The One Power in The Wheel of Time is central to the world’s structure and conflict, and few wield it with more skill and authority than the Aes Sedai. These women of the White Tower, trained in the Five Powers of the One Power, vary dramatically in strength, influence and purpose. What follows is a ranked list of the strongest Aes Sedai by raw strength in the One Power, focusing specifically on their innate ability rather than political acumen, battle feats or legacy.
This ranking is based primarily on information from Robert Jordan’s canon texts and companion material.
1. Cadsuane Melaidhrin
While not the strongest in raw strength, Cadsuane ranks at the top due to being the most powerful living Aes Sedai when the series begins. Her strength is immense by Tower standards, and more importantly, she is unmatched in her understanding of the Power, particularly in the use of ter’angreal and psychological warfare.
2. Moiraine Damodred (Post-Wellspring Access)
Initially strong but not at the top tier, Moiraine becomes vastly more powerful after gaining access to a part of the wellspring during her imprisonment by the Finn. Though exact figures are never confirmed, her power rises dramatically after her rescue, likely matching or even surpassing pre-Tower standards.
3. Romanda Cassin
Romanda was one of the two most powerful Aes Sedai in Salidar before Egwene’s rise. Even late in life, her raw strength in the One Power was considerable, exceeding most of her peers in the Tower.
4. Lelaine Akashi
The political rival of Romanda and nearly her equal in strength. Lelaine was one of the strongest Aes Sedai in the rebel camp and had a long-standing influence over Tower politics. Her strength combined with ambition made her formidable.
5. Nynaeve al’Meara
Nynaeve is unique among modern Aes Sedai in that her strength exceeds nearly all of her contemporaries, with only Cadsuane and perhaps Moiraine (post-return) comparable. She would have been considered strong even in the Age of Legends. Her healing ability is unparalleled, and her growth curve is unmatched.
6. Egwene al’Vere
Trained under extreme conditions and holding the Amyrlin Seat at a young age, Egwene’s power is just shy of Nynaeve’s. While not the most naturally strong, her proficiency across weaves, including Earth and Fire, sets her apart. She becomes a symbol of what the Tower could be.
7. Elayne Trakand
One of the strongest modern Aes Sedai in raw strength, Elayne also excels in the crafting of ter’angreal. Her skill is slightly below Egwene’s and Nynaeve’s, but her ability to weave complex constructs is rare.
8. Sharina Melloy
A novice who joined the Tower late in life, Sharina’s strength is second only to Nynaeve among those currently training. She exemplifies the fact that strength in the Power does not always come with early training or youth.
9. Siuan Sanche (Pre-Stilling)
Before being stilled, Siuan was among the strongest in the Tower. Her strength was formidable, though not at the level of Romanda or Lelaine. Her political intellect often overshadowed her Power ability.
10. Alivia
While not technically Aes Sedai, Alivia, a former damane, was stronger than Nynaeve. She was trained to use the Power as a weapon, and even Nynaeve acknowledged she was stronger. Her absence from Tower training excludes her from formal Aes Sedai status, but in terms of strength alone, she belongs near the top.
Notable Mentions
- Verin Mathwin: Not among the strongest, but her utility with the Power and manipulation of the Pattern itself made her critically important.
- Elaida do Avriny a’Roihan: Strong in the Power, though nowhere near the top. Her real power lay in ambition and poor foresight.
- Alanna Mosvani: Reasonably strong, especially skilled in bonding and Healing, but overshadowed by the younger generation.
Final Perspective
In the Age of Legends, many Aes Sedai would have surpassed these women in sheer strength, but within the Third Age, the appearance of Nynaeve, Egwene, and Elayne marked a significant shift. The strength scale reset. Among Tower-trained sisters, Cadsuane remained the standard bearer for nearly three centuries, until the new generation emerged. While strength is only part of what defines a great Aes Sedai, it remains a powerful measure of what they are capable of when the Wheel demands it.
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