Theoryland Chronicles

Members :Uno : Guaire Amalasan and the Dragon Reborn

Introduction

This theory argues that the false Dragon Guaire Amalasan was an incarnation of the soul currently inhabiting Rand al'Thor and previously Lews Therin Telamon. The basis for this argument is the idea that the Dragon-soul can be reborn in a non- Dragonlike incarnation in a part of an age when the Dragon/Champion of Light isn't needed. Hawkwing's words to Rand in The Great Hunt seem to support this notion.

Development

There are several similarities between Rand al'Thor and Guaire Amalasan, similarities which I believe point to their being two different incarnations of the same soul. First of all, Guaire was about Rand's age when he proclaimed himself. More significantly Guaire proclaimed himself at the same place as Rand did. Most interesting of all, Guaire used a version of the Banner of Light as his symbol. His standard showed the ancient symbol of Aes Sedai on a field of blue, whereas Rand, of course, displays it on a field of red. It's also possible that Guaire was ta'veren, at least he drew people to him like a magnet.

Some would say that if the Dragon-soul's incarnation proclaims himself the Dragon, he will be the Dragon, no matter what, but I believe this contradicts the very purpose of the Dragon Reborn. There can be no Dragon in a part of an age when the last battle isn't at hand. If the incarnation of the Dragon-soul proclaims himself at a moment when the Dragon isn't needed, he will be a false Dragon.

Amalasan did not fulfill any of the prophecies, and most significantly not the first one: born on the slopes of Dragonmount. I believe that this first sign is vital for the Pattern even to recognize the Dragon. If he isn't born where he is supposed to, the Pattern won't see him as the Dragon, and therefore deny him to fulfill the Prophecies. Why else would disaster befall the world if Tigraine weren't there when the maidens came to Tar Valon? Very few people know where Rand was born, yet still believe he is the Dragon. As Marzrim Taim said about himself in Lord of Chaos, history would have shown that he had been born on the slopes of Dragonmount if he could have fulfilled one of the prophecies. That first sign has to be meant as a sign for the Pattern, not for the inhabitants of Randland.

Amalasan, however, besieged the Stone of Tear, and would have taken it if it weren't for a number of Aes Sedai residing there for the occasion. That Aes Sedai should be in the heart of anti-channeler- land is very strange, and may be the Pattern's way of denying Amalasan the Stone and access to Callandor. The Pattern may not have recognized Amalasan as the Dragon, but Callandor would probably have recognized his soul as the right one, thus fulfilling a major prophecy before time. The Pattern had to prevent this at all costs.

Amalasan, of course, fought against Artur Hawkwing, and therefore fits Hawkwing's claim to have fought against Rand times beyond number. This could only have happened when the Dragon-soul is reborn in a non-Dragonlike incarnation, or Artur would actually have fought for the Shadow.

The Pattern had a purpose with Amalasan, namely to enable Hawkwing to rise to prominence and unite the Land, so it could stand united come Tarmon Gaidon. That this ultimately failed was due to Ishamael's machinations. I believe the Pattern used the Dragon-soul for this important purpose.

This theory originated in August 1999, and has long been considered a loony-theory. With the release of first Snow and then Winter's Heart it has, however, received unexpected support, for who would fit the role as "third one" better than Amalasan? An interesting detail is Verin's babbling about Amalasan in Far Madding. Perhaps RJ is trying to relay a message here.