I need some help from quote-masters on this one . . . Something that has perplexed me from the get go about the WOT is the part of the story where the DO lashed out at the One-Hundred Companions (OHC) and tainted Saidin before the Bore was sealed. This has never made any sense to me. If the DO had / has the ability to taint the True Source why did he not do it at the beginning of the War of Power? Why not taint both halves of the Source? If the DO truly wanted to remake the Pattern in his image, it would be much easier to do so if there were no Aes Sedai (either male or female) to do so. Without access to the OP humanity would be doomed. Therefore, it can only be deduced that the DO does not have the ability to intentionally and/or directly taint the OP.

Now before you begin responding please read to the end. After you have done so then you are welcome to argue against my theory.

I believe the taint on the OP is much more the fault of the OHC and LTT. LTT has been described as an arrogant man and he should be. I too would be the same if I had one-tenth of the power LTT did. However, arrogance has never been a heroic quality. In fact, arrogance is traditionally reserved as an antagonistic quality. RJ has, nevertheless, made it clear that LTT is an arrogant ~hero~. He has also made it clear that after the Breaking LTT was not regarded as either a hero or savior. Heroes are not branded by the people as Kinslayer and their symbols are not regarded as evil (dragon fang). So why has RJ stigmatized LTT in such a manner? For one I think it is to show humanity. Nobody likes a hero like Galad. We want our heroes to be flawed, like ourselves. We also like to see a hero fail. Legend is built on failed heroes. Hawking is a great example. He is a hero who almost succeeded. Yes, he accomplished more than any man did in the Third Age, until Rand, but he did not succeed in conquering the world nor did his empire survive his death. Hawking was also a flawed hero. As readers, we have been given insight that Hawking was used by Ishmael as a pawn in a greater game. Hence, Hawking is a failed hero the same as LTT. We also have the example of Jain Farstrider. Jain was a hero of legend who vanished. Vanishing does not brand him a failed hero but there are indications that Farstrider is alive and was used by the DO. Please refer to other discussions about Farstrider is Noel for further information. What I am illustrating is RJ loves failed heroes and has a great many hanging around. This to be covered later.

Now, back to LTT. LTT's failings are very apparent at first glance. However, the degree and magnitude I think has been over looked. It is well know that it was LTT who lead the strike on SG and that the OHC trapped the DO with the seven seals. It is also believed that at the last moment the DO retaliated by tainting Saidin. I believe the taint did come from the DO but it was attached to Saidin by LTT and the OHC, albeit inadvertently. What I think happened was the DO struck at the weavings that were being used to create the seals and that attack remained on Saidin as the weaves were knotted off. RJ has illustrated many instances of OP users fighting the weaves of another Channeler. However, what has never been shown is the TP fighting weaves of the OP. A theorized instance of the TP and OP coming in contact is when Rand and Moridin cross paths with their balefire weaves in Shadar Logoth. If it is correct to infer that the TP and OP did come into contact is SL then the results of a small amount of power from opposing sides contacting is devastating. As a matter of fact, Rand still suffers from whatever happened at SL. Now if much larger quantities came into contact what might the results be? A semblance of a taint, maybe?

Since the TP that was trapped is different from the OP; hence, the floating on the surface description. Oil floating on water is a perfect example. Not that the two solutions repel one another but they do not mix. No mater how much water and oil are blended they will not remain together. If the DO intended to taint the OP wouldn't it make more sense to infuse the OP with his touch; have it become apart of Saidin so it can not be separated. That is why I think that taint was pure happenstance.

So lets wrap this up:

1) The taint was not a direct effect of the DO, but it worked to his advantage.

a) If the DO could taint Saidin intentionally, he would have done so long before the sealing. Since he did not it must be assumed that he did not have the direct ability. Why would the DO not use a weapon that would ensure easy victory?

b) If the DO could taint Saidin intentionally, he would have tainted Saidar as well and left no Aes Sedai to oppose him. Saidar was left untouched. This is for two reasons. One the DO does not have the direct ability to taint the OP (see above). Two the only reason Saidin was tainted was because of something the OHC and LTT did at SG.

2) The sealing of the bore is what trapped the taint with Saidin.

a) As the OHC and LTT wove the seals, the DO attacked. That much is indisputable. However, the intention of that attack was not to taint Saidin. The DO was attempting to sever the OHC connection to the OP or cut the weaves to stop the sealing. The attack came too late and was instead tied off inside the seals and trapped with Saidin.

b) Because of the opposition of the OP to the TP the OHC were instantly affected by the contact of the two powers. The attack caused such a violent reaction that the men went immediately insane.

c) Insanity is caused not by the touch of the DO, but rather the continual fight of the TP v. OP. Observe the physical reaction of Rand when his balefire contacts Moridin's.

3) LLT lead the OHC and the sealing and is therefore directly responsible for the taint, not the DO.

a) As described above the DO could not directly taint the OP.

b) As the DO attacked the OHC the seals were finished. Instead of its desired effect, whatever it might have been, the strike was trapped in the weaves and tied to Saidin. This attachment had two unexpected effects: 1-Saidin was tainted and doomed male channelers to madness 2-the TP inhibited the knotting of the weaves. The TP acted as a finger inside the knot in the seals. Over the centuries, it wiggled and loosened the weave allowing the DO to eventually begin to break the patch.

So, in conclusion, Rand removing the taint was merely him undoing his soul's mistake. The DO did not want it to happen because it was a great advantage to him and the DO knew he could not do it again. Now, to wrap up the failed heroes. I think it is too much coincidence for there to be some many failed heroes in the Third Age. It appears to me that it is the failed heroes are the key to rebuilding the DO prison. I think that is going to be part of the culmination of the LB: failed deeds rectified. LTT is the most important in that it will be his sacrifice that will seal the bore and allow Rand to live. I know there are mistakes in my logic but overall I think I am correct.