Glossary

A Note on Dates in This Glossary. Three systems of recording dates have been in general use since the Breaking of the World. The first recorded years After the Breaking (AB). Since the years of the Breaking and immediately after were years of almost total chaos, and since this calendar was adopted a good hundred years after the end of the Breaking, its starting point was arbitrarily assigned. At the end of the Trolloc Wars many records had been lost, so much so that there was argument about the exact year under the old system. A new calendar was therefore established, dating from the end of the Wars and celebrating the supposed freedom of the world from the Trolloc threat. This second calendar recorded each year as Free Year (FY). After the disruption, death, and destruction caused by the War of the Hundred Years, a third calendar came into being. This calendar, of the New Era (NE), is currently in use.

Abell Cauthon: [5, 6] A farmer in the Two Rivers. Father of Mat Cauthon. Wife: Natti. Daughters: Eldrin, and Bodewhin, called Bode.

Accepted: [3 - 6] Young women in training to be Aes Sedai who have reached a certain level of power and passed certain test. It normally takes five to ten years to be raised from novice to the Accepted. They are somewhat less confined by rules than novices, and are allowed to choose their own areas of study, within limits. An Accepted has the right to wear a Great Serpent ring, but only on the third finger of her left hand. When an Accepted is raised to Aes Sedai, she chooses her Ajah, gains the right to wear the shawl, and may wear the ring on any finger or not at all if circumstances warrant.
See also Aes Sedai.

A'dam: [2] A device, consisting of a collar and a bracelet linked by a silvery metal leash, that may be used to control, against her will, any woman who can channel. The collar is worn by the damane, the bracelet by the sul'dam.
[3 - 5] A Seanchan device for controlling a woman who can channel. It has no effect on a woman who cannot channel.
[6, 7] A device for controlling a woman who can channel, useable only by either a woman who can channel or a woman who can be taught to channel, and having no effect on any woman who cannot channel. It creates a link between the two women. The Seanchan version consists of a collar and bracelet connected by a leash, all of silvery metal, but one example of a version without the leash has been made, and another, unique, variant is believed to exist which allows a woman to control a man who can channel. If such a man is linked by an ordinary a'dam to a woman who can channel, the likely result is death for both. When an a'dam is worn by a woman who can channel, simply touching the a'dam results in pain for a man who can also channel.
See also damane; sul'dam; linking; Seanchan.

Adelin: [4] A woman of the Jindo sept of the Taardad Aiel. A Maiden of the Spear who came to the Stone of Tear.

Aes Sedai: [1 - 6] Wielders of the One Power. Since the Time of Madness, all surviving Aes Sedai are women. Widely distrusted and feared, even hated. They are blamed by many for the Breaking of the World, and are generally thought to meddle in the affairs of nations. At the same time, few rulers will be without an Aes Sedai adviser, even in lands where the existence of such a connection must be kept secret. After some years of channeling the One Power, Aes Sedai take on an ageless quality, so that an Aes Sedai who is old enough to be a grandmother may show no signs of age except perhaps a few gray hairs. Used as an honorific, so: Sheriam Sedai; and as a high honorific, so Sheriam Aes Sedai.
See also Ajah; Amyrlin Seat; Time of Madness; Breaking of the World.

Age Lace: See Pattern of an Age.

Age of Legends: [1 - 7] The Age ended by the War of the Shadow and the Breaking of the World. A time when Aes Sedai performed wonders now only dreamed of.
See also Wheel of Time; Breaking of the World; War of the Shadow.

Aginor: One of the Forsaken.
See Also Forsaken

Agelmar, Lord of House of Jagad: [1,2] Lord of Fal Dara. His sign is three running red foxes.

Aiel: [1 - 4] The people of the Aiel Waste. Fierce and hardy. Also called Aielmen. They veil their faces before they kill, giving rise to the saying "acting like a black-veiled Aiel" to describe someone who is being violent. Deadly warriors with weapons or with nothing but their bare hands, they will not touch a sword. Their pipers play them into battle with the music of dances, and Aielmen call battle "the dance," and "the dance of spears."
[5] They are divided into twelve clans: the Chareen, the Codarra, the Daryne, the Goshien, the Miagoma, the Nakai, the Reyn, the Shaarad, the Shaido, the Shiande, the Taardad, and the Tomanelle. Sometimes they speak of a thirteenth clan, the Clan That Is Not, the Jenn, who were the builders of Rhuidean.
[6] All know that Aiel supposedly once failed the Aes Sedai and were banished to the Aiel Waste for that sin, and that they will be destroyed if they ever fail Aes Sedai again.
See also Aiel warrior societies; Aiel Waste; gai'shain; bleakness; Rhuidean.

Aiel kinship terms: [5] Aiel relationships of blood are expressed in complex ways, which outsiders consider unwieldy, but which Aiel consider precise. A few examples must suffice to demonstrate, as and entire volume would be needed for a full explanation. First-brother and first-sister have the same mother. Second-brother and second-sister refer to the children of one's mother's first-sister or first-brother, and sister- mothers and sister-fathers are first-sisters and first-brothers of one's own mother. Greatfather or greatmother refers to the father or mother of one's own mother, while the parents of one's father are second greatfather or second greatmother; one is closer blood kin to one's mother than father. Beyond this the complications grow and are thickened by such factors as the ability of close friends to adopt each other as first-brother or first-sister. When it is also considered that Aiel women who are close friends sometimes marry the same man, thus becoming sister-wives and married to each other as well as to him, the convolutions become even more apparent.

Aiel War (976-978 NE): [3 - 7] When King Laman of Cairhien cut down Avendoraldera, four clans of the Aiel crossed the Spine of the World. They looted and burned the capital city of Cairhien as well as many other cities and towns, and the conflict extended into Andor and Tear. The conventional view is that the Aiel were finally defeated at the Battle of the Shining Walls, before Tar Valon, but in fact, Laman was killed in that battle, and having done what they had come for, the Aiel recrossed the Spine.
See also Avendoraldera; Cairhien; Spine of the World.

Aiel warrior societies: [2 - 6] Aiel warriors are all members of one of the warrior societies. These are Black Eyes (Seia Doon), Brothers of the Eagle (Far Aldazar Din), Dawn Runners (Rahien Sorei), Knife Hands (Sovin Nai), Maidens of the Spear (Far Dareis Mai), Mountain Dancers (Hama N'dore), Night Spears (Cor Darei), Red Shields (Aethan Dor), Stone Dogs (Shae'en M'taal), Thunder Walkers (Sha'mad Conde), True Bloods (Tain Shari), and Water Seekers (Duadhe Mahdi'in). Each society has its own customs, and sometimes specific duties. For example, Red Shields act as police. Stone Dogs are often used as rear guards during retreats, while Maidens are often scouts. The clans of the Aiel - among them the Goshien, Reyn, Shaarad, and Taardad Aiel - frequently fight among themselves, but members of the same society will not fight one another even if their clans are doing so. In this way, there are always lines of contact between the clans even when they are in open warfare.
See also Aiel; Aiel Waste; Far Dareis Mai.

Aiel Waste: [1 - 6] Harsh, rugged and all but waterless land east of the Spine of the World. Called the Three-fold Land by the Aiel. Few outsiders venture there, not only because water is almost impossible to find for one not born there, but also because the Aiel consider themselves at war with all other peoples and do not welcome strangers. Only peddler, gleemen, and the Tuatha'an are allowed safe entry, although Aiel avoid all contact with the Tuatha'an, whom they call "the Lost Ones." No maps of the Waste itself are known to exist.

Aile Jafar: [4] A group of Sea Folk islands approximately due west of Tarabon.

Aile Somera: [4] A group of Sea Folk islands approximately due west of Toman Head.

Ajah: [1 - 7] Societies among the Aes Sedai, seven in number and designated by colors: Blue, Red, White, Green, Brown, Yellow, and Gray. All Aes Sedai except the Amyrlin Seat belong to one. Each follows a specific philosophy of the use of the One Power and purposes of the Aes Sedai. The Red Ajah bends all its energies to finding and gentling men who can channel. The Brown Ajah forsakes involvement with the world and dedicates itself to seeking knowledge. While the White Ajah, largely eschewing both the world and the value of worldly knowledge devotes itself to questions of philosophy and truth. The Green Ajah (called the Battle Ajah during the Trolloc Wars) holds itself ready to counter any new Dreadlords when Tarmon Gai'don comes. The Yellow concentrates on the study of Healing. Blue sisters involve themselves with causes and justice. The Gray are mediators, seeking harmony and consensus. There are rumors (hotly denied, and never safely mentioned in front of any Aes Sedai) of a Black Ajah, dedicated to serving the Dark One.

Al Ellisande!: [1] In the Old Tongue, For the Rose of the Sun!"

Alanna Mosvani: [2 - 4] An Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah.

Alantin: [2] In the Old Tongue, "Brother"; short tia avende alantin, "Brother to the Trees"; "Treebrother."

Alar: [2] Eldest of the Elders of Stedding Tsofu.

Aldieb: [1, 2] In the Old Tongue, "West Wind," the wind that brings the spring rains.

Algai'd'siswai: [7] In the Old Tongue, "fighters of the spear," or "spear fighters." The name given to those Aiel who carry the spear and regularly take part in battle as opposed to those who follow crafts.

al'Meara, Nynaeve: See Nynaeve al'Meara.

Altara: [6, 7] A nation on the Sea of Storms, though in truth little unifies it except a name. The people of Altara think of themselves as inhabitants of a town or village, or as this lord's or that lady's people, first, and only second if at all as Altaran. Few nobles pay taxes to the crown or offer more than lip service, and that often slight. The ruler of Altara (currently Queen Tylin Quintara of House Mitsobar is seldom more than the most powerful noble in the land, and at times has not even really been that. The Throne of the Winds holds so little power that many powerful nobles have scorned to take it when they could have. The banner of Altara is two golden leopards on a field check four-by-four in red and blue. The sigil of House Mitsobar is a green anchor and sword, crossed.
See also Wise Woman.

Alteima: [4] A High Lady of Tear, ambitious and concerned for her husband's health.

al'Thor, Rand: See Rand al'Thor.

al'Thor, Tam: See Tam al'Thor.

al'Vere, Egwene: See Egwene al'Vere.

Alviarin Freidhen: [4] An Aes Sedai of the White Ajah.
[5] An Aes Sedai now raised to Keeper of the Chronicle, second only to the Amyrlin Seat among Aes Sedai. A woman of cold logic and colder ambition.

Amadicia: [5] A nation lying south of the Mountains of Mist, between Tarabon and Altara. Its capital Amador is the home of the Children of the Light, whose Lord Captain Commander has, in fact if not in name, more power than the king. Anyone with the ability to channel is outlawed in Amadicia; by law they are to be imprisoned or exiled, but in actuality are often killed while "resisting arrest." The banner of Amadicia is a six-pointed silver star overlaid on a red thistle on a field of blue.
See also channel; Children of the Light.

Amalasan, Guaire: [3] See War of the Second Dragon.

Amyrlin Seat: [1 - 6] (1) The title of the leader of the Aes Sedai. Elected for life by the Hall of the Tower, the highest council of the Aes Sedai, which consists of three representatives (called Sitters, as in "a Sitter for the Green") from each of the seven Ajahs. The Amyrlin Seat has, theoretically, supreme authority among the Aes Sedai, and ranks as the equal of a king or queen. A slightly less formal usage is "the Amyrlin." (2) The throne upon which the leader of the Aes Sedai sits.

Amys: [4 - 7] Wise One of Cold Rocks Hold, and a dreamwalker. An Aiel of the Nine Valleys sept of the Taardad Aiel. Wife of Rhuarc, sister-wife to Lian, who is roofmistress of Cold Rocks Hold. Amys is sister-mother to Aviendha.

Anaiya: [2, 3] An Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah.

Andor: [1] The realm within which the Two Rivers lies. The sign of Andor is a rampant white lion on a field of red.
[5] A wealthy land, which stretches from the Mountains of Mist to the River Erinin, at least on a map, though the queen's control has not reached further west than the River Manetherendrelle in several generations.
See also Daughter-Heir.

Angreal: [1 - 7] Remnants of the Age of Legends that allow anyone capable of channeling the One Power to handle a greater amount of the Power than would be safe or even possible unaided. Some were made for use by women, others by men. Rumors of angreal usable by both men and women have never been confirmed. Their making is no longer known. Few remain in existence.
See also channel; sa'angreal; ter'angreal.

Arad Doman: [2] A nation on the Aryth Ocean.
[4 - 6] Presently wracked by civil war and simultaneously by wars against those who have declared for the Dragon Reborn and against Tarabon. Most Domani merchants are women, and according to the saying, to "let a man trade with a Domani" is to do something extremely foolish. Domani women are famous - our infamous - for their beauty, seductiveness, and scandalous clothes.

Arafel: [1, 2] One of the Borderlands. The sign of Arafel is three white roses on a field of red, quartered with three red roses on a field of white.

Aram: [1, 4] A handsome young man of the Tuatha'an.

Artur Hawkwing: [1 - 6] Legendary king, Artur Paendrag Tanreall. Ruled FY 943 - 994. United all the lands west of the Spine of the World, as well as some lands beyond the Aiel Waste. He even sent armies across the Aryth Ocean (FY 992), but all contact with these was lost at his death, which set off the War of the Hundred Years. His sign was a golden hawk in flight.
See also War of the Hundred Years.

Asha'man: [7] (1) In the Old Tongue, "Guardian" or "Defender," with a strong implication that this is a defender of truth and justice. (2) The name taken by followers of the Dragon Reborn, men who have come to what is now being called the Black Tower in order to learn how to channel. Some have dreamed of channeling despite all the dire risks, while others remain only because passing the test for the ability to learn has itself started them on the road to channeling, and they now must learn to control it before it kills them. They train not only in using the One Power, but in the use of the sword and in fighting with hands and feet. The Asha'man, who wear distinctive black coats, are divided according to the level of knowledge they have achieved, the lowest being a Soldier. The next level is Dedicated, marked by a pin in the shape of a silver sword worn on the coat collar. The highest level is called simply an Asha'man, marked by a red and gold enameled pin in the shape of a Dragon worn on the coat collar opposite the silver sword. Unlike Aes Sedai, who go to great lengths to make sure that those they train are not allowed to move dangerously fast, the Asha'man are pushed hard from the beginning, most especially in learning to use the Power as a weapon. As a result, where the death or stilling of a novice of the White Tower during her training would be something spoken of with horror for years, at the Black Tower it is expected that a certain number of Asha'man Soldiers will die or be burned out attempting to learn. The existence of the Asha'man, and their connection to the Dragon Reborn, has caused a reevaluation among some Aes Sedai of the immediate necessity for gentling, but many not changed their view at all.
See also gentling; stilling.

Asmodean: One of the Forsaken.
See Also Jasin Natael; Forsaken.

Assemblage: [3] A body in Illian, chosen by and from the merchants and ship owners, that is supposed to advise both the King and the Council of Nine, but historically has contended with them for power.

Asunawa, Rhadam: See Rhadam Asunawa.

Atha'an Miere: See Sea Folk.

Avendesora: [1 - 5] In the Old Tongue, "the Tree of Life." Mentioned in many stories and legends, which give various locations. Its true location is known only to a few.

Avendoraldera: [3 - 6] A tree grown in the city of Cairhien from a sapling of Avendesora. This sapling was a gift from the Aiel in 566 NE, despite the fact that no record shows any connection whatsoever between the Aiel and the legendary Tree of Life.
See also Aiel War.

Aviendha: [3, 4] A woman of the Bitter Water sept of the Taardad Aiel; a Far Dareis Mai, a Maiden of the Spear.
[5] A woman in training to be a Wise One. She fears nothing, except her fate.

Aybara, Perrin: See Perrin Aybara.

Ba'alzamon: [1 - 4] In the Trolloc tongue, "Heart of the Dark." Believed by most, erroneously, to be the Trolloc name for the Dark One.
See also Dark One; Trollocs.

Baerlon: [1] A city in Andor on the road from Caemlyn to the mines in the Mountains of Mist.

Bain: [4] A woman of the Black Rock sept of the Shaarad Aiel. A Maiden of the Spear.

Bair: [4, 5] A Wise One of the Haido sept of the Shaarad Aiel. A dreamwalker.
[6] She cannot channel.
See also dreamwalker.

Balthamel: One of the Forsaken.
See also Forsaken.

Band of the Red Hand: [7] (1) A legendary band of heroes (Shen an Calhar) from the Trolloc Wars who died at the Battle of Aemon's Field, when Manetheren fell. (2) A military formation which gathered to follow Mat Cauthon, and which is currently shadowing the rebel Aes Sedai and their army with orders to carry Egwene al'Vere to Rand al'Thor and safety, should she express a wish to flee from her current situation, and also any other sisters who might wish to join her.

Barthanes, Lord of House Damodred: [2] Cairhienin lord, second only to the king in power. His personal sign is the Charging Boar. The sign of House Damodred is the Crown and Tree.

Bashere, Zarine: See Faile.

Bayle Domon: [1, 2] The captain of the Spray, who collects old things.
[4] Sea captain born in Illian, once a captive of the Seanchan, now a successful smuggler into and between war torn Tarabon and Arad Doman. A sometime collector of antiquities, and a man who pays his debts.

Be'lal: [3] One of the Forsaken.
See also Forsaken.

Bel Tine: [1 - 3] Spring Festival celebrating the end of winter, the first sprouting of crops, and the birth of the first lambs.

Berelain sur Paendrag: [4 - 7] First of Mayene, Blessed of the Light, Defender of the Waves, High Seat of House Paeron. A beautiful and willful young woman, and a skillful ruler. She will have what she wants, whatever it takes, and she always keeps her word.
See also Mayene.

Betrayer of Hope: See Ishamael.

Birgitte: [2] Golden haired heroine of legend and a hundred gleeman's tales, she had a silver bow and silver arrows, with which she never missed.
[4] Hero of legend and story, renowned for her beauty almost as much as for her bravery and skill at archery. Carried a silver bow and silver arrows with which she never missed. One of the heroes called back when the Horn of Valere is sounded. Always linked with the hero-swordsman, Gaidal Cain.
[5, 6] Except for her beauty and skill with a bow, she is little like the stories of her.
[7] Warder to Elayne Trakand, believed to be possibly the first female Warder ever, a fact that causes a number of difficulties, few of them expected. Birgitte is in truth the legendary hero of that name, but she was ripped out of Tel'aran'rhiod into the world of the flesh during a struggle with Moghedien and was only saved from death by being bonded to Elayne.
See also Gaidal Cain; Horn of Valere; Warder.

Biteme: [1, 3] A small, almost invisible biting insect.

Bittern: [2, 3] A musical instrument that may have six, nine, or twelve strings, and is held flat on the knees and played by plucking or strumming.

Black Ajah: See Ajah.

Blasted Lands: [1, 2] Desolated lands surrounding Shayol Ghul, beyond the Great Blight.

Bleakness, the: Term given by the Aiel to the effect on many of learning that rather than having always been fierce warriors, their ancestors were strict pacifists forced into defending themselves during the Breaking of the World and the years following. Many feel that this was their failure of the Aes Sedai. Some throw down their spears and run away. Others refuse to put off gai'shain white when their time is up. Still others deny the truth of this, and with deny necessarily that Rand al'Thor is truly the Car'a'carn; these either return to the Aiel Waste or go to join the Shaido opposing him.
See also Aiel; Aiel Waste; Car'a'carn; gai'shain.

Blight: See Great Blight.

Blue Ajah: See Ajah.

Borderlands: [1 - 6] The nations bordering the Great Blight: Saldaea, Arafel, Kandor, and Shienar. Their history is one of unending raids and war against Trollocs and Myrddraal.
See also Great Blight.

Breaking of the World: [1 - 6] When Lews Therin Telamon and the Hundred Companions resealed the Dark One's prison, the counterstroke tainted saidin. Eventually every male Aes Sedai went horribly insane. In their madness these men, who could wield the One Power to a degree now unknown, changed the face of the earth. They caused great earthquakes, leveled old mountain ranges and raised new mountains, and lifted dry land where seas had been and made the ocean cover once dry land. Many parts of the world were completely depopulated, and the survivors were scattered like dust on the wind. This destruction is remembered in stories, legends, and history as the Breaking of the World.
See also Hundred Companions; Time of Madness.

Breane Taborwin: [5] Formerly a high-ranking lady of Cairhien, now a penniless refugee who has found happiness with that sort of man she once had servants flog out of her sight.

Bryne, Gareth: See Gareth Bryne.

Cadin'sor: [5 - 7] Garb of Aiel warriors; coat and breeches in browns and grays that fade into rock or shadow, along with soft, laced knee-high boots. In the Old Tongue, "working clothes," though this is of course, an imprecise translation.
See also algai'd'siswai.

Cadsuane Melaidhrin: [7] An Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah who has approached legendary status among Aes Sedai while still alive, though in truth most sisters believe she must be years dead by now. Thought to have been born around 705 NE in Ghealdan, which would make her the oldest living Aes Sedai, she was also the strongest in the Power found for a thousand years or more until the advent of Nynaeve, Elayne, and Egwene and even they do not far out-step her. Although a Green, over the years she has confronted and captured more men who could channel by far than any other living sister; a little-known oddity is that the men she brought to the White tower tended to live markedly longer after being gentled than those brought by other sisters.

Caemlyn: [1 - 5] The capital city of Andor.
See also Andor.

Cain, Gaidal: See Gaidal Cain.

Cairhien: [1 - 5] Both a nation along the Spine of the World and the capital city of that nation. The city was burned and looted during the Aiel War (976 - 978 NE), as were many other towns and villages. The consequent abandonment of farmland near the Spine of the World made necessary the importation of great quantities of grain. The assassination of King Galldrian (998 NE) resulted in a civil war among the noble Houses for succession to the Sun Throne, causing the disruption of grain shipments and famine. The sign of the Cairhien is a many-rayed golden sun rising from the bottom of a field of sky blue.
[6] The city was besieged by the Shaido in what some now call the Second Aiel War; the siege was lifted by other Aiel under the command of Rand al'Thor.
[7] Subsequently most nobles of Cairhien, along with many from Tear, swore fealty to the Dragon Reborn, but in a land where the Game of Houses has been raised to an art, it is hardly surprising that even many who swore are ready to maneuver for whatever advantage they can find.
See also Aiel War.

Calendar: [6] There are 10 days to the week, 28 days to the month and 13 months to the year. Several feast days are not part of any month; these include Sunday (the longest day of the year), the Feast of Thanksgiving (once every four years at the spring equinox), and the Feast of All Souls Salvation. Also called All Souls Day (once every ten years at the autumn equinox).
[7] While many feasts and festivals are celebrated everywhere (such as the Feast of the Lights, which ends the old year and begins the new), every land has its own as well, and in many instances so do individual towns and villages. In general, the Borderlands have the fewest festivals and feastdays, while the cities of Illian and Ebou Dar have the most.

Callandor: [3] The Sword That Is Not a Sword, the Sword That Cannot Be Touched. A crystal sword held in the Stone of Tear, in the chamber called the Heart of the Stone. No hand can touch it except that of the Dragon Reborn. According to the Prophecies of the Dragon, one of the major signs of the Dragon's Rebirth and the approach of Tarmon Gai'don will be that the Dragon Reborn has taken Callandor.
[4] Its removal from the chamber called the Heart of the Stone was, along with the fall of the Stone, a major sign of the Dragon's Rebirth and the approach of Tarmon Gai'don.
[5, 6] Replaced in the Heart, driven into the stone, by Rand al'Thor.
See also Dragon Reborn; sa'angreal; Stone of Tear.

Car'a'carn: [6] In the Old Tongue, "chief of chiefs." According to Aiel prophecy, a man who would come from Rhuidean at dawn, marked with two Dragons, and lead them across the Dragonwall. The Prophecy of Rhuidean says that he will unite the Aiel and destroy them, all but a remnant of a remnant.
See also Aiel; Rhuidean.

Carai an Caldazar!: [1] In the Old Tongue, "For the honor of the Red Eagle!" The ancient battle cry of Manetheren.

Carai an Ellisande!: [1] In the Old Tongue, "For the honor of the Rose of the Sun!" The battle cry of the last king of Manetheren.

Caraighan Maconar: [6, 7] Legendary Green sister (212 AB - 373 AB), the heroine of a hundred adventures credited with exploits that even some Aes Sedai consider improbable despite their inclusion in the records of the White Tower, such as single-handedly putting down a rebellion in Mosadorin and quelling the Comaidin Riots at a time when she had no Warders. Considered by the Green Ajah to be the archetype of a Green sister.
See also Aes Sedai; Ajah.

Carallain: [2] One of the nation wrung from Artur Hawkwing's empire during the War of the Hundred Years. It weakened thereafter, and the last traces vanished about 500 NE.

Carridin, Jaichim: See Jaichim Carridin.

Cauthon, Abell: See Abell Cauthon.

Cauthon, Mat See Mat Cauthon.

Chaendaer: [4] A mountain in the Aiel Waste, above the valley of Rhuidean.
See also Aiel Waste; Rhuidean.

Channel: [1 - 6] (1) (verb) To control the flow of the One Power. (2) (noun) The act of controlling the flow of the One Power.
See also One Power.

Charin, Jain: See Farstrider, Jain.

Chiad: [4] A woman of the Stones River sept of the Goshien Aiel, who have blood feud with the Shaarad. A Maiden of the Spear.

Children of the Light: [1 - 7] Society of strict ascetic beliefs, owing allegiance to no nation, and dedicated to the defeat of the Dark One and the destruction of all Darkfriends. Founded during the War of the Hundred Years by Lothair Mantelar to proselytize against increasing numbers of Darkfriends, they evolved during the war into a completely military organization. They are extremely rigid in their beliefs and completely certain that only they know the truth and the right. They hate Aes Sedai, considering them, and any who support or befriend them, Darkfriends. They are known disparagingly as Whitecloaks. Their sign is a gold sunburst on a field of white.
See also Questioners.

Colavaere of House Saighan: [5] A high-ranking lady of Cairhien, manipulative and scheming, which is to describe Cairhienin nobility in general, who has had so much power that she sometimes forgets her own vulnerability to a greater.

Congar, Daise: See Daise Congar.

Corenne: [2] In the Old Tongue, "Return" or "the Return."

Corianin Nedeal: See Talents.

Couladin: [4, 5] An ambitious man of the Domai sept of the Shaido Aiel. His warrior society is Seia Doon, the Black Eyes.

Council of Nine: [3] In Illian, a council of nine Lords who are supposed to advise the King, but who historically contend with him for power. Both the King and the Nine often must contend with the Assemblage, as well.

Covenant of the Ten Nations: [1, 2] A union formed in the centuries after the Breaking of the World when nations were first re-created (circa 300 AB). Dedicated to the defeat of the Dark One. Broken apart by the Trolloc Wars.
See also Trolloc Wars.

Cuendillar: See heartstone.

Daes Dae'mar: [2 - 6] Name given the scheming, plots, and manipulations for advantage by the noble Houses. Great value is given to subtlety, to aiming at one thing while seeming to aim at another, and to achieving ends with the least visible effort. The Great Game, also known as the Game of Houses.

Dai Shan: [2] A title in the Borderlands meaning Diademed Battle Lord.
See also Borderlands.

Dain Bornhald: [1] An officer of the Children of the Light, son of Lord Captain Geofram Bornhald.
[3] An officer of the Children of the Light, son of Lord Captain Geofram Bornhald, who died at Falme, on Toman Head.
[4] A Captain of the Children of the Light.

Daise Congar: [4] A woman of the Two Rivers, now Wisdom of Emond's Field. Husband: Wilt.

Damane: [2] In the Old Tongue, "Leashed Ones." Women who can channel who are held prisoner by a'dam and used by the Seanchan for many purposes, primarily of these being as weapons in battle.
[4, 5] Seanchan term for women who can channel and who are, as they see it, properly controlled by use of a'dam. All across Seanchan, young women are tested each year until the age when the inborn ability to channel would have manifested itself. Just as with young men found able to channel (who are executed), damane are written out of family records, and removed from the rolls of citizens, in effect ceasing to exist as people. Women who can channel but who have not yet made damane are called marath'damane, literally, "those who must be leased."
See also Seanchan; a'dam; sul'dam.

Damodred, Galadedrid: See Galadedrid Damodred.

Damodred, Moiraine: See Moiraine Damodred.

Damodred, Taringail: See Taringail Damodred.

Dark One: [1 - 6] Most common name, used in every land, for Shai'tan. The source of evil, antithesis of the Creator. Imprisoned by the Creator in Shayol Ghul at the moment of Creation. The attempt to free him from that prison brought about the War of the Shadow, the tainting of saidin, the Breaking of the World, and the end of the Age of Legends.
See also Dragon, Prophecies of the.

Dark One, naming the: [1 - 5] Saying the true name of the Dark One (Shai'tan) draws his attention, inevitably bringing ill fortune at best, disaster at worst. For that reason many euphemisms are used, among them the Dark One, Father of Lies, Sightblinder, Lord of the Grave, Shepherd of the Night, Heartsbane, Soulsbane, Heartfang, Old Grim, Grassburner, and Leafblighter. Darkfriends call him the Great Lord of the Dark. Someone who seems to be inviting ill fortune is often said to be "naming the Dark One."

Darkfriends: [1 - 5] Adherents of the Dark One. They believe they will gain great power and rewards, and even immortality, when he is freed from his prison.
[6] Among themselves, they sometimes use the ancient name Friends of the Dark.
[7] Secretive of necessity, they organize into groups called "circles," with members of one circle rarely if ever known to members of another. Rank in the outside world has no bearing on rank with the circles; a king or queen who was a Darkfriend would be expected to obey a beggar who gave the proper signs.

Darkhounds: See Wild Hunt.

Daughter-heir: [1 - 6] Title of the heir to the Lion Throne of Andor. The eldest daughter of the Queen succeeds her mother on the throne. Without a surviving daughter, the throne goes to the nearest female blood relation of the Queen. Dissension over exactly who was nearest by blood has several times led to power struggles, the latest being "the Succession" - so called in Andor and "the Third War of Andoran Succession" elsewhere - which brought Morgase of House Trakand to the throne.

Daughter of the Night: See Lanfear.

Deane Aryman: [6] Amyrlin Seat who saved the White Tower from the damage done by Bonwhin in attempting to control Artur Hawkwing. Born circa FY 920 in the village of Salidar, in Eharaon, she was raised Amyrlin from the Blue Ajah in FY 992. Credited with convincing Souran Maravaile to raise the siege of Tar Valon (which had begun in FY 975) at Hawkwing's death. Deane restored the Tower's prestige, and it is believed that at the time of her death in FY 1084, in a fall from a horse, she was on the point of convincing the nobles warring over the remains of Hawkwing's empire to accept the leadership of the White Tower as a means of restoring unity to the land.
See also Amyrlin Seat; Artur Hawking.

Demandred: One of the Forsaken.
See also Forsaken.

Dha'vol Dhai'mon: See Trollocs.

Din Jubai Wild Winds, Coine: [4] A woman of the Atha'an Miere, the Sea Folk. Sailmistress of the raker Wavedancer. Sister of Jorin.

Din Jubai White Wing, Jorin: [4] A woman of the Atha'an Miere, the Sea Fold. Windfinder of the raker Wavedancer. Sister of Coine.

Djevik K'Shar: [1] In the Trolloc tongue, "The Dying Ground." The Trolloc name for the Aiel Waste.

Dobraine of House Taborwin: [5] A high-ranking lord of Cairhien who believes in keeping the letter of his oaths.

Do Miere A'vron: See Watchers Over the Waves.

Dome of Truth: [2] Great audience hall of the Children of the Light, located in Amador, the capital of Amadicia. There is a King of Amadicia, but the Children rule in all but name.
See also Children of the Light.

Domon, Bayle: See Bayle Domon.

Doral Barran: [1] The Wisdom in Emond's Field before Nynaeve al'Meara.

Draghkar: [2] A creature of the Dark One, made originally by twisting human stock. A Draghkar appears to be a large man with bat-like wings, whose skin is too pale and whose eyes are too large, The Draghkar's song can draw its prey to it, suppressing the victim's will. There is a saying: "The kiss of the Draghkar is death." It does not bite, but its kiss will consume first the soul of its victim, and then its life.

Dragon, false: [1 - 4] Name given to various men who have claimed to be the Dragon Reborn. Some have begun wars that involved many nations. Over the centuries, most have been men unable to channel the One Power, but a few could do so. All, however, either disappeared, or were captured or killed, without fulfilling any of the Prophecies of the Dragon. Among those who could channel, the most powerful were Raolin Darksbane (335 - 336 AB), Yurian Stonebow (circa 1300 - 1308 AB), Davian (FY 351), Guaire Amalasan (FY 939 - 943), Logain (997 NE), and [5, 6] Mazrim Taim (998 NE).
See also Dragon Reborn; War of the Second Dragon.

Dragon, Prophecies of the: [2 - 6] Little known and seldom spoken of, the Prophecies, given in The Karaethon Cycle, foretell that the Dark One will be freed again to touch the world. And that Lews Therin Telamon, the Dragon, Breaker of the World, will be reborn to fight Tarmon Gai'don, the Last Battle against the Shadow. He will, say the Prophecies, save the world - and Break it again.
See also Dragon, the.

Dragon Reborn: [1 - 5] According to prophecy and legend the Dragon will be born again at mankind's greatest hour of need to save the world. This is not something people look forward to, both because the prophecies say the Dragon Reborn will bring a new Breaking to the world, and because Lews Therin Kinslayer, the Dragon, is a name to make men shudder, even more than three thousand years after his death.
[6] According to the Prophecies of the Dragon, the man who is the Rebirth of Lews Therin Kinslayer. Most people, but not all, acknowledge Rand al'Thor at the Dragon Reborn.
See also Dragon, the; Dragon, false; Dragon, Prophecies of the.

Dragon, the: [1 - 6] The name by which Lews Therin Telamon was known during the War of the Shadow, some three thousand or more years ago. In the madness, which overtook all males Aes Sedai, Lews Therin killed every living person who carried any of his blood, as well as everyone he loved, thus earning the name Kinslayer. A saying is now used, "taken by the Dragon" or "possessed of the Dragon," to indicate that someone is endangering those around him or threatening them, especially if without cause.
See also Dragon Reborn; Dragon, Prophecies of the; Hundred Companions.

Dragon's Fang: [1, 2] A stylized mark, usually black, in the shape of a teardrop balanced on its point. Scrawled on a door or a house, it is an accusation of evil against the people inside, or an attempt to bring the Dark One's attention, and thus harm, to them.

Dragonsworn: [7] General term used for supporters of the Dragon Reborn, usually by those who either oppose him or at least think to remain neutral. In fact, many given the name have never sworn any sort of oath, and it is frequently applied to brigands as well, some of whom claim the name in the hope that it will quell resistance. A great many atrocities have been committed by people claming to be Dragonsworn.

Dragonwall: See Spine of the World.

Dreadlords: [1 - 6] Men and women able to channel the One Power, who went over to the Shadow during the Trolloc Wars, acting as generals over armies of Trollocs and Darkfriends. Occasionally confused with the Forsaken by the less well educated.

Dreamer: See Talents.

Dreamwalker: [5] Aiel name for woman able to enter Tel'aran'rhiod.
[6] Aiel name for a woman able to enter Tel'aran'rhiod, interpret dreams and speak to others in their dreams. Aes Sedai also use the term, referring to Dreamers, but rarely, and they capitalize it - Dreamwalker.
See also Tel'aran'rhiod; Talents.

Easar, King of House Togita: [1] King of Shienar. His sign is a white hart, which according to Shienaran custom is held also to be a sign of Shienar along with the Black Hawk.

Ebou Dar: [7] The capital city of Altara. One of the great ports, and a city with many odd customs for an outsider to assimilate.
See also Altara.

Egeanin: [4] A Seanchan ship's captain on detached duty.

Egwene al'Vere: [1] Youngest daughter of the innkeeper in Emond's Field.
[2] A young woman from Emond's Field.
[3] Now in training to be Aes Sedai.
[4] A young woman from Emond's Field. Now one of the Accepted.
[5] A young woman from Emond's Field, in the Two River's district of Andor. Now one of the Accepted, she is in training with Aiel dreamwalkers, and is possibly a Dreamer.
See also dreamwalker; Talents.

Elaida do Avriny a'Roihan: [1, 2] An Aes Sedai who advises Queen Morgase of Andor. She sometimes has the Foretelling.
[3, 4] An Aes Sedai of the Red Ajah. Formerly advisor to Queen Morgase of Andor. She sometimes has the Foretelling.
[5, 6] An Aes Sedai, formerly of the Red Ajah, now raised to the Amyrlin Seat. Once advisor to Queen Morgase of Andor. She sometimes has the Foretelling.
[7] An Aes Sedai now raised to the Amyrlin Seat, though opposed by another claiming that title.
See also Talents.

Elayne of House Trakand: [1, 2] Queen Morgase's daughter, the Daughter-heir to the Throne of Andor. Her sign is a golden lily.
[3] Queen Morgase's daughter, the Daughter-Heir to the throne of Andor. Now in training to be Aes Sedai. Her sign is a golden lily.
[4, 5] Queen Morgase's daughter, the Daughter-Heir to the throne of Andor. Now one of the Accepted. Her sign is a golden lily.
See also Daughter-Heir.

Else Grinwell: [1] A farmer's daughter met on the Caemlyn Road.

Elyas Machera: [1] A man encountered by Perrin and Egwene in the forest.

Enaila: [5] A Maiden of the Spear. Of the Jarra sept of Chareen Aiel. Touchy concerning her height, she has a remarkable attitude toward Rand al'Thor considering that she is no more than a year older than he.

Estanda: [4] A High Lady of Tear who believes in extracting what is owed slowly but in full.

Eyeless: See Myrddraal.

Fade: See Myrddraal.

Faile: [3] Zarine Bashere, a young woman from Saldaea who is a Hunter of the Horn. She wishes to be called Faile, which, in the Old Tongue, means "falcon."
[4, 5] In the Old Tongue, means "falcon." Name assumed by Zarine Bashere, a young woman from Saldaea.

Fain, Padan: See Padan Fain.

Faolain Orande: [5] An Accepted who does not like wilders.

Far Dareis Mai: [1 - 5] In the Old Tongue, literally, "Of the Spear Maidens." A warrior society of the Aiel, which, unlike any of the others, admits women and only women. A Maiden may not marry and remain in the society, nor may she fight while carrying a child. Any child born to a Maiden is given to another woman to raise, in such a way that no one knows who the child's mother was. ("You may belong to no man, nor may any man belong to you, nor any child. The spear is your lover, your child, and your life.") These children are treasured, for it is prophesied that a child born of a Maiden will unite the clans and return to the Aiel the greatness they knew during the Age of Legends.
See also Aiel; Aiel warrior societies.

Farstrider, Jain: [1] A hero of the northern lands who journeyed to many lands and had many adventures; the author of several books, as well as being the subject of books and stories. He vanished in 994 NE, after returning from a trip into the Great Blight which some said had taken him all the way to Shayol Ghul.

Father of Lies: See Dark One.

Fetches: See Myrddraal.

First Prince of the Sword: [1] Title normally held by the eldest brother of the Queen of Andor, who has been trained since childhood to command the Queen's armies in time of war and to be her adviser in time of peace. If the Queen has no surviving brother, she will appoint someone to the title.

First-sister; first-brother: [6] Aiel kinship term meaning having the same mother. Among the Aiel, having the same mother means a closer relationship than having the same father.
See also Aiel kinship terms.

Fist: [1] The basic military unit of the Trollocs, varying in number; always more than one hundred, but never more than two hundred. A fist is usually, but not always, commanded by a Myrddraal.

Five Powers: [1 - 6] There are threads to the One Power, and anyone who can channel can usually grasp some threads better than others. These threads are named according to the sorts of things that can be done using them - Earth, Air (Wind), Fire, Water, and Spirit - and are called the Five Powers. Any wielder of the Power will have a greater degree of strength with one, or possibly two, of these, and lesser strength in the others. Some few may have great strength with three, but since the Age of Legends no one has had great strength with all five. Even then this was extremely rare. The degree of strength can vary greatly between individuals, so that some who can channel are much stronger than others. Performing certain acts with the One Power requires the ability to weave flows in one or more the Five Powers. For example, starting or controlling a fire requires Fire, affecting the weather requires Air and Water, while Healing requires Air, Water and Spirit. While Spirit was found equally in men and in women, great ability with Earth and/or Fire was found much more often among men, with Water and/or Air among women. There were exceptions, but it was so often so that Earth and Fire came to be regarded as male Powers, Air and Water as female. Generally, no ability is considered stronger than any other, though there is a saying among Aes Sedai: "There is no rock so strong that water and wind cannot wear it away, no fire so fierce that water cannot quench it or wind snuff it out." It should be noted that any equivalent saying among male Aes Sedai is long lost.

Flame of Tar Valon: [1 - 7] The symbol of Tar Valon, the Amyrlin Seat, and the Aes Sedai. A stylized representation of a flame; a white teardrop with the point upward.

Forsaken: [1 - 6] Name given to thirteen of the most powerful Aes Sedai of the Age of Legends, thus among the most powerful ever known, who went over to the Dark One during the War of the Shadow in return for the promise of immortality. Their own name for themselves was "the Chosen." According to both legend and fragmentary records, they were imprisoned along with the Dark One when his prison was resealed. Their names are still used to frighten children. They were: Aginor, Asmodean, Balthamel, Be'lal, Demandred, Graendal, Ishamael, Lanfear, Mesaana, Moghedien, Rahvin, Sammael, and Semirhage.
[7] It is believed by those with some current knowledge that only Demandred and Sammael survive among the men, and only Graendal, Mesaana, Moghedien, and Semirhage among the women. A number of strange encounters, however, suggest the possibility either that several new Chosen have been selected by the Dark One or that Lord of the Grave has in some cases reached beyond death.

Fortress of the Light: [3] The great fortress of the Children of the Light, located in Amador, the capital of Amadicia. There is a King of Amadicia, but the Children rule in all but name.
See also Children of the Light.

Gaidal Cain: [4, 5] Hero-swordsman of legend and story, always linked to Birgitte and said to be as ugly as she was beautiful. Said to be invincible when his feet were on his native soil. One of the heroes called back when the Horn of Valere is sounded.
See also Birgitte; Horn of Valere.

Gaidin: [2 - 7] Literally, "Brother to Battles." A title used by Aes Sedai for the Warders.
See also Warder.

Gai'shain: [5, 6] In the Old Tongue, "Pledged to Peace in Battle." An Aiel taken prisoner by other Aiel during raid or battle is required by ji'e'toh to serve his or her captor humbly for one year and a day, touching no weapon and doing no violence. A Wise One, a blacksmith, a child or a woman with a child under the age of ten may not be made gai'shain.
[7] Since the revelation that the ancestors of the Aiel were in fact pacifist followers of the Way of the Leaf, a good many gai'shain refuse to put off white when the their time ends. Additionally, although by tradition as strong as law no one who does not follow ji'e'toh can be made gai'shain, the Shaido Aiel have begun putting Cairhienin and other prisoners into gai'shain robes, and many have come to believe that since these people do not follow ji'e'toh, there is no need to release them at the end of the year and a day.
See also bleakness.

Galadedrid Damodred: [1 - 5] Called Galad. Only son of Taringail Damodred and Tigraine. Half-brother to Elayne and Gawyn, sharing the same father. His sign is a winged silver sword, point down.

Galldrian su Riatin Rie: [2] Literally, Galldrian of House Riatin, King. King of Cairhien.
See also Cairhien.

Game of Houses: See Daes Dae'mar.

Gareth Bryne: [1] Captain-General of the Queen's Guard in Andor. Also serves as Morgase's First Prince of the Sword. His sign is three golden stars, each of five rays.
[5, 6] Once Captain-General of the Queen's Guards in Andor. Exiled by Queen Morgase. Considered one of the greatest generals living. The sigil of House Bryne is a wild bull, the rose crown of Andor around its neck. Gareth Bryne's personal sigil is three golden stars, each of five rays.
[7] Once Captain-General of the Queen's Guards in Andor, now commanding an army for those Aes Sedai in rebellion against the authority of Elaida do Avriny a'Roihan. Considered one of the greatest generals living. His relationship with Siuan Sanche troubles him nearly as much as it does her.

Gaul: [3, 4] An Aiel of the Imran sept of the Shaarad Aiel, who have blood feud with the Goshien. A Shae'en M'taal, a Stone Dog.

Gawyn of House Trakand: [1 - 6] Queen Morgase's son, Elayne's brother, who will be First Prince of the Sword when Elayne ascends the throne. Half-brother to Galad. His sign is a white boar.
[7] A man caught in more than one cleft stick; he despises Aes Sedai yet has sworn to serve them, and he hates Rand al'Thor yet has sworn not to raise a hand against him, all because he loves Egwene al'Vere beyond reason. He does not know that Egwene herself has not only become Aes Sedai, but the Amyrlin Seat opposing the Amyrlin he recognizes. 

Gentling: [1 - 6] The act, performed by Aes Sedai, of shutting off a male who can channel from the One Power. This is necessary because any man who channels will go insane from the taint upon saidin and will almost certainly do horrible things with the Power in his madness. A man who has been gentled can still sense the True Source, but he cannot touch it. Whatever madness has come before gentling is arrested by the act of gentling, but not cured by it, and if it is done soon enough death can be averted. A man who is gentled, however, inevitably gives up wanting to live; those who do not succeed in committing suicide usually die anyway within a year or two.
[7] Once believed to be permanent, gentling is now known by some to be susceptible to a highly specialized form of Healing.
See also One Power; stilling.

Geofram Bornhald: [1, 2] A Lord Captain of the Children of the Light.

Gleeman: [1 - 6] A traveling storyteller, musician, juggler, tumbler and all-around entertainer. Known by their trademark cloaks of many-colored patches, they perform mainly in the villages and smaller towns.

Goaban: [2] One of the nations wrung from Artur Hawkwing's empire during the War of the Hundred Years. It weakened, and faded away approximately 500 NE.
See also Artur Hawkwing; War of the Hundred Years.

Graendal: One of the Forsaken.
See also Forsaken.

Gray Man: [3, 4, 6] Someone who has voluntarily surrendered his or her soul in order to become an assassin serving the Shadow. Gray Men are so ordinary in appearance that the eye can slide right past without noticing them. The vast majority of Gray Men are indeed men, but a small number are women. Also called the Soulless.

Great Blight: [1 - 6] A region in the far north, entirely corrupted by the Dark One. A haunt of Trollocs, Myrddraal, and other creatures of the Dark One.

Great Game: See Daes Dae'mar.

Great Hunt of the Horn: [1 - 4] A cycle of stories concerning the legendary search for the Horn of Valere, in the years between the end of the Trolloc Wars and the beginning of the War of the Hundred Years. If told in its entirety, the cycle would take many days.
See also Horn of Valere.

Great Lord of the Dark: [1 - 7] The name by which Darkfriends refer to the Dark One, claiming that to use his true name would be blasphemous.

Great Pattern: [1] The Wheel of Time weaves the Patterns of the Ages into the Great Pattern, which is the whole of existence and reality, past, present and future. Also known as the Lace of Ages.
See also Pattern of an Age; Wheel of Time.

Great Serpent: [1 - 6] A symbol for time and eternity, ancient before the age of Legends began, consisting of a serpent eating its own tail. A ring in the shape of the Great Serpent is awarded to women who have been raised to the Accepted among the Aes Sedai.

Hadnan Kadere: [4] A peddler traveling the Aiel Waste. A man with knowledge to sell, if he can find the right price.
[5] A supposed peddler who regrets ever having entered the Aiel Waste.

Hailene: [2] In the Old Tongue, "Those who Come Before," or "Forerunners."

Halfman: See Myrddraal.

Hall of the Tower, the: [7] The legislative body of the Aes Sedai, traditionally consisting of three Sisters in the Hall from each of the seven Ajahs. At present, there is a Hall sitting in the White Tower, which contains no Sitters for the Blue, and a Hall among those Aes Sedai who oppose Elaida do Avriny a'Roihan. This rebel Hall contains no Red Sitters. While the Amyrlin Seat is by law the absolute power in the White Tower, in fact her power has always depended on how well she could lead, manage or intimidate the Hall, as there are many ways that the Hall can balk any Amyrlin's plans. There are two levels of agreement that may be required for items to pass the Hall, the lesser consensus and the greater consensus. The greater consensus requires that every sister who is present must stand, and that a minimum of eleven Sitters be present; the presence of at least one Sitter from each Ajah is also required, except when the matter before the Hall is the removal of an Amyrlin or Keeper, in which case the Ajah from which she was raised will not be informed of the vote until after it has been taken. The lesser will not be informed of the vote until after it has been taken. The lesser consensus also requires a quorum of eleven Sitters, but only two-thirds of those present need stand for an item to pass. Another difference is that there is no requirement for all Ajahs to be represented in the lesser consensus except in the case of a declaration of war by the White Tower, one of several matters left to the lesser consensus which many might think would require the greater. The Amyrlin Seat may call for any Sitter to resign her chair, or indeed for all to, and that call must be heeded. This is seldom done, however, as nothing stops an Ajah from returning the same Sitter or Sitters except a custom that sisters not serve again in the Hall after leaving it. As an indication of how serious such a call for a mass resignation would be, it is reliably believed that it has happened exactly four times in the more than three-thousand-year history of the White Tower, and that while two of those resulted in the selection of an entirely, or nearly, new Hall, the other two resulted in the resignation and exile of the Amyrlin involved.

Haral Luhhan: [4] Blacksmith of the Two Rivers, and member of the village Council of Emond's Field. His wife Alsbet is a member of the Women's Circle.

Hardan: [2] One of the nations wrung from Artur Hawkwing's empire, now long forgotten. It lay between Cairhien and Shienar.

Hawkwing, Artur: See Artur Hawkwing.

Heart of the Stone: See Callandor.

Heartfang; Heartsbane: See Dark One.

Heartstone: [1 -5] An indestructible substance created during the Age of Legends. Any known force used in an attempt to break it is absorbed, making heartstone stronger. Another name for cuendillar.

Heran Adan: [1] Governor of Baerlon.

Hide: [2 - 4] A unit of area for measuring land, equal to 100 paces by 100 paces.

High Lords of Tear: [3 - 6] Acting as a council, the High Lords are the rulers of the nation of Tear, which has neither king for queen. Their numbers are not fixed, and have varied over the years, from as many as twenty to as few as six. Not to be confused with the Lords of the Land, who are lesser Tairen lords.

Hopper: [3] A wolf.

Horn of Valere: [1 - 3] The legendary object of the Great Hunt of the Horn. The Horn supposedly can call back dead heroes from the grave to fight against the Shadow.
[4] A new Hunt of the Horn has been called, and oaths have been administered to the Hunters in Illian.
[5, 6] It can call back dead heroes from the grave to fight against the Shadow. A new Hunt of the Horn has been called, and sworn Hunters for the Horn can now be found in many nations.
[7] Few even among Aes Sedai know that the Horn has actually been found and used, or that it is now hidden in the White Tower.

Hundred Companions: [1 - 4] One hundred male Aes Sedai, among the most powerful of the Age of Legends, who, led by Lews Therin Telamon, launched the final stroke that ended the War of the Shadow by sealing the Dark One back into his prison. The Dark One's counterstroke tainted saidin; the Hundred Companions went mad and began the Breaking of the World.
See also Time of Madness; Breaking of the World; True Source; One Power.

Hurin: [2] A Shienaran who has the ability to smell where violence has been done, and to follow the scent of those who did it. Called a "sniffer," he serves the King's justice in Fal Dara, in Shienar.

Hyam Kinch: [1] A farmer met on the Caemlyn Road.

Illian: [1 - 6] A great port on the Sea of Storms, capital city of the nation of the same name. The sign of Illian is nine golden bees on a field of dark green.
[7] An ancient enemy of Tear.

Illuminators, Guild of: [3] A society that hold the secret of making fireworks. It guards this secret very closely, even to murder. The Guild gains its name from the grand displays, called Illuminations, which it provides for rulers and sometimes for great lords. Lesser fireworks are sold for use by others, but with dire warnings of the disaster that can result from attempting to learn what is inside them. The Guild chapter house is in Tanchico, the capital of Tarabon. The Guild established one other chapter house in Cairhien, but it is no longer active.

Ingtar, Lord of House Shinowa: [1, 2] A Shienaran warrior met at Fal Dara. His sign is the Gray Owl.

Isendre: [4] A beautiful and mysterious woman traveling in the Aiel Waste.
[5] A beautiful and greedy woman who angered the wrong woman and for once in her life told the truth when she denied stealing.

Ishamael: [2, 3] In the Old Tongue, "Betrayer of Hope." One of the Forsaken. Name given to the leader of the Aes Sedai who went over to the Dark One in the War of the Shadow. It is said that even he forgot his true name.
See also Forsaken.

Jaichim Carridin: [4] An Inquisitor of the Hand of the Light, a high officer of the Children of the Light.
[6] An Inquisitor of the Hand of the Light, a high officer of the Children of the Light and a Darkfriend.

Jaret Byar: [1 - 4] An officer of the Children of the Light.

Jasin Natael: [4] A gleeman traveling the Aiel Waste.
[5] Name used by Asmodean, one of the Forsaken.

Ji'e'toh: [5] In the Old Tongue, "honor and obligation" or "honor and duty." The complex code by which Aiel live, and which would take a shelf of volumes to explain. By way of small example, there are many paths to gain honor in battle. The smallest is to kill, for anyone can kill. The greatest is to touch an armed and living enemy without causing harm. Somewhere in the middle is to make an enemy gai'shain. For another example, shame, which also has many levels in ji'e'toh, is considered on many of those levels to be worse than pain, injury, or even death. For a third, there are, again, many degrees of toh, or obligation, but even the smallest of these must be met in full. Toh outweighs other considerations to the extent than an Aiel will often accept shame, if necessary, to fulfill an obligation that might seem minor to an outlander.
See also gai'shain.

Juilin Sandar: [4 - 6] A thief-catcher from Tear.
[7] A man in love with perhaps the very last woman he would ever have thought he could be.

Kaf: [4] A Seanchan drink, brewed black and drunk steaming hot, sometimes sweetened but often not. A stimulating beverage.

Kandor: [1] One of the Borderlands. The sign of Kandor is a rearing red horse on a field of pale green.

Karaethon Cycle, the: See Dragon, Prophecies of the.

Keeper of the Chronicles: [2 - 4] Second in authority to the Amyrlin Seat among the Aes Sedai, she also acts as secretary to the Amyrlin. Chosen for life by the Hall of the Tower, and usually of the same Ajah the Amyrlin. A slightly less formal usage is "the Keeper."
See also Amyrlin Seat; Ajah.

Keille Shaogi: [4] A peddler traveling the Aiel Waste. A woman with plans even larger than she is.

Kith: [2] Close friends and acquaintances.

Ko'bal: See Trollocs.

Lace of Ages: See Great Pattern.

Laman: [2, 3] A king of Cairhien, of House Damodred, who lost his throne and life in the Aiel War.
See also Aiel War; Avendoraldera.

Lamgwin Dorn: [5] A street tough and brawler who is loyal to his queen.

Lan; al'Lan Mandragoran: [1] A warrior from the north; Moiraine's companion.
[2 - 5] A Warder bonded to Moiraine. Uncrowned King of Malkier, Dai Shan (Battle Lord), and the last surviving Malkieri lord.
[6] Uncrowned King of Malkier, a land swallowed by the Blight in the year he was born (953 NE), Dai Shan (Battle Lord), and the last surviving Malkieri lord. At the age of sixteen he began a one-man war against the Blight and the Shadow, which continued until he was bonded as a Warder by Moiraine in 979 NE.
See also Warder; Moiraine; Malkier; Dai Shan.

Lanfear: [2 - 5] In the Old Tongue, "Daughter of the Night." One of the Forsaken, perhaps the most powerful next to Ishamael. Unlike the other Forsaken, she chose this name herself. She is said to have been in love with Lews Therin Telamon and to have hated his wife, Ilyena.
See also Forsaken; Dragon, the.

Laras: [4] Mistress of the Kitchens in the White Tower, the center of Aes Sedai power, in Tar Valon. A woman of surprising knowledge and shocking past.

Leafblighter: See Dark One.

League: See length, units of.

Leane Sharif: [2 - 4] An Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah, and Keeper of the Chronicles.
[5] Once an Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah, and Keeper of the Chronicles. Now deposed and stilled, seeking to rediscover who she is.
See also Ajah; Keeper of the Chronicles.

Leashed Ones: See damane.

Length, units of: [1 - 7] 10 inches = 3 hands = 1 foot; 3 feet = 1 pace; 2 paces = 1 span; 1000 spans = 1 mile; 4 miles = 1 league.

Lews Therin Telamon; Lews Therin Kinslayer: See Dragon, the.

Liandrin: [2] An Aes Sedai of the Red Ajah, from Tarabon.
[3 - 5] An Aes Sedai formerly of the Red Ajah. Now known to be of the Black Ajah.

Lini: [4] Childhood nurse to Lady Elayne, and before her to Elayne's mother, Morgase.
[5, 6] Childhood nurse to the Lady Elayne, and before her to Elayne's mother, Morgase, as well as to Morgase's mother. A woman of vast inner strength, considerable perception, and a great many sayings.
[7] Has never quite admitted that any of her charges has grown up completely.

Linking: [6] The ability of women who can channel to combine their flows of the One Power. While the combined flow is not as great as the sum total of the individual flows, it is directed by the person who leads the link and that can be used much more precisely and to far greater effect than the individual flows could be. Men cannot link their abilities without the presence of a woman or women in the circle. Up to thirteen women can link without the presence of a man. With the addition of one man, the circle can increase to twenty-six women. Two men can take the circle to include thirty-four women, and so on until the limit of six men and sixty-six women is reached. There are links that include more men and fewer women, but except in the linking of one man and one woman there must always be at least one more woman in the circle than there are men. In most circles, either a man or a woman can control the link, but a man must control in the circle of seventy-two as well as in mixed circles of fewer than thirteen. Although men are in general stronger in the Power than women, the strongest circles are those which contain as near as possible to equal numbers of men and women.
[7] Entering a link is normally a voluntary act, requiring at least acquiescence, but under certain circumstances, a sufficient circle already formed can bring another woman forcibly into he circle as long as no man is part of it. Insofar as is known, a man cannot be forced into a circle, no matter how large. There are links that include more men and fewer women, but except in the linking of one man and one woman, two men and one woman, or two men and two women, there must always be at least one more woman in the circle than there are men.
See also Aes Sedai.

Logain Ablar: [2] A false Dragon, gentled by the Aes Sedai.
[4] A man who once claimed to be the Dragon Reborn, now gentled and imprisoned in the White Tower in Tar Valon.
[5] A man who once claimed to be the Dragon Reborn, now gentled.
[6] Captured after carrying war across Ghealdan, Altara, and Murandy, he was carried to the White Tower and gentled, later escaping in the confusion after Siuan Sanche was deposed. A man who yet has greatness ahead of him.
[7] Born in 972 NE in Ghealdan, once claimed to be the Dragon Reborn. Captured after carrying war across Ghealdan, Altara, and Murandy, he was carried to the White Tower and gentled, later escaping in the confusion after Siuan Sanche was deposed. The accidental restoration of his ability to channel was the first indication that such a loss was not permanent. Confined after his Healing, he escaped again, and his present whereabouts are unknown.
See also Dragon, false; gentling; stilling.

Loial son of Arent son of Halan: [2] An Ogier from Stedding Shangtai.
[4] An Ogier from Stedding Shangtai. Would-be author of a book about the Dragon Reborn.

Luc, Lord of House Mantear: [1, 2] Tigraine's brother, who would have been her First Prince of the Sword when she ascended to the throne. His disappearance in the Great Blight (971 NE) is believed to be in some way connected to Tigraine's later disappearance. His sign was an acorn.

Lugard: [5] Nominally the capital of Murandy, thought that country is a quilt of loyalties to towns and individual lords and ladies, and whoever sits on the throne seldom has any real control over even the city. Lugard is a major trade center, and a byword for thievery, licentiousness, and general disrepute.

Lurk: See Myrddraal.

Luthair Paendrag Mondwin: [2] Son of Artur Hawkwing, he commanded the armies Hawkwing sent across the Aryth Ocean. His banner was a golden, spread winged hawk clutching lightning bolts.
See also Artur Hawkwing.

Mahdi: [1] In the Old Tongue, "Seeker." Title of the leader of Tuatha'an caravan.

Maighande: [5] One of the greatest battles of the Trolloc Wars. The victory of humankind here began the long push that finally drove the Trollocs back to the Great Blight.
See also Great Blight; Trolloc Wars.

Malkier: [1 - 5] A nation, once one of the Borderlands, now consumed by the Blight. The sign of Malkier was a golden crane in flight.

Mandarb: [1] In the Old Tongue, "Blade."

Manetheren: [1 - 6] One of the Ten Nations that made the Second Covenant. Also the capital city of that nation. Both city and nation were utterly destroyed in the Trolloc Wars. The sign of Manetheren was a Red Eagle in flight.
See also Trolloc Wars.

Maradon: [1] The capital city of Saldaea.

Marath'damane: [2] In the Old Tongue, "Those Who Must Be Leashed." Term used by the Seanchan for women who can channel, but who have not yet been captured and collared.
See also damane; a'dam; Seanchan.

Masema: [2, 3] A Shienaran soldier who hates Aiel.

Mashiara: [2] In the Old Tongue, "beloved," but meaning a love that is lost beyond redeeming.

Mat Cauthon: [1] A young farmer from the Two Rivers.
[2 - 4] A young man from Emond's Field in the Two Rivers who is ta'veren. Full name: Matrim Cauthon.
[5] A young man, from Emond's Field in the Two Rivers district of Andor, who is ta'veren and also extremely lucky.

Mayene: [3 - 5] City-state on the Sea of Storms, hemmed in and historically oppressed by Tear. The ruler of Mayene is styled "the First"; Firsts claim to be descendants of Artur Hawkwing. Derives its wealth and its independence from knowledge of where to find the oilfish shoals, which rival in economic importance the olive groves of Tear, Illian, and Tarabon. Oilfish and olives provide nearly all lamp oil. The current ruler of Mayene is Berelain, the First of Mayene. The banner of Mayene is a golden hawk in flight on field of blue.
[6, 7] The title of Second, once held by a single lord or lady, has in the last four hundred years or so been held by as many as nine at once.

Mazrim Taim: [5, 6] A false Dragon who raised havoc in Saldaea until he was defeated and captured. Not only able to channel, but supposedly of great strength.
[7] He is now the M'Hael ("leader," in the Old Tongue) of the Asha'man.
See also Dragon, false; Asha'man.

Melaine: [4, 5] A Wise One of the Jhirad sept of Goshien Aiel. A dreamwalker.
[6, 7] Moderately strong in the One Power. Married to Bael, clan chief of the Goshien. Sister-wife to Dorindha, roofmistress of Smoke Springs Hold.
See also dreamwalker.

Melindhra: [5] A Maiden of the Spear, of the Jumai sept of the Shaido Aiel. A woman of divided loyalties.
See also Aiel warrior societies.

Merrilin, Thom: See Thom Merrilin.

Mesaana: One of the Forsaken.
See also Forsaken.

Mile: See Length, units of.

Min: [1] A young woman encountered at the Stag and Lion in Baerlon.
[2 - 5] A young woman with the ability to read things about people in the auras and images she sometimes sees surrounding them.

Moghedien: One of the Forsaken.
See also Forsaken.

Moiraine Damodred: [1] A visitor to Emond's Field who arrives just before Winternight.
[2] An Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah.
[3, 4] Born in House Damodred, though not in line of succession to the throne, she was raised in the Royal Palace in Cairhien.
[5] Born in Cairhien. Rarely uses her House name, and keeps her association with it as secret as possible.
[6] Born 956 NE in the Royal Palace of Cairhien. After coming to the White Tower as a novice in 972 NE, her rise was meteoric, being raised Accepted in just three years and Aes Sedai in only three more after that, at the end of the Aiel War. From that time she began a search for the young man who had (according to Gitara Morose, an Aes Sedai with the Foretelling) been born on the slopes of Dragonmount during the Battle of the Shining Walls who would be the Dragon Reborn. It was she who took Rand al'Thor, Mat Cauthon, Perrin Aybara and Egwene al'Vere out of the Two Rivers. She vanished into a ter'angreal in Cairhien while battling Lanfear, apparently killing both herself and the Forsaken.
[7] Since she had already located the Dragon Reborn and killed the Forsaken Be'lal, she is already looked upon as one of those near mythical sisters who are held as legendary heroes.

Mondwin, Luthair Paendrag: See Luthair Paendrag Mondwin.

Mordeth: [2] Councilor who turned the city of Aridhol to use Darkfriends' ways against the Darkfriends, thus bringing its destruction and earning it a new name, Shadar Logoth. Only one thing survives in Shadar Logoth beside the hate that killed it, and that is Mordeth himself, bound in the ruins for two thousand years, waiting for someone to come whose soul he can consume and so take on new flesh.
See also Shadar Logoth.

Morgase: [1 - 5] By the Grace of the Light, Queen of Andor, Defender of the Realm, Protector of the People, High Seat of House Trakand. Her sign is three golden keys. The sign of House Trakand is a silver keystone.
[6, 7] Now in exile and believed dead, murdered by the Dragon Reborn, so many think.

Myrddraal: [1 - 6] Creatures of the Dark One, commanders of the Trollocs. Twisted offspring of Trollocs in which the human stock used to create the Trollocs has resurfaced, but tainted by the evil that made the Trollocs. Physically they are like men except that they have no eyes, but can see like eagles in light or dark. They have certain powers stemming from the Dark One, including the ability to cause paralyzing fear with a look and the ability to vanish wherever there are shadows. One of their few known weaknesses is that they are reluctant to cross running water. Mirrors reflect them only mistily. In different lands they are known by many names, among them Halfmen, the Eyeless, Shadowmen, Lurk, Fetch, and Fade.

Near-sister; near-brother: [6] Aiel kinship terms meaning friend as close as first-sisters or first-brothers. Near-sisters often adopt one another formally as first-sisters. Near-brothers almost never do.
[7] Near-sisters often adopt one another formally as first-sisters in an elaborate ceremony carried out before Wise Ones, after which they are recognized by other Aiel as truly born twins, though a pair of twins with two mothers.
See also Aiel kinship terms.

Natael, Jasin: See Asmodean.

Niall, Pedron: See Pedron Niall.

Nisura, Lady: [2] A Shienaran noblewoman, and one of the Lady Amalisa's attendants.

Nynaeve al'Meara: [1] The Wisdom of Emond's Field.
[2] A woman from Emond's Field, in the Two Rivers district of Andor.
[3] Now in training to be Aes Sedai.
[4, 5] A woman once the Wisdom of Emond's Field, in the Two Rivers district of Andor. Now one of the Accepted.

Oaths, Three: [3 - 7] The oaths taken by an Accepted who is being raised to Aes Sedai. Spoken while holding the Oath Rod, a ter'angreal that makes oaths binding. They are: (1) To speak no word that is not true. (2) To make no weapon with which one man may kill another. (3) Never to use the One Power as a weapon except against Shadowspawn, or in the last extreme defense of her own life, or that of her Warder or another Aes Sedai. These oaths were not always required, but various events before and since the Breaking caused them to be necessary. The second oath was the first adopted, in reaction to the War of the Powers. The first oath, while held to the letter, is often circumvented by careful speaking. It is believed that the last two are inviolable.

Ogier: [3 - 6] (1) A non human race, characterized by great height, (ten feet is average for adult males), broad, almost snout-like noses, and long, tufted ears. They live in areas called stedding, which they rarely leave, and they typically have little contact with humankind. Their separation from these stedding after the Breaking of the World (a time called the Exile by Ogier) resulted in what is called the Longing; and Ogier who is too long out of the stedding, sickens and dies. They consider stonework simply something learned during the Exile and not as important as tending the trees of the stedding, especially the towering Great Trees. Knowledge of them among humans is sparse and many believe Ogier to be only legends, though they are wondrous stonemasons and built most of the great cities constructed after the Breaking. Although believed to be a pacific people and extremely slow to anger, some old stories say they fought alongside humans in the Trolloc Wars, and call them implacable enemies. By and large, they are extremely fond of knowledge, and their books and stories often contain information lost to humans. A typical Ogier life-span is at least three to four times that of a human. (2) Any individual of the non human race.
See also Breaking of the World; stedding; Treesinger.

Old Grim: See Dark One.

Old Tongue: [3 - 7] The language spoken during the Age of Legends. It is generally expected that nobles and the educated will have learned to speak this, but most know only a few words. Translation is often difficult, as it is a language capable of many subtly different meanings.
See also Age of Legends.

One Power: [1 - 6] The power drawn from the True Source. The vast majority of people are completely unable to learn to channel the One Power. A very small number can be taught to channel, and an even tinier number have the ability inborn. For these few there is no need to be taught; they will touch the True Source and channel the Power whether they want to or not, perhaps without even realizing what they are doing. This inborn ability usually manifests itself in late adolescence or early adulthood. If control is not taught, or self-learned (extremely difficult, with a success rate of only one in four), death is certain. Since the time of Madness, no man has been able to channel the Power without eventually going completely, horribly mad; and then, even if he has learned some control, dying from a wasting sickness which causes the sufferer to rot alive, a sickness caused, as is the madness, by the Dark One's taint on saidin. For a woman the death that comes without control of the Power is less horrible, but it is death just the same. Aes Sedai search for girls with the inborn ability as much to save their lives as to increase Aes Sedai numbers, and for men with it in order to stop the terrible things they inevitably do with the Power in their madness.
See also channel; Time of Madness; True Source; Aes Sedai; Five Powers.

Ordeith: [4] In the Old Tongue, "Wormwood." Name taken by a man who advises Pedron Niall.

Padan Fain: [1] A peddler who arrives in Emond's Field just before Winternight.
[2] A man imprisoned as a Darkfriend in Fal Dara keep.
[6, 7] Once a peddler trading into the Two Rivers, and a Darkfriend, he was transformed at Shayol Ghul not only to enable him to find they young man who would become the Dragon Reborn as a hound finds prey for they hunter, but to ingrain the need to find him. The pain of this induced in Fain a hatred both of the Dark One and of Rand al'Thor. While following al'Thor, he encountered the trapped soul of Mordeth in Shadar Logoth, and this soul tried to take Fain's body. Because of what he had been made of Fain, though, the result was an amalgamation which was mostly Fain and which has abilities beyond what either man had originally, though Fain does not understand they fully yet. Most men feel fear at a Myrddraal's eyeless gaze; Myrddraal feel fear at Fain's gaze.

Pattern of an Age: [1 - 5] The Wheel of Time weaves the threads of human lives into the Pattern of an Age, often simply the Pattern, which forms the substance of reality for that Age; also known as the Age Lace.
See also ta'veren.

Pedron Niall: [2 - 5] Lord Captain Commander of the Children of the Light.
See also Children of the Light.

Perrin Aybara: [1] A young blacksmith's apprentice from Emond's Field.
[2 - 4] A young man from Emond's Field, formerly a blacksmith's apprentice. He is ta'veren.

Prophet, the: [7] More elaborately, the Prophet of the Lord Dragon. Title claimed by Masema Dagar, a onetime Shienaran solder, who preaches the rebirth of the Dragon Reborn. He has achieved a great following in Ghealdan and northern Amadicia, in part because of spreading knowledge that the Dragon has indeed been Reborn and in part because of the extreme brutality his followers visit not only on anyone who refuses to acknowledge the Dragon Reborn, but on those who refuse to acknowledge the authority of the Prophet as the hand and voice of the Dragon Reborn.

Questioners: [1 - 7] An order within the Children of the Light. Their avowed purposes are to discover the truth in disputations and uncover Darkfriends. In the search for truth and the Light, as they see it, they are even more zealous than the Children of the Light as a whole. Their normal method of inquiry is by torture; their normal manner that they know the truth already and must only make their victim confess to it. The Questioners refer to themselves as the Hand of the Light, the Hand that digs out truth, and at times act as if they were entirely separate from the Children and the Council of the Anointed, which commands the Children. The head of the Questioners is the High Inquisitor, who sits on the Council of the Anointed. Their sign is a blood-red shepherd's crook.
See also Children of the Light.

Ragan: [2] A Shienaran warrior.

Rahvin: One of the Forsaken.
See also Forsaken.

Rand al'Thor: [1] A young farmer and sheepherder from the Two Rivers.
[2] A young man from Emond's Field, once a shepherd.
[3, 4] A young man from Emond's Field who is ta'veren. Now proclaimed as the Dragon Reborn.
[5] A young man from Emond's Field, in the Two Rivers district of Andor, who is ta'veren. Once a shepherd. Now proclaimed as the Dragon Reborn, and also as He Who Comes With the Dawn, prophesied to unite the Aiel and break them. It also seems likely that he is the Coramoor, or Chosen One, sought by the Sea Folk.
See also Aiel; Dragon Reborn.

Rashima Kerenmosa: [6] Called the Soldier Amyrlin. Born circa 1150 AB. Raised Amyrlin from the Green Ajah in 1251 AB. Personally leading the Tower armies, she won innumerable victories, most notably Kaisin Pass, the Sorelle Step, Larapelle, Tel Norwin and Maighande, where she dies in 1301 AB. Her body was discovered after the battle surrounded by her five Warders and a vast wall of Trollocs and Myrddraal which contained the corpses of no fewer than nine Dreadlords.
See also Aes Sedai; Ajah; Amyrlin Seat; Dreadlords; Warders.

Red Ajah: See Ajah.

Red Shields: See Aiel warrior societies.

Rendra: [4] A woman of Tarabon. Innkeeper of the Three Plums Court, in Tanchico.

Renna: [2] A Seanchan woman; a sul'dam.
See also Seanchan; sul'dam.

Rhadam Asunawa: [7] High Inquisitor of the Hand of the Light. In his eyes, meddling with the One Power is usurping the Creator's power and is the cause of all the world's ills. He wants more than anything else to destroy anyone and everyone who can channel or even wishes to; they must confess their sins under the ministrations of the Hand of the Light, and then die.
See also Questioners.

Rhuarc: [3 - 5] An Aiel, clan chief of the Taardad Aiel.

Rhuidean: [4] A place in the Aiel Waste to which must go any man wanting to be clan chief and any woman wanting to be a Wise One. Men may enter only once, women twice. Only one man in three survives his journey to Rhuidean. The survival rate for women is considerably higher for both visits. Its location is a secret closely guarded by the Aiel. The prescribed penalty for a non-Aiel entering the valley of Rhuidean is death, though some who are favored (such as peddlers or gleemen) might simply be stripped naked, given waterskins, and allowed to attempt to walk out of the Waste.
[5 - 7] A great city, the only one in the Aiel Waste and totally unknown to the outside world. Abandoned for nearly three thousand years. Once men among the Aiel were allowed to enter Rhuidean only once, in order to be tested, inside a great ter'angreal, for fitness to become clan chief (only one in three survived), and women only twice, for testing in that same ter'angreal and again to become Wise Ones though with a considerably higher survival rate. Now the city is inhabited again, by Aiel, and a great lake occupies one end of the valley of Rhuidean, fed by an underground ocean of fresh water and in turn feeding the only river in the Waste.

Rhyagelle: [2] In the Old Tongue, "Those Who Come Home," or "Homecomers."

Rogosh Eagle-eye: [3] A legendary hero mentioned in a number of old stories.

Ronde Macura: [5] A seamstress in Amadicia who tried to serve too many masters and mistresses without knowing who they all were.

Sa'angreal: [1 - 7] Remnants of the Age of Legends that allow channeling much more of the One Power than would otherwise be possible or safe. A sa'angreal is similar to, but much more powerful than, an angreal. The amount of the Power that can be wielded with a sa'angreal compares to the amount of the Power that can be handled with an angreal as the Power wielded with the aid of an angreal does to the amount of the Power that can be handled unaided. The means of making them is no longer known. Only a handful remain, far fewer even than angreal.
See also angreal; ter'angreal.

Sammael: One of the Forsaken.
See also Forsaken.

Sa'sara: [4] An indecent Saldaean dance, outlawed by a number of Saldaean queens, but to no avail. Saldaean history records three wars, two rebellions, and countless unions and/or feuds between noble houses, as well as innumerable duels, sparked by women dancing the sa'sara. One rebellion was supposedly quelled when a defeated queen danced it for the victorious general; he married her and restored her throne. This tale is not found in any official history and has been denied by every queen of Saldaea.

Saidar; saidin: See True Source.

Saldaea: [1, 2] One of the Borderlands. The sign of Saldaea is three silver fish on a field of dark blue.

Sanche, Siuan: See Siuan Sanche.

Sandar, Juilin: See Juilin Sandar.

Sea Folk: [1 - 4, 6] More properly, the Atha'an Miere, the People of the Sea. A secretive people. Inhabitants of islands in the Aryth Ocean and the Sea of Storms, they spend little time ashore, living most of their lives on their ships. Most seaborne trade is carried by the Sea Folk's ships.
[7] Relatively little is known of their customs, giving rise to an air of exotic mystery and often to fanciful tales. Most seaborne trade is carried by Sea Folk ships, which include the fastest by far and most of the largest, and they are considered by the inhabitants of port cities to be bargainers who outstrip the more widely known Domani. As survival at sea often depends on instant obedience, it should be no surprise that the Atha'an Miere stick strictly to their hierarchy, though there are surprising fluidities at some points. The Atha'an Miere are divided into numerous clans, both large and small, each headed by a Wavemistress. Below her are the Sailmistresses, the ships' captains of the clan. A Wavemistress has vast authority, yet she is elected to that position by the twelve senior clan Sailmistresses, who are referred to as the First Twelve of that clan, and she can be removed by the order of the Mistress of the Ships to the Atha'an Miere. The Mistress of the Ships has a level of authority any shorebound king or queen would envy, yet she also is elected, for life, by unanimous vote of the twelve senior Wavemistresses, who are called the First Twelve of the Atha'an Miere. (The term "the First Twelve" is also used for the twelve senior Wavemistress or Sailmistress present in any gathering). The position of Master of the Blades is held by a man who may or may not be the husband of the Mistress of the Ships. His responsibilities are the defense and the trade of the Sea Folk, and below him are the Swordmasters of Wavemistresses and the Cargomasters of Sailmistresses, who hold like positions and duties; for each of them any authority outside these areas is held only as delegated by the woman he serves. Where any vessel sails and when is always up to the Sailmistress, but since trade and finances are totally in the hands of the Cargomaster (or, at higher levels, of the Swordmaster or the Master of the Blades), a close degree of cooperation is required. Every Sea Fold vessel, however small, and also every Wavemistress, has a Windfinder, a woman who is almost always able to channel and skilled in the Weaving the Winds, as the Atha'an Miere call the manipulation of the weather. The Windfinder to the Mistress of the Ships has authority over Windfinders to the Wavemistresses, who in turn have authority over Windfinders to the Sailmistresses of their clans. One peculiarity of the Sea Fold is that all must begin at the very lowest rank and work their way up, and that anyone other than the Mistress of the Ships can be demoted by those above, even to the very bottom again in extreme instances.

Seana: [4] A Wise One of the Black Cliffs sept of the Nakai Aiel. A dreamwalker.

Seanchan: [2, 3] (1) Descendants of the armies Artur Hawkwing sent across the Aryth Ocean, who have returned to reclaim the lands of their forefathers. (2) The land from which the Seanchan come.
[4 - 7] Descendants of the armies of Artur Hawkwing sent across the Aryth Ocean, who conquered the lands there. They believe that any woman who can channel must be controlled for the safety of everyone else, and any man who can channel must be kill for the same reason.
See also Hailene; Corenne; Rhyagelle.

Seandar: [2] Capital city of Seanchan, where the Empress sits on the Crystal Throne in the Court of the Nine Moons.

Second Covenant: See Covenant of the Ten Nations.

Seekers for Truth: [4, 5] A police/spy organization of the Seanchan Imperial Throne. Although most are property of the Imperial family, they have wide powers. Even one of the Blood (a Seanchan noble) can be arrested for failure to answer any question put by a Seeker, or for failure to cooperate fully with a Seeker, this last defined by the Seekers themselves, subject only to review by the Empress.

Selene: [2] A woman met on the journey to Cairhien.
[3] A name used by the Forsaken called Lanfear.
See also Forsaken; Lanfear.

Semirhage: One of the Forsaken.
See also Forsaken.

Servants, Hall of the: [3, 4] In the Age of Legends, the great meeting hall of the Aes Sedai.

Seta: [2] A Seanchan woman; a sul'dam.
See also Seanchan; sul'dam.

Sevanna: [4] A woman of the Domai sept of the Shaido Aiel. Widow of Suladric, who was clan chief of the Shaido, and thus roofmistress of Comarda Hold until a new clan chief is chosen.

Shadar Logoth: [1 - 3] In the Old Tongue, "the Place Where the Shadow Waits." A city abandoned and shunned since the Trolloc Wars. Also called "Shadow's Waiting." It is tainted ground, and not a pebble of it is safe.
See also Mordeth.

Shadowman: See Myrddraal.

Shai'tan: See Dark One.

Sharif, Leane: See Leane Sharif.

Shayol Ghul: [1 - 7] A mountain in the Blasted Lands, beyond the Great Blight, the site of the Dark One's prison.

Shepherd of the Night: See Dark One.

Sheriam: [1 - 3] An Aes Sedai, of the Blue Ajah. The Mistress of Novices in the White Tower.

Shienar: [1, 2] One of the Borderlands. The sign of Shienar is a stooping black hawk.

Shoufa: [1, 2] A garment of the Aiel, a cloth, usually the color of sand or rock, that wraps around the head and neck, leaving only the face bare.

Sightburner: See Dark One.

Sister-wife: [6] Aiel kinship term. Aiel women who are near-sisters or first-sisters who discover they love the same man, or who simply do not want a man to come between them, will both marry him, thus becoming sister-wives. Women who love the same man will sometimes try to find out whether they can become near-sisters and adopted first-sisters, a first step to becoming sister-wives.
[7] An Aielman faced with this situation has the choice of marrying both women or neither; if he has a wife who decides to take a sister-wife, he finds himself with a second-wife.

Siswai'aman: [7] In the Old Tongue "spears of the dragon," with a strong implication of ownership. The name taken by a good man men among the Aiel, but no women. These men do not actually acknowledge the name - nor do any others, in fact - but they wear a strip of red cloth wound around the forehead with a disc, half black and half white, above the brows. Although gai'shain normally are prohibited from wearing anything that would be worn by an algai'd'siswai, a large number of gai'shain have taken to wearing the headband.
See also gai'shain.

Siuan Sanche: [2] An Aes Sedai formerly of the Blue Ajah. Raised to the Amyrlin Seat 985 NE. The Amyrlin Seat is of all Ajahs, and of none.
[3, 4] The daughter of a Tairen fisherman, she was, according to Tairen law, put on a ship to Tar Valon before the second sunset after it was discovered that she had the potential to channel. Formerly of the Blue Ajah. Raised to the Amyrlin Seat in 985 NE.
[5] Once Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah and later Amyrlin Seat, she was deposed and stilled. Now seeking to avoid the fate she fears.

Sorilea: [6, 7] The Wise One of Shende Hold, a Jarra Chareen. Barely able to channel, she is the oldest living Wise One, though not by as much as many think.

Souless: See Gray Man.

Span: See Length, units of.

Spine of the World: [1 - 7] A towering mountain range, with only a few passes, which separates the Aiel Waste from the lands to the west. Also called the Dragonwall.

Stedding: [1 - 6] An Ogier homeland. Many stedding have been abandoned since the Breaking of the World. They are portrayed in the story and legend as havens, and with reason. They are shielded in some way, no longer understood, so that within them no Aes Sedai can channel the One Power, nor even sense the True Source. Attempts to wield the One Power from outside a stedding have no effect inside a stedding boundary. No Trolloc will enter a stedding unless driven, and even a Myrddraal will do so only at the greatest need and then with the greatest reluctance and distaste. Even Darkfriends, if truly dedicated, feel uncomfortable within a stedding.

Stilling: [2 - 6] The act, performed by Aes Sedai, of shutting off a woman who can channel from the One Power. A woman who has been stilled can sense the True Source, but she cannot touch it. So seldom has it been done that novices are required to learn the names and crimes of all women who have suffered it. Officially, stilling is the result of trial and sentence for a crime. When it happens accidentally, it is called being burned out. In practice, the term stilling is often used for both. Women who have been stilled, however it occurred, seldom survive long; they seem to simply give up and die.
[7] Was last carried out in 859 NE. Women who are stilled, however it occurs, seldom survive long; they seem to simply give up and die unless they find something to replace the emptiness left by the One Power. While it has always been believed that stilling was permanent, lately a method of Healing it has been discovered, though there appear to be limits to this which are yet to be explored.
See also One Power; gentling.

Stone Dogs: See Aiel warrior societies.

Stone of Tear: [1] The fortress guarding the city of Tear. Made soon after the Breaking of the World.
[3] Said to have been made using the One Power. It has been besieged or attacked countless times, but never successfully. The Stone is mentioned twice in the Prophecies of the Dragon. Once they say the Stone will never fall until the People of the Dragon come. In another place, they say the Stone will never fall until the Dragon's hand wields the Sword That Cannot Be Touched, Callandor. Some believe that these Prophecies account for the antipathy of the High Lords to the One Power, and for the Tairen law that forbids channeling. Despite this antipathy, the Stone contains a collection of angreal and ter'angreal rivaling that of the White Tower, a collection which was gathered, some say, in an attempt to diminish the glare of possessing Callandor.
[4 - 7] It fell in a single night to the Dragon Reborn and a few hundred Aiel, thus fulfilling two parts of the Prophecies of the Dragon.
See also Tear; Dragon, Prophecies of the.

Sul'dam: [2] A woman who has passed the tests to show that she can wear the bracelet of an a'dam and thus control a damane.
[4] Literally, "leash holder." Seanchan term for a woman with the ability to control, by means of and a'dam, a woman who can channel. Young women in Seanchan are tested for this ability at the same time as the testing for damane and to the same age. A fairly honored position among the Seanchan. Many more sul'dam are found than damane.
[5] What is known only to a few is that sul'dam are in fact those women who could be taught to channel.
See also a'dam; damane; Seanchan.

Sunday: [1, 3] A feastday and festival in midsummer, widely celebrated.

Sung wood: See Treesinger.

Suroth, High Lady: [2] A Seanchan noblewoman of high degree.

Sursa: [4] Thin, paired sticks used as eating implements in Arad Doman in place of forks. Some say the difficulty of eating with sursa is the source of Domani merchants' fabled perseverance; others claim it is the source of the equally fabled Domani temper.

Tabac: [1] A weed, widely cultivated. The leaves of it, when dried and cured, are burned in wooden holders called pipes, the fumes being inhaled.

Tai'shar: [2] In the Old Tongue, "True blood of."

Talents: [3] Abilities in the use of the One Power in specific areas. The best know of these, of course, is Healing. Some, such as Traveling, the ability to shift oneself from one place to another without crossing the intervening space, have been lost. Others such as Foretelling (the ability to foretell future events, but in a general way) are now found only rarely if at all. Another Talent long thought lost is Dreaming, which involves, among other things, interpreting the Dreamer's dreams to foretell future events in more specific fashion than Foretelling does. Some Dreamers had the ability to enter Tel'aran'rhiod, the World of Dreams, and (it is said) even other people's dreams. The last know Dreamer was Corianin Nedeal, who died in 526 NE.
[4, 5] But there is now another, known to but a few.
[6] There are major Talents, the best known and most widespread of which is Healing. Other examples are Cloud Dancing, the control of weather, and Earth Singing, which involves controlling movements of the earth - for example, preventing, or causing earthquakes or avalanches. There are also minor Talents, seldom given a name, such as the ability to see ta'veren or to duplicate the chance-twisting effect of ta'veren, though in a very small and localized area rarely covering more than a few square feet. Many Talents are now known only by their names and sometimes vague descriptions. Some, such as Traveling (the ability to shift from one place to another without crossing the intervening space) are only now being rediscovered. Others, such as Foretelling (the ability to foretell future events, but in a general way) and Delving (the location of ores and possibly their removal from the ground, although the term is now also used for the variant of Healing which is used to examine someone's health and physical condition), are found rarely.
[7] Aptitude in various Talents varies widely from individual to individual and is seldom related tot he strength of the individual's ability to channel.
See also Tel'aran'rhiod.

Tallanvor, Martyn: [1] Guardsman-Lieutenant of the Queen's Guard; met in Caemlyn.
[5, 6] Guardsman-Lieutenant of the Queen's Guards, who loves his queen more than life or honor.
[7] Former Guardsman-Lieutenant of the Queen's Guards, who loves Morgase more than life or honor.
See also Morgase.

Tam al'Thor: [4, 6] A farmer and shepherd in the Two Rivers. As a young man, he left to become a soldier, returning with a wife (Kari, now deceased) and a child (Rand).

Ta'maral'ailen: [1 - 5] In the Old Tongue, "Web of Destiny." A great change in the Pattern of an Age, centered around one or more people who are ta'veren.
See also Pattern of an Age; ta'veren.

Tanchico: [5] Capital city of Tarabon.
See also Tarabon.

Tanreall, Artur Paendrag: [1 - 4] See Artur Hawkwing.

Tarabon: [4] Nation on the Aryth Ocean. Capital city: Tanchico. Once a great trading nation, a source of rugs, dyes, and fireworks produced by the Guild of Illuminators, among other things. Now wracked by civil war, as well as, by simultaneous wars against Arad Doman and people sword to the Dragon Reborn.
[5, 6] Little news has come out of Tarabon since the land became racked by anarchy and civil war compounded by simultaneous wars against Arad Domon and the Dragonsworn, people who have sworn to follow the Dragon Reborn.

Taringail Damodred: [1] A Royal Prince of Cairhien, he married Tigraine and father Galadedrid. When Tigraine disappeared and was declared dead, he married Morgase and fathered Elayne and Gawyn. He vanished under mysterious circumstances and has been presumed dead for many years. His sign was a golden, double-bitted battle axe.

Tarmon Gai'don: [2 - 6] The Last Battle
See also Dragon, Prophecies of the; Horn of Valere.

Tar Valon: [1, 2] A city on an island in the River Erinin. The center of Aes Sedai power, and location of the White Tower.

Ta'veren: [1 - 6] A person around whom the Wheel of Time weaves all surrounding life-threads, perhaps ALL life-threads, to form a Web of Destiny.
[7] This weaving is little understood except that it seems in many ways an alteration of chance; what might happen, but only rarely does. The effect can at times be quite localized. Someone influenced by a ta'veren may say or do what they would have said or done one time in a million under those circumstances. Events occur of seeming impossibility, such as a child falling a hundred feet from a tower unharmed. At other times the effect seems to extend to influencing history itself, though often by means of the localized effects. This, it is believed, is the real reason that ta'veren are born, in order to shift history and restore a balance to the turning of the Wheel.
See also Pattern of an Age; ta'maral'ailen.

Tear: [1, 2] A great seaport on the Sea of Storms. The sign of Tear is three white crescents on a field of read and gold.
[3 - 7] A nation on the Sea of Storms. Also the capital city of that nation. The banner of Tear is three white crescent moons slanting across a field half red, half gold.
See also Stone of Tear.

Telamon, Lews Therin: See Dragon, the.

Tel'aran'rhiod: [3, 4] In the Old Tongue, "the Unseen World," or "the World of Dreams." A world glimpsed in dreams, which was believed by the ancients to permeate and surround all other possible worlds. Unlike other dreams, what happens to living things in the World of Dreams is real; a wound taken there will still be there on awakening, and one who dies there does not wake at all.
[5] Many can touch Tel'aran'rhiod for a few moments in their dreams, but few have ever had the ability to enter it at will, though some ter'angreal have recently been discovered to confer that ability.
[6] Though, nothing done there affects the waking world in any way.
See also ter'angreal.

Ter'angreal: [2 - 4] Remnants of the Age of Legends that use the One Power. Unlike angreal and sa'angreal, each ter'angreal was made to do a particular thing. For example, one makes oaths taken within it binding. Some are used by Aes Sedai, but the original purposes of many are unknown. Some will kill or destroy the ability to channel of any woman who uses them.
[5 - 7] Some require channeling, while others may be used by anyone. Like angreal and sa'angreal, the making of them has been lost since the Breaking of the World.
See also angreal; sa'angreal.

Thakan'dar: [1] An eternally fog-shrouded valley below the slopes of Shayol Ghul.

Thom Merrilin: [1, 2] A gleeman who comes to Emond's Field to perform at Bel Tine.
[3] A gleeman, and once lover of Queen Morgase.
[4 - 7] A not-so-simple gleeman and traveler.
See also gleeman; Daes Dae'mar.

Tia avende alantin: [2] "Brother to the Trees."

Tia mi aven Moridin isainde vadin: [2] In the Old Tongue, "The grave is no bar to my call." Inscription on the Horn of Valere.
See also Horn of Valere.

Tigraine: [1 - 4] As Daughter-heir of Andor, she married Taringail Damodred and bore his son Galadedrid. Her disappearance in 972 NE, shortly after her brother Luc vanished in the Blight, led to the struggle in Andor called the Succession, and caused the events in Cairhien which eventually brought on the Aiel War. Her sign was a woman's hand gripping a thorny rose stem with a white blossom.

Time of Madness: [1 - 5] The years after the Dark One's counterstroke tainted the male half of the True Source, when male Aes Sedai went mad and Broke the world. The exact duration of this period is unknown, but it is believed to have lasted nearly one hundred years. It ended completely only with the death of the last male Aes Sedai.
See also Hundred Companions; True Source; One Power; Breaking of the World.

Tinkers: See Tuatha'an.

Toh: See ji'e'toh.

Torean: [4] A High Lord of Tear. A man who desires what neither his vast fortune nor his face will gain him.

Traveling People: See Tuatha'an.

Travels of Jain Farstrider, The: [3] A very well known book of travel stories and observations by a noted Malkieri writer and traveler. The book was first printer in 968 NE and has been reprinted continuously ever since. Jain Farstrider disappeared shortly after the Aiel War and is generally believed to be dead.

Treekillers: [2, 3] An Aiel name for the Cairhienin, always said in tones of horror and disgust.

Treesinger: [2, 3] An Ogier who has the ability to sing to trees (called "treesong"), either healing them, or helping them to grow and flower, or making things from the wood without damaging the tree. Objects made in this manner are called "sung wood" and are highly prized. Few Ogier remain who are Treesingers; the ability seems to be dying out.

Treesong: See Treesinger.

Trolloc Wars: [1 - 6] A series of wars, beginning about 1000 AB and lasting more than three hundred years, during which Trolloc armies ravaged the world. Eventually the Trollocs were slain or driven back into the Great Blight, but some nations ceased to exist, while others were almost depopulated. All records of the time are fragmentary.
See also Covenant of the Ten Nations; Dreadlords; Myrddraal; Trollocs.

Trollocs: [1 - 6] Creatures of the Dark One, created during the War of the Shadow. Huge in stature, they are a twisted blend of animal and human stock. Vicious by nature, they kill for the pure pleasure of killing. Deceitful in the extreme, they cannot be trusted unless coerced by fear. They will eat anything - or anyone. Largely of human origin, they are able to interbreed with humankind, but the offspring are usually stillborn, and those which are not often fail to survive. They are divided into tribe like bands, among them the Ahf'frait, Al'ghol, Bhan'sheen, Dha'vol, Dhai'mon, Dhjin'nen, Ghar'ghael, Ghob'hlin, Gho'hlem, Ghraem'lan, Ko'bal, and the Kno'mon.

True Source: [1 - 6] The driving force of the universe, which turns the Wheel of Time. It is divided into a male half (saidin) and a female half (saidar), which work at the same time with and against each other. Only a man can draw on saidin only a woman on saidar. Since the beginning of the Time of Madness, saidin has been tainted by the Dark One's touch.
See also One Power.

Tuatha'an: [1 - 4] A wandering folk, also known as the Tinkers and as the Traveling People, who live in brightly painted wagons and follow a totally pacifist philosophy called the Way of the Leaf. Things mended by the Tinkers are often better than new, but the Tuatha'an are shunned by many villages because of stories that they steal children and try to covert young people to their beliefs. They are among the few who can cross the Aiel Waste unmolested, for the Aiel strictly avoid all contact with them.
[6] Very few people even suspect that the Tuatha'an are descended from Aiel who broke away during the Breaking of the World in an attempt to find a way back to the time of peace.
[7] The Way of the Leaf allows no violence for any reason. Tuatha'an who fall way from this belief are called "the Lost," and are no longer acknowledged by any others.
See also Aiel.

Turak, High Lord of House Aladon: [2] A Seanchan of high degree, commander of the Hailene.
See also Seanchan; Hailene.

Valda, Eamon: [7] An impatient Lord Captain of the Children of the Light, a man who believes you can't make dinner without breaking eg