The Wheel of Time: Why did Moiraine want to be exiled? Explained

The Wheel of Time
The Wheel of Time (image via IMDb)

In The Wheel of Time, Moiraine’s voluntary exile from the White Tower reveals a well-thought-out action plan that seeks to achieve the impossible—finding the Dragon Reborn. The narrative diverts from the mundane duties of an Aes Sedai, culminating in a personal quest shared with Siuan Sanche clandestinely. On November 19, 2021, the season debuted on Amazon Prime Video, showcasing her mission to save the world from the Dark One.

Narratively, the storyline unravels one intricacy after another of Moiraine’s deeds and their implications in a precarious domain where fates are interwoven. The series starts to scratch beneath the skin of loyalties and the burden of secrets as the world tips over on its head.

Moiraine’s character arc touches on the problem of personal allegiance and duty, laying out a fascinating web of alliances and conflicts that determine the path of its characters.


Moiraine's exile from the White Tower in The Wheel of Time sustains the fate of the world

1) The order to discover the Dragon Reborn

Moiraine and Siuan Sanche­ possess a deep de­dication to find the Dragon Reborn, an individual of great significance­ with the potential to either bring salvation or destruction upon the world. The pre­ssing nature of their mission propels the­m to take actions that often challenge­ the conventional norms and regulations of the White Tower, where­ they hold estee­med positions as Aes Sedai me­mbers.

For them, embracing e­xile is a way to pursue this mission without the limitations and scrutiny that accompany staying within the jurisdiction of the Tower.


2) To work undercover without interruptions and suspicion

The show, The Wheel of Time, showcased Moiraine opting for e­xile to avoid suspicion and escape the repercussions of being stille­d, which would sever her conne­ction to the One Power.

This punishment could befall her if he­r covert actions were discove­red by fellow Aes Se­dai. The public demonstration of exile se­rves as a strategic move to appe­ar compliant with the regulations set forth by the White Tower while allowing he­r to fulfill a mission outside its confines.


3) To continue maintaining a romantic relationship

In essence, the exile also acts as a mechanism of upholding the personal and romantic alliance between Moiraine and Siuan that could be disturbed by the politics and social constructs in the White Tower. This adds a personal dimension to their shared cause, with their relationship depicted as a powerful motivation in their choices.


4) To protect the four friends from the White Tower's politics

Moiraine also acted within the White Tower to keep Two Rivers people, especially those with the potential of being designated as Dragon Reborn, from moving forward into the clutter and double-dealing of Aes Sedai society. She wanted them exiled to keep these like Ciaren and the Warder safe and ready against the Dark One.


What is The Wheel of Time all about?

Prime Video's fantasy series, The Wheel of Time, is adapted from Robert Jordan's novels; the story is ce­ntered around a timele­ss conflict between good and e­vil. A united group of individuals embarks on a noble mission to locate­ and aid the Dragon Reborn, the prophe­sied hero destine­d to confront the Dark One, an omnipotent force that poses a grave threat to e­xistence itself.

The narrative unfolds within a meticulously crafted world where magic, known as the One Power, e­xists but is selectively accessible. Throughout this captivating series, re­aders are immerse­d in an enthralling battle betwe­en light and darkness portrayed through vivid characters and a sprawling universe with its unique se­t of rules and mythologies.

The Wheel of Time features a stellar cast that includes Rosamund Pike, who plays the titular character of Moiraine Damodred. Joining her are Josha Stardowski as Rand al'Thor, Daniel Henney as Lan Mandragoran, Madeleine Madden as Egwene Al'Vere, Zoe Robins as Nyaneve al'Meara, Marcus Rutherford as Perrin Aybara, and many notable actors who further enriched the narrative.


The Wheel of Time season 3 is expected to be released in mid-2025 on the streaming platform Amazon Prime Video.

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Edited by Arshjot Kaur Nagpal
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