Laman Damodred

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EWoT: Laman Damodred

Laman Damodred Biographical information Nationality Cairhienin Date of death 978 NE Current Status Dead Physical description Gender Male Chronological and political information First mentioned NS 2 Title King
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Laman Damodred became king of Cairhien in 965 NE. He was uncle to Moiraine.

[edit] History

King Laman chose to cut down the 500-year-old chora tree given to Cairhien by the Aiel to make a throne for himself. This act, often referred to as Laman's Sin, brought great numbers of Aiel over the Spine of the World and precipitated the Aiel War which ended with Laman's death in Danu 1, 978 NE. Presumably the Aiel are responsible for his demise, but no confirmation of that is ever given. In the Gathering Storm during the conversation between Tam al'Thor and Rand al'Thor Tam admits to having killed a blademaster once himself and expresses regret over the act, but cites it being a necessary action. This could mean that Tam came to learn that the Aiel were only seeking Laman's death and took matters into his own hands. Since the sword that the Aiel took as proof of Laman's demise was more a costume piece than an actual weapon it could be believed that Laman had another such blade. The sword Tam gave to rand was of the same style as Laman's blade, so it is possible that Tam kept the more functional blade and gave the other to the Aiel.

Even today, Aiel are distrusting of the Cairhienin, referring to them as "treekillers" and "Oathbreakers". The feeling is quite mutual, considering the slaughter caused by the Aiel as they cut their way to King Laman.

The Aiel kept Laman's sword as a trophy. It was a very rich sword, with an ivory hilt, and a gold pommel encrusted with gemstones - a sword made for ostentation, not to be used, which. Decades later, Aviendha offered it to Rand al'Thor in order to free herself of the toh she incurred when Rand innocently gave her a bracelet as a gift.