The Life and Legacy of Charleston, SC Native and Citadel Grad Robert Jordan, Author of The Wheel of Time

By Mark A Leon

Robert Jordan, born James Oliver Rigney Jr. on October 17, 1948, in Charleston, South Carolina, left an indelible mark on the world of fantasy literature with his monumental series The Wheel of Time. His journey from a curious child to a celebrated author is one of resilience, creativity, and dedication.

Early Life and Education

James Oliver Rigney Jr. displayed an extraordinary intellect from a young age. By the age of four, he had taught himself to read with the help of his older brother. By five, he was already immersed in the works of Mark Twain and Jules Verne, sparking his lifelong love for storytelling. 

Rigney attended The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, where he earned a degree in physics. His time at The Citadel instilled discipline and a sense of duty that would shape his career and writing.

Military Service

Rigney served two tours in Vietnam as a helicopter gunner in the U.S. Army. His bravery earned him numerous honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star with “V,” and two Vietnamese Gallantry Crosses. This period of his life profoundly influenced his worldview and writing. Themes of honor, sacrifice, and camaraderie—central to The Wheel of Time—reflect his military experiences.

Transition to Writing

After returning from Vietnam, Rigney embarked on a career as a nuclear engineer for the U.S. Navy. However, his passion for storytelling remained undiminished. In 1977, inspired by his love for literature and encouraged by friends, he began writing professionally. Initially publishing historical fiction under the pseudonym Reagan O’Neal and westerns as Jackson O’Reilly, Rigney honed his craft across genres before turning to fantasy.

The Wheel of Time

In 1990, Rigney—now writing under the pen name Robert Jordan—published The Eye of the World, the first book in The Wheel of Time series. Originally envisioned as a trilogy, the series expanded into 14 volumes plus a prequel novel. Drawing from European and Asian mythologies as well as philosophical concepts like balance and duality, Jordan created an intricate world filled with magic, prophecy, and richly developed characters.

Jordan’s writing process was unique; he avoided strict outlines and instead engaged in constant dialogue with his evolving story. This allowed characters to grow organically beyond their original models. The series became one of the most beloved in fantasy literature, selling over 90 million copies worldwide by 2021.

Personal Life

Jordan married Harriet McDougal in 1981. Harriet was not only his wife but also his editor and collaborator throughout his career. The couple lived in Charleston in a historic house built in 1797—a fitting home for someone deeply connected to history and storytelling. Beyond writing, Jordan enjoyed outdoor sports like hunting and fishing as well as indoor hobbies such as poker, chess, and pipe collecting.

Illness and Passing

In 2006, Jordan was diagnosed with amyloidosis, a rare blood disease that affects organ function. Despite undergoing treatment and maintaining hope for recovery, he passed away on September 16, 2007, at the age of 58 in Charleston. Before his death, Jordan prepared extensive notes to ensure that The Wheel of Time could be completed. Brandon Sanderson was chosen to finish the series based on these materials.

Legacy

Robert Jordan’s legacy endures through The Wheel of Time. The series has inspired adaptations across media, including comics, games, and a television show that premiered in 2021. His work continues to captivate readers with its depth and complexity.

Jordan’s life exemplifies perseverance—from overcoming challenges in war to crafting one of fantasy’s most ambitious sagas. His contributions to literature remain unparalleled, cementing him as one of Charleston’s most celebrated authors.

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