I remembered this while reading the theory on biblical similarities. So incidentally, the name Shai' tan is exactly the same as the arabic name for the devil. The only difference is there is another apostrophe or two indifferent places. And another thing, although I've heard about and noticed some of the correllations to norse mythology, and I thought I heard someone mention greek mythology as well, there is still something else. No one as far as I have seen has mentioned the similarities to Arthurian legend. First, just simply the phrase: The sword in the stone. Second:Egwene al'Vere-Gwenevere. Galad bears a name very simlar to the Knight of the Round table who was the one that was supposed to be the most pure Knight of all, except that I can't remember the Knight's name(Galahad-sp?). If anyone knows more about Arthurian legend, I'll bet that they can find more, too.