Did Brandon Sanderson Rewrite The Wheel of Time Series?

The short answer to the question of whether Brandon Sanderson rewrote The Wheel of Time series is a definitive no. Instead, Sanderson completed the series posthumously by adding the final three books, while maintaining the original vision and style of Robert Jordan, the series' original author.

Overview of The Wheel of Time Series

The Wheel of Time series is a monumental series of epic fantasy novels by Robert Jordan, which chronicles the battles between good and evil in a richly detailed world. The series is renowned for its intricate plot, extensive world-building, and long-term narrative scope.

Robert Jordan's Plans and Progress

Robert Jordan had meticulously outlined the final chapters of the series in a series of notes and draft chapters. Jordan had even written the final scene for the original planned trilogy, as documented in his manuscript titled A Memory of Light.

Why a Trilogy?

Owing to the complexity and scope of the series, Jordan believed that his original plan would be too large to be published as a single volume. Therefore, he devised an outline that eventually led to the composition of three books that would serve to bring the series to a close.

Brandon Sanderson's Involvement

After Robert Jordan's passing, the task of completing the series was entrusted to Brandon Sanderson, who, although not the original author, shares a passion for the fantasy genre and was renowned for his own contributions to the field. Sanderson adopted Jordan's notes and timelines to guide his work, ensuring that the story continued true to the original vision.

Respecting Jordan's Work

Out of respect for Jordan's original work and to maintain fidelity to the story's original narrative arc, Sanderson did not rewrite any of the scenes written by Jordan. Instead, he built on Jordan's ideas, creating three new books that would complete the series in a way that Jordan himself could have, had he lived to see it through.

Faithfulness to the Vision

One of the most significant aspects of how Sanderson approached the task was his commitment to continuing Jordan's narrative in a way that aligned with the author's creative vision. He did not alter existing storylines but rather expanded and built upon them, ensuring that the series maintained its integrity and coherence.

The Final Books

These final three books, titled The Gathering Storm, A Crown of Swords, and A Memory of Light, were not only faithful to Jordan's characters and plot but also explored new themes and directions that aligned with the original trilogy's spirit.

Conclusion

The work Sanderson undertook was a meticulous and respectful continuation of Jordan's legacy. By writing the final three books without rewriting Jordan's original content, Sanderson paid homage to the immense work that Jordan had already accomplished while providing a concluding arc that resonated with fans of the series.

The Wheel of Time series thus stands as a testament to both Robert Jordan's brilliance and Brandon Sanderson's dedication to his vision, creating a complete and satisfying conclusion to a beloved epic fantasy saga.