Does the Pattern (or fate if you like) have some limitations

[Caelan Arendor]

I guess the answer should be "yes". Men obviously have still their free will, though they might get a little (or larger) "nudge" into one direction or another. But the Pattern It cannot force individuals to act in a specific way.

The Pattern, however, creates powerful protagonists (above all the ta’veren) who possess considerable influence and can ‘give the Pattern a push,’ so to speak. This seems to create a kind of balance of power with the Dark One’s influence, don’t you think?

 

Greetings to all of you, vy 73 from

Caelan

[Elgee]

The Ta'varen never really made much sense to me. I try not to dwell on that whole side of the story because it's too implausible and will just spoil a story which I otherwise love.

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

I like the concept of ta'veren, it gives plot armour and nonsensical coincidence an actual meaning that fits with the lore and helps create a unique atmosphere. 

 

But yes, the Pattern in general cannot be looked into too far, imo. Because obviously people cannot have free will, they are woven in the Age Lace, not free to run amok. And while obviously there is some wriggle room, the Pattern is about balance. If one person chooses to be a Darkfriend and do many evil deeds, the Pattern must have balance, other must do good to even it out. I suppose you could see it as people pushing and pulling at the warp and weft of the Pattern, trying to be good or evil, and the Pattern either resists or gives way, depending on what everyone else is doing. Too many turning to the Shadow, the Pattern limits people's choices and successes in that. People finding the Light and having a love fest, much more room to commit evil acts. 

 

So maybe your will is your own, but your success in your choices limited. Like maybe you become a Darkfriend - or resist that choice - and then fall down the stairs the next day and break your neck, whereas someone who made the opposite choice lives into old age, spreading the Shadow or Light as you failed to do. 

[chiamac]

On 11/22/2025 at 9:51 AM, Elgee said:

The Ta'varen never really made much sense to me. I try not to dwell on that whole side of the story because it's too implausible and will just spoil a story which I otherwise love.

In the last book I think, finally, that Brandon Sanderson got a hold of that concept. However, it would have made more sense tying it into "the old blood" and having some of the girls share that. It seems he wanted some concept for those who can't channel to have some kind of powers, or who would be re-woven into the weave at times. It just gets much with all that's going on.