Aiel warrior societies
From A Wheel of Time Wiki
Warrior Societies form a large part of Aiel culture.
Contents |
[edit] List of Warrior societies
There are 12 Aiel warrior societies:
- Far Dareis Mai (Maidens of the Spear)
- Shae'en M'taal (Stone Dogs)
- Aethan Dor (Red Shields)
- Seia Doon (Black Eyes)
- Far Aldazar Din (Brothers of the Eagle)
- Rahien Sorei (Dawn Runners)
- Sha'mad Conde (Thunder Walkers)
- Hama N'dore (Mountain Dancers)
- Sovin Nai (Knife Hands)
- Cor Darei (Night Spears)
- Tain Shari (True Bloods)
- Duadhe Mahdi'in (Water Seekers)
- Mera'din [1] (the Brotherless)
Each society has a specific history and practices that make them unique. Their sense of brotherhood (or sisterhood) means they avoid one another in conflict and will kill others instead.
[edit] Far Dareis Mai
- Main article: Far Dareis Mai
[edit] History
One day early in the Jenn Aiel's history a woman's child was taken by raiders. This woman, named Morin, refused to merely ask for aid. She demanded to go and fight with the men, knowing that this would mean that she could never return to her wagons. She was given a shortened spear which is now in use by every Aiel. Morin became wedded to the spear, saying that she was married to no man. Today, no Maiden of the Spear may marry, nor carry a child while she carries the spear.
[edit] Practices
Any child born of a Maiden must be given by a Wise One to a Wise One of another clan. In this way no one may know who the mother of the child was, and the child grows up not knowing. The Maidens also have a whole language of signs and hand signals. All societies, clans, septs, and even holds have their own, but the Maidens have created an entire language out of it. Also Maiden gai'shain are sometimes required to learn to sing, to please the spear sisters.
[edit] Role
Far Dareis Mai often form the scouting parties of most Aiel armies. They are usually above regular Aiel and known for their skill. Almost every little girl in the Aiel Waste grows up learning rudimentary spear and bow skills in hopes of one day becoming a Maiden.
[edit] Recent events
Maidens are the main bodyguard for Rand al'Thor and claim to "carry his honor". He does not always agree with their enthusiasm, but they usally have his best interests at heart.
[edit] Aethan Dor
[edit] Role
Aethan Dor are almost always the police force for populated areas.
[edit] Shae'en M'taal
[edit] Role
Shae'en M'taal are often used as rear guards during raids.
[edit] Culture
They are considered to be extremely touchy about ji'e'toh.
[edit] Mera'din
[edit] History
When Rand al'Thor revealed the nature of the Aiel and their history many refused to believe what he said. These Aiel defected to the Shaido; however, abandoning clan and sept is anathema to the Aiel, and so these renegades became the Mera'din, the Brotherless.
[edit] Role
The other Aiel ignore them.
[edit] Currently
Most are with the Shaido and some have attempted to join the Tinkers.
[edit] Notes
- ↑ Whether the Mera'din actually qualify as a warrior society is questionable.
