I have always said that Demandred is loosely based on Hannibal Barca... - Edit 1
Before modification by Shannow at 15/12/2009 04:32:14 PM
The fanatics that made up Masema's Dragonsworn, or the group that had destroyed Ghealdan, was destroyed between "Knife of Dreams" and "The Gathering Storm", so I don't think the remaining Dragonsworn are able to be used in this way.
I'm still convinced that Demandred is not in the Westlands - I think it far more likely that what he is going to do, is stage an invasion comparable to Genghis Khan attacking China and Russia. Basically, a barbarian army far more fierce than the Aiel suddenly appearing from the east and laying siege to vast tracts of land in that direction.
I'm still convinced that Demandred is not in the Westlands - I think it far more likely that what he is going to do, is stage an invasion comparable to Genghis Khan attacking China and Russia. Basically, a barbarian army far more fierce than the Aiel suddenly appearing from the east and laying siege to vast tracts of land in that direction.
If you look at the Forsaken generals, then Sammael is Napoleon (short and favoring grandiose schemes).
Be'lal is Julius Ceasar. He has a close cropped grey haired Roman legionary hairstyle and he has a background as a lawyer.
Lews Therin is Alexander the Great - the greatest general of the ancient world.
And Demandred is Hannibal Barca. The second greatest general of the ancient world, the Carthaginian who brought Rome to its knees.
Hannibal was from a Semitic, Mediterranean nation, and Demandred has dark hair and a hooked nose. Even their names are similar. Barid Bel Medar and Hannibal Barka. Medar has a Mediterranean connotation. Hannibal. Barid Bel. Barka. Barid. Anyway, that's my interpretation.
Hannibal was a gambler, who took elephants over the Alps and invaded Italy with an inferior force. Demandred is a gambler, has strategic vision and tactical flair. (Hannibal brought elephants over the Alps and his Numidean Cavalry from North Africa was unbeatable on the battlefield.)
And most of all, the central pillar of Hannibal's life, his lifelong crusade, was a burning hatred of Rome. He wanted to be the one who brought Rome to destruction. Sound familiar?
In Demandred's case, the hatred is focused on Lews Therin.
Now, if there is going to be any parralel between them, then I expect Demandred to invade Randland over some mountains with strange creatures or strange men
An invasion from Shara - which to me seems to be the Middle East of the Wot World would be a great parallel, in my mind.