Gray Ajah
This article is about the Gray Ajah in the Wheel of Time books. For information about the Gray Ajah at TarValon.Net see Gray Ajah
Author: Leora Oldessroth
Contents
General
One of the seven Ajahs, the Gray Ajah is devoted to mediation and seeking consensus (LoC, Ch. 49; CoT, Ch. 8). Gray Aes Sedai feel that negotiations are their territory and guard it against Aes Sedai from other Ajahs who try to intrude (KoD, Ch. 23).
It is necessary for Aes Sedai of the Gray Ajah to be familiar with the laws of every land in order to be successful in mediation (LoC, Ch. 35). Many nations use Gray Aes Sedai to ensure that their treaties hold, although they fear the treaties may further the White Tower’s goals more than their own (TWoRJTWoT).
Grays are noted for believing that any problem can be solved by talking long enough (CoT, Ch. 17).
Wars and threats of wars “mesmerize” Grays because they are dedicated to ending strife. They are also known for seeking to increase their influence; every time their skills end a war they increase the influence of all Aes Sedai, but it increases the influence of Gray Aes Sedai most of all (CoT, Ch. 18).
Organization
The Gray Ajah is the third largest Ajah (TWoRJTWoT).
The Head of the Gray Ajah is known as the Head Clerk; currently, the Head Clerk is Serancha Colvine (CoT, Glossary).
Like most Ajahs, the Grays have a network of eyes-and-ears (TFoH, Prologue; ACoS, Prologue).
Customs
Gray Aes Sedai traditionally bond only one Warder at a time (TWoRJTWoT, Glossary).
Miscellaneous
- During the Aiel War, a Gray Aes Sedai represented the White Tower in the Grand Coalition (TWoRJTWoT). After the Aiel War, many Gray Aes Sedai traveled and worked to preserve the Grand Coalition but were unsuccessful (ACoS, Ch. 19).
- Pevara thinks that the Gray Ajah is a good place for Serancha Colvine because she is a prig (ACoS, Ch. 32).
- The Gray Ajah has an outraged sense of being thwarted by the Seanchan’s refusal to negotiate with them (CoT, Ch. 18).
Members
- Main article: Gray Ajah Character List
Gray Amyrlins
There have been nine Amyrlins raised from the Gray since the War of the Hundred Years.
5. Dalaine Ndaye (36-64 NE)
8. Medanor Eramandos (142-171 NE)
11. Elise Strang (223-244 NE)
13. Serenia Latar (276-306 NE)
19. Cerilla Marodred (454-476 NE)
25. Gerra Kishar (601-638 NE)
27. Cemaile Sorenthaine (681-705 NE)
32. Parenia Demalle (817-866 NE)
38. Sierin Vayu (979-984 NE)
Gray Sitters
Other Notable Grays
Members of the Gray Ajah in positions of power or responsibility:
- Niande Moorwyn: Advisor to Galladrian
- Tiana Noselle: Mistress of Novices for the rebels
Black Ajah Grays
According to Verin's List, thirty of the Grays were also Black Ajah. Known Blacks are: