Section 3: Trivial Pursuits: References, Sources, Allusions and Parallels

PLEASE NOTE: This version of the FAQ is now outdated; go directly to the current version or see the Welcome Page for more information. (November 2010)

This section contains information on and discussion of legends and myths which RJ may have used as source material and works which share similarities with TWOT.

"There are elements from Norse, Chinese, Japanese, and American Indian mythologies, to name just a few. I think it adds resonance to the story, although I've taken great care not to follow the older material in any slavish way. Occasionally, I will add in details here or there, and then discover that I have done something that is absolutely authentic to the myth I was working from." [Waldenbooks' 'zine Hailing Frequencies]

• 3.01 Judeo-Christian and Biblical Parallels
• 3.02 Norse Mythology
• 3.03 Greek and Roman Mythology
• 3.04 Celtic Myths
• 3.05 Arthurian Legend
• 3.06 The Fisher King
• 3.07 Dragon Legends
• 3.08 Asian Influences
• 3.09 Shadowspawn
• 3.10 Miscellaneous References
• 3.11 Similarities between The Wheel of Time and other SF (including Dune)
• 3.12 Is the world of Randland a future Earth?
• 3.13 The Aiel, Native Americans, and the Zulu
• 3.14 Real Nations' Influence on Randland

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