Tam al'Thor
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Tam al'Thor is a secondary character in Robert Jordan's fantasy series The Wheel of Time. He is the adopted father of the Dragon Reborn, Rand al'Thor. He is a resident of the Two Rivers in Andor and a tabac and wool farmer. His farm is located just outside Emond's Field on the edges of the westwood. He has clearly not been forthcoming with the true details of Rand's heritage or his own past. Tam is described as medium height (for a Two Rivers man) so probably around 5'10 to 6'0 feet tall. He has mostly graying hair and is heavy with muscle. He taught Rand to be able to use the Flame and the Void technique. He is the best archer in all of the Two Rivers.
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[edit] Winternight
After several weeks of staying home, Tam and Rand left the farm for Emond's Field to deliver some apple brandy to Bran al'Vere. Rand saw a Myrddraal on the road, and mentioned it to Tam, but Tam did not believe him. Upon reaching the village, the Village Council had an impromptu meeting in the Winespring Inn. Tam took part in the meeting, although the details of what they discussed are never mentioned. Tam did later admit to Rand that he believed Rand's story about the shadowy person lurking about, since more than one young man saw the man. With all the commotion of Moraine arriving and asking questions, Tam decided to take Rand back to his farm for the night.
Upon arriving back at the farm, the two men completed their remaining chores and then retired for the night. Trollocs arrived before they could settle down for their meal. Tam held them off as he told Rand to escape into the woods, then deliberately led them away from Rand. He was seriously wounded by a Trolloc blade and had to be carried on a makeshift litter to Emond's Field by his son. During that journey, Tam was overcome with fever and mumbled things about Rand's true past that Rand was unaware of. Upon arriving back in town, the Wisdom, Nynaeve al'Meara, told Rand that Tam would die. In desperation, Rand sought the aid of Moraine Sedai, who successfully healed Tam, in exchange for Rand accompanying her to Tar Valon. Tam remained bedridden and was unable to accompany Rand on his journey. He did, however, give Rand his sword.
[edit] Early Life
As a young man, Tam decided that he would like to see the world. He therefore did something that not many Two Rivers inhabitants do: he left the Two Rivers. His travels coincided with the Aiel War, and he travelled to Illian and joined Illian's army. He climbed the ranks and eventually became Second Captain of The Companions. It can be assumed that at some point during his travels, he became a blademaster and earned the heron-mark sword that he would later pass on to Rand. He fought in the Battle of the Shining Walls, also known as the Blood Snow. During that battle he found the newborn on the slopes of Dragonmount and took him as his own. He then returned to the Two Rivers with his wife Kari al'Thor to raise Rand.
[edit] Captain under Lord Perrin "Goldeneyes" Aybara
When the Trollocs entered the Two Rivers in order to draw out the three Ta'veren, Tam escaped the burning of his farm and managed to get Abell Cauthon, his friend and Mat Cauthon's father, away from his farm before it was also burned. The two men took to the woods and were a fairly effective two man resistance. When Perrin arrived and rallied the Two Rivers to resist the Trollocs and Whitecloaks, Tam and Abell both served as trainers in archery and swordsmanship, and as captains during the major battles of Emond's field.
[edit] Captain under the Dragon Reborn
Not much was mentioned of this, however the Asha'man used travelling to bring Tam al'Thor to serve under his son as advisor and captain.
[edit] Blademaster
When Tam gave Rand his old sword, Rand noticed that it was marked three times with a Heron. This was the mark of a Blademaster. Furthermore, the blade never needed sharpening, which showed it to be one of the very rare Power-wrought Heron Mark blades. The only way to become a Blademaster was to kill one in fair single combat, or to have five Blademasters vote unanimously that a person deserved the honor.
