Last updated on 23 July 2024 at 07:26 pm
I return once again to my series of posts celebrating the creative genius of Robert Jordan. It’s time to turn my attention to Book 6 of The Wheel of Time and call out the best quotes from Lord of Chaos. There are lots to enjoy. Some balk at this book’s slow road to awesomeness, but no one can quibble at the dialogue and prose that pull readers deep into the pages from beginning to end.
The Wheel of Time is a fascinating tapestry of characters, cultures, and mystery. They are the foundation that allows Robert Jordan to be eloquent and direct in delivering dialogue, thoughts, and prose. The use of language makes this series precious and leads me to write these celebratory posts hailing the best bits. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I’ve enjoyed finding the quotes.
I ought to give a light spoiler warning before you proceed. In this article, I quote lines from the book and state who said what and when. I also include vague commentary for each, but I try very hard to avoid saying anything that will spoil the book for you.
Best Quotes from Lord of Chaos
Whether in caution, care, or chaos, Robert Jordan uses expressive dialogue and vivid prose to rouse and compel his readers. It triumphs every time, in all The Wheel of Time books, and Lord of Chaos is no different.
I have several quotes from Aiel, who are always great givers of linguistic charm. There’s also some Aiel humor thrown in for those who understand it. I also couldn’t resist pulling from the Dumai’s Wells chapter, though I want to avoid outright spoilers. It is an epic chapter, and I beg you to read Lord of Chaos, if only for this reason. The payoff is massive.
Lord of Chaos is packed with brilliant verbal exchanges and political tension. It drives the narrative and makes for compelling reading. So, with no more chat from me, please enjoy the best quotes from Lord of Chaos by Robert Jordan:
Aiel Quotes from Lord of Chaos
The Aiel chuckle when Bael passes a comment on young men. “A young man chases shadows and runs from moonlight,” he says, “and in the end, he stabs himself in the foot with his own spear.” Irritated by Bael and Davram Bashere’s comments, Rand responds, “Neither of you would look well in a dress.” The maidens of the spear laugh at this, too, so he wonders if he is beginning to grasp Aiel humor after all.
The Wise Ones treat Berelain warmly, and Sorilea prompts her not to lean on Rhuarc too much. “Let most men have a finger and they will have the whole hand before you know,” she tells the First of Mayene. “Let a clan chief have a finger and he will have the entire arm.”
The Aiel Wise One gives words of encouragement to Egwene as she prepares to leave. “We are always more afraid than we wish to be,” Sorilea tells her, “but we can always be braver than we expect.”
Quotes from Dumai’s Wells
Dumai’s Wells deserves its own treatment, and this is an iconic line from the scene. Mazrim Taim rallies his soldiers with a curt instruction, “Asha’man, kill!” Hearing Michael Kramer deliver this line in the audiobook is tremendous.
Another satisfied command comes from the M’Hael at the end of the chapter. “Kneel and swear to the Lord Dragon,” he orders, “or you will be knelt.”
More Compelling Quotes from Lord of Chaos
A chant from a children’s game, heard in Great Arvalon in the 4th Age, graces us in the premise. It goes: “The lions sing, and the hills take flight. The moon by day, and the sun by night. Blind woman, deaf man, jackdaw fool. Let the Lord of Chaos rule.”
Sebban Balwer suggests to the Lord Captain Commander that they plant rumors about the Aes Sedai. “What is too absurd to be believed,” he argues, “is believed because it is too absurd to be a lie.”
Pedron Niall reflects on his own rules for action and information. “Never make a plan without knowing as much as you can of the enemy,” his thoughts inform the reader. “Never be afraid to change your plans when you receive new information. Never believe you know everything. And never wait to know everything.”
Mat Cauthon thinks that Rand would be better off with Aviendha rather than the haughty daughter-heir of Andor. “At least Aiel women did not walk around with their noses in the air,” he reckons to himself, “or think you should jump just because they said so. Of course, some of their games were on the rough side, and they did have the habit of trying to kill you now and again.”
Thom Merrilin is still contemplating his feelings when asked about a letter he has received. “Often you don’t know whether a woman is friend, enemy or lover until it is too late,” he says to Mat. “Sometimes, she is all three.”
This is an ever-evolving post, so more quotes will be added as I go through each book again. To further that end, please use the comments to share your favorite quotes from Lord of Chaos. I’ll add the best ones to the main article until we have the whole book down (joking).
Where Does the Wind Rise in Lord of Chaos?
The first chapter in each of The Wheel of Time books begins with the same paragraph. It sets the scene and emphasizes the Wheel’s omnipotence while the wind crosses the continent. In Lord of Chaos, the wind rises among brown-thicketed hills in Cairhien, though the story opens in Caemlyn.
Cairhien is a nation that has been racked by war and civil war and is a crucial location in Lord of Chaos. Its people, particularly the nobility, play Daes Dae’mar (the Great Game or Game of Houses). It isn’t a sit-down game like Stones, though. In the Great Game, misdirection and subtlety are the political tactics used to win. It is a game of intrigue and very dangerous indeed.
Enjoy More Quotes from The Wheel of Time
This is one of many posts I’ve done to celebrate quotes from The Wheel of Time series. You can find similar fare for all 14 novels and the prequel. The image links below take you to more sublime quotes from Robert Jordan:
Listen to Lord of Chaos
The Wheel of Time boasts 14 excellent books and a prequel. With its absorbing plot, great characters, and delicious writing style, the audio versions of each novel are a rewarding listen. Acclaimed narrators Kate Reading and Michael Kramer do the grand job of reading Lord of Chaos, and it’s fantastic to hear them voice the famous quotes I’ve shared here.
I have a dedicated post for anyone interested in listening to the Lord of Chaos audiobook, and the image link below will take you there. The book builds to an intense climax and lands a heavy blow. You’ll love it if you’ve enjoyed all the books thus far.
Alternatively, you can go to Amazon and listen to a sample from the Lord of Chaos audiobook. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Below this post, I have social media share buttons. I’d love it if you could spread the word by sharing this post on your social media. It allows like-minded heroes to find The Shining Walls, and that’s a boost for everyone.
Before I go, please don’t forget the comments section underneath this post. It’s where I’d love to hear your feedback and contributions. What are your favorite quotes from Lord of Chaos? Which ones have I missed that makes you want to box me around the ears? Just tell me, and I’ll respond to your comment.
Until next time, may the Light shine on you, my friends!
Russell