Short Summary
A Crown of Swords, the seventh book in Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time series, follows multiple converging storylines as Rand al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn, fights to consolidate his power, Mat Cauthon searches for a powerful artifact, and Egwene al'Vere works to unify the Aes Sedai against the Dark One's encroaching forces.
Book Information
Title: A Crown of Swords
Author: Robert Jordan
ISBN: 978-0312857677
Genre: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Adventure
Published: 1996
Detailed Summary
Robert Jordan’s A Crown of Swords, the seventh novel in The Wheel of Time series, is a deeply intricate tale filled with layered storytelling, complex character development, and ever-mounting tension as the battle between the forces of Light and the Shadow continues. With a sprawling cast and intricate plotlines, the book moves between political intrigue, battles of will and power, and the pursuit of long-lost objects with mystical power. Here’s a comprehensive look into the book's key events, characters, and themes.
1. Rand al'Thor: The Dragon Reborn’s Struggle with Power and Control
The book opens with Rand al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn, consolidating his power in the city of Cairhien following his major victory in Lord of Chaos. However, Rand is increasingly haunted by the taint on saidin, the male half of the One Power, and is becoming more distrustful and paranoid, not just of his enemies but of those close to him. His struggle with the Dark One’s corruption begins to cloud his judgment, adding a layer of tension to his already fraught relationships.
Rand’s Quest for Control Over Illian
In this book, Rand sets his sights on the kingdom of Illian, one of the most powerful lands in the Westlands. Rand intends to seize Illian and take the title of "King of Illian", cementing his influence across nations. This goal drives him forward despite his growing psychological strain.
“I am the Dragon Reborn. No man may take that from me. No man may deny it.”
Rand’s desire for control over Illian reflects his understanding that he needs not only personal strength but also political power to combat the Dark One.
2. Mat Cauthon and the Search for the Bowl of the Winds
One of the central storylines of A Crown of Swords involves Mat Cauthon and his search for the Bowl of the Winds, a powerful ter’angreal (magical artifact) capable of manipulating weather. This item becomes crucial to the mission to restore balance to the world’s unnatural weather patterns, which have been severely disrupted by the Dark One’s influence.
Mat’s Journey to Ebou Dar
Alongside Elayne Trakand and Nynaeve al'Meara, Mat travels to Ebou Dar, a port city in Altara, to find the Bowl of the Winds. Mat’s journey is fraught with political intrigue, as he finds himself entangled in the city's underworld and caught between conflicting factions. His humorous personality and luck make him a standout character in these tense circumstances.
"Luck is a horse to ride like any other, and you never know when it will throw you."
Mat’s quest in Ebou Dar is critical not only to the overall plot but also to the survival of the world, as the Bowl of the Winds could potentially avert disaster.
3. Egwene al'Vere and the Struggle for the White Tower
Meanwhile, Egwene al'Vere, the Amyrlin Seat of the rebel Aes Sedai, continues her struggle to reunite the White Tower. Her goal is to heal the rift between the two Aes Sedai factions: those loyal to her in Salidar and those in Tar Valon under the control of Elaida, the opposing Amyrlin.
Consolidating Power and Gaining Respect
Egwene faces the challenge of asserting her authority among the rebel Aes Sedai, many of whom still view her as inexperienced. Her efforts to lead through intelligence and diplomacy are vital to her character arc in A Crown of Swords, and she starts gaining respect among the more traditional members of the Aes Sedai.
- Dreamwalking: Egwene uses her abilities as a Dreamwalker to gain insights into the future and to spy on the White Tower.
- Battle for Unity: Despite opposition, Egwene strategically positions herself, aiming to reunify the White Tower before the Last Battle.
“A divided White Tower cannot stand against the Dark One.”
Egwene’s storyline is one of courage and tenacity as she grows into her role as Amyrlin, overcoming her self-doubt and learning to navigate the complex dynamics of Aes Sedai politics.
4. Perrin Aybara and Faile’s Political Challenges in Ghealdan
While Rand and Mat focus on Illian and Ebou Dar, Perrin Aybara faces his own trials in Ghealdan. Perrin is tasked with bringing order to the troubled region, but he’s caught between his duty to Rand and his loyalty to his wife, Faile.
Dealing with Masema and the Prophet’s Followers
Perrin must contend with Masema, the self-proclaimed Prophet of the Dragon, who has been inciting fanaticism and chaos in Ghealdan. Masema’s followers are difficult to control, and Perrin finds himself forced to balance diplomacy with threats of violence to keep the peace.
“Not every man can be tamed by words, but there are other ways to bend a man’s will.”
Perrin’s journey highlights the cost of loyalty, as he is increasingly torn between his duty to the Dragon Reborn and his personal desires.
5. The Dark One’s Influence and Encounters with the Forsaken
Throughout A Crown of Swords, the threat of the Dark One’s influence looms large. Several of the Forsaken, the powerful dark servants of the Dark One, play pivotal roles in Rand’s journey.
Sammael’s Schemes and the Final Confrontation in Illian
One of the Forsaken, Sammael, has taken control of Illian, setting up the climactic confrontation with Rand. Their final battle becomes a decisive moment in Rand’s campaign, as he seeks to eliminate Sammael and free Illian from the grip of the Shadow.
- Use of the Power: Rand channels saidin in a dangerous fight, highlighting his growing skill but also the risk of the taint on his mind.
- Victory Over the Forsaken: Rand’s defeat of Sammael in the Shadow’s territory, Shadar Logoth, marks a key victory for the Light.
This battle demonstrates Rand’s ability to stand against the Dark One’s most powerful followers, even as he wrestles with his own inner darkness.
6. Themes and Analysis
The Wheel of Time series, particularly in A Crown of Swords, explores multiple themes such as power, sacrifice, and the corrupting nature of evil. The seventh book deepens these themes, showing how the protagonists navigate the blurred lines between loyalty and personal ambition.
Key Themes
- Power and Corruption: Rand’s increasing paranoia illustrates how power can corrupt, even when wielded with good intentions. His mental decline hints at the dangers of unchecked power.
- Fate and Free Will: Each character’s choices reflect the struggle between fate and free will. Rand, Mat, and Egwene all take steps to shape their destinies, despite their prophesied roles.
- Unity and Division: Egwene’s mission to unite the White Tower shows the importance of unity in the face of darkness, echoing the book’s central message that divided forces cannot stand against the Dark One.
The Symbolism of the Bowl of the Winds
The Bowl of the Winds serves as a symbol of hope, renewal, and the forces of nature. By seeking to restore balance to the world, Mat, Elayne, and Nynaeve demonstrate the lengths to which the Light must go to counteract the Shadow’s influence.
Conclusion
A Crown of Swords is a complex and gripping continuation of The Wheel of Time series, showcasing Jordan’s ability to weave multiple storylines into a tapestry of epic proportions. With each character pursuing their path—whether it be Rand’s quest for dominance, Mat’s search for the Bowl of the Winds, or Egwene’s battle for unity—the book delves deeply into themes of power, sacrifice, and the tenuous balance between light and shadow. As the forces of darkness gather strength, the protagonists’ personal and political struggles highlight the immense weight of their roles in the fight against the Dark One. The novel builds momentum toward a greater conflict, setting the stage for the battles yet to come and illustrating the resilience required to confront ultimate evil.
One-Sentence Summary
In A Crown of Swords, Rand al'Thor, Mat Cauthon, and Egwene al'Vere each face personal and political battles as they confront the spread of darkness, the trials of leadership, and the choices that will determine the fate of their world.