One I would add is the moment in the garden with Rand when they get into a game of one-upmanship. By your rating system, it wouldn't be very high, but it was still one of my favorite moments for Mat and Rand.

@USMCVetDawn

2 ай бұрын

I LOVE that exchange!

@mrbigdogmk

2 ай бұрын

I saved Moraine, I win. Lol priceless

@BleydTorvall

2 ай бұрын

Was going to say the same thing.

@bholdr----0

2 ай бұрын

...and how, when Rand says Mat and the Horn will be needed at Tarmon Gaidon- Mat basically says, 'yeah, yeah, I'll be there.'... (jeez, leave me alone for a minute!) Mat keeps his word. Maybe more than any other character in the whole series (other than, say, Lan)... Like when Egewene thinks (reflecting on how Mat saved a kid that wasn't drowning, and, despite being made fun of, saved another kid that was... At the last battle, Mat may, maybe more than anyone, be trusted to do the right thing. (In an utterly infuriating and counterintuitive way.)

@tadious9415

2 ай бұрын

That is so good! Mat totally brushing off Rand cleansing saidin is great!

The Mat bowing to Egwene scene is so, so important in building up Egwene as the actual Amyrlin Seat. Mat himself commands 6000 of the best professional soldiers in the world making him quite powerful in his own right and he bows to a person that all of the Aes Sedai are actively undermining. This shows to the laypeople witnessing the event, that she is the Amyrlin Seat, as far as the outside world is concerned, and should be treated as such. Because of this, although unspoken, it definitely makes the Aes Sedai consider her as that person of power that they had initially elected to be a puppet, the word is out, they have to start treating her with the respect due to her office. Separately, the events leading up to it is an excellent example of how long time close friends interact with each other. Put simply, "I get to talk to my friends like that. You don't." He can tell her what he really thinks in private, but when it comes to people disrespecting his friend in public, he's having none of it. On a third note, one of the most underrated Mat moments, in my mind, is when Siuan tells him about her uncle Huan being a layabout that ended up dying saving children from a burning house and essentially asking Mat what kind of man he is is especially powerful. That one paragraph essentially sums up what Mat's character is all about. He'll do anything he can to avoid work but when it comes down to the work being necessary, he'll be the first one there.

@AndrolSedai

2 ай бұрын

But the aes sedai don't know the Band's reputation. They actually have no idea that he's anything more than some rando mercenary guy. Canonically, the majority of them don't understand soldiering, and undervalue the opinion of non-AS. Given the internal politics of the salidar group, I don't see Mat's bow as impacting her standing with them. But it definitely meant the world to Eg that day.

@breaker6683

2 ай бұрын

@@AndrolSedai I may have over dramatized that moment just because I like it so much but the broader point I was trying to reach is that while the Aes Sedai specifically may not have given much thought to Mat and his army, the common folk they had with them in droves definitely would have and the Aes Sedai would have had to take note of that.

@AndrolSedai

2 ай бұрын

@@breaker6683 that's a very good point about the non-AS in the camp!

@AndrolSedai

2 ай бұрын

And I 100% agree with you about the "you don't disrespect my friends". That scene is a super impactful counterpoint to the earlier scene where he offers to save her bacon 😂😂. And, as you mention, siuane lays it all out for us in that one exchange

@tadious9415

2 ай бұрын

@@AndrolSedai They don't know the Band's reputation, but they do know he's a ta'veren and know he was sent by the Dragon Reborn. I don't think it caused them to totally reevaluate how they saw Egwene, but it did serve as a good and timely reminder that she is going to be seen as their leader to the world, and it does gain her a bit of respect to essentially have a positive diplomatic meeting with a representative of the Dragon Reborn that the other Aes Sedai had absolutley nothing to do with. The other piece is that after this point Mat's army is following them and none of them have any knowledge or understanding of that army. But the leader of that army did bow to Egwene and show respect to her. And Egwene later uses Talmanes loosely in her political games to create the chaos needed for her to declare war. It's not all due to Mat certainly, but it didn't hurt.

Honorable mention: Mat "gifting" Joline a batch of sweet buns when she finally leaves, then reveals afterwards that they will turn her mouth blue for a week.

A nae'blis ranked list about the books!? This is content I love! I'm gonna still watch the adaptation, but this is the WOT content that feeds me.

Thank you for a real recap of Mats top moments. I especially liked the scene where Tuon is actually one of the few people to realise the sort of person Mat is behind his mischievous mask. Mat has had so many moments that it’s hard to list them all but I think Mat’s freeing the Windfinder in Ebou Dar deserves a mention. He has seen how the Seanchan are slowly breaking the captive Sea Folk channelers and he tells himself there is nothing he can do about it. In all fairness smuggling himself and the Aes Sedai out of Ebou Dar was a high risk operation. Yet in the middle of a life and death operation he stops and adds to the already considered danger he is in to divert to the Damane kennels to give the chance of freedom to a Windfinder and her compatriots. Telling himself that there is nothing he can do and it’s not his problem then going into harms way to do what is right and rescue a large group from slavery is so Mat.

I miss these book focused videos! This was great!

@t20sgrunt36

2 ай бұрын

Agreed. Miss the book content. Especially loved the Two River battle breakdown.

My favorite Mat moment is related your number 5 moment (Tuon recognizing Mat's true potential). I loved where we see the actual fighting. Where the Band of the Red Hand take action culminating in the final confrontation where he fakes the army coming after Tuon that Tuoan is present. For me the best written scene is where Mat is losing the battle of wits with Betse the server. And ultimately dances with her. While dancing we get his memories of the start of the Trollocs War. Just a beautiful written scene

A few more gems come to mind…. Mat courting Tuon with games of stones flowers and horses, Mat and Noam…. Mat in the waste, Mat and Talmanes But I think Mat and the seafolk are the best. When he makes a last minute change of plans and creates - little bit of chaos. (the escape) Mat also meets quite a few forsaken….

When Mat beat Gawyn and Galad with a staff was really the breakout point for his character out of "silly sidekick" role.

Personally I'd have included Mat one upping Rand with the fact that he saved Moiraine as part of the story line of him rescuing her making the fun of reading that moment 10/10, is easily one of the funniest exchanges in my opinion.

I enjoyed this a lot! Could you please do a similar video for all the main characters?

Why does everyone forget the scene when Mat and Perrin are reunited? With Mat hiding behind a tree tossing pebbles at Perrin then asking him if he wants to set a badger loose on the green? I always thought that scene was hilarious because even after what Mat has gone through it definitely showed that Mat was still his old mischievous self.

@AndrolSedai

2 ай бұрын

and he actually *had* a badger in a sack!!

I mostly agree, but I would add or use as honorable mentions. Mat's discussion with Setalle Anne about boots in TOM, how working men have a few pairs and know when to use each set versus how nobles who have a ton of boots that are for different events. Mat's character is always in the same breath as trickster or unreliable but here you read that deeper layer to his true character. He even says along the line that it isn't a metaphor but it is. And my other favorite moment is near the end of the books where Mat whispers to Perrin I've got a badger in a bag that just ties back to the beginning of the books.

@cazgreene3055

2 ай бұрын

I think this is a fun scene lots of people enjoy but many are also aware that Sanderson borrowed it almost word for word from Terry Pratchett.

I would agree with everything on this list, but you missed an important part of the #1 event. Matt bringing Noal and letting him sacrifice himself to buy them time saves Olver as it is Noal being bound to The Horn that lets him get to Olver. While yes, saving Moraine was a big part of that whole event, brining Noal and letting the man sacrifice himself and admit that he was Jain Farstrider was a big payoff as well.

Matt killing Padan Fain at the end of the book was my number 1 spot, I've reread that particular section afew times.

Mat returning to save Elayne from the Gholam at the 7th book is one of my top WoT moments. Such a strong character moment, also Elayne finally stops seing him as unscrupulous child.

I think that the Matt 'Reset' in Tar Valon while he is trying to escape really defines and encapsulates his character more than any other moment - It's time to toss the dice. (And dance with Jak of the Shadows- and win!). Alea Iacta Est. Though... I do like Swovan's Night in Ebo Dar, when he and Brigette get loaded together and talk- 'What tongue do we speak, sounder of the Horn?' and promise to keep each other's secrets...

Im shocked not to see the moment on this list. where Mat saves Tuon's life from the gray man, and realizes that the fact that she saw him coming at her with a dagger and only wondered who he was trying to save her from meant that she truly loves and trusts him, even to overcome her seanchan suspicion of everyone around her. Did you rank that scene? Where did it fall short?

@clasdauskas

2 ай бұрын

That's one of my favourites. Small, but important.

I'm surprised you didn't mention Mat's initial visits to the Finns. I think I have an irrational love for those scenes. All great scenes that you mentioned.

@abj136

19 күн бұрын

i love those scenes too, but I name the second visit, in Rhuidean for having the most impact and story interest.

#8 was my favorite Mat story too. It’s not that he defeated multiple opponents, but that he did so virtually dopesick while detoxing from the dagger. Also, the older warder that mentioned before they sparred that he expected Mat to do well, if not win. Jordan really wrote that part masterfully.

Thanks for reminding us what the TV Show has mostly forgotten.

Honorable mentions: his bond with his hat, and spanking Joline.

I feel like the motility of Mat's seed will vary wildly depending on the context. Staying infertile most of the time but sometimes they're going off like the dice rattling in his head. 😂

I think I would increase the importance of Mat bowing to Egwene. It's not really referenced again so I can see it being lower. But I think it does a number of subtle things. It gives Egwene an early win that she really needed both for a bit of respect from the others, but also a bit of confidence for her. It also displays the value of having an Amyrlin who personally knows the Dragon Reborn and his friends. It builds a bit on the trust Egwene has for Mat, and I think is a point in his favor when she eventually trusts him with her army as it's their last interaction before him with Tuon. It also probably lowers the level of tension that would've been there between the Band and the White Tower force when the other Aes Sedai already didn't trust them as they started moving, that likely would've been even worse without Mat showing deference and respect for the Amyrlin as he was leaving. I think it also may have gotten Talmanes to trust Egwene enough to have him tell her his plans which is good for her to know, and his plan is mentioned to Elayne who copies it which both keeps the borderlanders busy and helps put her on the throne.

🤔 Imagining Gawyn and Galad sparing and all sweaty with their shirts off makes me think #8 should get 2 bonus points. 😆

Your ranking system is S tier KZread content

Love your videos but one of my favorite moments is when Mat found out that forsaken ravin was the one in Andor and Rand checks him and tells him can’t keep running away.

These videos have to be so much more fun doing than episode reviews!

Very nice book focused video! More please!

So happy to get a notification of a new Wheel of Time video from you.

I LOVE your ranking videos! Thank you!

Great vid & analysis, as always! I love a good structured breakdown. I personally don't think the bow to Elayne had enough set up time, or enough payoff to get a 10/10 emotional payoff score, but all of your other rationale I agree with! One that I would add to your list is the Mat-Rand-Tuon tete-a-tete. High marks on story impact and setup payoff, as well as a lot of emotional notes, and a very Mat playfulness

Love your videos man, keep it up❤

Here we go! More videos please.

Haven't watched it yet but "half the light of the world to save the world better be in the top 3"

I have really missed these top ten videos! Awesome!

I used to be subscribed and watch all of your videos for a few years until I lost interest in the show and therefore the coverage from all the Wot channels I enjoyed. But man I'm glad the algorithm showed this, reminded me of how much I loved your channel and the community. Ps where was the letter to Elayne, surely that has to make the top 10.on fun value alone 😂

Mat “reconcile’s” Fortuona and Rand….. Well, I rescued Moiraine! #1

My sister recently started the Dragon Reborn, and I’m just waiting for her to meet the real Matrim, because she rightfully hasn’t liked him so far, and she doesn’t get why I have the dice chapter icon tattooed on my wrist.

@100Companions

19 сағат бұрын

Its olver. As soon as Olver enters the picture Mat gets IMMEDIATELY more likeable.

My favorite Mat moments are when you see through his bravado and realize how he’s been trying, his way, all along. Hedging his bets like the son of a horse trader, rolling the dice to tempt one’s favor rather than accepting it.

Yay book content. Thank you

Love Mat! Enjoyed this.

I can't concentrate with that calendar in the background!🤣

Now i don't necessarily have a PARTICULAR moment to say "thats it" off the top of my head, but I think the most important thing Mat does in the series (so far as changing his character from the somewhat whiny closeminded beginning) is his adoption of Olver. Id need to do a little legwork on when that becomes clear if you wanted a particular moment to peg it to, but I personally think him taking in Olver is the moment Mat stops legitimately pushing off his responsibility to others (even though he continues to pretend not to want it)

What's funny is that three of these didn't make into the show and we are just 2 season and 3 books in .🤣

Definitely need to have the boots monologue in the top 10.

@NaeBlis

2 ай бұрын

False lol

Awesome a new Nae'blist

I completely agree on #8. It forces you to reevaluate Mat for the future, and it also encapsulates his best moments when he just doesn't know he did something astonishing, necessarily. It's always funny. :) It's one of the most fun scenes in the whole series, and I'm still not an action reader necessarily, character moments is my thing.

I guess you needed to have a distraction from the WotCon planning. I would like this to be an on going series. Too 10 moments of all major characters. As for the whiteboard. He shot blanks when he was with women pre Tuon. Once with Tuon. Let's just say I think she and Mat will be able to field their own baseball starting lineup. Ooh. You just gave yourself an idea for a WoT ideal parody song. It is your list and you can make whatever rules you want (from the song It is my party and I can cry if I want to)

Can't argue with any of your 10 selections, though my favorite will always be his besting Galad & Gwayne. Especially as he is fresh out of his sick bed. Please consider the other characters. Would love to hear your opinion on them.

finntastic Mr Bombastic - great stuff

It's about boots

As to the question on your whiteboard, he is fertile because Empress Fortuna is pregnant with his child at the end of a Memory of Light

@vidarfe

2 ай бұрын

Knowing Mat's luck, it probably depends on whether or not getting this particular woman pregnant is beneficial to him. If it si beneficial, he's fertile as heck. If not, he shoots blank.

@pulkitjain2361

2 ай бұрын

​@@vidarfe this is the only right answer..... But imagine having the dice rattling every time you do it with a woman 💀💀

@funkymonkey41784

2 ай бұрын

@@vidarfe I considered that, but I don't remember reading anything that says Mat wanted kids with her

@Bob-qz3tm

2 ай бұрын

​@funkymonkey41784 He didn't say "If Mat wanted", he said if it was "Beneficial to him." Like, for instance, having a child with the Empress, may she live forever.

@funkymonkey41784

2 ай бұрын

@@Bob-qz3tm Ya, I realized that after I commented

Number 7. Not trying to nitpick, but for emotional weight, he also believed himself very fond of Tylin and thought he avenged her with that action.

I kinda like how him taking out the character of many names in the last book isn't on the list, though I do think it should have been an honorable mention

Matt is my overall favorite character. Ny'neave is my second. But of course I love the rest too, at times more than Matt.

Mat is the single best character. He's like the Han Solo of the group.

Great video, your scale doesn't have quite the same pop as the Recappa Meter for rating these moments though.

@NaeBlis

2 ай бұрын

Who can compete with the Recappa Meter?

Mat is my favorite, his chapters are just so well written….have to disagree about emotional weight of the stone of tear rescue. Reread “in search of a remedy”with mother Guenna, Mat knows the girls are kidnapped by the worst people in the worst dungeons with dark friends…I think the courage and determination he showed even surviving dancing on the rooftops with aiel…. And his lucky tip of the staff….

i love mat 3000 :x

American Pie insert :D!

I have to say... Yes, Mat blowing the horn in the show "reads" (hehe) as more emotional than in the book, and I like the last episode of season two very much but... somehow the scene ITSELF feels a bit underhelming. I mean, the heroes of the horn is not a big army but there ARE more in the book, as well as more emeies. It's a great scene and I jumped out of my seat the first time I saw it but... I wonder how the "only show watchers" felt. The horn was not very well built up in the show I think, so while we as book readers can fill in the missing details as much as we want, I think the watchers only might not feel it as much? And I know the budget have to limit the epic scope of everything and the show was still reeling from having to write around losing the first Mat actor at the tail end of season 1. Still... I love it but at the same time it was bigger in my head. But I guess that is so for most people? Speaking of the actors... I worried a lot about the replacement since the peroformance in S1 was so wonderful, who could really replace that? But even though Mat is not in THAT many scenes in S2 as I might prefer, it is just as good and maybe, dare I say it, better? None of this actually has much relevance to this episode, sorry Nae'blis. What is to say really, up to your standards in most things, nothing to complain about. 😉

Love the video. Im assuming youre putting this here as they wont be in the show 😉

We learn at the end that the answer is remarkably fertile

Really… him beating rand in bragging rights… either #1 or #2… hands down.. yes.. with your ranking system it would be low.. but it was one of his best scenes

All I can say is "BOOTS"

well to the answer on the board in the back we know his luck can do things thats best for him, he will win gambling but he wont win too much because it would get ppl to attack him. So id say if he wants a kid his luck will give it to him and if not it wont

culmiNATION ! 😆

The great reveal that nobody is talking about is that Mat and Nineve are brother and sister.....no proof, but yep.

Perrin > Mat - Fight me!! ( in a nice way though)

I disagree that Mat rescuing Moraine was not fun the read. The dice roll, the staff key, even after they escape and find some dinner. I think it was one of the MOST fun Mat moments in the series.

Mat is the best character. Period. End of story. Then Rand, Elayne, Avi and then Nyneave. Truth, I couldn't stand Nyneave in the early part of the story. And still hate how her block was broken. But I will never deny that she was interesting to read.

Timing! Wheel of…

Considering that there is no actual show based on the Wheel of Time (I don't consider using a series' tittle and then writing your own story about it to be an adaptation of a novel/series) I think the comparison to a hypothetical show that does not exist to be superfluous.

Mat is my favorite. They did him dirty on the show and that’s why I won’t watch it.

I love these posts of yours, but using the horrible show ruins it. You are talking about the books moments, not the missed moments from the show.