Just ambitious, or darkfriend or even more?

[Caelan Arendor]

I began pondering quite early how Mazrim Taim ought to be classified. He was a formidable channeler; Jordan describes him as nearly Rand’s equal in strength, and one who proclaimed himself the Dragon Reborn.

 

After his capture by the Aes Sedai, he was later freed. I cannot recall the precise details of that release, yet the question remains: how could he have managed it? If the Black Ajah were involved, then Taim would, with near certainty, be a darkfriend.

 

In time he was installed as instructor and leader of the Asha’man in the Black Tower, assuming the title of M’Hael. He embodies both the dark allure of power and the precariousness of the Asha’man, who waver perpetually between loyalty and betrayal.

 

Should he in truth have been one of the Forsaken in disguise, I would very much like to know which. Any thoughts of your own?

[JyP]

There used to be a big theory about 'Taimandred' - Demandred was seen as a prime candidate, when the books were still an ongoing series: Confirming A 30-Year-Old Book Theory Would Solve One Of Wheel Of Time's Biggest Forsaken Problems