Arches

Nynaeve stands before Arches for her trial for Acceptance, overseen by Liandrin, Leane, and Sheriam

### Purpose

A *ter'angreal that shows the visitor fears of their past, present, and future*

### Status

Active

The **Arches** is a three-arched *ter'angreal* in the Prime Video series *The Wheel of Time*. When a person enters the Arches, they will see visions of what they fear most. It is used by the Aes Sedai to test Novices to become Accepted.

## Overview

The Arches are three large stone archways with intricate carvings on the outside. Two of the three Arches are damaged and the tops of the arch is broken off; only one remains a fully intact archway.

Aes Sedai channel into the Arches to begin a process where an individual can enter each archway, one after the other. It takes more than one Aes Sedai to open the Arches. Once open, each archway will lead an individual to a vision or alternative world where they will experience their fears. The Arches open one after the other, starting with a world that represents past fears, a second world that represents present fears, and a third world that represents future fears.

Sometimes an individual does not return from the Arches. They are presumed dead by the Aes Sedai, but no one really knows what happens to them. There have been over a hundred attempts to reopen the Arches to rescue a lost friend or lover, but none have been successful.

## History

### Pre-series

The Arches were created before the Breaking of the World, over 3,000 years ago. They have been used by the Aes Sedai to test novices, and those who are successful are raised to Accepted.

### Season 2

Nynaeve al'Meara is taken to the Arches for her test to become Accepted. Leane Sharif, Sheriam Bayanar, and Liandrin Guirale are present for her test, and the three of them open the Arches for Nynaeve. Nynaeve's trial:

1. Nynaeve's first Arch brings her to the past with her parents, Elnore and Beerien al'Meara. They are attacked by Raiders, and Nynaeve is hidden in a cellar to keep her safe. The return Arch opens when Nynaeve wanted to go back and help her parents.
2. Nynaeve's second Arch brings her to the Two Rivers in the present. A plague has run through the village and she finds Tam al'Thor extremely ill. Natti Cauthon is doing what she can as Wisdom, but the plague is fatal and Natti has been giving the ill crimsonthorn for a painless death. The return Arch opens when Nynaeve promises to stay by Tam's side.
3. Nynaeve's third Arch brings her to the present, with a vision that she has just exited the third Arch but doesn't remember what happened. Infuriated, Nynaeve leaves the Tower and finds Lan Mandragoran who has ridden ahead to find her. The return Arch opens briefly behind Nynaeve, but she doesn't quite see it. Lan and Nynaeve go to the Two Rivers and make a life there together. They have a child, Elnore. Perrin Aybara visits and plays with the girl. Mat Cauthon visits, dressed like a lord. They are attacked by Trollocs, and Lan, Perrin, and Mat are killed. Nynaeve channels in the vision, which she should not be able to do, killing the Trollocs. This reopens the return Arch. Nynaeve takes her daughter and exits through the Arch with Elnore in her arms, but when Nynaeve exits the Arch, her arms are empty.

Since Nynaeve's third Arch initially closes without Nynaeve returning, the Aes Sedai presume her to be dead and she is mourned for a full day. Upon hearing that Nynaeve was lost, Egwene al'Vere goes to the Arches and tries to channel them open. Elayne Trakand tries to convince her to stop, but then gets blankets for them to spend the night in the room. As they are sleeping by the Arches, Nynaeve returns.

## Appearances

The Arches appear in the following episodes:

## Quotes

> **Leane**Whom do you bring with you, Sister?**Liandrin**One who comes as a candidate for Acceptance, Sister.**Leane**Is she ready to face the Arches?**Liandrin**She is ready to leave behind what she was, and alone, passing through her fears, gain Acceptance.**Leane**Does she know what she fears?**Liandrin**She has never faced them but now is willing.**Leane**Then let her face what she fears.**Liandrin**The hour waits for no woman.— The beginning of Nynaeve's trial of the Arches, season 2 episode 2 Strangers and Friends

> **Sheriam**The way back will come but once.— Season 2 episode 3 What Might Be

## Gallery

### Images

Episode 203: Nynaeve faces the Arches with Sheriam, Leane, and Liandrin behind herEpisode 203: Nynaeve looks back before entering the ArchesEpisode 203: Nynaeve entering one of the ArchesEpisode 203: Sheriam, Leane, and Liandrin stand before the Arches, waiting for Nynaeve to returnEpisode 204: Liandrin and Nynaeve talk by the Arches

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 *The Wheel of Time*, season 2 episode 2: *Strangers and Friends*.
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 *The Wheel of Time*, season 2 episode 3: *What Might Be*.