The Age of Legends

Lore & Background

During this time, humanity lived in a society where poverty and disease were virtually unknown. Men and women who could draw upon the One Power worked alongside those who could not, creating wonders that modern characters view as miracles or dangerous artifacts. The city of Shayol Ghul was sealed beneath the earth to contain the Dark One, while the Tower of Ghealdan stood as a testament to their architectural mastery. Life was long and abundant, yet it was built upon a foundation of power that eventually proved too volatile for human control. The era descended into chaos when the Shadow began to whisper to men who channeled, leading to the War of Power. Lews Therin Telamon united the forces of the Light against Ishamael and his followers. Although the Dark One was defeated and sealed by the women among them using ter'angreal known as the Seals, the conflict did not end cleanly. In a final act of desperation, male channelers continued to fight even after the enemy was contained, their unchecked power tearing the continents apart in an event known as the Breaking. The legacy of this age permeates the Third Age through scattered memories and powerful objects. The Dragon Reborn is believed to be Lews Therin reincarnated, carrying the weight of his past failures into a new world. Aes Sedai study ancient texts to understand how their ancestors wielded power without fear, often discovering that the safety mechanisms of old are failing. This history provides the context for Tarmon Gai'don, as the current generation must repair what was broken and seal the prison once more.

In Their Own Story

The city of Sharans glowed with soft light from stones embedded in the walls, casting no shadows upon the street. A man walked without shoes upon pavement that hummed with a gentle warmth beneath his feet. He looked at his wife, knowing she could weave lightning as easily as he could mend stone, and they laughed over a meal grown from soil that had not known drought for centuries. There was no hunger here, only the quiet work of creation and the promise of tomorrow. But far away, deep in the earth, a shadow stirred in the pit beneath the world. The peace felt fragile, like glass held too tightly in trembling hands.

Reader's Guide

The narrative of this era unfolds through fragmented memories and ancient artifacts discovered by modern characters throughout the series. It begins with glimpses into a utopian society where channeling was common, contrasting sharply with the post-Breaking world. Key turning points include the War of Power against the Shadow and the subsequent shattering of the globe caused by male channelers losing control during conflict. This history advances the timeline by revealing the true nature of Rand al'Thor as Lews Therin reborn, providing essential context for the Dragon Reborn prophecy. The breaking of the seals on the Dark One's prison, originally crafted during this age, signals the return of the Shadow and necessitates the Last Battle to seal it again. Heroes must navigate the dangerous legacy of ter'angreal left behind by ancestors who wielded power without fear. Ultimately, understanding this era allows the current generation to utilize ancient power sources while avoiding past mistakes that nearly destroyed creation. The Age serves as both a warning and a beacon for what can be achieved when light prevails over darkness.

Did You Know?

• The Seals on the Dark One's prison were created by women channeling together, not men.
• Many ter'angreal found in the Third Age are remnants of technology from this golden age.
• Lews Therin Telamon was a hero who saved the world before becoming a legend of tragedy.
• The Breaking of the World destroyed most knowledge and cities from this time period.