The Ladies and Rand: Who was most critical to his success?

[Al'Amar El'Haldir]

The ladies Aviendha, Elayne, and Min (alphabetical order only) gave us some of RJ's best writing in Rand's arc. But who was most critical to the success of Rand's mission? Whose absence would have jeopardized Rand's mission most? Who was most helpful to Rand? Who did Rand need the most? Each one may or may not bring something unique to Rand. Min's viewings, Aviendha's Aiel connection, Elayne's Andor and Cairhien wrap up .... and many, many more details. He may have been able to compensate the absence of one or more with other alternatives; or maybe not. Your thoughts?

 

[Aduiavas Ida]

Min.

Without a doubt. She kept him stable during the dark times. Without her he would have never been able to do all he needed to do..

 

[Al'Amar El'Haldir]

Min.

Without a doubt. She kept him stable during the dark times. Without her he would have never been able to do all he needed to do..

She also provided her viewings; which kept Rand in line when dealing with people he may have tried to antagonize (Cadsuane, Darlin, many Aes Sedai, etc.). That was very unique.

That's not to say the others didn't offer and provide unique contributions

 

[Alora Sionn]

I would have to say all of them because really, without all of their help at some point in the story he would have had a harder time, or even in an unforseen way, could have failed.

Though I'm thinking Aviendha,because without her getting the Aiel on board would have been harder, he may not have been able to go to Rhuidean and seen the visions which helped him, (I say this because he's an outsider and she was there to teach him about the Aiel) AND let's not forget the most important thing, she discovered Travelling which was INSTRUMENTAL for Rand and his allies. Read the books and picture how things wound go without traveling.

Plus she's my fave so maybe I'm a bit biased

 

[Al'Amar El'Haldir]

I would have to say all of them because really, without all of their help at some point in the story he would have had a harder time, or even in an unforseen way, could have failed.

Though I'm thinking Aviendha,because without her getting the Aiel on board would have been harder, he may not have been able to go to Rhuidean and seen the visions which helped him, (I say this because he's an outsider and she was there to teach him about the Aiel) AND let's not forget the most important thing, she discovered Travelling which was INSTRUMENTAL for Rand and his allies. Read the books and picture how things wound go without traveling.

Plus she's my fave so maybe I'm a bit biased

As a romance, Aviendha is my favorite She was Rand's first real relationship; and both were traumatized (romantically) and tried to resist their love. Aviendha's pride required that she meet her toh to Elayne; and Rand by seeing Aviendha's dead face in the first stage of the Caemlyn raid. Even after meeting her toh to Elayne, Aviendha was adamant that she come to Rand as much an equal as possible: as a wise one. And this after she knew that they both loved each other (after the bond). I'm guessing it was her Aiel ji'e'toh and prickly demeanor.

I think the uniqueness in Aviendha is that she was the first "voice of reason" or "devil's advocate" in Rand's life. She saw him as a man, a person, and voiced that over and over to him. I love how she pinched his bottom when he said, "so much rides on my shoulders;" and told him it was "to see if he was flesh and blood." And in another instance, she said something to the effect, "It wouldn't do to think yourself grand simply because you will save the world." With almost everyone fawning over Rand, or accepting his orders; she countered part of his megalomania (induced by the taint as well as by his ascension to empirical power). And he trusted her with his life.

Could Rand have succeeded without her? Could another person have fulfilled Aviendha's role? Maybe, maybe not

 

[Almira ni'Caldazare]

There should be a Moiraine and Nyneave option. Rand is not romantic with them but they are both important to him. He trusts them both.

 

[Brandegoris Al'Mor]

Min!

Because she was ALWAYS behind him Even after he Strangled her to death!
She is Ride or DIE!! A Man needs to know that someone has his back like that. That type of love and support right there and with you all the time is PRICELSS!!

GO MIN!! Plus her visions are super dooper handy!
IIRC she also figured out the truth about Callandor? That was the Pivotal trap that Rand sprang. Without that Knowledge he would've failed!

 

[Al'Amar El'Haldir]

Min is also my choice. She offered Rand something unique that no one else could have: her viewings. Rand could have given the good Andoran Lords the choice of putting Dyelin Taravin on the Lion Throne and saved Andor the war that put Elayne on the Throne. If he didn't stop them by promising Elayne on the Throne; she would have been queen. Aviendha was a link to the Aiel and a channeler. Nothing there that could not have been provided by another person. Min was more unique than Elayne and Aviendha I say that while my favorite Rand romance is his with Aviendha. To me, that one is the most fun to read; and the most that makes sense.

 

[Brandegoris Al'Mor]

Truly I loke Min and Avhienda! Elayne I respect but I think that I like the Others better.
All 3 of the Ladies were really needed probably in one way or another. But I just think Min is the BEST!