From the introduction: The Wheel of Time turns, and ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legends. Legends fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the age that gave it birth comes again. This is not The Beginning. There are no beginnings nor endings to the turning of the Wheel of Time. But it is A beginning Welcome to The Wheel of Time. Here is a world nearing the brink. Channelers are people who can tap into the One Power, the life force that turns the wheel of time. It's two halves Sai’din (the male half) and Sai’dar (the female half) are equals and opposites. Channelers draw in power form their sources, and weave threads of Earth, Fire, Wind, Water, and Spirit together to cast powerful magics. The Male half was tainted, but has been recently cleansed by the Dragon.