In the books, the Dragon Reborn is a prophecy that instills fear amongst many civilizations on account of the horrors committed by Lews Therin thousands of years ago. He had no firsthand knowledge of his old life or his fight with the Dark One. Rand had lived his whole life in a small village not knowing that he was actually Lews Therin reborn as a new person.

Eventually, it was discovered that the Dragon Reborn was reborn as a sheepherder named Rand al’Thor. Supposedly, he possesses the capability to defeat the Dark One. The Dragon Reborn is important because he’s the reincarnation of Lews Therin Telamon aka The Dragon, who has a reputation as the most powerful channeler of the One Power in all of history. Related: Wheel Of Time: Aes Sedai Explained (History, Origin, Powers & Members) The goals of both sides hinge on the Dragon Reborn, whose identity is a great mystery in the first installment. The Aes Sedai primarily use the One Power for good, whereas the minions of the Dark One use it to further their evil ambitions. Both the books’ heroes and the villains use the One Power to wage war with each other. Much of what transpires in the books is built around the One Power, a force that fuels some of the characters with powerful abilities. Jordan’s Wheel of Time books introduced readers to all sorts of characters, locations, and concepts. Amazon’s new show is set in a vast and unique fantasy world born from the mind of Robert Jordan.

The Dragon Reborn by Robert Jordan