Ishamael is one of the primary antagonists of the Wheel of Time fantasy series by Robert Jordan. He is one of the Forsaken. For the philosophical concept, see vedic philosophy. ... Alternative meanings: Robert Jordan (lawyer) for the former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia; Robert Jordan (character) for the character in Hemingways For Whom the Bell Tolls Robert Jordan Robert Jordan is a pen name for James Oliver Rigney, Jr. ... In the fictional world of Robert Jordans Wheel of Time fantasy series, the Forsaken are thirteen of the most powerful servants of the Dark One. ...

AKA Ba'alzamon, AKA Moridin

Elan Morin Tedronai was a philosopher and theologian during the Age of Legends, writing many books including "Analysis of Perceived Meaning", "Reality and the Absence of Meaning" and "Disassembly of Reason". He had white teeth, dark eyes and a mellifluous voice. During the Collapse, he theorized that the coming struggle between souls of Lews Therin Telamon and the Dark One were not new to this world; they had, in fact, existed since the dawn of time in a cycle, using human pawns. He believed that the Dark One would be the winner, and so became one of the first Chosen. He became the Dark One's champion, as his powers were almost equal to Lews Therin's. He declared his allegiance at a conference of Aes Sedai, arguing that the Light was the losing side. As he was a celebrity his proclamation sparked riots. It was the masses who gave him his name: Ishamael, Betrayer of Hope. During the war he did not hold any positions on the field; however, he was defeated by Lews at the gates of Paaren Disen.

An interesting phenomenon occurred when Ishamael was sealed with the other Forsaken. It seemed that he was only half sealed, a bit like Aginor and Balthamel, except his soul was allowed to be released in the world for a set amount of time. The leading expert on this theory was Aran son of Malan, an Ogier historian, who deduced that Ishamael was released from the prison on multiples of forty years. It is believed that Ishamael was responsible for every major crisis since the Breaking, including the Trolloc Wars and the War of a Hundred Years, as well as the founding of the Black Ajah. In FY 973 he came to Artur Hawkwing's court posing as Jalwin Moerad, and became his top advisor, wrecking the empire Hawkwing had built. He advised Hawkwing to dismiss all Aes Sedai from his service, lay siege to Tar Valon, send his armies across the ocean to Seanchan and to refuse Aes Sedai healing at his deathbed. Tamika, Artur's wife, did not trust Moerad, who frequently disappeared for long periods of time and anyone who questioned him disappeared. Also, it is said he was half mad. Jalwin disappeared roughly after 40 years, supporting Aran's theory.

After his release from the prison permanently, he haunted Rand until the Dragon Reborn finally killed him with Callandor.

Resurrected as Moridin, which means death in the Old Tongue, he was named Nae'blis by the Dark One, the coveted position that sets him above the other Forsaken. He controls Cyndane and Moghedien.