Unlike Tolkien, it is difficult if not impossible to pin down particular mythic traditions in Jordan’s work. Tolkien made no secret of his interest in ancient British and Norse mythology—indeed, Frodo is named for a Norse hero. But although there are some typical hero features to Rand al’Thor, Jordan’s main character, who, interestingly, makes only brief appearances in this latest book, the other leading characters don’t have perceivable mythological analogs.
When this is brought to his attention, Jordan chuckles. “Then I’ve done it correctly. I was terrified various bits of mythology would be too obvious. I wanted it to be bits and pieces. I certainly didn’t want to do any simply lifting of myths or legends. There are hundreds of books on King Arthur. There doesn’t need to be another one.”
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