It depends on how powerful Rand is. Essentially he's the Creator's avatar. There are potentially no limits as to what the Pattern will do to protect him, or alternatively, what he can do with the Pattern to allow him to face the Dark One. Maybe he needs no one. There's really nothing that states that Tarmon Gai'don must be balanced and fair. Rand by himself might be able to fight the whole of the Shadow, depending on what he can do, and considering he's got the most profound effect on the Pattern of anyone who's ever lived, it could be dramatic.
That said, I don't think it's a waste of time to get the White Tower behind him. They spend a lot of their time squabbling, but I think any channeler army is very valuable. One Sister is as dangerous as a hundred Trollocs, and she can easily face a Myrddraal, which almost no non-channelers can manage. Groups of women together can be devastating. They also seem to be some of the more educated female channelers. They know more about saidar than most other groups, so they're probably the best Rand can get from that side of the Power. They're also a group that is almost completely devoid of darkfriends now - so that could make them trustworthy, which is very rare for someone like Rand. If I was Rand, I'd make some effort to get them behind him, even if it took a little bit of charm from his side. I'd place them high up on a list of his stronger allies, alongside his Ash'aman (assuming most of them aren't dreadlords by now).
You aren't wrong, but I think some perspective needs to be used. If I went a bit too far in the impression I gave in the most, it is in reaction to the apparent assumption in the books and by some readers that the Tower is some sort of sine qua non for the Light. Useful, yes. Potentially a great help? Of course. Necessary at any price? Absolutely not. It could stand a great deal of improvement, particularly regarding its sense of its own importance and vis a vis other powers and authorities in the world. Less ultimatums and insistance on doing things their way will go far towards making up for prior ills.
Cannoli
“Tolerance is the virtue of the man without convictions.” GK Chesteron
Inde muagdhe Aes Sedai misain ye!
Deus Vult!
*MySmiley*
“Tolerance is the virtue of the man without convictions.” GK Chesteron
Inde muagdhe Aes Sedai misain ye!
Deus Vult!
*MySmiley*
Does Rand really need the White Tower?
15/04/2010 06:42:36 PM
- 1232 Views
No. I can understand/appreciate the arguments, but IMHO the White Tower AS are not that valuable
15/04/2010 07:27:23 PM
- 722 Views
Re: Does Rand really need the White Tower?
15/04/2010 09:29:50 PM
- 559 Views
Meh. Growing pains. And unlike the White Tower split, this will not be a refreshing shake-up
16/04/2010 02:45:21 PM
- 688 Views
Depends
16/04/2010 06:50:53 AM
- 611 Views
I don't necessarily disagree...
16/04/2010 02:54:28 PM
- 580 Views
some respectful disagreement, if you don't mind
17/04/2010 04:04:32 AM
- 575 Views
On the other hand,you recently argued that sending away Else was a capital mistake by Siuan
16/04/2010 09:29:56 AM
- 608 Views
And the WT, even (or maybe especially) under Egwene is the greatest obstacle to that unity
16/04/2010 02:50:24 PM
- 587 Views
Re: And the WT, even (or maybe especially) under Egwene is the greatest obstacle to that unity
23/04/2010 11:08:58 PM
- 622 Views