Once for Mourning, Once for Birth

“Twice dawns the day when his blood is shed.
Once for mourning, once for birth.
Red on black, the Dragon's blood stains the rock of Shayol Ghul.
In the Pit of Doom shall his blood free men from the Shadow.” tGH, Ch. 26

The Karaethon Cycle states that there will be two dawns during Tarmon Gai’don. This likely indicates either an eclipse (which occur during significant events in the mythologies of many cultures) or the sun being blotted out for a time by either Dragonmount erupting, the Dark One’s evil black and silver storm, or for any number of other reasons.

However, the prophecy goes on to say “once for mourning, once for birth.” The mourning is obvious – many are going to die in the battle, almost certainly including Rand. But the reference to birth is less clear. When the prophecy first appears very early in the series in tGH, it seems that birth refers simply to the birth of a new age or some other figurative meaning. However, now that Elayne is pregnant with Rand’s children, it could have a more literal meaning.

Elayne becomes pregnant on the 12^th day of Saban. By the end of tGS, it is approximately the 23^rd of Saven, or about 4½ months later. This means she’s about halfway through her pregnancy. With the last battle being two books away, it is entirely possible that she will give birth during Tarmon Gai’don. This would nicely fit the prophecy with one of the “dawns” being for the birth of her twins.

Further, she may give birth at Shayol Ghul itself. Now, why on earth would Elayne be at the last battle if she’s about to go into labor? We have already seen her ridiculous reliance on Min’s viewing that her children will be healthy to mean that harm cannot befall her until she has given birth, particularly in KoD. Birgitte says that through the bond she never even feels Elayne be afraid even during her kidnapping by members of the Black Ajah. This sets a precedent for her to perhaps feel safe even during the last battle. She even might be safe, considering that Aviendha has given her the dagger ter’angreal in KoD that prevents her from being seen by creatures of the Dark One and maybe even the Dark One himself.

Evidence for Elayne giving birth at Shayol Ghul could be in the same prophecy: “Red on black, the Dragon’s blood stains the rocks of Shayol Ghul” could be referring to Rand’s blood being spilled via his unhealing wounds or many Aiel being killed on the front lines of the battle, but it could mean Elayne giving birth on Shayol Ghul as the children would be Rand’s blood. This would nicely parallel Rand’s birth on Dragonmount during a battle.

Finally, Elayne’s children being born during Tarmon Gai’don would be very fitting if they turn out to be reincarnations of the two sibling Heroes of the Horn Shivan the Hunter and Calian the Chooser.

“Shivan the Hunter behind his black mask. He was said to herald the end of Ages, the destruction of what had been and the birth of what was to be, he and his sister Calian, called the Chooser, who rode red-masked at his side.” ACoS, Ch. 21

Shivan is clearly a reference to the Hindu god Shiva. Fittingly, in some traditions Shiva had three mothers, and in some forms is depicted as an archer (i.e. a hunter). He is also sometimes called the Destroyer. Calian is likely a reference to the Hindu goddess Kali, the goddess of time and change. The colors of Shivan and Calian’s masks would also fit with the red and black of the prophecy as well as fitting a color theme which is becoming more and more associated with Rand as the books progress. If Shivan and Calian are indeed Elayne’s twins, what better way for their coming to herald the end of Ages than for them to be born at the Last Battle?

Quote of the Day:

Mat did not know what to say or do. Without thinking, he spat on his palm and offered his hand as if sealing a bargain on a horse. "Your customs are ... earthy," Tuon said in a dry voice, but she spat on her own palm and clasped his hand.

-CoT, Ch. 3