Wheel Of Time’s Horn of Valere Explained (& How It Sets Up Season 2)

The discovery of the Horn of Valere in the Wheel of Time season 1 finale lays the groundwork for season 2 to adapt the second book in the series.

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Wheel of Time episode 8.

The discovery of the Horn of Valere in The Wheel of Time season 1 finale lays the groundwork for season 2 to adapt the second book of the series, The Great Hunt. The Horn of Valere was at the center of The Great Hunt’s main plot. And now, it’s in a position to fill the same role in Wheel of Time season 2.

While the show’s first season has borrowed characters and events from multiple books in Robert Jordan’s series, Wheel of Time season 1’s focus has always been on the first book. Much like The Eye of the World, the season began with Moiraine (Rosamund Pike) finding the ta’veren in the Two Rivers and ended with the Dragon Reborn emerging triumphant at the Eye of the World. It made some significant changes along the way but is currently on course to transition into the story of the second book in the season 2 premiere. What ultimately set this in motion is Padan Fain (Johann Myers) stealing Mat’s dagger and the mysterious Horn of Valere from Fal Dara.

The Wheel of Time finale briefly explained what makes the Horn of Valere special. According to Ingtar (Gregg Chillingirian), the Horn has the power to call forth “the Pattern’s greatest heroes”. He told Perrin (Marcus Rutherford) that its purpose is to be blown during the Last Battle with the Dark One’s forces. Its ability to bring dead warriors back to life makes it a valuable weapon against Wheel of Time’s villains. Similar to what happened in The Great Hunt, the theft of the Horn will force the show’s protagonists to embark on a new adventure to find Fain.

Getting the Horn back is likely to become the main goal of several Wheel of Time characters. In The Great Hunt, Fain stealing the Horn resulted in everyone being split up again. Moiraine, Lan, Nynaeve, and Egwene went to Tar Valon, while Rand, Mat, Perrin, Loial, and Ingtar were all sent on the mission to get the Horn back. Thom eventually joined the group as well. By killing off Loial and Ingtar and isolating Rand and Mat, Wheel of Time has certainly changed the adventure a bit, but it still appears to be where the show is headed in season 2.

The introduction of the Horn of Valere promises some thrilling action sequences and interesting interactions in Wheel of Time’s future. As for what it can contribute, the Horn’s powers in Jordan’s books are consistent with what Ingtar said about it in the finale. Blowing the Horn essentially unleashes an army of heroic ghosts, many of which being renowned, legendary figures in Wheel of Time’s world. Some, such as Artur Hawkwing and Jain Farstrider, have already been referenced, while others, like Brigitte Silverbow, may have opportunities to become key players in their own right. To ensure that the Heroes of the Horn take part in the fight against the Dark One, finding Fain has to be a top priority for the characters in The Wheel of Time season 2.