I do think the number is high, but then when I think of Sheriam's PoV, I believe we are given a very strong backing for that high of a number. Most of them probably aren't "worshipping the Devil," they are just willing to renounce oaths and morals to gain power. That is a typical human choice. They believed they could get ahead and play the game, not necessarily that the end times would come while they were still alive and that they'd have to take such extreme actions.
In the AOL it was a huge honour to be an Aes Sedai, and they held most of the world's highest offices. There could be no doubt that the Dark One was evil at that time, once people identified the reason for societal anarchy about a hundred years after Mierin released him.
And it wasn't just channelers. Imagine half the people you know. Do you think they'd give up all their morals and values for power and immortality, and be willing to do massive evil to get it? It makes me uncomfortable to think that 1 in 5 people would do it, never mind one is two.
Wheel of Time board admin
Fan of Lanfear
Fan of Lanfear
The Black Ajah
03/12/2009 10:05:13 PM
- 1168 Views
I'd think the lifespan and power a channeler has are both big factors
03/12/2009 10:31:54 PM
- 672 Views
The BA must be better at recruiting than normal Aes Sedai
04/12/2009 12:47:11 AM
- 760 Views
Re: The BA must be better at recruiting than normal Aes Sedai
04/12/2009 01:14:44 AM
- 665 Views
I see no reason to believe Kari was a Darkfriend. Ishamael is a liar, and that's that.
04/12/2009 01:19:00 AM
- 555 Views
Perhaps
04/12/2009 03:10:23 AM
- 584 Views
The same could be said for the great majority of characters in the series. *NM*
04/12/2009 04:19:50 AM
- 251 Views
In the Age of Legends, 50% of channelers turned to the Shadow, if memory serves. *NM*
04/12/2009 01:11:35 AM
- 272 Views
I think it's absolute nonsense
04/12/2009 04:34:04 AM
- 733 Views
Knowing who he is?
04/12/2009 05:25:26 AM
- 624 Views
agreed. accepting that power comes at a price isn't evil. it's what drives people NOT to fail...
04/12/2009 08:51:01 AM
- 542 Views
Re: Knowing who he is?
04/12/2009 12:04:58 PM
- 565 Views
So by your argument, very few people murder, steal or cheat?
04/12/2009 12:50:35 PM
- 611 Views
I disagree, slightly.
04/12/2009 03:33:49 PM
- 602 Views
Okay but I'm talking more of the War of Power
04/12/2009 03:40:35 PM
- 547 Views