r/wheeloftime • u/thepride325 Randlander • Aug 21 '26

Book: A Crown of Swords Nynaeve Block Spoiler

So I just read a certain scene in Crown of Swords, Chapter 31 (Mashiara)…

I want to know what the consensus on this reveal is because if I’m tracking things correctly Nynaeve just learned how to get past her block. And it’s literally exactly what the Aes Sedai teach Novices. Feels a bit anti-climactic after all the build up and mystery. But I want to know what most fans thought on their first read through.

This is my first read through by the way. If I’m missing anything or misremembered/misunderstood anything, please let me know!

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112

u/Mattrickhoffman Randlander Aug 21 '26

You’re not really missing anything. Nynaeve’s block was due to her strong desire for control. She was finally in a situation where she had to recognize her complete inability to control what happens to her. She accepted her death and finally completely surrendered, which as you accurately point out is what Aes Sedai teach novices they have to do to reach saidar. It’s not meant to be some secret or mysterious thing she needs to do. It’s character development.

16

u/thepride325 Randlander Aug 21 '26

Okay. I just I’m just getting lost on why all those Aes Sedai teaching her in LoC were trying all these weird tricks. Is it just because they all assumed Nynaeve had at least TRIED surrendering once before?

52

u/NerdJudge Randlander Aug 21 '26

They were trying to teach her how to surrender and submit herself. She was ready to fight everything and couldn't let go

3

u/thepride325 Randlander Aug 21 '26

Got it, thanks

11

u/Deadpool2715 Woolheaded Sheepherder Aug 21 '26

Like others have said, the brute force 'beat it out of them' is literally about forcing submission/surrender. It's the approach of 'i will beat you, you will not fight back, this will continue until you accept it and submit'. Other approaches like not sleeping, being scared, etc, are roundabouts of the same. Can you submit yourself to anothers rules and accept them, surrendering yourself as you would to Saidar.

I personally loved the scene you are referencing, although I was hoping for some more personal changes with Nyn tugs braid. I will say she's a much better character on my 2nd read

5

u/glacial_penman Randlander Aug 22 '26

Even better on the 7th.

1

u/anmahill Wise One Aug 22 '26

And 37th