JORDANCON 2016 SYMBOLISM PRESENTATION

By Linda

The Wheel of Time is steeped in symbolism - layers and layers of it, like an onion.


Here is a copy of the presentation I gave at JordanCon 2016 on symbolism in the series.





For further reading, there is my essay on Robert Jordan and Freemasonry


I have written detailed analyses of some of the different forms of symbolism:


Animal Symbolism


Number Symbolism


Alchemical Symbolism


even the Inns are symbolic:

Post #3 for JordanCon 2011

By Linda


Goldwork Embroidery Workshop
























First thing on Sunday morning was my workshop on how to apply gold and silver thread and coils (purls) onto fabric to embellish costumes, particularly dresses (I'm wearing an example of my work, see photos above) and coats. In earlier times the gold coils were real gold wire and the thread was made out of thin strips of gold wrapped around a silk core, and only nobles could afford such expensive materials and the skilled needleworker that applied them. The silver tarnished eventually and turned black after some years. These days we have synthetic gold thread, usually metallised polyamide or similar.

My students all were experienced at embroidery and they learned the techniques quickly. They were a lovely class and I really enjoyed demonstrating for them.


Black Tower and Red Blood

The dark doings at the Black Tower have spawned almost as many theories as the death of Asmodean. Most attendees agreed that channellers are being turned to the Shadow by a circle of 13 with 13 Myrddraal. Some think that Taim was one, if not the, first of these. But Taim’s eyes are not dead as the turned channellers are. Logain said in Knife of Dreams News for the Dragon that Taim was so eager to learn where Rand was that:

His eyes were practically on fire.

We also talked about Logain being missing, and the six Reds and Androl. Tarna has been turned and Javindhra is probably Black.

Many readers are exasperated that Rand has not gone to the Black Tower to find out what is going on. Most of what is happening there is very obviously being held over to the last book.


Last Theory Panel

The last WOT panel for JordanCon was billed as the Last Theory Panel Ever, but since A Memory of Light is not likely to be published before the next JordanCon it won’t be. It was the place to discuss anything that fans felt the previous panels didn’t touch on enough. The role of Lanfear/Cyndane in the next books and the degree to which Moridin is controlling her was a major topic of discussion.

I finished JordanCon quite exhausted but had a great time. The only thing I wish was that we all had more time to sit and chat.

Now I’m in New York for about a week to walk a lot, and visit museums and (book) shops. Less than 4 months until WorldCon in Reno!

Post #2 for JordanCon 2011

By Linda


This recount of day 2 at JordanCon is brought to you from New York City where I will be holidaying/resting for a week or so.

Bright and early on Saturday I helped costumer Pinky Shear on her “The Devil’s In the Details” costume panel. She is a brilliant designer and creator of costumes as was evident in the work she displayed. Her aim was to give advice on how to make a more authentic-looking, yet flattering, costume:

• Take into account your body type and personality when choosing the character or national dress you wish to emulate.


• Appropriate accessories are essential for a really believable look. Pinky recommends using my costume article and the period paintings it contains.


• Drapery fabric is a good choice for costuming because it stands up to the wear well. Besides, in earlier times they used heavier fabrics than we do these days.


• Using a lot of a cheaper fabric and highlights of a more expensive fabric makes costuming a lot more economical. So you can make more costumes! Or buy more books!


• Appliquing motifs, stripes, braid or decorative ribbon can add interest or contrast. A small amount of a different colour in your costume can really give it a lift.

Aviendha’s visit to the Waste panel

Matt Hatch, Amanda Keene and I discussed Aviendha’s trip to Rhuidean in Towers of Midnight. We had heaps to say, and so did the audience, which is as it should be! We could have gone on twice as long.

For instance, was Nakomi really there, or in Aviendha’s dream, or in Tel’aran’rhiod? Is/was she a Wise One, or Verin, or a Forsaken? Myself, I think she was a Wise One.

And what of the glass columns? Amanda made the great suggestion that they have sentience. Others think they work via need, as Tel’aran’rhiod does.

Were Aviendha’s visions a Foretelling or a possible future? Do the Seanchan take over the world no matter what Aviendha does?

I think that the Aiel will break over whether to be warriors or peacekeepers and the Seanchan will break over sul’dam being able to learn to channel and whether to continue to collar damane.


News of A Memory of Light

I was not surprised to learn that A Memory of Light will probably be out later in 2012 rather than earlier. (Northern hemisphere autumn/fall, say, rather than spring). Not rushing the book is a very good idea.

Post #1 for JordanCon 2011

By Linda


What with 20 hour flights, jetlag and the onrush of events at JordanCon, I’ve had little time to post anything since Monday.

I’m delighted to say that I’ve met up with so many WOT friends from last year, plus some new ones. At dinner on Thursday I sat next to the JordanCon guest of honour David Coe, who is awesome, and also met the ever entertaining Leigh Butler or Tor.Com. Among the many things discussed over dinner was publishing trends in fantasy, especially changes in book length, something of great interest to Brandon Sanderson. I was amazed to learn that David Coe and his family spent a year in my own home town in Australia (which isn’t a major city, so that is quite unexpected). Good news is that Brandon is coming to Australia about May/June next year.

The Con was opened on Friday afternoon by Richard Fife with lots of really fun participation from guest participants and Con goers.

Jason Denzel, Leigh Butler, Amanda Keene (of Tarvalon.net) and I were on the Towers of Midnight review panel straight after. One thing we were asked was whether we liked Towers of Midnight or The Gathering Storm more than the other. Jason loved the close focus on two characters of The Gathering Storm. Leigh liked Towers of Midnight. It’s a tough call though, because neither book is independent of the other. There was lots of audience participation, which was great and many good points were made. All agreed that Perrin’s hammer forging was the best scene. Many thought that Mat’s scene was predictable because it was foreshadowed so much.

The next panel I attended was the Boom Boom panel, where Alan Romanczuk and I talked about historic development of cannon and gunpowder versus how this is being shown in the series. In the Wheel of Time world, it’s the military organisation which is furtherest behind in development. The Whitecloaks are from the medieval era and so is the lack of gunpowder weapons. Other technologies and organisations are further along: there are a few renaissance influences, but most are 17th to early 19th century. The audience had lots of creative ideas for using channellers to protect the gunpowder weapons or to make gateways to assist in their deployment. The appropriate length and thickness of the cannon were also much discussed.

Next there was an interlude for dinner during which we had spectacularly stormy weather, with hail and very heavy downpours. Some people flying to the Con that evening suffered lengthy delays to their flights.

The Looney Theories panel – brought to us by Theoryland and Team Moiraine - matched up to last year’s inaugural version. The two top looney theories were 1) that the Song will be used to kill the Dark One and 2) that Min will conceive babies which will gateway into Aviendha’s womb to join Aviendha’s two already there (2+2...) to fulfil her viewing that Aviendha will have 4 babies at once. Third most popular was that Cenn Buie is the Dark One.

Three Days to JordanCon!

By Linda


In nine hours' time, at dawn, I shall be off to the airport to fly to Atlanta and JordanCon. My husband accompanies me this time. Consequently, what with being in transit, then recovering from the journey and jetlag, I shall not be posting until JordanCon starts on Friday. I will then post regular short updates on what is happening at the convention and hopefully what new information is revealed about the series.

After the convention we have a weeks' holiday in New York, plus we shall meet up with Old Salt, who posts here on the blog sometimes.

JordanCon 2011 panels - a couple to whet your appetite!

By Linda



Here are fuller descriptions of two of the Wheel of Time panels at JordanCon 2011 Atlanta from April 15th-17th.

Black Tower and Red Blood

Bullying, cronyism, impenetrable barriers, mysterious disappearances and even more mysterious identities: it’s all happening at the Black Tower. Who is Taim really? What is going on in his palace? How will the Tower be rent in fire and blood? Come and tell us your theory and hear ours.


The Boom-Boom Panel

Gunpowder itself, matches, early grenades, and mortars have been developed so far. True cannon are just around the corner. What other brilliant things will Aludra invent? What brilliant tactics will Mat use to deploy them? What problems will they face? Will cannon be used against damane as well as Shadowspawn and Dreadlords? Have your say.

Details on JordanCon are here.


Hope to see you there!

23 Days to JordanCon 2011 in Atlanta

By Linda


Yesterday the hardworking and inventive JordanCon team released the preliminary JordanCon program and there’s lots of interesting items lined up, including:

• an entirely new track devoted to gaming;


• a writer's track where you can meet authors, learn writing skills and find out how A Memory of Light is going;


• panels on the Tower of Ghenjei, the Black Tower (which I’ll be leading), Aviendha’s experiences in the Waste, gunpowder weapons;


• Mat Hatch of Theoryland will preside over the last WOT theory panel ever – if A Memory of Light is published before next April, I guess;


• Saturday’s costume contest, social and charity auction for the Mayo clinic,
and

• workshops on costuming, metal embroidery, sword forms and Warder training.

You can even audition for Dragonmmount’s WOT video(!).

There really will be heaps to do.
























After a little online shopping, I finally have all the metal threads and purls (coils of metal) in silver and gold (see my haul in the photo below left) to take for the embroidered heron I’ll be doing and am preparing samples and the motif. The photos above are of two herons I sewed last year. The heron is suitable for ornamenting a blademaster’s collar, but the techniques learned can be applied to any costume, male or female.

My Taraboner silk dress below right has gold metal thread and purls across the bodice. I still haven't made a transparent half-veil for it yet!

Post #3 of 3 Last JordanCon things

By Linda

Once I made the decision to go to JordanCon, I decided to enter into the swing of things and make a costume. I wanted to do something original, yet fun and in the spirit of the series - my take on things, in other words. Being rather busy with blog posts, embroidery commitments for exhibitions and real life (family, work) I also didn’t want to spend a lot of time on it. Maximum results from minimum effort seemed like a good idea.



Since I was travelling internationally, I decided on the Taraboner style which is fairly formfitting, because it would use less fabric and require no complicated underwear and so would weigh less. (And considering how many books I’ve bought this was a brilliant idea). Choice of colour was easy: red and black, Moridin’s colours, referring to my Taim is Moridin theory. I already had a suitable red and black top and so only had to make a skirt and a shawl. I even had suitable jewellery: a necklace of dark grey shiny iron ore beads. The ore appears metallic yet is blood red in powdered form. The symbolism seemed right.

























The skirt didn’t take long to make; it’s a simple style in a non-crushable black fabric. I already had made a black shawl for another occasion and the fabric was really apt, being a machine-embroidered ground of roses. I removed its beaded fringe and replaced it with one of black and red wool. Then came the flame – or should it be dragon’s fang? I decided on ambivalence as you can see in the photos. I had seen an eighteenth century costume detail of a corded motif oversewn with a complementary thread. So I outlined the flame/fang with shiny black cord and embroidered it with the same red wool used in the fringe. My costume was complete!

I saw many excellent costumes at the Con – lovely embroidered shawls and dresses, wonderfully Constructed creatures, convincing main characters. Jason of Dragonmount was Rand in beaten up mode, with a positively necrotic looking side wound and all.

Post #2 of 3 Last JordanCon Things

By Linda

Having travelled so far to come to JordanCon and the east coast of the US and endured considerable jetlag, I realised something new about Travelling in WOT. Channellers move from Cairhien to Seanchan or from Arad Doman to the Aiel Waste and the only tiredness they might feel is from the channelling effort. Moving instantly from place to place might seem fantastical, but doing so without any disturbance to circadian rhythms? Now that’s fantasy.

Another thing is that no character has changed hemispheres onscreen in the books as I did. It was awful losing my sense of direction due to the shadows pointing the wrong way: I literally lost the sun. Normally I have an excellent sense of direction but with the sun's location reversed, I had to consciously work out where east or west must be. Adapting took me about as long as it took to recover from jetlag.

And Sunday night I do it all over again for the return trip...the LONGER return trip!

Post #1 of 3 Last JordanCon Things

By Linda

At the Con, I was surprised when Alan of Team Jordan asked a question of me, rather than the other way.

Alan: This is something I’ve been wanting to know and have been trying to get confirmed or not: is it true that Australians eat fruit sandwiches?

Me, feeling like Aviendha meeting the Sea Folk, but in NO way claiming to look like her, alas: ???

Alan: You know...pineapple, banana...

Me, oh that fruit!: Yes, it’s quite true. When I was at high school grated cheddar cheese and pineapple sandwiches were popular in the school canteen. My mother still eats banana sandwiches. Neither are common these days though.

And I think he’s going to try the banana sandwich at least, because he asked how to make one. So, in the interest of education, even potentially dangerous education, here are the instructions:

Banana sandwich: Use sandwich loaf. Butter the two slices of bread to your taste. Slice the banana diagonally to get long elipses about half cm/quarter inch thick and place on a slice. If you have a really sweet tooth you can sweeten it further with a little sugar (not usually done). Add top slice. Eat straight away because the banana oxidises rapidly.

Cheese and pineapple sandwich: Butter the slices of bread, grate the cheddar cheese. Open a tin (or can, whatever you call it) of crushed pineapple and drain thoroughly. Assemble a layer of cheese and then pineapple on the bread. Put top slice on. Again, it has to be eaten promptly, because the pineapple will make the sandwich soggy after a while, and soggy sandwiches are an abomination. It tastes sweet, salty and sour all at the same time.

JordanCon Report

By Linda

First up, I want to thank the JordanCon team for letting me be a panelist. It was an honour.


All the sessions I attended, including the ones at which I was a panelist, had strong audience participation with thoughtful observations and questions.


The JordanCon schedule offered much to choose from, resulting in some unfortunate clashes at times. For instance, Brandon Sanderson’s book signing coincided with the Future of the Franchise session. Which to attend??


At the opening ceremony Theoryland took over by arresting Jason of Dragonmount for crimes against WOT fandom (falsely claiming to have thrown his Magic the Gathering card game against Brandon). Having staged his coup, Matt Hatch got to the business of welcoming us all, and introducing the guests.


On my first panel, which was about Real World Influences with Alan and Maria of Team Jordan and Aubree and Rachel of JordanCon team, I picked up a couple of new sources of names. Much interesting stuff was discussed about the non-European sources used and also about WOT costume. Alan and Maria noted how things RJ had seen would turn up later in the books: for instance, the olive groves of Altara were originally seen on a Mediterranean holiday.


The Loony Theories were impressively loony, believe me. The top 3 contenders were: “Cadsuane is Moiraine”, ”Min is being manipulated by Moridin” and “The Finns are aliens and the Tower of Ghenjei is a spaceship”. The Cadsuane theory was voted looniest despite spirited attempts to tamper with the voting by devotees of the evil Min theory.


All participants at the Minor Characters session were agreed that RJ’s minor characters were not mere backdrops or props but had independent lives of their own and underwent character development. Someone asked for a definition of a minor character and Maria said it was one that was absent for more than one consecutive book. Many minor characters were discussed - from Uno to Teslyn - but of course they were only the tip of the iceberg.


Future Books: The main series and the Encyclopedia will be completed and then Harriet will decide if she wants the prequel novels written - one about Tam’s experiences as a soldier and finding Rand, and one about Moiraine’s hunt for the Dragon Reborn and how she arrived in the nick of time in the Two Rivers - with Tam's adventures just before finding Rand and one with Moraine and Lan just before they arrive in the Two Rivers in the nick of time – or the later novel about Mat and Tuon in Seanchan. If the novels are written, Brandon will be the writer to keep the voice consistent.


The book signing: Brandon signed books he had written, and Harriet books she had edited. Due to having to travel light I didn’t bring any books with me, so I got the complimentary WOT map and JordanCon program signed by both Brandon and Harriet. Terez waited until the end and got her entire collection of the books signed.


Websites: Jason Denzel and Jennifer Liang of Dragonmount, Matt Hatch of Theoryland, Melissa Craib of Tarvalon, Bob Kluttz of EncyWot and myself were panellists. It was astonishing how many long-lasting WOT websites were born in 1998-9. Dragonmount and Theoryland were first, but the others all followed thick and fast. Wotmania too was created in that year, and though it closed last year, this blog was a rebirthing of its FAQ and Wotboard re-through posts. We had our first birthday last month on the Ides of March.


Mat and Perrin: I really enjoyed this session on the two essential supporters of Rand, and was honoured to be on the panel with Maria and Jakob. Rand is number one, but then so was Lews Therin, and look what happened to him. Like a tripod, the three ta'veren will support the world and the battle against the Shadow:

He shall hold a blade of light in his hand and the three shall be as one.

- The Gathering Storm, Reading the Commentary.

All aspects of Mat and Perrin were discussed – strengths, weaknesses and contributions to the plot. Alas, I had to leave this excellent discussion early to catch a plane.


Towers of Midnight: The JordanCon program included a preliminary Towers of Midnight cover by Daryl Sweet of two men watching a third scratch a triangle on a white wall with a brown blade...partially obscured by a black bar containing the words “Cover not final”. The Tower of Ghenjei mission! There were errors on the cover: Mat had a red headband, as though he was a siswai’aman, instead of his trademark hat, there was only one white haired man, instead of two (;)) and the inscribed triangle was pointing in the wrong direction.

I was surprised they chose a spoilerish cover when the identity of third person to rescue Moiraine is not confirmed in any previous book. But it will certainly make fans eager.

Regarding the Towers of Midnight schedule, Brandon Sanderson twittered today:

I am revising a chapter of TofM while I wait for my assistant to bring me papers to grade. Deadline to get the book in has been set: Aug 17.

There is a post on the blog Forums here listing all Q&As that I heard or have discovered.

Costuming: The excellent costuming track ensured there were many costume enthusiasts at the Con. Or maybe it was the other way :). I had a great time exchanging information and discussing costume history and construction with fellow crafty folk. I brought my WOT embroideries with me too and they contain some embroidery materials rarely seen in the US. So I will be emailing a couple of embroiderers with links to sources of materials when I return home. The Society of Creative Anachronism recognised a kindred spirit in me and suggested I join. I’m sure it would be fun, but I do so many activities already!

The costuming culminated in the Homecoming Dance, where there were many terrific outfits, some very original and detailed, notably the Nym, Trolloc and Myrddraal.

I'm so glad I came; I had a blast. Everyone made me feel so welcome. If you are thinking of going to JordanCon next year, I can thoroughly recommend it.

JordanCon Eve

By Linda

Having fun in Atlanta! The weather is good, the people are welcoming. Well worth the agony of the 20 hour flight and 31 hours with no sleep.

Last night I had dinner with Brandon, Harriet and Maria and the other wonderful people making major contributions to JordanCon who were able to attend. Since the Con is yet to start proper we didn't talk much WOT. It's true. It was more of a meeting or reunion.

Brandon did talk about the way he works though, especially regarding writing WOT. He stressed that he doesn't know the minutiae of the series like RJ did. Nor does Brandon store the details of any of the worlds he writes about in his head, he prefers the computer. He leaves his headspace free to concentrate on the writing and the characters’ personalities and motivations. For WOT, Brandon learns what he needs to write sections of the series, writes them and moves on to the next sections. That’s how he works. The WOT world isn’t his world and would take a lot of study to master all the details, and that would delay the books.

What RJ could do and did do, answering all sorts of questions about details on the spot, was precious and irreplaceable. Moreover RJ had a lot of information about the series written down, but a lot more was in his head.

JordanCon 2010 - the Wheel of Time fan convention. Irresistible!

by Linda

In a little over three months, JordanCon 2010 will be held at Crowne Plaza Ravinia in Atlanta, Georgia from April 23 to 25. Great news is that Brandon Sanderson, Harriet McDougal, and Wilson Grooms will be there, as will two non-Wheel of Time authors: David Wong (John Dies at the End) and Jana G. Oliver (Time Rovers series). There will be discussion on the Wheel of Time of course (copious discussion, I should think), plus a writer’s workshop, forum, games, contests, costuming including weapons, dealer’s hall, Seanchan Ball, and a charity Poker night and silent auction to raise money for amyloidosis.

I’m very much looking forward to it!

The JordanCon team have done a wonderful job organising. If you want to know more, here’s the progress report.

Videos from JordanCon now available for download

Wheel of Time Role Playing/Writing site Portal Stones has made the videos their admin Roga has recorded during JordanCon available for download on their website.

Pay a visit to this community, the 'An hour with the Rigneys' and 'Team Jordan Panel' videos are especially recommended. (And no, Roga has not taped the reading from the prologue, in respect of Harriet Rigney's wishes)

Thanks to Roga for his generosity and taking the time to upload these videos for all of us who couldn't attend.