The Great Hunt, the second book in Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time series, follows Rand al'Thor and his friends as they embark on a quest to retrieve a powerful artifact known as the Horn of Valere, facing dark forces and grappling with the growing realization of Rand’s destined role as the Dragon Reborn.
Book Information:
Book Title: The Great Hunt
Author: Robert Jordan
ISBN Code: 978-0812517722
Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy
Published Year: 1990
Introduction to The Great Hunt
The Great Hunt, the second installment in The Wheel of Time series, continues the story of Rand al'Thor, a young man from the village of Emond's Field, who is gradually coming to grips with his identity as the prophesied Dragon Reborn. This volume significantly expands on the world-building, introducing new cultures, complex political dynamics, and a deeper dive into the series' intricate magic system, the One Power.
The novel begins with Rand and his friends in Fal Dara, a fortified city in the northern nation of Shienar. As they prepare to journey south, they are swept into a grand pursuit: to recover the stolen Horn of Valere, an ancient artifact that can call forth legendary heroes from the past. Alongside this hunt, Rand battles with both his growing powers and the realization that his destiny might shape—or destroy—the world.
Detailed Summary of The Great Hunt
1. A New Beginning in Fal Dara
The story opens in the Shienaran fortress of Fal Dara, where Rand al'Thor, Mat Cauthon, and Perrin Aybara are recovering after their previous adventures. Rand is troubled by visions and strange dreams, as well as the growing power within him that hints at his role as the Dragon Reborn.
"It was his destiny, or so they said, and he had begun to understand that it was inescapable."
However, Rand’s denial and fear are compounded by the political and military maneuvers around him. In Fal Dara, Moiraine Sedai, an Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah, and Lan Mandragoran, her Warder, monitor him closely, as do other influential figures, such as Lord Agelmar and the Amyrlin Seat, Siuan Sanche.
2. The Stealing of the Horn and the Dagger
The peace in Fal Dara is shattered when Padan Fain, a Darkfriend previously captured, escapes from the dungeons with the help of Trollocs and Myrddraal. In the chaos, the precious Horn of Valere and Mat’s cursed Shadar Logoth dagger, both kept under guard, are stolen. Padan Fain leaves a chilling message for Rand, hinting at a deep connection between them.
This theft spurs the launch of "The Great Hunt," as the Horn must be retrieved to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands, especially since the Horn is prophesied to summon heroes in the Last Battle.
3. The Quest Begins
Rand, Perrin, and Mat, alongside Shienaran soldiers, join Moiraine, Lan, and the Amyrlin’s emissaries in a quest to retrieve the stolen artifacts. This journey takes them through treacherous landscapes and brings them face-to-face with Darkfriends, Forsaken, and the Seanchan—a foreign empire with enslaved magic users, or damane.
Rand wrestles with his burgeoning powers and frequent dreams that hint at his connection to Ba'alzamon, a powerful Dark One figure. As the group travels, he tries to keep his abilities a secret, fearing the madness associated with men who channel the One Power.
4. Encounters with the Seanchan
A pivotal part of The Great Hunt is the introduction of the Seanchan, a people from across the Aryth Ocean who seek to reclaim lands they believe are rightfully theirs. They possess a brutal form of magic control through sul’dam and damane, or “leash holders” and their magic-bound slaves.
The Seanchan serve as a significant new threat in the series, bringing with them strange customs, terrifying creatures, and a highly disciplined army. Their ability to control channelers adds complexity to the story and challenges the protagonists.
5. Rand’s Growth and His Destiny as the Dragon Reborn
As Rand encounters more challenges and taps into the One Power to survive, he increasingly finds it difficult to deny his identity as the Dragon Reborn. His reluctance and internal struggle are a central theme throughout The Great Hunt.
"I didn’t ask for this, but it seems I have no choice."
Rand is not the only character to grow; Perrin and Mat also begin to discover and accept their own unique paths. Perrin’s ability to communicate with wolves becomes a greater asset, and Mat grapples with the cursed dagger's influence over him, adding layers of tension and internal conflict.
6. The Portal Stones and Alternate Realities
The group encounters Portal Stones, which allow them to travel vast distances and even access alternate realities. This concept of alternate timelines is a new and intriguing development, as Rand and his allies get a brief glimpse into other possible lives and outcomes.
One such journey, however, leaves them physically exhausted and mentally shaken, underscoring the dangers of tampering with such powerful artifacts. The use of the Portal Stones deepens the mythos of The Wheel of Time, suggesting that different paths and fates are interconnected.
7. Climax at Toman Head
The final showdown takes place at Toman Head, where multiple plotlines converge. Rand and his allies face the Seanchan army, Darkfriends, and the Forsaken in a climactic battle. In this sequence, Rand finally accepts his role as a channeler, wielding the One Power openly and using the Dragon Banner, which further cements his identity as the Dragon Reborn.
The Horn of Valere is used during the battle, summoning legendary heroes to aid in the fight. Their arrival signifies the scale of Rand’s role and the looming Last Battle.
"The Dragon will be reborn, and he will face the Shadow. The Horn has sounded, and heroes of ages past will answer the call."
Major Characters and Developments
- Rand al'Thor: Rand’s journey in The Great Hunt marks his reluctant acceptance of his destiny, as he grapples with the knowledge that he is the Dragon Reborn.
- Moiraine Sedai: The Blue Ajah Aes Sedai remains an enigmatic guide, pushing Rand towards his destiny but with her own secretive agenda.
- Perrin Aybara: Perrin’s connection with wolves grows stronger, foreshadowing his unique role and connection to the ancient wolfbrothers.
- Mat Cauthon: Mat’s struggle with the cursed dagger continues to haunt him, and his fate is closely linked to the mystical Horn of Valere.
Themes and Analysis
- Destiny and Free Will: Rand’s journey is shaped by his inner battle between embracing and denying his role as the Dragon Reborn. The recurring theme of destiny versus choice is explored through his struggles and decisions.
- The Cost of Power: The One Power is both a gift and a curse for Rand, whose abilities come with the risk of madness and isolation. This theme underlines the burden that powerful destinies impose on individuals.
- Friendship and Loyalty: The bonds between Rand, Mat, and Perrin are tested, with each character facing challenges that threaten to separate them but ultimately strengthen their connection.
Conclusion
The Great Hunt is a powerful continuation of The Wheel of Time saga, rich in world-building, complex character development, and epic adventure. Robert Jordan expands the series' scope, introducing new factions, like the Seanchan, and new artifacts, such as the Portal Stones, which deepen the mythos. Rand’s reluctant steps toward his destiny form the emotional core of the book, illustrating the weight of prophecy and the cost of leadership.
Jordan’s skillful blend of action, political intrigue, and deep philosophical themes makes The Great Hunt an engaging exploration of power, choice, and identity within a fantastical world on the brink of chaos.
Final Thought: In The Great Hunt, Robert Jordan builds on the groundwork laid in the series’ first book, delivering a richly woven tale that reminds readers of the price of heroism and the resilience required to face one's fate.