Balthamel
A fallen master of the One Power, bound to serve the Dark One until his end.
Balthamel is one of the thirteen Forsaken, ancient servants of the Dark One who were trapped within Shayol Ghul at the end of the Age of Legends. As a male channeler from that era, he was once an Aes Sedai before his betrayal and fall to the Shadow. Upon his release during the Third Age, he resumed his role as a high-ranking agent of destruction, working alongside other Forsaken like Ishamael and Sammael to bring about the Breaking of the World's pattern.
- Role
- Forsaken
- Affiliation
- The Shadow / Dark One
- Origin
- Age of Legends
- Status
- Deceased
- Gender
- Male
- First Mentioned
- The Eye of the World
Lore & Background
Unlike some of his peers who sought glory or specific dominion, Balthamel often operated in concert with Ishamael's broader strategies. He was known for his ruthlessness and ability to channel the Dark One's power directly. His existence served as a constant reminder of the corruption that could turn even the most gifted weavers into agents of ruin. Eventually, his path crossed with the Dragon Reborn, leading to his demise before the final conflict.
In Their Own Story
The shadows lengthened over the ruined plaza as Balthamel stepped from the darkness, his eyes burning with a cold, violet light. He raised a hand, and the air grew heavy with the scent of ozone and decay. Around him, the few remaining soldiers trembled, their wills crushed by the sheer weight of his presence. He did not speak; he simply wove a thread of fire that snaked through the night, consuming the enemy before they could even draw steel.
Reader's Guide
Balthamel originated as an Aes Sedai during the Age of Legends, wielding the One Power before his corruption. His role in the Pattern was to serve as one of the Dark One's primary agents, working to ensure the Shadow's victory at the Last Battle. His major relationships were defined by loyalty to Ishamael and rivalry with other Forsaken like Sammael. He viewed the Dragon Reborn not just as an enemy, but as a necessary obstacle in the Shadow's grand design. His interactions often involved manipulation of lesser Darkfriends to further his goals. Regarding prophecy, Balthamel fulfills the ancient warnings about the return of the Forsaken. While no specific verse names him alone, his actions align with the predictions of the Dragon's enemies rising again. He subverts the hope of peace by embodying the persistent threat that cannot be fully erased until the final victory.
Did You Know?
- Balthamel was one of the few male Forsaken who retained significant power after release from Shayol Ghul.
- His true name from the Age of Legends remains unknown to most characters in the Third Age.
- He was slain by Rand al'Thor during the events leading up to the Last Battle.
- Balthamel is often associated with fire and shadow magic in fan interpretations.
More in Characters & Prophecies
Elsewhere in the The Wheel of Time universe
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