Get familiar with the world of The Wheel of Time

Caemlyn

"“Caemlyn is one of the most beautiful cities in the land, second only to Tar Valon, though its natives may argue that ranking. Like a gleaming crown upon its gently rolling hills, the city is actually made up of two sections, the New City, built well under two thousand years ago by the hands of man alone, and the ancient Inner City, much of which bears the mark of Ogier stonemasons. A great fifty-foot wall of silver white stone surrounds most of the official perimeter of the city, broken by tall round towers that flank massive arched gates. Outside the wall, buildings cluster thickly like lichen to a log, spreading outward from the glittering mosaic of the city in a gradual dispersion. Within its outer walls the city is laid out in a crazy quilt of streets and byways, with towers and domes gleaming white and gold in the sun.” – from The World of Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time, Chapter 27"

Caemlyn is the capital of Andor, the largest and most populous country in the region. Andor is the oldest nation formed after the collapse of an ancient empire and is now ruled by the noble House Trakand, which rules from the Royal Palace of Andor in the center of Caemlyn. At the time of our story, Queen Morgase Trakand sits on the Lion Throne.

A translated article from the Czech Republic revealed that Amazon would film in the village of Ploskovice, home to a stunning 18th century chateau. It’s possible this is the filming location for the Royal Palace.

Tar Valon

Tar Valon is a wondrous city built on an island on the River Erinin. Isolated by water, the only way to get in or out is through the city’s six main bridges that connect the island to the mainland. It is also within sight of A colossal monstrosity of a mountain called Dragonmount.

Rafe Judkins uploaded a picture to Instagram of the crew getting ready to film on a tall mountain. Is this Dragonmount?

Tar Valon is the home base of the Aes Sedai, a powerful order of sorceresses who exerts control over much of the world. And the most important building in Tar Valon is the White Tower, a residence and training ground for current and potential Aes Sedai. The warders who serve and protect these sorceresses are housed within the Tower as well. Everything on the island is ruled by the Amyrlin Seat, the chosen leader of the Aes Sedai sisters.

These sorceresses are able to manipulate flows of energy through a process known as “channeling.” This talent is uncommon, but most every girl who is able to channel even the slightest amount is found and brought to the Tower for training. Those who are unable to keep up are sent away and kept an eye on.

Across the continent, the people bend to Aes Sedai will, whether in fear or admiration. Aes Sedai are notorious for interfering politically in the squabbles of other nations, but they themselves have remained independent and outside any kingdom’s control.