Dragon
From A Wheel of Time Wiki
"What kind of need would be great enough that we'd want the Dragon to save us from it? As well ask for help from the Dark One."
~ Rand al'Thor
The Dragon is the title for the champion of the Light against the Dark One. He is reborn again and again in the Age of Legends and the Third Age (and equivalents along the Wheel) to combat the Shadow. It is unknown if he is born again in other Ages, or if he is obliged to do so in them as well. The Dragon of the Age of Legends was Lews Therin Telamon. The Prophecies of the Dragon as described in the Karaethon Cycle give vague impressions on the events that will follow after his coming. In the Third Age, the title of the Dragon was passed onto Rand al'Thor who was prophesised to return, the wolves know him as Shadowkiller.
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[edit] Dragon Reborn
The prophesied reincarnation of Lews Therin is called the Dragon Reborn, fated to both destroy and save the world. He would be a male channeler and must be at Tarmon Gai'don, or the forces of the Light will not stand a chance; even his presence does not assure victory however, only the possibility of one. Prophecy says that he would break all bonds, and bring suffering to the earth, with wars and worse.
It is believed that in doing so he will also bring a new Breaking of the World. Due to Lews Therin Telamon's infamy, for better or for worse, the tale of the Dragon Reborn is known well even in remote villages, though often distorted beyond recognition.
[edit] False Dragons
Men who have declared themselves to be the Dragon Reborn but do not fulfil any prophecy are said to be false Dragons. This is often done for fame or glory, but in the end all have fallen from power. The first of the false Dragons to become of notice was Raolin Darksbane in 335 AB, who managed to assault the White Tower before he could be stopped.
Yurian Stonebow followed in his footsteps in 1300 AB, and Davian rose in FY 351. Guaire Amalasan in FY 939 made great headway until he was stopped by Artur Hawkwing.
False Dragons were rare until Gorin Rogad declared himself in 995 NE. Two years later, in 998 NE, Logain Ablar rose to power. Three more rose in 998 NE, though of these only Mazrim Taim was capable of channeling.
Ishamael has accused the White Tower of controlling most, if not all of the false Dragons. In 999 NE, Siuan Sanche, former Amyrlin Seat of the Tower accused the Red Ajah of doing the same thing with the help of the then-gentled Logain's testimony. This is, however, incorrect, and it is believed now to be a mere ploy to rouse support against the Amyrlin Elaida's rule.
[edit] Rebirth
The true Dragon of the Third Age was revealed to be Rand al'Thor in 998 NE. Since then, many of the prophecies have been fulfilled. Two former false Dragons have acknowledged him as the true Dragon, and Tarmon Gai'don appears to be fast approaching.
