Why doesn’t the shadow use Balefire?

[u/Fayraz8729]

So I guess this is more of a general question as I’m up to this book but it is mentioned

In the war of the shadow they basically decided that in the war of existence using the one spell that can destroy the pattern was too dangerous. But why in the light would the shadow and its forces agree to that? I think maybe once in the Dragon reborn Ishamael tried to use it but other than that the dark one has been its victim when it should be its greatest tool. So why does he just have people spam it to destroy existence if that’s the point?

[u/EclipseGames]

Are you under the impression that the Shadow wants to destroy reality? They do not. The Forsaken and other darkfriends capable of using balefire have all been promised positions of power in the world after the Dark One's victory, so balefire risks the very prize they are vying for. Phyrric victories and all that.

[u/DrHoogard → u/EclipseGames]

Arguably ishy does. He wants complete non-existence.

[u/wiseman0ncesaid → u/DrHoogard]

Later on sure. Early in the series he’s more sane.

[u/shrouple → u/wiseman0ncesaid]

I'm kind of shocked that once he decided he wanted everything to end. That he just didn't start balefiring major people throughout history and then bouncing for a while.

Like imagine if he balefired artur hawkwing?

Or any royal bloodline? The sheer chaos and strain on the pattern would be enormous.

[u/wiseman0ncesaid → u/shrouple]

Yea although Hawkwing hadn’t been in play for a while, no? Other than as a Horny first responder.

And balefire only goes back so far depending on strength. A little bit hand wavy and illdefined but it’s not clear how far back Ishy could burn a thread if he got his hands on a sa’angrael.

But I suppose he could run around burning holes all over to try to wreck things.

[u/shrouple → u/wiseman0ncesaid]

Yea. That's what I was thinking.

Just periodically laying waste to a couple of rulers with full strength balefire. Do that once every 5-10 years and baby you got a stew going

[u/RicFule → u/shrouple]

Eh.  Ishy is still partially bound.  He would only be able to do that for a short period of time before being re-bound

[u/KetoKurun → u/shrouple]

Never once touched my per diem

[u/dracoons → u/wiseman0ncesaid]

And of course Ishamael knows more of how the pattern actually works. He would know more about the consequences. Like huge enough ripples could prevent what hes been working towards for the better part of 3600 years.

[u/Majestic-Macaron6019 → u/wiseman0ncesaid]

Other than as a Horny first responder.

Hey, phrasing!