Post by The Creator on Apr 10, 2008 16:53:23 GMT -8
| Foremost of the thirteen who formed the High Council of the of the Shadow's forceswas Ishamael, or "Betrayer of Hope" in the Old Tongue. Also known as Ba'alzamon, Heart of the Dark, and soul of the Shadow, he was assuredly the Dark One's top Captain-General despite the fact that he never held a field command. Believed to be the most powerful of the Chosen in the use of the One Power, he was equaled by none but Lews Therin Telamond himself. |  |
As Elan Morin Tedronai, he was one of the foremost Philosophers of his time, quite possibly the foremost. As a writer of Philosophy, many of his books were considered too esoteric for wide popularity, were extremely influential in many areas beyond philosophy, especially in the arts. While no copies survived the breaking, some particles that have survived of his writings indicate that it was his belief that the war between the Shadow and the soul of Lews Therin has gone on since the creation.
Ishamael certainly was among the first to go over to the Shadow, possibly the first and publicly announced his allegiance at a time when famine, plagues, and massive riots were racking an unprepared world in the middle of a conference called to discuss dealing with the crisis, sparked even greater riiots. He called for the complete destruction of the old order - indeed, the complete destruction of everything.
When the Dragon (Lews Therin) led the final strike against the Dark at Shayol Ghul, Ishamael may have been in some way only partially trapped by the seal on the Bore, leaving him aware and able to still touch the world while the others slept.
He was killed by Rand al"Thor in the Stone of Tear in 999 NE, but with the Lord of the Grave, death is not always final.