Nynaeve tapped into the One Power in an incredible wayinThe Wheel of Time’sseason 3 finale, raising questions about her previous limitations. Nynaeve and Egwene were recruited by Moiraine to become Aes Sedai after leaving the Two Rivers due to their innately powerful access to the One Power.The Wheel of Time’smagic systemcan be trained and sharpened, but every channeler comes with an intangible affinity for their power source. Nynaeve is immensely strong, but she hasn’t been able to consistently demonstrate her chops despite being an Accepted.
The One Power has specific qualities for men and women who can channel. Women access the female half, saidar, whichthe Aes Sedaimust “surrender to” to wield it. Nynaeve is a profoundly strong-willed person, which creates a notable challenge when attempting to surrender to a metaphysical power source. In the books, it’s explained thatshe developed a channeling block due to using the One Power incidentally as a Wisdom in the Two Rivers, healing people without knowing.
How Nynaeve Was Able To Break Her Channeling Block
Nynaeve Surrendered To The One Power
Throughout the TV show so far,Nynaeve has struggled to access the One Powerwithout being angry.The Wheel of Timeseason 3’s endingfeatures a scene whereNynaeve finds herself in a perilous situation, and she manages to break her channeling block. Since this scene is fairly accurate to the books, though at a different point in the timeline of events, it’s worth exploring how Robert Jordan described her success. The following is fromA Crown of Swords:
“And with hope gone, flickering on the edge of consciousness like a guttering candle flame,she did something she had never done before in her life. She surrendered completely.”
While drowning underwater at the hands of the Forsaken Moghedian, Nynaeve surrenders herself to death. In this moment,she truly believes she is going to die and accepts the fact, and by doing so, she permits herself to finally access the One Power. Only by ceasing control and surrendering can she utilize her inherent strength, breaking the block. Nynaeve is now an immensely powerful channeler.
Nynaeve’s Strength Has Drastically Grown
Image via Prime Video
Now that Nynaeve has her total access to the One Power, her story is going to shift inThe Wheel of Timeseason 4. With the ability to channel at a whim,she’s a far more significant threat in any given situation, making her incredibly useful to her allies and a danger to the Dark One. It will be exciting to see Nynaeve in the forefront as a champion to her friends and fellow Aes Sedai. After the Breaking of the Tower andSiuan Sanche’s death, she’ll be needed more than ever.
