Mat Cauthon’s Linguistic Awakening: Exploring the Old Tongue in Wheel of Time Season 3
Fantasy languages are a cornerstone of immersive world-building in epic narratives. From Tolkien’s meticulously crafted Elvish tongues in The Lord of the Rings to the evocative High Valyrian in Game of Thrones, these invented languages add layers of history, culture, and a sense of tangible reality to fantastical settings. They breathe life into the world, hinting at ancient civilizations, forgotten traditions, and the complex tapestry of diverse societies that inhabit these fictional realms. The Wheel of Time, Robert Jordan’s sprawling fantasy saga, is no exception, featuring its own intricate network of languages, most notably the Old Tongue, a language steeped in history and power.
As the highly anticipated third season of The Wheel of Time approaches, fans are eager to see how the show will continue to expand on the rich lore of the books. One particularly exciting development focuses on the character of Mat Cauthon, played by Dónal Finn. Season three will see Mat grappling with a newfound ability: fluency in the Old Tongue. This linguistic awakening is a direct consequence of his experiences in previous seasons and promises to add a fascinating new dimension to his character arc.
In past seasons, Mat has navigated perilous encounters with magical artifacts, most notably a cursed dagger that whispered insidious suggestions into his mind. This experience demonstrated Mat’s vulnerability to the influence of powerful forces and set the stage for the dramatic events of season two. The climax of the previous season witnessed Mat’s connection with a far more benevolent and powerful artifact: the Horn of Valere.
The Horn of Valere is a legendary instrument capable of summoning the Heroes of the Horn, legendary warriors from ages past who return to fight alongside those who sound its call in times of great need. By forging a connection with the Horn, Mat cemented his place in the Wheel of Time’s tapestry of destiny. He is now intrinsically linked to the Horn’s legacy, a connection that carries profound implications for his future.
One of the most immediate consequences of Mat’s connection to the Horn, as revealed in the upcoming season, is his sudden fluency in the Old Tongue. This ancient language, once spoken throughout the world but now largely forgotten, holds immense historical significance. It is the language of heroes, kings, and the Age of Legends, a time of unparalleled technological and magical advancement before the Breaking of the World. Understanding the Old Tongue provides a direct link to this lost age and unlocks access to knowledge and power that would otherwise remain inaccessible.
Speaking to Dónal Finn at a recent Wheel of Time press day, io9 inquired about the experience of portraying a character who suddenly gains the ability to speak an entirely new language. Finn expressed immense admiration for the team responsible for bringing the Old Tongue to life on screen, singling out dialect coach Naomi Joy Todd for her dedication to crafting a realistic and believable language.
“I have so much admiration for the team that worked behind the scenes to make a reality,” Finn said. “One of them being Naomi Joy Todd, who is our dialect coach for accent work. She’s also deeply committed to making something real in the language. Just understanding, like, this is the root of the verb—so if you’re stressing what you’re going to do in this new language, that this is the kernel of the sentence. Or, the influences of sound: what accents [that] exist in our worlds would have brought us closer to the sound of that fictional place.”
Finn’s comments highlight the meticulous approach taken by the Wheel of Time production team to ensure the authenticity of the Old Tongue. Rather than simply creating random sounds, they delved into the linguistic structure of the language, establishing grammatical rules, verb conjugations, and a consistent vocabulary. This attention to detail is crucial for creating a language that feels believable and resonates with viewers.
Finn further elaborated on the linguistic influences that shaped the sound of the Old Tongue, revealing that elements of Russian and Bulgarian were incorporated into its tonal quality. This blend of real-world languages adds another layer of depth and complexity to the fictional language, grounding it in familiar sounds while still maintaining its unique identity.
“There’s elements of Russian and Bulgarian, kind of, in the tone of it. So listening to that and then listening to that language in practice, but then using something that is completely new—the detail, the amount of commitment to make that feel real [was impressive].”
The integration of the Old Tongue into Mat Cauthon’s storyline promises to be a significant development in season three. It not only expands upon the world-building of the Wheel of Time but also offers new insights into Mat’s character. His ability to speak the Old Tongue connects him to the heroes of the past and unlocks access to knowledge and power that could prove crucial in the battles to come. Furthermore, it adds a layer of mystery and intrigue to Mat’s character, as the audience will be eager to learn more about the language’s origins and its potential impact on the future of the world.
The return of The Wheel of Time on Prime Video on March 13th is highly anticipated. The introduction of the Old Tongue as a key element of the narrative, particularly through Mat Cauthon’s character arc, offers a compelling reason to tune in and immerse ourselves once more in the richly detailed world of Robert Jordan’s masterpiece. The dedication of the production team, as evidenced by Dónal Finn’s insights, assures viewers that the Old Tongue will be presented with the care and attention it deserves, further enhancing the show’s authenticity and appeal.
