Re: It's not the male/female issue. It's a Forsaken vs Forsaken issue... - Edit 1
Before modification by Sidious at 22/09/2010 01:34:10 PM
I think its pretty clear that Aran'gar was holding saidin if she gasped. It's a recurrent reaction we've seen when a channeler is suddenly shielded and loses their connection with the Source.
I also don't think that strength is a primary determinant here. Graendal is immensely skilled. Aran'gar was facing the window and unprepared. We know that channelers can shield one another if they are of equal strength. IMO Graendal is stronger or equal to her and overwhelmed her with sheer speed and surprise. Whether she used the angreal is difficult say, but the author usually mentions if a channeler pulls through one.
We also don't know whether she shielded Delana and Aran'gar at the exact same time, or did it quickly and sequentially. She's certainly fast enough to pull off two shields that look like a single weaving.
Anyway, I don't find it a big stretch for a female Forsaken to shield a male. I think it's been a well established fact that the females are close to the males in strength, and Graendal is near to the top of all channeling strengths.
If it was that easy for Graendal to incapacitate Balthamel (and an Aes Sedai at the same time), then the Moghediens, Mesaanas, Asmodeans etc. of this world would not have existed for very long.
Not to mention what more powerful channelers than Graendal (Ishamael, Cyndane, Lanfear etc) could have done to them.
I mean, Rand himself said that just shielding two normal Aes Sedai is no trifling matter of the Power, let alone shielding a Forsaken and an Aes Sedai at the same time.
Anyway, I just question what this would imply for the ability of weaker members of the Forsaken to survive for any length of time.
But it is that easy. It's been made clear on several occasions that the Forsaken are at maximum readiness while they're around each other. Even very powerful Forsaken like Sammael, Lanfear and Rahvin fill themselves to the brim with the One Power when they're around each other. They prepare counter weaves and hold them in place and watch each other intently. It only takes one slip, and I do believe Aran'gar may be the first true example of this that we've seen in the series. She did the worst thing possible - she allowed herself to be distracted by Rand, turned away and allowed Graendal to be placed behind her. Such a small thing is all that was needed for Graendal to have the upper hand, and ultimately led to Aran'gar's downfall. I do think that many Forsaken fell in such a casual manner, which is why channelers like the Forsaken survived. They never ever let their guard down. It must be very stressful.