Race: Forsaken
Sex: Male
Faction: Shadow
Rating: 8.4
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Arena Status: Active (S2)
Ishamael is a towering figure in the mythology of The Wheel of Time universe, both revered and reviled for his role as the Betrayer of Hope. As the most powerful of the Forsaken, Ishamael serves as the de facto leader of the Dark One’s followers during the War of Power and is eventually granted the title of Nae’blis, commanding all of the Shadow’s forces. His deep philosophical insight, immense power in the One Power, and complex motivations make him one of the series' most compelling and enigmatic antagonists.
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| Ishamael, One of the Forsaken |
Who Is Ishamael in The Wheel of Time?
Ishamael, known in the Trolloc tongue as Ba’alzamon ("Heart of the Dark"), was originally a renowned philosopher during the Age of Legends. His writings—such as Analysis of Perceived Meaning and Reality and the Absence of Meaning—earned him intellectual acclaim, though his esoteric ideas alienated many. His descent into Shadow begins with his grim realization of the cyclical nature of the conflict between the Dragon and the Dark One. Viewing the Dark One’s eventual victory as inevitable, Ishamael abandons hope and aligns himself with the Shadow, becoming its greatest champion.
Despite his devotion to the Dark One, Ishamael’s philosophy and actions reveal a man who seeks not merely to serve but to impose his nihilistic understanding upon the world. His belief in the futility of resistance against the Shadow gives him a fatalistic edge that sets him apart even among the Forsaken.
Ishamael's Role During the Age of Legends
As a prominent Aes Sedai in the Age of Legends, Elan Morin Tedronai was a scholar unmatched in intellect and philosophical insight. His ultimate conversion to the Shadow marked a turning point in the war. Declaring his allegiance at the Hall of Servants, Ishamael argued that humanity’s victories over the Dark One only delayed the inevitable. His betrayal earned him the epithet "Betrayer of Hope," and his announcement incited riots across the lands.
During the War of Power, Ishamael served as the Dark One’s chief representative. Though he rarely commanded armies directly, his influence as Chief Captain-General of the Shadow ensured the subjugation of countless civilizations. His confrontations with Lews Therin Telamon, the Dragon of the Age, became legendary. Despite his brilliance, Ishamael failed to permanently overcome the forces of Light, setting the stage for his continued role in the Shadow’s machinations across time.
Was Ishamael Truly Sealed in the Bore?
One of the great mysteries of Ishamael is his ambiguous status after the sealing of the Dark One’s prison at the end of the War of Power. Unlike other Forsaken, who were fully bound within the Bore, Ishamael appears to have been only partially trapped. This allowed his soul to be periodically spun back into the Pattern, granting him influence over mortal affairs during critical epochs.
During the Trolloc Wars, Ishamael assumed the guise of Ba’alzamon, rallying the Shadow’s armies and devastating nations like Manetheren. Later, as Jalwin Moerad, he manipulated Artur Hawkwing, ensuring the fragmentation of his empire and the subsequent destabilization of humanity. These cycles of emergence every thousand years cement Ishamael’s reputation as an eternal antagonist, subtly shaping events to the Shadow’s advantage.
The Forsaken: Ishamael’s Position Among the Shadow
Among the thirteen Forsaken, Ishamael stands apart as both the strongest male channeler and the most cunning strategist. His strength in the One Power matches that of Lews Therin Telamon, a testament to his unparalleled mastery of saidin. Yet, it is his philosophical conviction and understanding of the Dark One’s nature that earn him the Dark One’s favor.
Ishamael’s disdain for his fellow Forsaken is evident throughout the series. Viewing them as petty and short-sighted, he considers himself uniquely equipped to serve as the Shadow’s champion. This arrogance, coupled with his reliance on the True Power, isolates him further, even as it amplifies his already immense abilities.
Ishamael as Ba’alzamon: Terror and Deception
As Ba’alzamon, Ishamael becomes a figure of mythic proportions, revered by Trollocs and feared by humanity. His appearance during the Trolloc Wars reinvigorates the Shadow’s forces, leading to devastating losses for the Light. However, his true power as Ba’alzamon lies in his psychological warfare. Using his talent for Dreamwalking, Ishamael invades the dreams of his enemies, sowing doubt and fear among even the most steadfast of heroes.
One of Ishamael’s most chilling moments occurs during his confrontation with Lews Therin Telamon after the Dragon’s descent into madness. Healing Lews Therin of his insanity, Ishamael forces him to confront the atrocity of murdering his own family, a moment that cements Ishamael’s role as the ultimate manipulator.
Ishamael in The Wheel of Time Series
Ishamael plays a pivotal role in the early books of The Wheel of Time, particularly as the shadowy antagonist pursuing Rand al’Thor. His dream-wrought confrontations with Rand, Perrin Aybara, and Mat Cauthon emphasize his psychological prowess and his determination to turn the Dragon Reborn to the Shadow.
His first physical defeat at the Eye of the World marks the beginning of his decline, though his ability to regenerate through the Dark One’s power ensures his continued menace. Subsequent battles at Falme and the Stone of Tear showcase his escalating desperation and reliance on the True Power, culminating in his apparent death at Rand’s hands.
Resurrection as Moridin: A New Identity
Following his defeat, Ishamael is resurrected as Moridin, a name meaning "death" in the Old Tongue. This new incarnation reflects his deepened nihilism and his single-minded desire to end the eternal cycle of rebirth and conflict. Moridin’s cold detachment and fatalism mark a stark contrast to Ishamael’s fiery ambition, though his intellect and cunning remain undiminished.
Conclusion: The Eternal Champion of the Shadow
Ishamael’s enduring legacy within The Wheel of Time lies in his role as both philosopher and antagonist. His intellectual depth and raw power make him one of the series’ most formidable figures, while his tragic descent into madness and nihilism underscores the complexity of his character. Whether as Elan Morin Tedronai, Ba’alzamon, or Moridin, Ishamael embodies the Shadow’s relentless pursuit of chaos and destruction, a force that persists as long as the Wheel continues to turn.
Ishamael's Raw Power
Ishamael’s raw power, rated at 9.0, reflects his near-peerless command of magical forces and his ability to devastate opponents in combat. His combined use of the One Power and the True Power sets him apart, granting him both destructive force and near-omniscient manipulation of his enemies’ minds and environments. However, his reliance on magic, with minimal evidence of unenhanced physical feats, slightly limits his overall rating. His power is immense but not invincible, as demonstrated in his eventual defeats.
Strength
Ishamael’s physical might, while secondary to his magical prowess, is enhanced by his command over saidin and the True Power. Though not explicitly described as relying on brute strength, his physical form endures the demands of using vast amounts of the True Power without immediate destruction, a feat that requires immense resilience. His body remains capable of channeling energy so potent that it would annihilate lesser beings, showcasing an inherent endurance and force that elevates his combat presence.
While Ishamael does not engage in hand-to-hand combat or showcase feats of strength unaided by magic, his ability to manifest and maintain physical dominance in the face of extreme magical strain solidifies his standing.
Magical Ability
Ishamael’s prowess with the One Power places him on par with Lews Therin Telamon, the strongest male channeler of the Age of Legends. The Companion ranks his One Power strength as surpassed only by Lews Therin and Rahvin. His control over saidin extends to an advanced mastery of combat weaves, including destructive fire, devastating lightning, and shields capable of overpowering nearly any adversary.
More uniquely, Ishamael is the most proficient user of the True Power, the Dark One’s gift, which he uses to devastating effect. The True Power, unlike saidin, is unrestricted by the laws of the Pattern and enables Ishamael to bend reality itself, creating dreamshards and manipulating Tel’aran’rhiod to entrap or destroy his enemies. His eyes and mouth, occasionally consumed by fire due to his overuse of this force, are a testament to his unparalleled capacity to wield such destructive energy.
Ishamael’s range of magical skills extends to subtle and devastating applications. He invades dreams, manipulating the minds of his enemies and enslaving Darkfriends, a form of psychological warfare that renders him nearly inescapable. This blend of raw destructive capability and intricate magical manipulation ensures his dominance in combat scenarios.
Combat Prowess
Ishamael’s combat effectiveness lies in his combination of overwhelming magical force and psychological warfare. His duels with Rand al’Thor, including battles at the Eye of the World, Falme, and the Stone of Tear, highlight his strategic use of both saidin and the True Power to outmaneuver and nearly destroy his opponents. Even in direct confrontations, Ishamael demonstrates an ability to dominate lesser channelers and face powerful ta’veren with confidence.
In Tel’aran’rhiod, Ishamael’s combat prowess becomes truly terrifying. Here, he manipulates the dream world with ease, warping its laws to disorient and defeat his enemies. His ability to distort reality within dreamshards and the World of Dreams ensures that even those who understand Tel’aran’rhiod remain vulnerable to his attacks.
Ishamael’s preference for psychological and magical domination does not diminish his raw combat strength. While he relies heavily on his powers, his ability to consistently hold his own against Lews Therin and later Rand al’Thor, two of the greatest champions of the Light, underscores his unparalleled combat capabilities.
Ishamael's Tactical Ability
Ishamael’s tactical ability earns an impressive 9.0, reflecting his brilliance as a long-term strategist, his adaptability, and his command over the Shadow’s vast resources. While his genius allows him to orchestrate chaos on a grand scale, his overconfidence and reliance on fear-based domination sometimes limit his effectiveness. Across all fantasy universes, Ishamael stands as a master tactician, capable of reshaping civilizations and waging war on the Light with terrifying efficiency.
Strategic Mind
Ishamael’s strength as a strategist is most apparent in his ability to foresee and manipulate the cyclical nature of the Wheel of Time. His philosophical understanding of the Pattern and his belief in the inevitability of the Dark One's victory allow him to focus on long-term objectives, often setting plans into motion that span centuries. His manipulations during the Trolloc Wars and the War of the Hundred Years illustrate his ability to destabilize human civilization by fostering infighting and weakening alliances, all while remaining largely hidden in the shadows.
His understanding of the Wheel’s cycles makes him particularly adept at exploiting vulnerabilities in the Light’s forces. By targeting key figures like Artur Hawkwing during critical moments, Ishamael ensures that human unity remains an elusive dream. His presence as Jalwin Moerad, Artur Hawkwing’s advisor, led to decisions that destabilized Hawkwing’s empire, such as the siege of Tar Valon and the failed westward expansion across the Aryth Ocean.
However, Ishamael’s hubris occasionally undermines his strategic genius. His belief in the inevitability of the Dark One’s triumph sometimes leads him to underestimate his enemies, as seen in his confrontations with Lews Therin Telamon and later Rand al’Thor.
Resourcefulness
Ishamael’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances is a testament to his resourcefulness. When he is partially released from the Bore, he effectively wields his limited freedom to influence events on a global scale. His use of dreamshards and his command over Tel’aran’rhiod allow him to communicate with and direct his followers, even when his physical presence is restricted.
His manipulation of individuals is another hallmark of his resourcefulness. Ishamael leverages his intellect and charisma to turn influential figures to the Shadow, including Darkfriends, rulers, and even entire organizations like the Black Ajah. By exploiting their fears, ambitions, and desires, he creates a network of loyal followers who execute his will, ensuring that his plans progress even in his absence.
Despite his resourcefulness, Ishamael’s overreliance on fear and domination as tools of control sometimes backfires, as seen in the fractured loyalties among the Forsaken. His inability to fully trust his subordinates occasionally limits the effectiveness of his broader strategies.
Resource Arsenal
As the Dark One’s most favored lieutenant, Ishamael has unparalleled access to the Shadow’s resources. His mastery of the True Power grants him capabilities that few can rival, allowing him to operate beyond the constraints of conventional channeling. Additionally, his ability to communicate with Darkfriends across vast distances ensures that his commands are carried out with precision.
Ishamael’s manipulation of fear and reverence among the Trollocs and Myrddraal is a key aspect of his resource arsenal. These creatures view him as a near-divine figure, and his presence on the battlefield galvanizes their efforts. During the Trolloc Wars, his leadership reinvigorates the Shadow’s forces, enabling them to destroy the kingdom of Manetheren and nearly overwhelm the Westlands.
However, Ishamael’s reliance on the Dark One’s favor and the True Power introduces vulnerabilities. His overuse of these resources leads to physical and mental degradation, ultimately contributing to his unraveling. Additionally, his status as the Shadow’s preeminent figure creates rivalries among the Forsaken, hindering their collective efforts.
Ishamael's Influence
Ishamael’s influence earns an impressive 8.5, reflecting his extraordinary ability to manipulate, inspire reverence, and assert his will. His persuasive talents and command of fear and respect place him among the most influential characters in fantasy literature. However, his reliance on fear and occasional overreach prevent him from achieving a perfect score. Across all fantasy universes, Ishamael stands as a master manipulator whose influence shapes the fate of civilizations and alters the course of history.
Persuasion
Ishamael’s ability to persuade and manipulate is evident from his earliest actions as the Shadow’s chief agent. Before fully pledging himself to the Dark One, Elan Morin Tedronai was a celebrated philosopher whose ideas shaped intellectual thought during the Age of Legends. His writings on the cyclical nature of the Wheel of Time and the inevitability of the Dark One’s victory were persuasive enough to ignite debate among the greatest minds of his era. After his defection, Ishamael used his intellect and rhetorical skill to sway key figures to the Shadow, ensuring that the Shadow’s influence permeated every level of society.
One of his most infamous acts of persuasion occurred during his time as Jalwin Moerad, advisor to Artur Hawkwing. By exploiting Hawkwing’s mistrust of Aes Sedai, Ishamael was able to alienate the world’s greatest ruler from the White Tower, destabilizing human unity for centuries. His manipulation of Hawkwing’s court set the stage for chaos, ensuring that humanity would remain fractured and vulnerable long after Hawkwing’s death. This ability to identify and exploit personal and institutional weaknesses solidifies Ishamael as a master manipulator.
Yet, Ishamael’s persuasive power is not without limits. His tendency to rely on fear and intimidation, especially in his interactions with the Forsaken, sometimes undermines the loyalty of those around him. While he commands respect, his relationships with other Forsaken are marked by rivalry and treachery, demonstrating the limitations of his influence.
Reverence
As the Dark One’s most favored lieutenant, Ishamael commands a level of reverence unmatched by his peers. Trollocs and Myrddraal view him as a near-divine figure, and his name—Ba’alzamon, or “Heart of the Dark”—is whispered with awe and terror. Among the Forsaken, his title as Nae’blis grants him supreme authority, ensuring that even his rivals grudgingly follow his orders.
This reverence extends beyond the Shadow’s forces. Ishamael’s appearances throughout history have cemented his reputation as a figure of legend and myth. During the Trolloc Wars, his presence revitalized the Shadow’s armies, turning the tide of battle in their favor. His influence persisted through the War of the Hundred Years, where he orchestrated events that shaped the political landscape of the Westlands. Even in his weakened and partially sealed state, Ishamael’s reputation as the Betrayer of Hope instills fear and awe in equal measure.
However, Ishamael’s reliance on reverence as a tool of control can backfire. His attempts to present himself as the Dark One in earlier ages create confusion and resentment among the Forsaken, some of whom question his motives and authenticity. While his status as Nae’blis secures his authority, it does not entirely quell the ambitions of his rivals.
Willpower
Ishamael’s willpower is perhaps his most defining trait. Even before pledging himself to the Dark One, his philosophical conviction in the inevitability of the Shadow’s victory demonstrated an unshakable commitment to his beliefs. This conviction drives him to endure millennia of struggle, emerging time and again to wreak havoc on the forces of the Light.
His mastery of the True Power, a gift reserved for the Dark One’s most trusted servants, further illustrates his iron will. Despite the physical and mental toll it exacts, Ishamael wields the True Power with devastating precision, cementing his status as the Shadow’s most formidable agent. His ability to endure the consequences of his choices, including his cycles of partial sealing and eventual resurrection as Moridin, speaks to his unparalleled resilience and determination.
However, Ishamael’s willpower occasionally borders on hubris. His belief in the inevitability of the Dark One’s triumph blinds him to the possibility of failure, leading to critical miscalculations in his confrontations with Lews Therin and Rand al’Thor. This overconfidence, while rooted in his philosophical outlook, proves to be a double-edged sword.
Ishamael's Resilience
Ishamael’s resilience earns a solid 8.0, reflecting his remarkable ability to endure physical and magical challenges and his longevity as an agent of the Shadow. While his reliance on external sources such as the Dark One’s power and his vulnerability to ultimate defeat prevent him from achieving a perfect score, his enduring presence throughout the Wheel’s turning solidifies his place as one of the most resilient characters in fantasy universes.
Physical Resistance
While Ishamael does not possess extraordinary physical strength or endurance, his body has withstood the destructive effects of the True Power, a feat few others could survive. The True Power, drawn directly from the Dark One, warps reality and corrodes its user’s body and mind. Ishamael’s reliance on this power caused visible deformities, such as his eyes and mouth occasionally appearing as caverns of flame, yet he remained functional and deadly in combat. His ability to endure this constant physical strain without succumbing entirely to its ravages demonstrates his exceptional physical resilience.
However, Ishamael’s resistance to traditional physical harm is less notable. While he can withstand some injuries through sheer willpower and the strength granted by his connection to the Dark One, his body is ultimately mortal, as evidenced by his death at the hands of Rand al’Thor. Unlike characters with innate physical toughness, Ishamael’s resilience in this regard is reliant on the supernatural rather than intrinsic durability.
Magical Resistance
Ishamael’s mastery of the One Power and the True Power provides him with formidable magical resistance. His knowledge of shielding, defensive weaves, and his access to the Dark One’s protection make him highly resistant to direct magical attacks. Additionally, his skill in Tel’aran’rhiod (the World of Dreams) allows him to manipulate reality in ways that provide an additional layer of defense against magical threats.
However, his reliance on the True Power as a defensive measure creates vulnerabilities. The True Power’s use exacts a significant toll on the user’s sanity and body, limiting his ability to sustain prolonged engagements against other powerful channelers. Furthermore, his defenses can be overcome by sufficiently powerful and skilled opponents, as shown during his confrontations with Rand al’Thor. While Ishamael’s magical resistance is impressive, it is not insurmountable.
Longevity
Perhaps Ishamael’s most remarkable aspect of resilience is his longevity. Even among the Forsaken, Ishamael stands apart due to his cyclical release from the Dark One’s prison. Unlike other Forsaken who were sealed entirely within the Bore, Ishamael experienced periods of partial freedom, allowing him to influence events throughout the millennia. From the Trolloc Wars to the rise of Artur Hawkwing, Ishamael’s presence shaped the course of human history, underscoring his durability as a timeless force of chaos.
Furthermore, Ishamael’s resurrection as Moridin demonstrates the extent of the Dark One’s investment in his servant. While other Forsaken have been resurrected, Ishamael’s reincarnation into the form of Moridin is unique in that it reflects the Dark One’s acknowledgment of Ishamael’s central role in the struggle against the Light. This longevity, however, comes at the cost of his sanity, as his repeated cycles of imprisonment and release, combined with his overuse of the True Power, left him increasingly unstable.
Ishamael's Versatility
Ishamael’s versatility is substantial, earning him a score of 7.5. His ability to adapt to new challenges, his fortuitous positioning throughout the ages, and his secret weapons make him a formidable player on the grand stage of the Wheel of Time universe. Yet his focus on the Shadow’s goals and the corrosive effects of his powers constrain his adaptability, preventing him from achieving the highest echelons of versatility.
Adaptability
Ishamael’s adaptability is one of his defining traits, as he continuously shifts tactics and roles to suit the needs of the Shadow. During the Age of Legends, he was an acclaimed philosopher and theologian, his intellectual rigor allowing him to manipulate the moral and philosophical weaknesses of others. Once he committed to the Dark One, his role evolved, with Ishamael becoming a figure of terror, a leader of armies, and an agent of chaos depending on the situation.
Throughout the series, Ishamael demonstrates his ability to pivot strategies based on changing circumstances. His skill in Tel’aran’rhiod, the World of Dreams, allows him to exploit its ever-changing nature to his advantage, trapping foes and crafting surreal environments that play to his strengths. As Jalwin Moerad, he adeptly infiltrates Artur Hawkwing’s court and dismantles the greatest human empire of its time. This flexibility underscores his remarkable capacity to thrive in unpredictable and volatile conditions.
However, his adaptability has limits. Ishamael’s alignment with the Dark One binds him to specific goals that often override his personal ingenuity. While he can tailor his methods, he is ultimately constrained by his loyalty to an overarching purpose, which curtails his ability to explore paths outside the Shadow’s interests.
Luck
Ishamael’s recurring influence throughout the ages suggests a degree of fortuity that amplifies his versatility. His partial sealing in the Bore allowed him periodic freedom to act while the other Forsaken remained bound, a quirk of circumstance that gave him unique opportunities to shape events over millennia. His reappearance during critical junctures, such as the Trolloc Wars and the War of the Hundred Years, further underscores his uncanny knack for being present when his influence is most needed by the Shadow.
However, this perceived luck is not entirely unblemished. Ishamael’s repeated confrontations with the Dragon Reborn often end in his defeat, suggesting that while his fortunes position him advantageously, they do not ensure ultimate success. His overconfidence and reliance on his apparent invincibility undercut his capacity to capitalize fully on the luck that favors him.
Shaved Knuckle in the Hole
One of Ishamael’s most potent assets lies in his capacity to wield hidden advantages, often derived from his unique relationship with the Dark One. His ability to channel the True Power, inaccessible to others except through the Dark One’s favor, provides him with a formidable edge in both combat and strategy. This power allows him to bypass traditional limitations of the One Power, enabling him to unleash devastating attacks and execute complex manipulations unseen by his adversaries.
Ishamael’s proficiency in Tel’aran’rhiod also functions as a secret weapon, as he is able to trap and torment his enemies within the shifting dreamscape. These hidden tools make him an unpredictable and dangerous foe, capable of exploiting even the smallest openings to devastating effect. However, his reliance on the True Power and its detrimental effects on his mind and body highlight the risks inherent in wielding such advantages.
Ishamael's Alignment
Ishamael, born as Elan Morin Tedronai, is a human male of the Age of Legends and a member of the Aes Sedai, the most advanced society of channelers. Following his betrayal, he became one of the Forsaken, the most powerful servants of the Dark One, and ultimately the Shadow’s de facto leader. His allegiance lies firmly with the Shadow, and his role as Nae'blis—hand of the Dark One—cements his dedication to his faction's goals.
Ishamael exemplifies lawful evil alignment, a classification defined by a rigid adherence to personal codes or external structures, coupled with malevolent intent. This alignment captures his philosophical commitment to the Dark One's cause and his methods of manipulation, control, and destruction.
Ishamael operates with a systematic approach rooted in his belief in the inevitability of the Dark One's victory. His philosophical reasoning, based on the cyclical nature of the Wheel of Time, is the foundation of his loyalty. He sees himself as the Dark One’s champion across time, an integral figure in a cosmic struggle. This structured view of his role leads to his strict adherence to the Dark One’s commands, even when his madness intensifies.
Furthermore, Ishamael enforces order within the Shadow. As Nae'blis, he commands other Forsaken with authority, often punishing insubordination or failure. His influence during pivotal moments—such as orchestrating Artur Hawkwing’s downfall as Jalwin Moerad—demonstrates his preference for calculated, deliberate actions over chaos.
Ishamael’s evil manifests in his desire for control and destruction. As a servant of the Shadow, he seeks to break the Wheel of Time, plunging existence into an eternity ruled by the Dark One. His alignment is not driven by personal ambition or chaotic malice but by a deeply entrenched nihilism. Ishamael seeks to dismantle hope, as evidenced by his title, the Betrayer of Hope. His actions consistently involve manipulation, deceit, and the ruthless elimination of opposition.
His cruelty is evident in his treatment of others. As Ba’alzamon, he inspires fear and reverence among the Myrddraal and Trollocs while exploiting and discarding Darkfriends as pawns. Ishamael's sadistic tendencies, such as tormenting Rand al’Thor and other heroes in their dreams, further illustrate his malevolent nature.
As a human born in the Age of Legends, Ishamael’s alignment reflects his transformation from a rational philosopher to a servant of absolute evil. His membership in the Forsaken and position as Nae'blis reinforce his lawful evil alignment. The Shadow’s hierarchy demands loyalty and adherence to the Dark One’s will, a structure Ishamael thrives within. Despite his madness, he remains committed to the Shadow’s objectives, even when other Forsaken falter.
Ishamael’s alignment as lawful evil reflects his systematic pursuit of the Dark One’s goals, tempered by his own malevolent philosophy. His role as a human of the Age of Legends and leader of the Forsaken firmly roots him within this alignment. Through calculated manipulation, philosophical conviction, and unrelenting cruelty, Ishamael embodies a figure who upholds order in service of ultimate destruction. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.
Ishamael's Trophy Case
PPET Rankings
| Season | Rank |
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| 2 (2024-2025) | TBD (of 204) |
Overall Conclusion on Ishamael and Position Across Planes of Existence
With a ranking of 8.4, Ishamael sits firmly in the upper tier of powerful characters across fantasy universes. This score reflects a nuanced balance of his exceptional capabilities as a channeler of the One Power, his unparalleled access to the True Power, and his influence as the Dark One’s most loyal and strategic lieutenant. While he is devastatingly potent in certain arenas, Ishamael lacks the unassailable invulnerability and universal adaptability that define the absolute apex of power across all fantasy settings.
Ishamael’s rank is primarily bolstered by his raw power, which is unparalleled among his contemporaries in the Wheel of Time universe. He is one of the strongest male channelers, equal in strength to Lews Therin Telamon (Rand al’Thor's past incarnation), and has complete mastery of both saidin and the True Power. The latter, granted directly by the Dark One, allows him to bypass conventional limits of the One Power, enabling feats such as creating vast illusions, manipulating tel'aran'rhiod (the World of Dreams), and even breaching the Pattern itself. His ability to simultaneously wield immense destructive force and implement sophisticated magical tactics elevates him to a level few can rival.
Ishamael's tactical brilliance also contributes to his high placement. As Nae'blis, he orchestrates events across centuries, destabilizing civilizations and sowing chaos with devastating efficiency. His role as Jalwin Moerad during Artur Hawkwing’s reign demonstrates his capability to manipulate entire nations. Despite his madness, Ishamael’s strategic mind remains one of his defining attributes, enabling him to outmaneuver his enemies repeatedly.
Where Ishamael falls short of the absolute highest ranks of power lies in his resilience and versatility. While he is extraordinarily difficult to kill and benefits from a partial immortality granted by the Dark One, his physical form and mind are subject to decay due to his overuse of the True Power. His eventual reliance on the Dark One for resurrection reveals a critical vulnerability: his existence is contingent on his patron’s favor. Furthermore, while his philosophical fatalism and madness grant him a unique perspective, they limit his adaptability, as he often underestimates his adversaries’ capacity for innovation and resistance.
Ishamael’s role as both a philosopher and a villain adds depth to his power profile. His ideological commitment to the Dark One stems from his belief in the inevitability of the Shadow’s triumph, making him not merely a servant of evil but its most devout advocate. This conviction shapes his interactions with the Pattern itself, as he believes his struggle against Lews Therin and the Dragon Reborn is eternal.
Despite his strengths, Ishamael is not omnipotent. His reliance on the Dark One for sustenance and the cyclical nature of his existence highlight intrinsic limitations. Even his ultimate demise at Rand al’Thor’s hands underscores the possibility of his defeat when faced with an equal who possesses greater adaptability and unity of purpose.
Ishamael’s 8.4 rating reflects his upper-tier status within the pantheon of fantasy characters. His unmatched magical might and strategic acumen make him a formidable figure, yet his flaws—dependency, madness, and limited versatility—place him below the pinnacle of power. This rank is a testament to his layered nature, combining godlike prowess with human vulnerabilities. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated power ranking across all planes of existence. This will only be sortable on desktop viewing. The below table shows a summary within the same plane of existence of this article.
