Robert Jordan: Author of The Wheel of Time and Epic Fantasy Legacy

When you think of Robert Jordan, the pen name of James Oliver Rigney Jr., an American author best known for creating the monumental fantasy series The Wheel of Time. Also known as James Rigney, he built a world so vast and detailed it became a benchmark for modern epic fantasy. His books aren’t just stories—they’re immersive universes with their own languages, histories, religions, and rules of magic. Robert Jordan didn’t just write fantasy; he redefined what it meant to be a fantasy author in the late 20th century.

His masterpiece, The Wheel of Time, a 14-book fantasy epic that spans decades of world-building, political intrigue, and mythic battles between light and darkness. Also known as The Wheel of Time series, it became one of the best-selling fantasy series of all time, rivaling Tolkien in scope and depth. The series follows a group of young people who discover they’re part of a prophecy older than nations, caught in a war that could end the world. What made it stand out wasn’t just the scale—it was the way Jordan made characters feel real. People grew up reading these books. They cried when someone died. They argued about who was the Dragon Reborn. Fans didn’t just read them—they lived in them.

Robert Jordan’s work also shaped how fantasy is written today. He rejected the idea that fantasy had to be simple or childish. His books had complex female characters like Egwene al’Vere and Nynaeve al’Meara, who led armies and mastered magic—not as sidekicks, but as equals. He mixed political power struggles with spiritual quests, and made magic feel dangerous, costly, and unpredictable. This approach influenced writers like Patrick Rothfuss and George R.R. Martin. Even after his death in 2007, his legacy continued when Brandon Sanderson, a bestselling fantasy author chosen by Jordan’s widow to complete The Wheel of Time. Also known as the finisher of The Wheel of Time, he honored Jordan’s vision while adding his own voice to the final books. That’s rare. Most authors fade after they’re gone. Jordan’s world kept growing.

What you’ll find in this collection are posts that touch on the same themes Jordan explored: the weight of destiny, the power of belief, the quiet courage of ordinary people in extraordinary times. You’ll see how his work connects to modern fantasy, why readers still return to his books decades later, and how his world still echoes in today’s most popular stories. Whether you’re new to his books or revisiting them, these articles will help you see why Robert Jordan isn’t just a writer—he’s a cornerstone of fantasy.