I first read the Wheel of Time series as a teenager. I fell in love with it because it was a series with such amazing world building and where there were so many strong female characters. Egwene was (and still is) my favorite character because I saw myself in her. At the time, I belonged to a conservative religious culture that emphasized the roles of wife and mother for women, and I knew that I wanted more from my life. Egwene’s desire to follow a path that was not the one originally laid out for her resonated deeply with me. (As a side note, thank you, Madeleine, for your fierce and inspirational portrayal of my favorite character.)

When the TV series began, I was excited to see books that were so beloved to me converted into another media. Not only did I get to see favorite moments (Moiraine telling the story of Manetheren, Mat’s quarterstaff fight, and Rand’s journey through the columns, to name a few), the characters resonated with me again, and this time in new ways. The female characters were the best versions of themselves (not perfect human beings, but interesting and delightful), and I found myself falling in love with characters I didn’t love as much when I first read the books. The show emphasizes the many ways it’s possible to be a strong and complex woman, whatever your age, culture, or position in life. Additionally, in my 20s, I began to identify as queer, and the show has opened up a world in which queer relationships are visibly present and normalized.

Thank you, Rafe, for your vision, and to everyone else involved (cast and crew–I know it takes so many dedicated people!) for bringing this story to life. Whatever happens moving forward, I will be forever grateful that this turning of the Wheel exists.

With gratitude,
Stephanie