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Your search for the tag 'bela' yielded 49 results

  • 1

    Interview: Oct 17th, 1994

    Robert Jordan

    Jordan knows about the internet groups, and even mentioned the recent split of the rawsfr-j from its parent group and said that is happening on a lot of other computer boards.

    Jordan quoted the FAQ! Erica said the relevant part was from Novak, about Bela being a Darkfriend and attending the social. "The cloaked figure of indeterminate sex."

    Tags

  • 2

    Interview: Oct 17th, 1994

    Question

    Is Bela ta'veren?

    Robert Jordan

    He quoted John Novak's Darkfriend Social scene. (He called it the "Darkfriend Social". He got the name from Judy.)

    Tags

  • 3

    Interview: Oct 18th, 1994

    Question

    Did Bela kill Asmodean?

    Robert Jordan

    Read the book, chuckle chuckle.

    Tags

  • 4

    Interview: Oct 20th, 1994

    Dennis Higbee

    I was at the Robert Jordan signing today at Forbidden Planet on 12th and Broadway in lower Manhattan, NYC. I'm not going to set the scene, except to say that the line wasn't too long, and it moved well. I found him and his wife (who was also present) to be a charming and personable couple. They went out of their way to by nice and patiently answered all my questions. None of them were really of any significance, but he did identify me as a net-denizen from the question "Is Bela ta'veren?" (Yes, I know it's been done, but I could not help myself.)

    Tags

  • 5

    Interview: Oct 28th, 1994

    Robert Jordan

    The real Robert Jordan was late arriving (he had an earlier signing and then an interview) and asked for a three book limit. I had six books so got to talk to him twice. He looked kind of tired and seemed to be in a hurry to get to everyone. Most of my questions got a 'read and find out.' He said he had read the 'Is Bela a Darkfriend?' thread from this group. He shook his head in a bemused manner as he said this.

    Tags

  • 6

    Interview: 2011

    Twitter 2011 (WoT) (Verbatim)

    Brandon Sanderson (5 January 2011)

    This now reads interestingly: "With all his heart & desperation, he silently shouted at Bela to run...tried to will strength into her...

    ZEERAK WASEEM

    The Bela thing?

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    Rand heals Bela of her fatigue before Moiraine can.

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    Since people are asking, Rand's first use of the Power is healing Bela of her fatigue. He feels the effects later in Baerlon, I think.

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    Are there any Theorylanders/Dragonmounters who can confirm this for me? Maybe give some specifics or a thread for people?

    ADAM PETTY

    Didn't Moiraine bring that to his attention at the end of The Eye of the World or The Dragon Reborn?

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    I think she did, but either way, I missed it first read-through.

    JO KENEBEL

    Actually doesn't Moiraine confirm it later, she says something like "I had suspicions from the first...then there was Bela..."

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    I was asking for confirmation on his sickness, not whether he channeled. :)

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    On the subject of Rand's channeling, a lot of people are bringing up the event on the ship outside of Shadar Logoth.

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    I'll talk about this when we get there. I've read a lot of theories on this one arguing for both sides. I've never made up my mind.

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    Wotfaq on Rand channeling: http://bit.ly/fBBrCz I've read enough questions from theory-types on the second one to make me question.

    TEREZ

    Like what? Seems pretty straightforward to me.

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    And...Linda to the rescue. Once again, 13th Depository has an exhaustive look at all this: http://bit.ly/gYgU7Z (Thanks @einarjh.)

    TEREZ

    She doesn't question it either. :D I have not seen a case against it. Also, Vin using up her 'luck' reminded me of that. :)

    MATT HATCH

    Brandon, come on over. We'd love to "entertain" your theory against Bela. :)

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    My theory against Bela?

    MATT HATCH

    Thought "theories on this one arguing for both sides. I've never made up my mind" meant you were undecided on Bela...

    MATT HATCH

    ...as the first instance of channeling. But now I see you were speaking of the sickness.

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    The ship is what I was talking about. I remember reading, in the early days, some people trying to refute that one.

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    The reason everyone misses the first times Rand channels is because the sickness after the lightning is so much more memorable.

    HBFFERREIRA

    The mast swinging and killing a Trolloc, right? I remember thinking ta'veren during my re-read.

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    That's what I thought for a long time too. Might still think it. I want to watch it this read.

    LUCKERS

    Re: Rand's first channelings—do you know of the theory that Rand channeled to bring them to the Eye...

    LUCKERS

    Compare the last few moments before they reach the Eye with when Rand heals Bela of her tiredness.

    LUCKERS

    If that is one of the first channelings, it's not on any list. Always intrigued me. RJ was so subtle sometimes.

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    I'll watch for that, Luckers. Thanks for the heads up.

    BRANDON SANDERSON (7 JANUARY)

    Okay, we come to Rand using the One Power to swing the boom on the ship and hit the Trolloc. The argument against this one...

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    ...is that the Power doesn't actually seem to move the boom. The boat shakes for some reason, which swings it down.

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    In the other two cases, Rand does something actively. In this, it seems more accidental. It's enough of an argument to make me wonder.

    TEREZ

    Who says Rand didn't shake the boat with the Power? Besides, the aftereffects are what make us sure.

    LINDA TAGLIERI

    I agree. He jolted the boat which dislodged many Trollocs and the boom swept the one attacking him away.

    JOHN IN PUEBLO

    Are you saying him being ta'veren caused it to move?

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    I'm saying I've been made to wonder. The biggest point against it is the sickness he feels after.

    BRANDON SANDERSON (10 JANUARY)

    So, Rand on the rigging really must be an after-effect of channeling. But it doesn't HAVE to mean he did it on the night with the boat.

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    It could have happened in the days between, and... and I'm sounding like @theoryland, aren't I? You guys are a bad influence on me.

    TEREZ

    If you actually hung out @theoryland you would never put such an unsupported theory forward for fear of our scorn. ;)

    TEREZ

    Sometimes, Occam's Razor is your friend. Alas.

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    Ha. You want me to think your theories are all well-supported? You think I haven't heard @theoryland's Avi theory?

    TEREZ

    Hey, that was MY theory. And it was way more supported than yours! hmph... (though I didn't believe it really)

    MATT HATCH

    Ouch. I should get Jenn to do an Asmodean panel at JordanCon. I need an outlet for my glossary disdain.

    TEREZ

    While all of us in the apathy camp think the glossary reveal was JUST PERFECT TAKE THAT YOU CHUMPS.

    MATT HATCH

    Of course you were happy, because it was the apathetic way to reveal it...I really need that panel, Jenn!

    JENNIFER LIANG

    Tell Shannan. I think we have room for another theory panel.

    TEREZ

    Also, Moiraine clearly says that early unconscious channeling always comes in response to a desperate need.

    TEREZ

    We know it was smooth sailing after they left Shadar Logoth, so no opportunity to make Rand channel.

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    Where did you get the idea that this was my theory? Just something I was curious about. :P

    TEREZ

    Just from the fact that you were, you know, defending it. :p I know you said you had read it back in the day though.

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    Unfortunately, I don't really GET to have theories any more, since I can just look up the answers or ask Maria. :(

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    And the theories I do have I don't really get to post about, since they will influence the series end. Maybe once A Memory of Light is done,

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    I'll pick a few things the notes are silent on, explain that they're silent, then jump in with some good, old-fashioned theories.

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    That won't stop me from making random comments as I read, though, so maybe those count as my theories.

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    I am keeping a list, though, to get answers on as I go. Already got a few, actually....

    TEREZ

    That would be awesome. In the meantime, feel free to defend silly theories. It gives us something to do. ;)

    Tags

  • 7

    Interview: Oct 30th, 1994

    Robert Jordan

    He is aware of us, and the Bela discussion. We had a rather long convoluted discussion about Bela and the Darkfriend social, which seemed to leave everyone else clueless, when I identified myself as a net.jordanite...

    We complain about the Sweet covers. He complains about the German covers. (Well, not much. But one in particular had a naked woman wearing pearls holding back an army with a wave of her hand (The Great Hunt) and "I had no idea where they got that one.")

    You don't want to hear about his British agent.

    Tags

  • 8

    Interview: Oct 28th, 1994

    Robert Jordan

    I showed him my Bela '96 button, and he said, "So you're not one of those who think she's a Darkfriend?"

    Tags

  • 9

    Interview: Jun 16th, 1995

    Robert Jordan

    Some of the "Read-and-find-out-answers" are partly due to that there are things that might happen, not decided yet, in future books. He also saw it as a way to diminish the reader's reading experience due to narrowing his view of the future works. And he was vastly amused by our looney theories, especially the Bela Darkfriend one. Unfortunately, I missed telling him of the Demandred being Olver theory.

    Tags

  • 10

    Interview: Jun 16th, 1995

    Robert Jordan

    When told about the Bela in Lord of Chaos plot contest he said that he knew what Bela had been doing in Lord of Chaos. WARNING! Non-family newsfroup material! Quote made without consent from the Great Lord of the Dark! "I wouldn't quite call it lesbian bestiality. Rather a very close mutual friendship with a certain female in Salidar." [I wonder who? :-)]

    Footnote

    [The 'froup' thing is apparently an inside joke at rasfwrj.]

    Tags

  • 11

    Interview: Aug 23rd, 1996

    Robert Jordan

    Bela is the Neigh'blis.

    Tags

    bela, lol,
  • 12

    Interview: Oct, 1998

    Sense of Wonder

    Can you give us a hint about anything new and exciting readers might learn in The Path of Daggers?

    Robert Jordan

    You wouldn't want me to spoil things for you. Would you? I have to fall back on that useful Web acronym, RAFO. READ AND FIND OUT. But I suggest you watch your back if Bela happens to be around.

    Tags

  • 13

    Interview: Nov 1st, 1998

    SciFi.com Chat (Verbatim)

    Erica

    Is Tai'daishar the foal of Daishar? Could someone bond Bela?...pause....Why? Any chance that Bela will foal during the series? Exactly how old is Bela supposed to be?

    Robert Jordan

    (laughs) No...nobody could bond Bela. And for the rest of it, read and find out.

    Tags

  • 14

    Interview: Nov 14th, 1998

    Matthew Hunter

    Lots of minor comments thinly veiled towards the net-jordanites. I got the impression he thinks we're a bit obsessive but appreciates it. Some of the more interesting ones:

    Robert Jordan

    —"I like the idea of Bela as a Darkfriend."

    —"There is an alphanumeric code in the copyright page." He expects us to decode it shortly. Let's get cracking!

    —"How do you know Mat isn't back as Cyndane?"

    —"Any crazy rumors I can start on the Web are good."

    Tags

  • 15

    Interview: Mar, 2000

    Paul Ward

    Possible question: Who killed Asmodean?

    Robert Jordan

    I really think that the best suggestion for the murderer of Asmodean was that it was Moiraine acting under Compulsion imposed by Bela. Of course, that is not the answer, but it is the best suggestion from a fan.

    Paul Ward

    I can't remember who suggested that. It's the best suggestion?

    Tags

  • 16

    Interview: Nov 11th, 2000

    E.S. from Denver

    How did Kierkegard and Sartre influence your portrayal of Bela and can you discuss how the equus/superequus dichotomy played out in the whole Asmodean murder scene?

    Robert Jordan

    (laughs) No, no, neither Sartre or Kierkegard influenced me in the slightest, nor did they influence the development of Bela. My wife thinks that they did influence the development of Bela, but I don't and I'm the one who did it, so there.

    Tags

  • 17

    Interview: Apr 8th, 2001

    Isabel

    Can you eliminate a few suspects of who killed Asmodean?

    Robert Jordan

    No. No, I refuse to... Well, I'll tell you this. It wasn't Rand. [Seems he isn't even aware of the idea that Lews Therin Telamon taking over Rand killed Asmodean. Scratch one idea there.] But I have my suspicions about Nynaeve. And I've always thought that Elayne might have been covering up something that was going on at the site.

    Comment

    It was Bela.

    Robert Jordan

    Oh, you're one of those people who believe Bela is a Darkfriend, are you?

    Comment

    No, she's the Creator herself.

    Robert Jordan

    No no, there's a whole body of thought, a whole body of writing on the net, proving that Bela is indeed a Darkfriend, and possibly an avatar of the Dark One himself.

    KuraFire

    We have the proof that Bela is the Creator.

    Robert Jordan

    You'll have to put it on the net then. [*blinks* Jordan isn't aware of Larry Homer's essay? What a pity indeed. Seems like he's still thinking as they did back when the "where was Bela during Lord of Chaos?" contests were held on rasfwr-j.]

    KuraFire

    It is.

    Isabel

    How about the idea that Moridin is the horse of Rand?

    Robert Jordan

    No, actually Moridin is hiding as Nynaeve. [And yes, choosing Nynaeve there was deliberate; poor Isabel.]

    Footnote

    The bit about 'the horse of Rand' is referring to the prophecy in which Rand rides a white horse, the name of which is Death.

    Tags

  • 18

    Interview: Dec 9th, 2002

    Dragonmount

    Who is your favorite character?

    Harriet McDougal Rigney

    Bela, the stout, shaggy little mare.

    DRAGONMOUNT

    Favorite book?

    HARRIET MCDOUGAL RIGNEY

    I love them all.

    DRAGONMOUNT

    Scene?

    HARRIET MCDOUGAL RIGNEY

    Ditto.

    Tags

  • 19

    Interview: Sep 4th, 2005

    Matt Hatch

    Skipped [transcription of] question to Harriet about a subject of questions she is surprised fans aren't asking about.

    Harriet McDougal Rigney

    She jokes that we aren't asking about Bela. She says she can't think of anything we don't ask about.

    Tags

    bela,
  • 20

    Interview: May 15th, 2009

    Dave Brendon

    We know you can’t say anything specific or even in general about what takes place in A Memory of Light, but you have to be able to answer this one, at least—does Bela save the day? :-)

    Brandon Sanderson

    I’m afraid Bela’s future exploits are still under wraps, but I have already revealed that it was Bela (with the assistance of Narg) who killed Asmodean.

    Tags

  • 21

    Interview: Nov 14th, 2009

    Matoyak

    Well there ya have it! Lots of good information here, the death of a faction war being among one of them. Also, I have official proof that Bela killed Asmodean.

    For the personalization of my signing I put:

    For Mason Matoyak __________ killed Asmodean.

    Here's the pic of what he wrote: [Brandon filled in the blank with 'Bela'.]

    Tags

    bela,
  • 22

    Interview: Apr 23rd, 2010

    Terez

    Was Verin at the Darkfriend Social? (This question was on Linda's list.)

    Harriet McDougal Rigney

    That was Bela.

    Terez

    AGGGGGH.

    Tags

  • 23

    Interview: Nov 4th, 2010

    Question

    Who is Bela really working for?

    Brandon Sanderson

    Harriet?

    Harriet McDougal Rigney

    (with a wicked grin on her face) Would you believe Bela is the Dark One? (much laughter followed that statement!)

    Tags

    bela,
  • 24

    Interview: Nov 8th, 2010

    Question

    Who makes it all the way to the end?

    Brandon Sanderson

    Bela.

    Footnote

    Explanation here.

    Tags

  • 25

    Interview: Nov 8th, 2010

    Question

    Where is Bela now?

    Brandon Sanderson

    In the White Tower stable.

    Harriet McDougal Rigney

    Communing with the Dark One!

    Tags

    bela,
  • 26

    Interview: Nov 4th, 2010

    Question

    A guy named Louis asked what's going to happen to Bela. (He pronounces it like "Bella".)

    Harriet McDougal Rigney

    Harriet corrects his pronunciation (it's more like BAIL-a) and then, looking mysterious, asks "Would you believe that Bela is the Dark One?" (everybody laughs)

    Tags

  • 27

    Interview: Apr 16th, 2011

    Question

    With reference to that last question, what about Bela?

    Brandon Sanderson

    I think I've got a pretty good handle on the Dark One, don't you think?

    Tags

    bela,
  • 28

    Interview: Jun 4th, 2011

    Brandon Sanderson

    Bela survives!

    Footnote

    Explanation here.

    Tags

  • 29

    Interview: Aug 4th, 2011

    Question

    How will Bela be important at the end of Wheel of Time?

    Brandon Sanderson

    You know, Bela is either the Creator or the Dark One. We're not, you know... (laughter). And so basically, Bela will be important in all aspects of the book, and none at the same time. Kind of like Vishnu.

    Tags

    bela,
  • 30

    Interview: Aug 4th, 2011

    Question

    Some of Robert Jordan's characters, the female characters especially, are very much alike. Are they similar to Harriet?

    Brandon Sanderson

    No, they're really not. He, when asked on tour which character was most like her, he said Bela (laughter). And this is what Harriet said, it's an indication of Harriet's sense of humor, the shaggy mare that just won't give up. No, she's really not much like them. She is like... imagine in your head your kindly, nice grandmother and mix her with a stately Southern belle, and that's Harriet. She's just very polite, kindly Southern grandmother.

    Tags

  • 31

    Interview: Oct 27th, 1994

    Keith Casner

    Nobody showed up for the alleged Social afterwards. Perhaps some folk have forgoten their new Vows...

    That's all I have. Pretty boring signing, really. Oh, I talked briefly about the Net with him, told him that we get more traffic than the main group.

    Robert Jordan

    He asked if I thought Bela was a Darkfriend, I said no, but ta'veren for sure. He explained all these references to the Tower lady sitting with him, but his wife didn't seem to be about.

    KEITH CASNER

    Keith E. Casner, Officially Designated Nae'blis, So There

    Tags

  • 32

    Interview: 2001

    Thus Spake the Creator (Paraphrased)

    Signing Report (Bela)

    As he grabbed my second book, I asked, "Is Bela the Creator?"

    Robert Jordan

    "No, she's Nae'blis," he said, laughing. He went on to say something along the lines of: I know all your theories about her being Nae'blis.

    Reporter

    As he handed me my book, I asked, "Is Bela the Dark One?"

    Robert Jordan

    He laughed. "Hmmmm," he said, "I might do something with that... No, just kidding."

    Reporter

    I stepped away but lingered as he signed the next person's first book.

    Robert Jordan

    As he grabbed the second book, he said, "She's the avatar of Ilyena Sunhair." [I think it was Sunhair. Is that her name?]

    Reporter

    He went on to say that Ilyena died, but had bad karma. I'm serious.

    Tags

  • 33

    Interview: 2012

    Brandon Sanderson (9 December 2011)

    Back at work on A Memory of Light. May be the day to reveal a side-character's long-hidden motivations .

    JAMES BIRTLES

    Do we get a clue as to whom this character is?

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    If I told you that, you'd be expecting it. I'm afraid it is a RAFO. This character HAS been a little suspicious.

    LEBO GUME

    Mr. @BrandSanderson please stop teasing A Memory of Light.

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    Sorry. Some people really want to watch the progress, and so I try to keep the posts as spoiler-free as possible.

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    This afternoon's "Brandon opens Magic cards as he writes" comes sponsored by Sarah Bartram, who sent the cards off my wishlist. Thanks!

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    The rare was this card (which is sweet, since I like zombie cards): http://gatherer.wizards.com/pages/Card/Details.aspx?multiverseid=230786

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    Just wrote a scene with Bela in it.

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    This scene is one that RJ left instruction for in his notes; it gave me shivers when reading.

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    Okay, that scene's done, and it is beyond awesome. Over 3k done; opening another pack sent by Sarah B. ...Mythic rare! http://gatherer.wizards.com/pages/Card/Details.aspx?multiverseid=247236

    Tags

  • 34

    Interview: Dec 2nd, 2010

    Mark

    Okay. So, I got a question that actually goes all the way back to the very beginning of the series.

    Maria Simons

    Mkay.

    MARK

    Will we ever find out whose voice it was at the end of The Eye of the World?

    MARIA SIMONS

    [pause] [in a sing-song voice] RAFO! (ray-foe)

    JENNIFER LIANG

    Yeah, that's a RAFO. (raffo)

    MARIA SIMONS

    Score!

    MARK

    I figured, but I had to ask.

    MARIA SIMONS

    I wondered how long it would take.

    ALAN ROMANCZUK

    Maria and I have spent some time trying to figure out different ways to say 'read and find out', so we're going to be trying out some of them today, and we'll see how it goes.

    VIRGINIA

    Oh, great.

    SPENCER POWELL

    Oh, this will be fun. Let me see if I can get you another trial run here. Um...Asmodean? [laughter]

    ALAN ROMANCZUK

    Who's he?

    MARIA SIMONS

    Yeah. Who's that guy?

    VIRGINIA

    He's toast, that's who he is.

    SPENCER POWELL

    No, Sammael's toast.

    ANDREW GELOS

    Yeah, I was going to say.

    VIRGINIA

    Well, I think he is too.

    MARIA SIMONS

    Um, if anybody sees the back of my car, they will see that I killed Asmodean. That's all I'm gonna say. [laughter]

    MARK

    I thought it was Bela!

    JENNIFER LIANG

    I do like the 'Bela killed him' theory. That one is just insane enough to be true.

    MARIA SIMONS

    I like that Bela is the Neigh'blis. [laughter]

    VIRGINIA

    Yeah.

    JENNIFER LIANG

    Terrible puns are always a good thing.

    VIRGINIA

    I love it.

    MARIA SIMONS

    And the master of the terrible pun is on this call.

    VIRGINIA

    Ahh.

    MARIA SIMONS

    In Jim's office.

    JENNIFER LIANG

    Ahhhh.

    VIRGINIA

    Well feel free. [laugher]

    ALAN ROMANCZUK

    I am, I am.

    VIRGINIA

    Pun away. Well, we've got two...you pronounce it 'raffo', right? Not 'rayfo'?

    MARIA SIMONS

    I say 'rayfo'. I don't know that there's a real pronunciation for that one.

    ALAN ROMANCZUK

    She says 'raffo', I say 'rayfo', so let's call the whole thing off.

    VIRGINIA

    Yeah, well we got two right off the bat. I don't know what else we're going to....well, probably everything.

    Tags

  • 35

    Interview: Dec 15th, 2011

    Question

    I was reading on Facebook that you had Bela, that you were writing her recently. Was that your idea or was it Robert Jordan's?

    Brandon Sanderson

    I usually save questions like this. Wait until the book is out, wait till it's been out for a little while, and then I can talk specifically about what was me and what was Jim. I don't want to predispose people so that they're thinking "Is this Jim's scene? Is this Brandon's scene? Well he said something about this, and whatnot." So the only thing I'm telling people, regarding his writing, is that I do have a thing from the prologue, each of the three have one of the scenes that he wrote for the prologue put in it, and of course the ending. And other than this, I'm not saying a ton about what is his and what is mine. Just wait until people have read the book, and then I'll start answering a few more of those questions.

    Like I've down with Towers of Midnight and The Gathering Storm. I've been a little more free in recent times about what was me and what was him, and I'm still not very specific for you, I don't want that focus, but I will start answering more of those questions.

    Tags

  • 36

    Interview: Oct 20th, 1994

    Robert Jordan

    He also asked me to mention that he would neither confirm or deny the speculation that Bela, in fact killed Asmodean. I replied that I had my own theory; it was Mandarb. His wife chuckled. It was a very pleasant afternoon, and I consider it time well spent, and an honor to meet an author who treats his fans like friends.

    Hawkwing (Dennis)

    Tags

  • 37

    Interview: Oct 25th, 1994

    Robert Jordan

    Finally, Jordan refused to either confirm or deny

    (a) if Bela was ta'veren

    (b) that Bela was a Darkfriend

    (c) whether Bela killed Asmodean.

    Tags

  • 38

    Interview: Oct 27th, 1994

    Robert Jordan

    His last comment to me was, "I am going to leave you guys up in the air in regards to Bela." Since I hadn't brought up the subject of the B-one, I found this very suspicious.

    —Tom Burke

    PS This is from memory, not from tape.

    Tags

    bela,
  • 39

    Interview: 2001

    Thus Spake the Creator (Paraphrased)

    Signing Report (Bela)

    In response to the people in the back of the line (which had circled around two book aisles to the RJ table again), he asked the following question of them...

    Robert Jordan

    "Have you ever noticed how Bela and Shaidar Haran are never in same scene?"

    Reporter

    Those WERE Bela monkeys in the back. And, no, RJ wasn't messing with them.

    Tags

    bela,
  • 40

    Interview: Dec 8th, 2007

    Jason Denzel

    Who killed Asmodean? Come on, just tell us. Please. I won't tell Harriet you told me.

    Brandon Sanderson

    Okay, okay. You've got a right to know. I'll tell just you.

    It was Bela.

    JASON DENZEL

    Ok, if you won't tell us, will you tell us in A Memory of Light?

    BRANDON SANDERSON

    I certainly intend to! I hope he left notes on it.

    Tags

  • 41

    Interview: 2012

    Twitter 2012 (WoT) (Verbatim)

    ali alhamadani (19 October 2012)

    I was thinking, will Bela make an appearance in A Memory of Light? (Serious question) :P :D

    Brandon Sanderson (19 October 2012)

    Yes.

    ali alhamadani

    Any more details? Or is it RAFO?

    Brandon Sanderson

    RAFO. Just be watching. :)

    Tags

  • 42

    Interview: 2012

    Memories of Light (Verbatim)

    Day 36

    "Run, Bela," Faile said. "If you've kept any strength back, now is the time to use it. Please. Run, girl. Run." (p. 760)

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  • 43

    Interview: 2013

    Twitter 2013 (WoT) (Verbatim)

    Can (13 January 2013)

    @Terez27 Do we know which character is dead by Harriet's choice?

    Terez

    Bela. @BrandSanderson told us twice that she would survive. :( But apparently Harriet later insisted she should die.

    Brandon Sanderson (13 January 2013)

    Yeah. Harriet felt that we had painted that character into a corner, and the story demanded that conclusion.

    Daniel Shepard

    Is that the GRRM moment? Or the character that was gonna recover from their injuries?

    Brandon Sanderson

    Character was going to recover.

    Brandon Sanderson

    She was right to make that call, but it does turn me into a liar. That's what I get for speaking too soon...

    Werthead

    That does seem slightly ludicrous. I think the fanbase turned Bela into a bit of a meme.

    Brandon Sanderson

    True, but I will note that Harriet personally has a special fondness for her.

    Brandon Sanderson

    She has said that she would joke with RJ that Bela was the character based on Harriet in the books.

    Peter Ahlstrom

    Harriet even has "Bela" in her email address. She took her fate quite seriously.

    Werthead

    The average reader wouldn't even remember who she was. Weird this much effort was spent on her.

    Peter Ahlstrom

    You think? Back when I was an average reader and hadn't talked about the books online, I loved Bela.

    Tags

  • 44

    Interview: 2013

    Twitter 2013 (WoT) (Verbatim)

    Jeffrey Bernard (23 January 2013)

    With all the deaths that occurred in A Memory of Light, were there any that hit you harder than any others?

    Brandon Sanderson (23 January 2013)

    Egwene. After that, Bela. I'd promised she would live, but Harriet decided that I was cheating to keep her alive.

    Raj Ayer

    How long did it take you to write Egwene's death? What were your emotions then? How much had RJ written of it?

    Brandon Sanderson

    It was a hard one, to be sure. Hardest in the books. Had a long conversation with Team Jordan about how to manage it.

    Brandon Sanderson

    RJ had not written much of that sequence.

    Andy Lee

    Why did Egwene have to die? Very sad.

    Brandon Sanderson

    I agree. But if you look at the arc of her character, you might begin to see why it was important.

    Travis Hall

    Without spoilers, were there any characters you want to kill/save that you couldn't do to Jordan's wishes?

    Brandon Sanderson

    There was one. But it was Harriet's call, not RJ's, that ended them.

    Bellygod

    Who did you find hardest to kill?

    Brandon Sanderson

    Egwene by a mile. Followed by Bela.

    Bellygod

    Why did you kill Bela?

    Brandon Sanderson

    I tried to keep her alive! Harriet told me I'd put her in too bad a situation, and she needed to die.

    Brandon Sanderson

    She was right, of course, but it still hurts.

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  • 45

    Interview: Feb 8th, 2013

    DJ Stipe

    Brandon Sanderson (paraphrased)

    Bela's death was the runaway winner for most brought up subject, to which Brandon usually arched his arm across the head of Memory Keeper Aviendha, pointed at Harriet and said, "Blame her." At one point he said he wrote a scene where she fought back to life, but Harriet cut it. She overheard this, said it wasn't true and Brandon responded that he'd wanted to. He then said that he likes to think that when the Horn is called next one of the Heroes will be riding a shaggy, gray mare.

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  • 46

    Interview: Feb 21st, 2013

    Brandon Sanderson (paraphrased)

    Two of the major character deaths in the final book were not in Jim's notes. One (Bela's) was mandated by Harriet. Brandon did not (and has not, to my knowledge) divulged which one was his choice.

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  • 47

    Interview: Feb 22nd, 2013

    Question

    Have you heard the rumors about Bela being the Creator?

    Brandon Sanderson

    I have indeed, and I find them very amusing.

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  • 48

    Interview: Aug 23rd, 2014

    Harriet McDougal (paraphrased)

    Harriet named about 75% of the chapters in the series.

    Harriet vocally re-enacted Bela's death-whinny from AMoL.

    Adam Whitehead

    The panel spent an intense five minutes arguing about Bela's death. When I tried to suggest that we talk about the human characters who died, no-one was really interested. It was all about the horse.

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