In this episode of the Wheel of Time podcast, Animashaun and Moiraine talk about how to understand Loial. Learn more at http://www.wheeloftimepodcast.com/
The “hammed animashaun” is a character in the book series, The Wheel of Time. He is an Aes Sedai and is one of the few people who can understand Loial. This article will discuss what he says to Loial about understanding him.
The Wheel of Time has a new fan favorite character, and we chatted with actor Hammed Animashaun about how he brought the legendary Ogier to life. The Ogier Loial was first presented in last week’s episode of The Wheel of Time. Loial, a voracious reader, is swiftly drawn into the cast’s risks and adventures, and is expected to play a pivotal part for the rest of the season. We chatted with Loial’s actor Hammed Animashaun about the character and the events of the previous two episodes to get inside his brain and find out what it was like portraying such a unique character.
(Amazon Studios photo)
Description You play Loial, an Ogier who is one of the show’s few non-human characters thus far. How did you prepare to play an Ogier, considering that they are shown as being so different from all of the human characters we’ve seen thus far?
Hammed Animashaun: When I originally received the part, I did a lot of study on Loial and the Ogier, trying to figure out what type of animals they were. Everyone and everything has an aura, a spirit about them, and I wanted to attempt to capture that energy, so what is the Ogier about? And it was really straightforward after I figured it out… It wasn’t easy, but it made sense. Ogier, it became evident to me, are simply lovers and guardians of life and environment.
Individuals that are like that are the kindest, most attractive, and sweetest people I’ve ever met. As a result, it became evident to me very quickly how I could create my own vision of such a popular figure as someone who is a defender and lover of information, a lover of nature, and simply devoted to everyone, pun intended. So, after I began researching, it seemed extremely evident to me how I could develop this character further. As well as want him to become a part of me.
One of the things I enjoyed about Loial and how he’s portrayed in the program is how careful and observant he is. And he’s constantly full of information, particularly in his first chat with Rand. Rand is ignoring a lot of foreshadowing in that exchange, either because he doesn’t want to hear it or because he’s impatient. What do you believe Loial’s point of view will mean for the other characters in the long term as we see his connections with the other cast members develop?
Animashaun: That is an excellent question. Loial doesn’t grasp metaphors or anything like that since I find him so literal. What he sees in front of him is exactly what he sees. I believe his interactions with the other characters will be unique in that they will be able to speak with someone who never lies, or at least never willfully lies, and always speaks the truth. And I believe that when he begins interacting with other characters, he’ll be something amazing. When they talk or connect with Loial, they’ll notice something in themselves that they’ll probably never see otherwise.
That’s a fascinating contrast to the Aes Sedai, who are unable to lie owing to the nature of their connections, yet are always devising new methods to get around it. Through those machinations, we witness Loial being drawn into the main narrative of the novel, first with how he meets Nynaeve, and then when he decides to accompany Moiraine on this voyage through the Ways. And I’m interested, do you believe Loial is aware that he’s being duped? Is he just accommodating and courteous because that is who he is?
Animashaun: I’m not sure. What are your thoughts?
I believe it is a combination of the two. I believe he has more respect for the Aes Sedai than other individuals we’ve encountered, but he’s also more ready to go along with it since these people clearly want something.
Animashaun: I believe you are correct. Loial values tradition and treats everyone with respect. So, of course, when he’s asked to lead the squad through the Ways, he’ll say yes. There is some apprehension, but he wants to assist since Loial is that sort of person, that kind of creature. He wants to assist everyone. He wishes for everyone’s well-being. And if he is capable of doing so, he will. Why would he say no, of course?
When it comes to Moiraine, there may be a feeling or an ulterior motivation. That isn’t anything I believe he is considering. At the time, I believe he just wants to assist.
This is why Loial is one of my favorite characters in the series; he’s so honest in all of his interactions, and that’s a fantastic way to characterize his nature. I do have a technical question that I’d want to know the answer to. You’re also one of the few characters that wears prosthetics and makeup; how long did it take you before you started filming?
Animashaun: So, we’ve cut it down to around two and a half hours now, but it used to be closer to three and a half to four hours.
(Amazon Studios photo)
That’s a lot. And Loial is shown as being taller than the rest of the cast. I was wondered whether you were naturally taller than everyone else on set or if perspective work was used on set.
Animashaun: There’s a lot of height in this cast. As a result, I needed to be just a little taller. So, yes, there is a great deal of magic on set.
Loial is seen escorting the others to the Waygate and entering the Ways at the conclusion of the most recent episode. I was hoping you could give our readers a sneak peek at the Ways and Loial’s perspective on them.
Moiraine approaches Loial and begs him to escort them through the Ways, as I previously said. Because of what happened to the Ways and his views about it, it has a trepidatious tone to it. So, of course, he’s nervous at first, but he wants to assist. And things happen at the start, when they enter the Ways, that I can’t really discuss. But I can tell you that every single individual puts up a high-octane, dramatic, wonderful, amazing, incredible show. I can’t tell you how much I admire each and every one of the people I work with on a daily basis. But, yes, Ways, this is a pivotal point in the series. I believe you’ll have a great time with it.
The Wheel of Time is now available to watch on Amazon Prime. Every Friday, new episodes are released.
Watch This Video-
The “hammed animashaun voice” is a blog entry by Loial from the Wheel of Time series. In this blog post, Loial discusses the importance of understanding and being patient with others.
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