The Wheel of Time Expands the Rules of Magic Like Never Before
Imagine a world where the human voice has the power to give life to nature, where a song can make the trees reach toward the sky as if they were going to touch the stars. If you are a fan of the Amazon series you already know that this world no longer needs to be just a fantasy. The second season has given its viewers something new and fascinating: tree-singing, an ancient art practiced by the Ogier, like Loial, our beloved book-loving giant.
The magic that we already know in the series is very focused on the One Power, but this latest episode reveals to us that there is more to tell. Loial, played by Hammed Animashaungives us a dazzling example of this type of magic, although for him it is nothing more than a humiliating spectacle.
A forgotten art
Join me on a journey into the past to discover the secrets of this new magic. Here, the singing of the trees is not a mere rarity but a fundamental part of their culture. Loial and his Shienaran friend Ingtar are forced to serve the Seanchan elite as slaves. Lady Suroth, a Seanchan high command, asks Loial to sing. The result is amazing: a houseplant is transformed, growing exponentially before everyone’s eyes.
This magical art is not as dangerous as the One Power, but it has a historical richness that the show barely touches upon. It’s not just about growing trees; It is a way to communicate with nature through Songs of Growth. Loial uses this talent, not only to impress, but also to promote a more prosperous and respectful life cycle. The skill is both a cultural act and a valuable resource, capable of accelerating the growth of crops and creating “sung wood” objects.
Reflections on the power of nature in magic
In the fascinating world of the series, the relationship with nature has always been an intriguing subtext. From the Tuatha’an’s abilities in finding water to the mysterious Estedding, where not even the magic of the One Power can work. The song to the trees of Loial adds another dimension to the spectrum of magic that involve mother nature.
This leads us to question: Is there more to discover in this already diverse world? For example, Could the Aiel, with their intimate connection to the land and the desert, have their own form of natural magic?. Perhaps, as the plot develops, we will get answers to these questions and deeper explorations into the mystical connections of nature. Ultimately, this recent episode opens doors to broader narrative possibilities, both in magic and culture.and leaves the viewer with an uncontrollable desire to know more.
The context in which treesinging is born
To understand this magical art, we must immerse ourselves in the books by Robert Jordan that serve as the basis for the series. Here, the Ogier, like Loial, use this ability to revive a dying tree. In the Age of Legends, there was a special event known as the Seedsong that involved everyone: Aes Sedai, Ogier, and traditionally, the Da’shain Aiel. This unifying act has been largely lost over time, but the Ogier remember it and use it when appropriate.
We cannot ignore Loial’s strong reaction to his forced act of treesinging. By forcing him to use this ancient art as a simple party trick, the Seanchan not only dishonor him but his entire culture. Although the series does not go into details, it is evident that the singing tree is much more than a show for Loial; It is a deep bond with his past, his people and his homeland.
So, the next time you tune in to a new episode of the acclaimed series, remember that the magic we’re discovering is as diverse as the world it represents. Don’t miss new episodes every Friday on Prime Video.