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The concepts are pretty similar: two sides of a fantastical power, one side sweet, yummy, and light, used by embracing it, used by a bunch of emotionless, calm, awesome robots people (Jedi/Aes Sedai); and another side, tainted, disgusting and fiery, used by a bunch of awesome mindless killers (Sith/Asha'man).

So my question is: was the creation of saidin and saidar influenced in any way by the sides of the Force?

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    As a channeller of saidin, I take great offence at this question.
    – Rand al'Thor ♦
    Commented Mar 16, 2016 at 2:17
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    Both Saidin and Saidar were created pure. Saidin was corrupted by the dark one when the bore was made if I remember correctly.
    – Theyna
    Commented Mar 16, 2016 at 2:17
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    @randal'thor As a user of the Force, I take offence at your offence. At least I didn't call you or me a robot
    – CHEESE
    Commented Mar 16, 2016 at 2:18
  • @Theyna True, but RJ may have created it with one side light and one dark; this is its out-of-universe inception, not in.
    – CHEESE
    Commented Mar 16, 2016 at 2:20
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    @Theyna The taint on saidin came from the DO, but its nature was always to be fought rather than surrendered to, to be fire and ice rather than a tranquil river. And like CHEESE says, light and dark: light = Flame of Tar Valon while dark = Dragon's Fang.
    – Rand al'Thor ♦
    Commented Mar 16, 2016 at 2:21

2 Answers 2

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No.

From an interview with Robert Jordan:

I've noticed a bit of an influence from the Star Wars series...is there any truth to this?

Robert Jordan: (lol) No. I don't read Star Wars books.

Thank God I don't have to honour Star Wars (in which I have no interest) as an inspiration for the great Wheel of Time!

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    Phew. That's a relief.
    – Rand al'Thor ♦
    Commented Mar 16, 2016 at 2:30
  • I second that, this question had me quite concerned for a little while, though I wasn't the one being accused of Sith activities.
    – Theyna
    Commented Mar 16, 2016 at 2:31
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    Jordan only says "books" here, perhaps thinking that's what the interviewer was asking specifically about, that doesn't necessarily mean Jordan couldn't have been influenced by the Star Wars movies...
    – Hypnosifl
    Commented Mar 16, 2016 at 3:09
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    @randal'thor It is, I agree. I mean, I dabble in the Force (who doesn't) but I started out with the One Power, since Star Wars is obviously inferior.
    – CHEESE
    Commented Mar 16, 2016 at 13:20
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They are based more on the concepts of yin and yang: Yin, the negative, passive, female aspect Saidar, the female half of the True Source, which is embraced, yielded to, and which cannot be forced to do anything. Yang, the positive, active, male aspect Saidin, the male half of the True Source, which must be seized, wielded, and coerced or it will destroy you.

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    Do you have any reference for that claim or is it your own speculation?
    – Aegon
    Commented Jul 14, 2017 at 7:07

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