Demandred

Demandred (deh-MAN-drehd ^[1]) (Originally known as Barid Bel Medar) is one of the primary antagonists of the Wheel of Time fantasy series by Robert Jordan. He is one of the Forsaken.

Origin

"Almost" is the story of Barid Bel Medar's life. He was born one day after Lews Therin Telamon, almost his age. He was almost as handsome, other than his hawk nose. He was the second most acclaimed man of the Age of Legends, holding high offices and writing books, though not quite as high or successfully as Lews Therin. For this reason he hated Lews Therin with every ounce of himself, more so than Sammael, thinking him a lucky fool. He also once desired Lews Therin's wife, Ilyena.

Age of Legends

Barid Bel turned out to be a great general for the Light. He was a gambler, who played the odds with strategic vision and tactical flair. When Lews Therin Telamon became commander of the forces of the Light, Demandred could no longer contain his hatred. He turned to the Shadow in the third year of the War of Power, becoming one of the Dark One's best generals.

Third Age

Since escaping from the seal, he has been scheming with Mesaana and Semirhage. Other than apparently ordering the death of Rand al'Thor at least once, his plans have yet to be revealed. His whereabouts and cover identity are totally unknown, making him the last Forsaken to retain total anonymity as of the series' final three volumes, A Memory of Light.

While visiting Graendal in Arad Doman, Sammael comments that events in the South had Demandred's mark all over them, without clearly marking which 'south' he refers to. As of The Gathering Storm, it has been stated that Demandred is "gathering for war" and that his "rule is secure".

Identity

He bears some resemblance to Mazrim Taim,^[2] M'hael of the Black Tower. This theory has been thoroughly debunked.^[3] Robert Jordan has also stated that as of The Knife of Dreams, Demandred's alter ego has not appeared "on camera".^[4] Further proof in the books can be seen when Demandred engages Asha'man Damer Flinn in battle during the Winter's Heart, Demandred does not recognize Flinn. Mazrim Taim also held a seal to the prison of the Dark One, and as one of the Forsaken, Demandred would not be likely to leave it intact unless he has his own secret.

References

1. ^ Dragon Mount
2. ^ [1]
3. ^ http://linuxmafia.com/jordan/1_dark/1.1_forsaken1/1.1.5_taimandred.html
4. ^ http://forums.dragonmount.com/index.php?topic=54235.0