Master Merrilin

Chapter 4 - The Gleeman

Thom Merrilin / Thom — aliases: gleeman, Master Gleeman, Master Bard

Thom Merrilin arrives in the village, introducing himself as a gleeman and former court bard. He entertains the crowd with juggling colored balls and reciting a vast array of tales from various Ages, drawing the attention of both the youths and Moiraine, before retreating into the inn when the Council emerges.

Chapter 7 - Out of the Woods

Thom / Thom Merrilin — aliases: gleeman, Master Merrilin

Sitting on the inn's foundation stones, Thom repairs his cloak and helps carry Tam inside. He returns to the room to report that Nynaeve refuses to come, then gently suggests that Rand remember the gleeman's tales of Aes Sedai healing, prompting Rand to seek out Moiraine.

Chapter 8 - A Place of Safety

Thom / Thom Merrilin — aliases: the gleeman

Thom enters the room, cuts off a conversation with Bran, and glowers at Lan’s distrust before hurrying out of the room to smoke and check on his cloak.

Chapter 10 - Leavetaking

Thom — aliases: gleeman

Thom appears from the hayloft, announcing his intention to travel to Tar Valon with the group. He prepares his gear, downplays the danger of the Trollocs, and waits as the group mounts.

Chapter 11 - The Road to Taren Ferry

Thom — aliases: the gleeman

Thom rides just ahead of Rand, keeping his eyes forward as they gallop north. He dismounts with the others at Watch Hill, expresses fatigue, and manages to mount his horse quickly amidst the chaos caused by the Draghkar, riding in the foggy cluster toward the river.

Chapter 12 - Across the Taren

Thom / Thom Merrilin / Master Merrilin

Thom grumbles about food and wine while walking in the fog. He performs a dagger flourish that amuses Moiraine and Egwene, and later questions Moiraine about extending the fog further to Baerlon. He listens to the lesson on the One Power and pulls Rand back to prevent him from speaking up.

Chapter 13 - Choices

Thom / Thom Merrilin — aliases: gleeman

Thom entertains the group with stories and teaches juggling. In Baerlon, he explains the Karaethon Cycle prophecies to Rand, clarifying the nature of the Stone of Tear and the Sword That Cannot Be Touched.

Chapter 14 - The Stag and Lion

Thom — aliases: gleeman

Thom relaxes in the bath and later prepares to perform in the common room. He shares a cramped room with Rand and Lan, snoring loudly through the night after Rand's nightmare.

Chapter 15 - Strangers and Friends

Thom / Thom Merrilin — aliases: the gleeman

Thom performs a tale to a captivated crowd in the common room, then hunts down Rand and Mat to an alley to sternly warn them never to speak the name Ba’alzamon aloud or reveal the content of their shared nightmares.

Chapter 16 - The Wisdom

Thom — aliases: gleeman

Thom threatens Nynaeve with the dangers of the Whitecloaks, warns the boys about their tongues, and leaves the hallway, muttering advice to the youths as he goes.

Chapter 17 - Watchers and Hunters

Thom — aliases: gleeman

Thom performs tales of the Hunters and plays music for the villagers in the inn's common room. Later, he joins the group's escape, expressing concern about being recognized as Moiraine's friend and riding with them until the inn burns.

Chapter 18 - The Caemlyn Road

Thom — aliases: the gleeman

Thom rides with the group, comments on the pursuit, and watches the battle with the others. He notes that the Myrddraal will not die until nightfall and questions Moiraine's intention to stay.

Chapter 19 - Shadow’s Waiting

Thom — aliases: the gleeman

Thom takes Aldieb's reins and observes the boys before settling by the fire, muttering "fools" at the boys' return. He listens intently to their report with a frown and curses under his breath when Lan announces the Trolloc threat.

Chapter 24 - Flight Down the Arinelle

Thom / Thom Merrilin — aliases: gleeman

Thom diverts the crew's attention with stories and music, then convinces Captain Domon that Rand's dangerous climb was training. He begins teaching Rand and Mat juggling and stories, while closely monitoring the dissatisfied crew and the disgraced sailor Gelb.

Chapter 26 - Whitebridge

Thom / Thom Merrilin — aliases: gleeman

Thom secures information from the innkeeper and warns the boys of the danger posed by the Fade and Floran Gelb. He disguises himself to evade the Whitebridge gates, but when cornered by the Myrddraal, he stays behind to fight, screaming and using the One Power to allow Rand and Mat to escape, presumably dying in the process.