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Review: The Eye of the World: Book One of The Wheel of Time – Chapter 2: Strangers

Introduction

The second chapter of The Eye of the World, titled Strangers, is a pivotal moment early in the novel that further builds tension and foreshadows the larger conflict to come. As Rand al’Thor and his father, Tam al’Thor, arrive in Emond’s Field, the village is abuzz with preparations for the upcoming Bel Tine festival. However, amidst the excitement, Rand encounters two unsettling newcomers: a mysterious black-cloaked man and a noblewoman in exotic clothing.

This chapter marks a significant shift from the quiet, creeping unease of An Empty Road to more overt signs that something is amiss. The world beyond the Two Rivers begins to intrude upon Rand’s peaceful life, bringing both danger and wonder. Strangers introduces key characters, deepens the sense of foreboding, and subtly hints at Rand’s greater destiny.

評論：《時光之論》系列 第一部 – 世界之眼 第2章：陌生人

引言

《世界之眼》 的第二章，標題為 「陌生人」（Strangers），是小說早期的一個關鍵時刻，它進一步加深了緊張感，並為未來更大的衝突埋下伏筆。當 蘭德·亞瑟（Rand al’Thor）與他的父親 譚姆·亞瑟（Tam al’Thor）抵達 伊蒙村（Emond’s Field）時，整個村莊正因即將到來的 立春節（Bel Tine）而一片熱鬧。然而，在這股興奮的氛圍中，蘭德卻遇見了兩名令人不安的陌生人：一名身披黑色斗篷的神秘男子，以及 一位衣著華麗、充滿異國風情的貴族女子。

本章標誌著故事基調的一個重大轉變——從 《空曠的道路》（An Empty Road） 中那種潛伏的、不安的靜謐感，轉變為更加直接的異常跡象。來自兩河（Two Rivers）之外的世界 開始對蘭德的平靜生活產生影響，帶來危險與奇蹟並存的變數。本章不僅引入了幾位重要角色，還進一步營造了令人不安的氛圍，並巧妙地暗示著蘭德即將迎來的宏大命運。

Summary of the Chapter

Rand and Tam arrive in Emond’s Field, where the villagers are busy preparing for the Bel Tine celebrations. The chapter quickly immerses the reader in the lively yet insular atmosphere of the Two Rivers, a community that has long been isolated from the wider world. The presence of a gleeman, Thom Merrilin, excites the villagers, as such travelers are rare. However, Rand’s attention is soon drawn to two strangers who stand out sharply against the familiar backdrop of the village.

The Black-Clad Rider

Rand first spots the black-cloaked rider, the same unsettling figure he saw on the road. Now, he is certain the man is real and not a figment of his imagination. Though the stranger remains silent, his very presence exudes menace. The way his cloak does not move in the wind makes him appear unnatural, and his watchful gaze fixed on Rand heightens the growing sense of dread.

Moiraine and Lan – Figures of Mystery

Shortly after, Rand encounters a second, very different stranger—Moiraine Damodred, a noblewoman dressed in fine blue silk, adorned with an elaborate ring featuring a serpent biting its own tail. Accompanying her is Lan Mandragoran, a tall and imposing man in a travel-worn cloak, whose bearing suggests he is no ordinary traveler.

Moiraine, despite her noble and refined appearance, does something unexpected—she gives a coin to Rand and calls it a “token” in exchange for his name and future aid. Rand is bewildered by the interaction, but her grace, confidence, and quiet authority make an impression on him. Her arrival sparks rumors and whispers among the villagers, particularly since outsiders are so rare in the Two Rivers.

章節摘要

蘭德·亞瑟（Rand al’Thor）與 譚姆·亞瑟（Tam al’Thor）抵達 伊蒙村（Emond’s Field），此時村民們正忙於準備 立春節（Bel Tine）的慶祝活動。本章迅速將讀者帶入 「兩河」地區（Two Rivers） 那種既熱鬧又封閉的氛圍，這個社群長久以來與外界保持隔絕。然而，這一切的平靜很快因兩名陌生人的出現而被打破。

當地村民對於來訪的 走唱人湯姆·摩利林（Thom Merrilin）感到興奮，因為這樣的旅行藝人極為罕見。然而，蘭德的注意力很快被兩個格格不入的陌生人所吸引，他們與村莊熟悉的景象形成了強烈對比。

黑衣騎士

蘭德首先注意到 那名身披黑色斗篷的騎士，這正是他在路上見過的詭異身影。現在，他可以確定這名男子是真實存在的，而不僅僅是自己的錯覺。儘管這名陌生人始終保持沉默，但他身上散發出的威脅感卻無比強烈。他的斗篷在風中一動不動，使他看起來異常詭異，而那緊盯著蘭德的目光更是讓人不寒而慄，進一步加深了這種不安的氣氛。

沐瑞與嵐——神秘的訪客

不久後，蘭德遇見了另一名完全不同的陌生人——沐瑞·達歐崔（Moiraine Damodred），一名穿著華麗藍色絲綢長袍的貴族女子，她手上佩戴著一枚雕刻有蛇吞尾環的精緻戒指。與她同行的是 嵐·人龍（Lan Mandragoran），一名高大魁梧的男子，身披風塵僕僕的斗篷，舉手投足間流露出非凡的氣質，顯然不是普通的旅行者。

沐瑞 雖然身著貴族服飾，但她卻做了一件意想不到的事情——她給了蘭德一枚銀幣，稱這是 象徵，用以交換他的名字與未來的幫助。蘭德對此感到困惑，但她的優雅、沉穩與內斂的權威氣質卻讓他留下了深刻印象。她的出現在村莊內引發了各種流言與議論，畢竟，在兩河，外來者的到訪實屬罕見。

The Growing Sense of Unrest

Strangers takes the underlying tension from An Empty Road and amplifies it. The Myrddraal’s (though unnamed at this point) silent presence is a direct and tangible threat, but it is contrasted by Moiraine’s enigmatic but seemingly benevolent nature.

This contrast fuels Rand’s uncertainty—should he be more concerned about the dark rider or the noblewoman with unknown intentions? Both are clearly connected to forces beyond his understanding, yet they represent very different kinds of power.

Tam, ever the calm and experienced figure, warns Rand about the black-cloaked stranger, reinforcing the idea that something unnatural is at play. However, he does not share Rand’s deep fear—perhaps due to his own knowledge of the wider world, something that will later prove significant.

不安情緒的升溫

《陌生人》將《空曠的道路》中潛伏的不安進一步放大。魔札兒（Myrddraal）（儘管此時尚未被明確命名）的靜默存在構成了一種直接且具體的威脅，但這種陰森可怖的氣息卻與 沐瑞（Moiraine）神秘而似乎懷有善意的形象形成了鮮明對比。

這種對比加深了蘭德·亞瑟（Rand al’Thor）的不確定感——他應該更擔心那名身披黑袍的騎士，還是這位意圖不明的貴族女子？兩人顯然都與超越他理解範圍的力量有關聯，然而，他們所代表的力量卻截然不同。

另一方面，始終冷靜且經驗豐富的譚姆（Tam）警告蘭德要小心那位黑袍陌生人，這進一步強化了某種不自然力量正在影響著兩河（Two Rivers）。然而，他並未表現出蘭德那樣深刻的恐懼——或許是因為他對外界有更多的了解，而這一點未來將證明至關重要。

Character Introductions and Development

This chapter serves as the proper introduction to two of the most important characters in The Wheel of Time:

Moiraine Damodred

Moiraine’s entrance is subtle but powerful. She is described as elegant, confident, and mysterious, but what stands out most is how she immediately takes interest in Rand. Her giving of the token seems like an innocent gesture, yet it is clear that she sees something in him that even he does not understand.

For new readers, Moiraine’s true identity and purpose remain a mystery, but returning fans will recognize that this is the first step in her quest to find and protect the Dragon Reborn.

Lan Mandragoran

Lan is not given much dialogue in this chapter, but his mere presence is enough to leave an impression. His hardened demeanor, reserved nature, and warrior-like stance suggest that he is more than just a bodyguard to Moiraine. Even at this early stage, it is clear that he is a formidable figure.

Thom Merrilin

Though only mentioned briefly, Thom’s presence as a gleeman hints at his later importance in the story. At this moment, he is mostly a figure of excitement for the villagers, representing the promise of stories and entertainment.

Rand al’Thor

Rand continues to develop as the audience’s perspective character. His growing unease and curiosity drive much of the tension in this chapter. While he is still an ordinary farm boy, his encounters with the black rider and Moiraine show that his simple life is beginning to unravel.

角色介紹與發展

本章正式引出了《時光之輪》中兩位最重要的角色：

沐瑞·達歐崔（Moiraine Damodred）

沐瑞的登場既低調又充滿力量。她被描述為優雅、自信且神秘，但最引人注目的是她對蘭德·亞瑟（Rand al’Thor）表現出的特殊關注。她贈與的「信物」看似只是無心的舉動，但顯然她在蘭德身上看到了某些他自己尚未察覺的特質。

對於新讀者來說，沐瑞的真正身份與目的仍然是一個謎團。然而，回顧全書的讀者會明白，這正是她尋找並保護轉生真龍的第一步。

嵐·人龍（Lan Mandragoran）

嵐在本章的台詞不多，但他的存在本身就足以留下深刻印象。他冷峻的氣質、內斂的性格以及戰士般的姿態，都顯示出他不僅僅是沐瑞的護衛。即使在故事初期，他已經展現出非凡的氣場，讓人感覺到他的強大與威嚴。

走唱人湯姆·摩利林（Thom Merrilin）

雖然在本章中只被簡單提及，但湯姆作為走唱人的出現，預示了他在未來故事中的重要性。此刻，他主要是為村民帶來歡樂的存在，象徵著即將到來的故事與娛樂，讓村莊的氣氛更加熱鬧。

蘭德·亞瑟（Rand al’Thor）

蘭德繼續作為讀者的視角角色發展，他內心的不安與好奇心推動著本章的張力。雖然他仍然只是個普通的農家少年，但與黑衣騎士和沐瑞的相遇，已經暗示著他的平凡生活正開始瓦解，未來的命運將遠超他的想像。

Foreshadowing and Symbolism

Jordan uses Strangers to lay down crucial foreshadowing that will pay off later in the novel and the series as a whole:

The Black Rider (Myrddraal) → This shadowy figure is the first physical manifestation of the Dark One’s forces, subtly hinting that Rand is already being watched and marked.

Moiraine’s Token → What seems like a small, insignificant act is actually the beginning of Rand’s path toward destiny. Moiraine is already guiding him, though he does not yet understand the significance of her actions.

The Title “Strangers” → The chapter title itself plays on multiple meanings—both the literal strangers (Moiraine, Lan, and the Myrddraal) and the metaphorical concept of Rand himself becoming a stranger to his own life as outside forces begin to pull him away from the familiarity of the Two Rivers.

預示與象徵

喬丹在《陌生人》一章中埋下了許多關鍵的伏筆，這些伏筆在本書及整個系列中都將發揮重要作用：

黑衣騎士（魔札兒） → 這個神秘的身影是闇帝勢力的首次具象化，暗示著蘭德·亞瑟（Rand al’Thor）已經被盯上並被標記，危機已悄然來臨。

沐瑞的信物 → 乍看之下，這只是個微不足道的小舉動，但實際上，它標誌著蘭德邁向命運的起點。沐瑞·達歐崔（Moiraine Damodred）早已開始引導他，儘管此刻的蘭德尚未理解這個行動的深遠意義。

章節標題《陌生人》 → 這個標題具有多重含義——既指代那些真正的陌生人（沐瑞、嵐·人龍（Lan Mandragoran）、魔札兒），也象徵著蘭德逐漸對自己的生活感到陌生，因為外界的力量正將他從兩河（Two Rivers）熟悉的生活中拉離。

Narrative Style and Atmosphere

Jordan’s writing in Strangers balances rich detail with an undercurrent of tension. The warmth and festivity of Bel Tine preparations contrast with the dark, unknown dangers creeping into the village. His descriptions of Moiraine and Lan’s exotic appearance heighten the sense that Rand’s simple world is about to change drastically.

There is also a strong sense of mystery, especially in how Jordan presents information without immediately explaining everything. Who is the black rider? Why is Moiraine interested in Rand? These unanswered questions keep readers engaged and encourage them to search for clues as the story unfolds.

敘事風格與氛圍

喬丹在《陌生人》這一章中的寫作風格，在細緻描繪與緊張氛圍之間取得了巧妙的平衡。立春節（Bel Tine）準備工作的溫馨與喜慶，與潛伏在伊蒙村（Emond’s Field）陰影中的未知威脅形成了鮮明對比。他對沐瑞·達歐崔（Moiraine Damodred）和嵐·人龍（Lan Mandragoran）異國風貌的描寫，進一步強化了蘭德·亞瑟（Rand al’Thor）純樸生活即將發生劇變的感受。

同時，這一章也充滿了神秘感，尤其是喬丹在呈現資訊時，刻意不將一切解釋得一清二楚。那位黑衣騎士究竟是誰？為什麼沐瑞對蘭德如此感興趣？這些懸而未解的問題，讓讀者保持高度的投入，並在接下來的故事中尋找線索，一步步揭開真相。

Conclusion

Strangers is a masterful second chapter that builds on the foundation of An Empty Road, transforming the vague unease of the first chapter into clearer signs of coming conflict. The arrival of outsiders—both benign and malevolent—marks the beginning of Rand’s journey into a larger world filled with danger, magic, and destiny.

For new readers, this chapter is an intriguing introduction to some of the most important figures in The Wheel of Time, while for returning fans, it is filled with deeper meaning and foreshadowing that only becomes fully clear upon re-reading.

As the novel progresses, the events of Strangers will prove to be the spark that sets everything in motion. It is the moment when the Two Rivers is no longer just a quiet village preparing for a festival, but a place where the forces of the Light and the Shadow have begun to converge—and Rand al’Thor stands at the center of it all.

結論

《陌生人》是一個精彩的第二章，在《空曠的道路》（An Empty Road）的基礎上更進一步，將第一章那種模糊的不安感轉化為更明確的衝突徵兆。外來者的到來——無論是善意的還是邪惡的——標誌著蘭德·亞瑟（Rand al’Thor）旅程的開始，將他捲入一個充滿危險、魔法與命運的廣大世界。

對於新讀者而言，這一章提供了一個引人入勝的機會來認識《時光之輪》中的幾位關鍵角色。而對於回顧本書的老讀者來說，本章充滿了深遠的暗示與伏筆，這些線索唯有在重讀時才能完全理解。

隨著小說的發展，《陌生人》中的事件將被證明是點燃一切的火花。從這一刻開始，兩河（Two Rivers）不再僅僅是一個準備迎接立春節（Bel Tine）的小村莊，而是一個光明與暗影勢力交會之地，而站在這場風暴中心的，正是蘭德·亞瑟。