The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan Summary

The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan follows Rand al'Thor, a young shepherd from the remote village of Emond's Field, who discovers he may be the prophesied Dragon Reborn. When Trollocs attack his village, Rand and his friends flee with Moiraine, an Aes Sedai, embarking on a perilous journey to stop the Dark One's servants from reaching the Eye of the World, a pool of untainted magical power.

Robert Jordan was the pen name of James Oliver Rigney Jr., an American epic fantasy author born in Charleston, South Carolina in 1948. A Vietnam War veteran who served as a helicopter gunner, Jordan earned degrees in mathematics and physics before beginning his writing career in 1977. He is best known for creating The Wheel of Time series, which has sold over 90 million copies worldwide.

The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan is ideal for fantasy readers who enjoy epic world-building, complex magic systems, and ensemble casts. Fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, and Brandon Sanderson will appreciate Jordan's detailed storytelling. New fantasy readers seeking a richly developed, long-form series will also find this accessible entry point rewarding.

The Eye of the World is worth reading for fantasy enthusiasts seeking an immersive, character-driven epic. With over 90 million copies sold worldwide, Robert Jordan's debut novel established The Wheel of Time as a genre-defining series. While the pacing can be slow and the similarities to Tolkien are notable, the unique magic system, complex characters, and intricate world-building make it a compelling investment for readers committed to long fantasy series.

The Eye of the World begins when Trollocs attack Emond's Field, forcing Rand al'Thor, Mat Cauthon, and Perrin Aybara to flee with Moiraine Damodred, an Aes Sedai who believes one of them is the Dragon Reborn. The group is separated after seeking refuge in the cursed city of Shadar Logoth, where Mat steals a corrupted dagger. They reunite in Caemlyn before traveling through the Ways to reach the Eye of the World, where Rand defeats the Forsaken Aginor and discovers his true identity.

The Eye of the World features Rand al'Thor, the protagonist destined to become the Dragon Reborn; Mat Cauthon and Perrin Aybara, his childhood friends with unique abilities; Egwene al'Vere, who possesses Aes Sedai potential; Nynaeve al'Meara, the village Wisdom and healer; Moiraine Damodred, an Aes Sedai guiding their journey; and Lan Mandragoran, her Warder protector. Supporting characters include the gleeman Thom Merrilin and Loial the Ogier.

The One Power in The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan is the magical energy that drives the world, divided into saidin (male half) and saidar (female half). Aes Sedai are women who can channel the female half, while the male half has been tainted by the Dark One, causing male channelers to go insane. The Eye of the World contains a pool of untainted saidin, making it a crucial target in the battle against darkness.

Trollocs in The Eye of the World are monstrous humanoid creatures created during the Age of Legends, combining human bodies with animal features like horns, beaks, and hooves. Serving the Dark One, these savage warriors attack Emond's Field at the story's beginning, forcing Rand al'Thor and his friends to flee. Led by eyeless Myrddraal, Trollocs represent the primary physical threat throughout Robert Jordan's novel.

The Dragon Reborn in The Eye of the World refers to the prophesied reincarnation of Lews Therin Telamon, the legendary hero who sealed the Dark One's prison but went mad from the tainted One Power. Robert Jordan reveals that Rand al'Thor is the Dragon Reborn, destined to save the world but feared because the Dragon's previous incarnation broke the world. This discovery drives the series' central conflict.

The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan shares similarities with J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, including a young protagonist from a rural village, a wise mentor figure, and a journey to stop evil forces. However, Jordan explores how power is deployed rather than simply possessed, features a more complex magic system with the One Power, and develops romantic relationships more explicitly than Tolkien's platonic fellowship.

Critics of The Eye of the World note its derivative similarities to Tolkien's work, particularly in the opening chapters featuring a peaceful village attacked by dark forces. The pacing can be slow with extensive travel sequences and detailed descriptions. Some readers find the characters argue excessively and fail to communicate effectively, creating frustrating misunderstandings. Despite these issues, Robert Jordan's world-building and unique magic system distinguish the novel from its influences.

The Eye of the World is the first book in Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time series, which spans 14 main novels plus a prequel. Published in 1990, it introduced readers to Jordan's epic fantasy world that would captivate audiences for over two decades. After Jordan's death in 2007, Brandon Sanderson completed the final three books based on Jordan's notes, bringing the series to conclusion in 2013.