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Shai'tain
Shai'tan is the source of all evil in the world. Shai'tan's influence brings out the baser instincts and traits of humankind. Because Shai'tan's touch can be so strong, the Creator imprisoned Shai'tan at the moment of creation outside the Pattern weaved by the Wheel of Time. Shai'tan is believed to be the complete opposite of the Creator. While neither male nor female according to human standards, Shai'tan is always referred to as male. In the Age of Legends, a time of peace, harmony and wondrous accomplishments by all the sentient beings of the world, Shai'tan's prison was breached. A research team looking for an alternative to the One Power, headed by Mierin Eronaile (Lanfear) and Beidomon, found a thin place in the Pattern that promised a new source of power. By drilling through this thin spot, they created a hole, known as the Bore, through which Shai'tan could touch the world. Until that time, no one knew of the existence of Shai'tan, but the whole world soon became painfully aware of him. Needing help from the inhabitants of the world, Shai'tan promised immortality and power beyond dreams for those who would help him break free of his prison completely. His intention is to remake creation by his design. Drawn by Shai'tan's promises, there were several who joined his cause. The attempt to free Shai'tan from his prison brought much change to the world. It began the War of the Shadow (War of Power) wherein the One Power was first used as a weapon. He tainted saidin as the Hundred Companions resealed the Bore, which lead to the Breaking of the World, and ultimately the end of the Age of Legends. Prophecy says that mankind's only hope of defeating Shai'tan lies in the Dragon Reborn, who will fight him at Tarmon Gai'don, the Last Battle. But that fight will cost humankind dearly. All people, including those dedicated to Shai'tan's cause (Darkfriends) believe it is dangerous to speak his true name, so he is called by many other names. The Dark One is the most common. Darkfriends refer to him as the Great Lord of the Dark. Other names include: The Shadow, Dark Lord, Lord of the Grave, Father of Lies, Sightblinder, Shepherd of the Night, Hearstbane, Soulsbane, Heartfang, Old Grim or Grim, Grassburner and Leafblighter.
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