Wotpedia:Featured article/June 2007
From Wotpedia
In The Wheel of Time fantasy series by Robert Jordan, the One Power is the force that maintains the continuous motion of the Wheel of Time. It comes from the True Source, and it is separated into two halves: saidin (pronounced 'sah-ih-DIHN'), the male half, and saidar (pronounced 'sah-ih-DAHR'), the female half. It is used in the series (like magic) by people who can wield it -- such people are called channelers.
Nature of the True Source
The source of the One Power, it is divided into male and female halves that work with and against each other to drive the Wheel of Time. The True Source cannot be consumed by channellers, even as a river cannot be consumed by a waterwheel. Each half of the One Power is able to be used only by people of the associated sex.
Channelers
Not everyone has the ability to "channel", or access, the One Power. Most have none at all, and some only have the ability to be taught, to one degree or another. But a few channelers are born with "the spark" -- an innate inclination that will lead them to touch the Source, whether they wish to or not. These wilders often die without ever gaining control over their innate ability; some research indicates the mortality rate for untrained channelers is 75% or more. Often, this survival comes with a price; they may not even know they are using the One Power to do things, they just know that sometimes, "things happen" when they want them badly enough. Wilders are also frequently saddled with a block -- an instinctive self-preservation behavior that causes them trouble when they do try to channel purposely. This can take the form of only being able to channel while angry, or only with one's eyes closed, or some other condition specific to the channeler. Those who do not have the spark can go their entire lives without touching the Power or even realizing they can.
Channelers are also not born equal--some are stronger in the Power and can handle more of it than others. Men and women are different in this and many other regards when it comes to the One Power.
