Siuan Sanche is a character in The Wheel of Time television series, portrayed by English actress Sophie Okonedo.
Siuan Sanche was a Tairen Aes Sedai, and the former Amyrlin Seat before being deposed by Elaida do Avriny a'Roihan and executed on her orders by Alviarin Freidhen after she was falsely accused of being a Darkfriend and working with the Shadow to aid the Dragon Reborn.[1]
History[]
Early life[]
Siuan was born in a small village in the Fingers of the Dragon, on the outskirts of the City of Tear. She was a fisher girl, raised by her father, Berden Sanche. She began to display the ability to channel, and even though it was against the law for her to remain in Tear, Berden encouraged Siuan to practice channeling outside the village. However, one day, their house was burned down, and the Dragon's Fang was scrawled on the wreckage. Knowing that Siuan could no longer stay, Berden sent her up the River Erinin to Tar Valon on their fishing boat, and father and daughter tearfully said their goodbyes.[2]
Siuan arrived at the White Tower, with little being known of her past, other than that she arrived with no family or guardians as just a child. She was good friends with Moiraine Damodred and Alanna Mosvani as a novice and Accepted, also becoming the lover of Moiraine.[3][4][2] She showed promise and was quickly raised to the shawl, choosing the Blue Ajah. Moiraine and Siuan planned to serve out their time as Aes Sedai advisors to various nations before they could choose to retire and live together as lovers.[3][5]
At the end of the Aiel War, the Amyrlin Seat asked Siuan and Moiraine to deliver news about the peace to Gitara Moroso. However, at that very moment, Gitara had a powerful Foretelling about the Dragon's rebirth. Siuan and Moiraine were the only witnesses, and Gitara instructed them to tell no-one else.[2][6][5] Following this, the couple agreed that Moiraine would find the Dragon, while Siuan would prepare the Tower for their coming.[5]
For the next ten years, she mastered the intrigue of eyes and ears for the Blue Sitters. When Marith Jaen died, Siuan was chosen to be the next Amyrlin, at a very young age in Tower history.[3] She chose Leane Sharif as her Keeper of the Chronicles. Siuan remained the only Aes Sedai who knew of Moiraine's true mission to find the Dragon Reborn before the Dark. The two hid their relationship from the Tower, and it became common belief that they were adversaries.[2]
Season 1[]
Siuan is away in Caemlyn when Aes Sedai of the Red and Green Ajahs are dispatched to deal with the False Dragon, Logain Ablar. After hearing that Logain has been gentled outside the proper legal procedure after he attempted to break free, it is known that Siuan wishes to hold the Aes Sedai accountable upon her return to the Tower, and summons Moiraine, Alanna, and Liandrin to the Hall.[7]
She arrives in the Hall of the Tower, Leane announcing her arrival to the Sitters and the sisters involved in Logain's gentling. The False Dragon himself is brought before the Amyrlin, and Logain scornfully mocks the weakness of the Aes Sedai, and his killing of Kerene Nagashi. Though many are disgusted at his comments, Siuan sees through Logain, and tells him he shall be imprisoned for the rest of his life, to serve as an example for all False Dragons and male channelers. Logain begs for death as he is dragged away. Afterward, she questions Liandrin, Alanna, and Moiraine about the incident, dismissing all others from their party. Liandrin speaks of the necessity of gentle Logain after she broke free, and Alanna and Moiraine defend her, but Siuan reminds them all about the necessity of following Tower law. She tells Liandrin she is at fault for leading the sisters, and that she will think on her penance. Liandrin then brings up Moiraine's suspicious actions, such as traveling with the extremely powerful channeler Nynaeve al'Meara, and her many absences from the Tower. Maigan tells the Amyrlin that Moiraine's absences are business for the Blue Ajah, but Siuan questions Moiraine about her absences and their purposes. Moiraine refuses to comment on why she has been away from the Tower, and Siuan brings her to her knees, expressing her great anger at Moiraine's refusal to answer, telling her that she will think on Moiraine's judgment and deliver penance later.
At night, Siuan and Moiraine meet privately through use of ter'angreal, and Moiraine apologizes for making Siuan put on such a display. Moiraine approaches Siuan, and they kiss for the first time in two years, before spending the night together. After they are done, Moiraine tells Siuan that she found five potential Dragons in the same village, and discusses the uncertainties about the prophecies. Moiraine asks if they should bring other sisters into the mission, but Siuan notes that they will be stilled if anyone ever finds out. Siuan is more certain than Moiraine that the Karaethon Cycle and Gitara's Foretelling have the right answers, but agrees that the only certain truth is that the Dragon will either defeat the Dark One, or join him. When Moiraine asks what is wrong, Siuan tells her that she has been dreaming about the Dark One at the Eye of the World, and that he can be destroyed if they go simultaneously. Moiraine asks her how, as she does not know which of the five is the Dragon Reborn, but Siuan tells her to take them all, unsure that the others will necessarily perish if they come between the Dragon and the Dark One. Moiraine then asks her to be exiled, as Maigan has ordered her to stay in the Tower. They lament how they must part so soon, and kiss one another.
Siuan requests to see Nynaeve al'Meara and Egwene al'Vere, and Moiraine asks them to be brought to her. She introduces to herself warmly and informally, and remarks that Nynaeve is apparently the most powerful channeler the Tower has seen in a thousand years, also praising the bravery of Egwene for recovering the Great Serpent rings from the Children of the Light. When Nynaeve rudely asks Siuan what she wants, she frowns and tells the two girls that they have been called to greatness by the Wheel of Time itself.
When the Hall of the Tower next convenes, Moiraine kneels before Siuan, who formally exiles her from the Tower. Siuan has her swear to this upon the Oath Rod itself, and has tears in her eyes when their fingertips touch, and Moiraine repeats Siuan's instructed oath in a manner which hints at her deeply held love and affection for her. When the words were said, Siuan instructed her to face her sisters, who had turned away from Moiraine, and told her to leave the Tower.[2]
Season 2[]
Siuan has left Tar Valon again by Bel Tine 999 NE, leaving Leane in charge of the White Tower.[8] Lan convinces Alanna, Maksim, and Ihvon to let him go to Siuan, and he meets her on the road. He tells her of the situation with Moiraine, that she has been stilled, and about Rand being alive.[9]
Siuan has fourteen Aes Sedai accompany her to the City of Cairhien, where she reunites with Moiraine and speaks with Rand al'Thor. She informs Rand that by Tower law, she is to apprehend and hold him as a weapon in the Last Battle. She shields Rand, and he is kept shielded and put into a cell with Moiraine. When Lanfear begins burning the Foregate, Siuan links with the other Aes Sedai to bring rain to help extinguish the fires. Leane, who had been shielding Rand, comes to her and says that Siuan asked for her and Verin was holding Rand's shield. Siuan realizes what is going on. She leaves Leane in charge of the Aes Sedai in order to heal the injured. Siuan catches up to Moiraine, Rand, and Lan at the Waygate in Cairhien. She sees that Moiraine is able to channel and believes Moiraine has lied to her. She uses Moiraine's oath to her to force her to close the Waygate. Lanfear arrives and knocks Siuan aside. Moiraine looks sadly back at Siuan, but she chooses to leave Siuan and go into the Ways with Rand, Lan, and Lanfear.[10]
Season 3[]
Siuan is initially shown convening the Hall without the Red Ajah, who are temporarily barred on her orders, to put Liandrin Guirale on trial for being a dark friend. This is further corroborated by Nynaeve al'Meara, who is called to the floor.
Relationships[]
Moiraine Damodred[]
Siuan and Moiraine are lovers, and have known each other intimately since the time they trained together in the Tower. They are able to confide in one another about anything, and work closely together on their secret mission to find the Dragon Reborn. But this means they must keep the relationship a complete secret from the Tower, and many believe they are now adversaries. In order to conceal their true dealings and mission, they publicly play up people's perception of their dislike of one another, as well as potential rivalry and any differences, such as their origins (Moiraine coming from high nobility, and Siuan being a modest fisherman's daughter). Moiraine's dedication to personally locating the Dragon Reborn means that the couple is often separated for very long periods, and the pair wishes for a time when they can truly be together for as long as they wish. Being doomed in this life, the pair swore to find each other as many times as necessary in their future lives, proving that their love is stronger than the wheel.
Physical appearance[]
Siuan has dark skin, dark brown eyes, and curly dark brown hair. Her regalia as Amyrlin sports a neutral palette, usually in bright or pale gold, which speaks to her impartiality and elevated status among the Aes Sedai. When she is presiding over the Hall of the Tower, she incorporates the colors of all seven Ajahs in the Stole around her neck.
Siuan has had elaborate tattoos since childhood, which represent both her life and a map to navigate the Fingers of the Dragon.[11]
Abilities[]
Siuan is an extremely strong channeler. She is matched in the One Power by very few sisters of the Aes Sedai, Moiraine being among her equals.[7] She also has the Talent of Foretelling. She is sent visions of the future in her dreams.[3]
Appearances[]
Siuan Sanche appears in the following episodes:
| The Wheel of Time appearances | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 episodes | m | m | m | ✔ | m | |||
| Season 2 episodes | m | m | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
| Season 3 episodes | ✔ | ✔ | m | ✔ | ✔ |
Quotes[]
- Siuan
- — Siuan to Nynaeve and Egwene, 1.06 The Flame of Tar Valon
The Wheel... does not care if you are young or afraid, petty or weak. It certainly doesn't care what you want. The Wheel calls you to this. Whether you can bear it or not. The Last Battle is coming. What any of us wants now is... meaningless. The only thing that matters... is what you do.
Trivia[]
- Siuan is one of the confirmed LGBT+ characters in The Wheel of Time.
- Siuan's tattoos were designed by Violeta Bendis (Instagram) with input from Justine Juel Gillmer, Rafe Judkins, and Sarah Nakamura.[12]
Changes from the book series[]
Siuan is an adaptation of the character of the same name 
(book spoilers!) from the book series.
Gallery[]
[]
| Characters |
|---|
        Padan Fain • Liandrin Guirale • Alanna Mosvani • Logain Ablar • Maksim • Ihvon • Min Farshaw • Loial • Siuan Sanche • Leane Sharif • Ishamael • Verin Mathwin • Lanfear • Anvaere Damodred • Dain Bornhald • Aviendha • Gitara Moroso • Moghedien • Elaida do Avriny a'Roihan • Faile Bashere • Season 1 characters • Season 2 characters • Season 3 characters • see all |
References[]
- ↑ Twitter: “Her blue eyes brooked no nonsense, and her firm jaw spoke of the determination of the youngest woman ever to be chosen Amyrlin Seat.” Please welcome Sophie Okonedo as Siuan Sanche. #WOTonPrime August 19, 2020.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 The Wheel of Time, season 1 episode 6: The Flame of Tar Valon.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Official X-Ray for Prime Video: The Wheel of Time, under the "Characters" section (login required), section labeled "Siuan Sanche". Retrieved December 10, 2021.
- ↑ Official X-Ray for Prime Video: The Wheel of Time, under the "Characters" section (login required), section labeled "Alanna Mosvani". Retrieved November 26, 2021.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 The Wheel of Time, season 2 episode 7: Daes Dae'mar.
- ↑ TVline. The Wheel of Time: Rosamund Pike Talks Moiraine's High-Stakes Romance, New Worlds About to Be Visited. December 10, 2021.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 The Wheel of Time, season 1 episode 5: Blood Calls Blood.
- ↑ The Wheel of Time, season 2 episode 1: A Taste of Solitude.
- ↑ The Wheel of Time, season 2 episode 6: Eyes Without Pity.
- ↑ The Wheel of Time, season 2 episode 7: Daes Dae'mar.
- ↑ Trivia for The Wheel of Time, season 1 episode 6: The Flame of Tar Valon.
- ↑ Justine Juel Gillmer posted on Twitter: "BTS on #WOT: Siuan's tattoos were designed (with a little help from me, @sarahenakamura and @rafejudkins) by the extraordinary Violeta Bendis." December 14, 2021.