“Within the Order of the Children of the Light, are there disproportionately many followers of the Dark One, and if so, what might explain this?”

[Caelan Arendor]

Within the Order of the Children of the Light, are there disproportionately many followers of the Dark One, and if so, what might explain this?”

 

Within The Wheel of Time, there are indeed strong hints that the Children of the Light contain a disproportionately high number of Darkfriends. Not because the entire order is corrupt, but because its structure and ideology create fertile ground for hidden servants of the Shadow.

 

Orthodox movements built upon a rigid dogmatic framework tend to foster a sense of superiority over all who do not belong to their organisation or creed. This, in turn, breeds a constant mistrust of others; one begins to suspect betrayal and conspiracy everywhere. The moral framework is placed in jeopardy, and ethical principles are cast aside. The Children fight the Shadow, but they do so with harshness, fear, and oppression. Such an environment allows anyone already inclined to overstep moral boundaries to remain hidden with ease. The power granted to them — or seized by them — tempts them to increase it further by currying favour with whoever appears strongest, or claims to be. The Dark One promises immense, unbounded power to those who serve him