In The Wheel of Time, Did Lanfear Start Like Berelain?

In The Wheel of Time, does Lanfear's character trajectory begin similarly to Berelain's?Upon reflection, I don’t believe so. The parallels shared between Lanfear and Berelain are more superficial than profound. Both possess long black hair, are considered among the most beautiful women in their respective eras, and exhibit assertiveness in their pursuits. However, their motivations and actions diverge significantly.

The Underlying Motivations

At the core of their personas lies a stark difference in motivation. Lanfear is driven primarily by an insatiable thirst for power and control. Her quest began with an unyielding desire to achieve supremacy, even surpassing her love for Lews Therin. This ambition was so intense that she would never have sacrificed it for anyone or anything, as evidenced by her interactions with Rand al'Thor throughout the series. Her pursuit of power was so consuming that it overshadowed other desires.

In contrast, Berelain’s drive and assertiveness stem more from practical survival needs. Her nation, Mayene, is small and weak, and adjoins the formidable Tear. Berelain’s political acumen and willingness to harness her beauty as a tool of control have allowed her to protect her nation from being annexed. Her pursuit of Rand and Perrin mirrored these strategic goals. While Berelain may have felt genuine attraction to Perrin, it was less for personal reasons and more because of his connection to Rand as the Dragon Reborn. Berelain’s lack of an insatiable hunger for power reflects her more pragmatic and less self-serving nature. Her ultimate resolution to marry for love, even to the unpredictable Lord Captain-Commander of the Whitecloaks, underscores her perhaps unexpected journey towards fulfilling her need for agency and companionship.

In-Depth Analysis of Lanfear’s Character

In my imagination, Lanfear started off as a highly gifted and intelligent figure, celebrated and adored, with a sense of agency. Born from wealthier stock, she might have had more confidence and a less puritanical view towards sex, but her initial character seemed almost bookish, akin to a hot librarian. It was her association with the creation of the Bore, and her subsequent transformation, that marked a shift in her personality.

While one might posit that Lanfear had already sold her soul by that point and all of her actions were meant to be deceptions, I believe differently. In my headcanon, Lanfear was a woman who craved autonomy and autonomy in a world dominated by power-hungry figures like Lews Therin. She fell in love with someone who was not only more powerful but also more dominant, reflecting her desire to align herself with a figure who could provide her the stability and control she needed. Despite her love for Lanfear, Lews Therin’s love for her was more a manifestation of the classic love between a master and a creature he seeks to possess.

If we were to imagine a scenario in The Stone of Strastingh, for example, it could have been different, with Lanfear maintaining her identity and not becoming Ilyena, thus preserving her sense of self and autonomy. This would make her character a more complex and relatable figure, rather than a mere pawn in Lews Therin’s schemes.

Conclusion

The differences in the character trajectories of Lanfear and Berelain reflect the diverse motivations and values that drive their actions. While both women exhibit a certain level of assertiveness and beauty, their underlying desires and goals set them apart. Lanfear’s relentless pursuit of power is central to her development, whereas Berelain’s primary concern remains the survival and prosperity of her nation.

In the broader context of The Wheel of Time, understanding these distinctions can deepen one's appreciation for the intricacies of the characters, and the complex tapestry of ambition and loyalty that threads through the series.