Lanfear
The Black Ajah
03/12/2009 10:05:13 PM
- 1103 Views
I'd think the lifespan and power a channeler has are both big factors
03/12/2009 10:31:54 PM
- 615 Views
The BA must be better at recruiting than normal Aes Sedai
04/12/2009 12:47:11 AM
- 689 Views
Re: The BA must be better at recruiting than normal Aes Sedai
04/12/2009 01:14:44 AM
- 611 Views
I see no reason to believe Kari was a Darkfriend. Ishamael is a liar, and that's that.
04/12/2009 01:19:00 AM
- 501 Views
Perhaps
04/12/2009 03:10:23 AM
- 521 Views
The same could be said for the great majority of characters in the series. *NM*
04/12/2009 04:19:50 AM
- 225 Views
In the Age of Legends, 50% of channelers turned to the Shadow, if memory serves. *NM*
04/12/2009 01:11:35 AM
- 247 Views
I think it's absolute nonsense
04/12/2009 04:34:04 AM
- 670 Views
Knowing who he is?
04/12/2009 05:25:26 AM
- 563 Views
agreed. accepting that power comes at a price isn't evil. it's what drives people NOT to fail...
04/12/2009 08:51:01 AM
- 484 Views
Re: Knowing who he is?
04/12/2009 12:04:58 PM
- 494 Views
So by your argument, very few people murder, steal or cheat?
04/12/2009 12:50:35 PM
- 551 Views
I disagree, slightly.
04/12/2009 03:33:49 PM
- 537 Views
Okay but I'm talking more of the War of Power
04/12/2009 03:40:35 PM
- 486 Views