Last updated on 19 July 2024 at 07:41 pm
I’m back with some more exquisite words from Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time. This time, I’m looking at the best quotes from The Shadow Rising. The fourth book is a spellbinding feast of literary genius and is rarely outside the top 3 of a reader’s favorite novels in the series.
Yes, the scale and depth of events in the Aiel Waste, on top of Perrin Aybara’s return to the Two Rivers, are the plot points that drive this book’s popularity. However, I argue that Robert Jordan’s eloquent use of English pulls us into his world and makes it magical.
In dialogue, thoughts, and prose, we are compelled and captivated by The Wheel of Time. That’s why I continue to write these articles, celebrating the best quotes from each book. From a spoiler perspective, I do share who said what and when. I also add some context to the lines, though I avoid blatantly revealing anything that might betray the story before you read it. Once you have, please come back here and let me know which quotes stirred you the most.
Best Quotes from The Shadow Rising
Whether in romance, ridicule, or remembrance, Robert Jordan delivers lines that will make your heart sing. Let me share the ones that stir me inside and give me goose pimples. Your response will resemble mine unless you are somehow impervious to passionate prose. The Shadow Rising is one of the most memorable books in the series. It is epic storytelling that still lands despite countless re-reads, and I think you’ll agree that the quotes I’ve chosen can explain that phenomenon.
There are romantic quotes, philosophy, and down-to-earth advice. Elayne Trakand and Faile deliver some excellent words that defy any ill feelings toward their characters. All of these play a part in making The Wheel of Time such a delightful read and stamping its characters on our minds and hearts forever. Without further ado, these are the most captivating quotes from The Shadow Rising by Robert Jordan:
Romantic Quotes from The Shadow Rising
Lan is not happy to learn that Nynaeve plans to go to Tanchico rather than return to the White Tower. He goes so far as to lift the woman off her feet but puts her down at the former Wisdom’s protests. “You have made a place in my heart,” Lan says in his uniquely graceful manner, “where I thought there was no room for anything else. You have made flowers grow where I cultivated dust and stones. Remember this, on this journey you insist on making. If you die, I will not survive you long.”
Perrin Aybara writes a letter for his new wife, not expecting to survive the day. “Never think I have abandoned you,” he pens, finding his words inadequate. “When the sun shines on you, it is my smile. When you hear the breeze stir through the apple blossoms, it is my whisper that I love you. My love is yours forever.”
More than adequate, Perrin, don’t you worry. What am I saying? Of course, you’ll worry.
Elayne Trakand Quotes from The Shadow Rising
Elayne hasn’t left Tear without a kiss but doesn’t want to be forgotten. Her mind is on Berelain, whose flirting she finds brazen but whose methods might be helpful now. “I expect you will not lack for company after I go,” she tells the man. “Just remember that some women see a man with their hearts, while others see no more than a bauble to wear, no different than a necklace or a bracelet. Remember that I will come back, and I am one who sees with her heart.”
Rand reflects on words of advice that Elayne Trakand, the daughter-heir of Andor, has given him. “A wise ruler takes advice but should never be seen to take it,” she had said. “Let them think you know more than you do. It will not harm them, and it will help you.”
Faile Quotes from The Shadow Rising
After surviving an attack by Trollocs and a Neverborn, Perrin has wounds. Faile tends to them despite their falling out. “I’ll not have you bleeding to death on me,” she says. “That would be just like you, to die and leave me the work of burying you. You have no consideration.”
Perrin feels he has blundered badly, but Faile disagrees. She tries to calm his frustration by quoting her father. “Perrin,” she tells him, “my father says a general can take care of the living or weep for the dead, but he cannot do both.” Unfortunately, it doesn’t appease the blacksmith, who blames his decisions.
More Captivating Quotes from The Shadow Rising
Nynaeve presses Elayne to make a move on her love interest before it’s too late. “Times are not what they were,” she advises, “and we cannot be, either. If you sit and wish for what you want, you may not see it this side of the grave.”
Mat is not amused by the words inscribed on the ashandarei weapon he has acquired. “Thus is our treaty written; thus is agreement made,” he recites. “Thought is the arrow of time; memory never fades. What was asked is given; the price is paid.”
Moiraine would have her Warder go with Rand to the meeting of clan chiefs. She knows the stakes are high. “You do not realize what it means that you force the form of the Age Lace, do you?” Moiraine says to Rand. “The ripples of your actions, the ripples of your very existence, spread across the threads of which you will never be aware. The battle is far from yours alone. Yet you stand in the heart of this web in the Pattern. Should you fail and fall, all fail and fall.”
The preface to each book often includes words from scholarly manuscripts. In The Shadow Rising, the prophetic quote comes from Commentaries on the Karaethon Cycle (i.e., the Dragon Reborn prophecies) by Sereine dar Shamelle Motara. In case you can’t read my image scripture, the words are:
“The Shadow shall rise across the world, and darken every land, even to the smallest corner, and there shall be neither Light nor safety. And he who shall be born of the Dawn, born of the Maiden, according to Prophecy, he shall stretch forth his hands to catch the Shadow, and the world shall scream in the pain of salvation. All Glory be to the Creator, and to the Light, and to he who shall be born again. May the Light save us from him.”
Perrin’s despair and grief are deep, and Faile’s words come to him. “Care for the living,” he thinks bitterly, “I’ll weep for the dead later.”
Remember, I want to expand my glorious collection of quotes from The Shadow Rising, so let me know your favorites. Put them in the comments, and I’ll add the best of them.
Where Does the Wind Rise in The Shadow Rising?
The iconic first lines of each book in The Wheel of Time series echo the inevitable turning of the Wheel. The only difference is that the wind sometimes rises in a new location. In The Shadow Rising, the wind rises “on the great plain called the Caralain Grass” before it leads us to the White Tower in Tar Valon, where we pick up Min Farshaw’s story. The Caralain Grass is as described here and stretches the distance between Andor and the Black Hills.
Quotes from Other Books in The Wheel of Time
I haven’t stopped with The Shadow Rising in my search for Robert Jordan’s best quotes. There is more to enjoy, as you can already find my favorite lines from all 14 books and the prequel. View them at your leisure by tapping the image links below:
Listen to The Shadow Rising
I like nothing more from an audiobook than listening to quotes like these being voiced by outstanding narrators. Kate Reading and Michael Kramer fit that bill for The Wheel of Time, so I recommend you listen to The Shadow Rising audiobook.
The link above or the following image will take you to my shopping page. It’s worth a look as there’s more content to enjoy there, too.
If you prefer, go to Amazon and listen to a sample of The Shadow Rising audiobook. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Since I’m in asking mode, I’ll also reiterate my request for your comments below this post. I’ve shown a sample of the best quotes from The Shadow Rising, and I need your help to complete my list. So, get commenting and tell me which inspiring lines are missing. I can’t wait to hear from you!
Until next time, may the Light shine on you, my friends!
Russell