Difference between revisions of "Aes Sedai"

From Tar Valon Library
Jump to: navigation, search
m
Line 1: Line 1:
−
''Author: Kyria d'Oreyn''
 
−
 
 
==Introduction==
 
==Introduction==
  
Line 164: Line 162:
  
 
In the Year 999 NE, the Amyrlin [[Siuan Sanche]] was deposed by a group of Sitters led by [[Elaida do Avriny a'Roihan]]. This act caused the Tower to be divided, with all of the Blue Ajah and many sisters of every other Ajah except the Red fleeing Tar Valon and congregating in the village of Salidar, [[Altara]]. Eventually, the Aes Sedai in Salidar raised an Accepted, [[Egwene al'Vere]], to the position of Amyrlin Seat among the rebels. Both Egwene and Elaida, who is the Amyrlin within the White Tower, claim the right to the Amyrlin Seat. The rebels are currently camped outside of Tar Valon and are laying siege to the city.
 
In the Year 999 NE, the Amyrlin [[Siuan Sanche]] was deposed by a group of Sitters led by [[Elaida do Avriny a'Roihan]]. This act caused the Tower to be divided, with all of the Blue Ajah and many sisters of every other Ajah except the Red fleeing Tar Valon and congregating in the village of Salidar, [[Altara]]. Eventually, the Aes Sedai in Salidar raised an Accepted, [[Egwene al'Vere]], to the position of Amyrlin Seat among the rebels. Both Egwene and Elaida, who is the Amyrlin within the White Tower, claim the right to the Amyrlin Seat. The rebels are currently camped outside of Tar Valon and are laying siege to the city.
 +
 +
==Life Expectancy==
 +
 +
Very little is known about the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Aes
 +
Sedai due to their secretive nature. However it is known that the use of the
 +
One Power significantly extends the life expectance of any channeller. At
 +
this point I will make the observation that, due to stilling and madness, it
 +
is not known if men experience the same phenomenon. Due to their relatively
 +
short term use of the One Power, it is not known to the author whether they
 +
achieve the ‘ageless look’ of a female Aes Sedai. It is known that as women
 +
use the One Power, over time their features slow in showing the progression
 +
of time, we assume with increased effect the more the One Power is used.
 +
However, this does not stop the aging process completely. Comments are often
 +
made throughout the series of ‘Senior’ Aes Sedai and how they have traces of
 +
gray hair, one such example is Verin Mathwin of the Brown Ajah (TGH, chapter
 +
7). In order to develop this colouring, an Aes Sedai must have lived an
 +
exceptionally long time. In Verin’s case, she is already an Aes Sedai when
 +
Moiraine takes her test for the shawl, having herself taken 11 years to
 +
achieve it, leaving her fiancé before joining the Tower. It is it deemed
 +
rude to ask an Aes Sedai their age, though generally this is suspected, if
 +
not exactly known buy other members of the Tower.
 +
Cadsunane Melaidhrin is the oldest living Aes Sedai, with ‘iron gray’ hair
 +
worn in a bun. It is believed she was born in 705 NE, making her 294 during
 +
the series. Even in her own view, she expects to die soon.
 +
"Over two hundred and seventy years had passed since she last encountered a
 +
task she could not perform. Any day now might be her last, but young al'Thor
 +
would be a fitting end to it all." (ACOS: Chapter 19).
 +
However, the Glossary of ACoS states one birth place, while WH chapter 25
 +
states her place of birth as somewhere else entirely. In ‘New Spring’ it is
 +
stated that she is the strongest Aes Sedai to have been born in the past
 +
thousand years (chapter 17), though this does not necerrily mean she has
 +
used the One Power more than any other Aes Sedai, or that the ageless look
 +
would be any more powerful within her. She is known for disappearing, having
 +
been thought to have headed into retirement to die, and has done this on two
 +
known occasions. The reason for presenting this information is to emphasize
 +
that a lot of the information gathered here, contains inaccuracies.
 +
 +
It is the presence of The Knitting Circle in the series that adds interest
 +
to the life expectancy and ages of Aes Sedai. Judging by the information
 +
gathered, the average Aes Sedai is expected to live about 300 years (hence
 +
Cadsunane expecting not to live a great deal longer). However it has been
 +
found that Reanne Corly of The Knitting Circle is 411. Having left the tower
 +
before she was raised to Aes Sedai, this implies that something is done to
 +
shorten the life expectance of an Aes Sedai. The obvious conclusions are
 +
that this ‘shortening’ may take place during the raising tests, or caused by
 +
the taking of the Three Oaths. Moiraine states in New Spring that the Three
 +
Oaths are worn close to the skin, trapping Aes Sedai, which suggests this is
 +
more than just a physical feeling. Of the Knitting Circle members, none have
 +
taken the Three Oaths, and at least one of their members is known to be over
 +
600 years old. Therefore it can be assumed that some part of raising to Aes
 +
Sedai and taking the Three Oaths, not only shortens your life expectancy,
 +
but might do this by as much as half.
 +
 +
Other examples to suggest raising to Aes Sedai shortens their lifespan
 +
includes:
 +
Alivia, the former Demane, is known to be 414.
 +
The Foresaken existed before being locked in the Bore and were thought to be
 +
old then.
 +
In LOC chapter 15 there is a reference to an ageless Aiel who died at 300
 +
years old, having been bitten by a snake. Had this not have happened, she
 +
may have lived a significantly longer time.
 +
 +
By the end of book 11, our female leads have come to the conclusion that the
 +
raising ceremony will shorten their lives. However Egwene chooses to take
 +
that risk, despite being seen as not only Aes Sedai but Amyrlin, and take
 +
the Three Oaths. One can only assume that her reasons are to show that she
 +
too binds herself to the Tower and to provide belief in her words with the
 +
inability to lie. The quote for this is as follows:
 +
 +
"'That's madness!' Nynaeve burst out... 'You know what it does; the Kin are
 +
proof! How many Aes Sedai live past three hundred? Or reach it? And don't
 +
tell me I shouldn't talk about age. That's a ridiculous custom, and you know
 +
it. Egwene, Reanne was called Eldest because she was the oldest Kinswoman in
 +
Ebou Dar. The oldest anywhere is a woman called Aloisia Nemosni, an oil
 +
merchant in Tear. Egwene, she's nearly six...hundred...years...old! When the
 +
Hall hears that, I'll wager they'll be ready to put the Oath Rod on a
 +
shelf.'
 +
"'The Light knows three hundred years is a long time,' Elayne put in, 'but I
 +
can't say I'm happy myself at the prospect of perhaps cutting my life in
 +
half, Egwene.'" (WH: Chapter 10).
 +
 +
From the above gathered information, it can be seen that very little is
 +
known with regards to the life expectancy of an Aes Sedai, or the effects
 +
raising to the shawl may have on that persons life.
 +
 +
 +
 +
Reign of the Amyrlin Seat
 +
 +
The data:
 +
 +
* Years 992 – 1084 AB    92      Deane Aryman, raised from the Blue Ajah.
 +
* Years 1084 – 5 NE              Selame Necoine, raised from the Green Ajah
 +
* Years 5 – 36 NE        31      Rabayn Marushta, raised from the White Ajah
 +
* Years 36 – 64 NE        28      Daline Ndaye, raised from the Gray Ajah
 +
* Years 64 – 115 NE      51      Edara Noregovna, raised from the Blue Ajah
 +
* Years 115 – 142 NE      27      Balladare Arandaille, raised from the Brown Ajah
 +
* Years 142 – 171 NE      29      Medanor Eramandos, raised from the Gray Ajah
 +
* Years 171 – 197 NE      26      Kiyosa Natomo,  raised from the Green Ajah
 +
* Years 197 – 223 NE      26      Catala Luncanvalle, raised from the Yellow Ajah
 +
* Years 223 – 244 NE      21      Elisa Strang, raised from the Gray Ajah
 +
* Years 244 – 276 NE      32      Comarra Zepava, raised from the Blue Ajah
 +
* Years 276 – 306 NE      30      Serenia Latar, raised from the Gray Ajah
 +
* Years 306 – 332 NE      26      Doniella Alievin, raised from the Brown Ajah
 +
* Years 332 – 355 NE      23      Aliane Senican, raised from the White Ajah
 +
* Years 355 – 396 NE      41      Suilin Escanda, raised from the Blue Ajah
 +
* Years 396 – 419 NE      23      Nirelle Coidevwin, raised from the Green Ajah
 +
* Years 419 – 454 NE      35      Ishara Nawan, raised from the Blue Ajah
 +
* Years 454 – 476 NE      22      Cerilla Marodred, raised from the Gray Ajah
 +
* Years 476 – 520 NE      44      Igaine Luin, raised from the Brown Ajah
 +
* Years 520 – 533 NE      13      Beryl Marle, raised from the White Ajah
 +
* Years 533 – 549 NE      16      Eldaya Tolen, raised from the Blue Ajah
 +
* Years 549 – 578 NE      29      Alvera Ramosanya, raised from the Yellow Ajah
 +
* Years 578 – 601 NE      23      Shein Chunla, raised from the Green Ajah
 +
* Years 601 – 638 NE      37      Gerra Kishar, raised from the Gray Ajah
 +
* Years 638 – 681 NE      43      Varuna Morrigan, raised from the Green Ajah
 +
* Years 681 – 705 NE      24      Cemaile Sorenthaine, raised from the Gray Ajah
 +
* Years 705 – 732 NE      27      Marasale Jureen, raised from the Yellow Ajah
 +
* Years 732 – 754 NE      22      Feragaine Saralman, raised from the Blue Ajah
 +
* Years 754 – 797 NE      43      Myriam Copan, raised from the Green Ajah
 +
* Years 797 – 817 NE      20      Zeranda Tyrim, raised from the Brown Ajah
 +
* Years 817 – 866 NE      49      Parenia Demalle, raised from the Gray Ajah
 +
* Years 866 – 890 NE      24      Sereille Bagand, raised from the White Ajah
 +
* Years 890 – 922 NE      32      Aleis Romlin, raised from the Green Ajah
 +
* Years 922 – 950 NE      28      Kirin Melway, raised from the Brown Ajah
 +
* Years 973 – 979 NE      6      Tamra Ospenya, raised from the Blue Ajah
 +
* Years 979 – 984 NE      5      Sierin Vayu, raised from the Gray Ajah
 +
* Years 984 – 988 NE      4      Marith Jaen, raised from the Blue Ajah
 +
* Years 988 – 999 NE      11      Siuan Sanche
 +
 +
Having looked at my list, I started to work out how long each Amyrlin had
 +
held her position. Although it initially seemed like pointless maths for the
 +
sake of it, a pattern did seem to appear before me.
 +
To minimize errors, I found I had to remove all Amyrlin’s who held their
 +
positions before the New Era. The reasons are:
 +
* Elisane Tishar – it is unknown exactly when she was raised to Amyrlin and
 +
it is unknown exactly when she died.
 +
* Bonwhin Meraighdin – the dates again are not exact, also Bonwhin was
 +
stripped of the shawl rather than dying.
 +
* Deane Aryman – she was in post for 92 years, over twice the figures found
 +
once the New Era began. Therefore to minimize the error this data was
 +
removed, but should be considered. Also her death was caused by a fall from
 +
her horse, not because she died of old age.
 +
* Selame Necoine – it is unknown what exact year the calendar was reset to
 +
the New Era, so we cannot work out how long this Aes Sedai remained as
 +
Amyrlin.
 +
 +
I also removed Siuan Sanche on the basis she did not die, but was also
 +
stripped of the stole.
 +
 +
Basic maths told me that from 5 NE – 988 NE was 983 years, this divided by
 +
the 35 Amyrlin’s was an average of 28 years.
 +
I then sat down and worked out how long each Amyrlin had held their post,
 +
and which Ajah they were from. The results surprised me.
 +
 +
The Blue Ajah<br>
 +
The longest serving Amyrlin in this period was of the Blue Ajah with 51
 +
years, however the shortest serving was also Blue at only 4 years.
 +
Total number of Years a Blue has held the position: 207
 +
Average length of time as Amyrlin: 25 years
 +
 +
The Red Ajah<br>
 +
Well this was easy, there weren’t any Amyrlin’s of the Red Ajah.
 +
 +
The Yellow Ajah<br>
 +
Although only Three Yellows have held the position in the period, they
 +
almost hit the 28 year average spot on.
 +
Total number of Years a Yellow has held the position: 82
 +
Average length of time as Amyrlin: 27 years
 +
 +
The Brown Ajah<br>
 +
The Brown Ajah for the most part stayed around the average figure, however
 +
it then jumps to 44 years, followed by a mere 20.
 +
Total number of Years a Brown has held the position: 145
 +
Average length of time as Amyrlin: 29 years
 +
 +
The Green Ajah<br>
 +
The Ladies of the Green seem to vary on a much higher level than most of the
 +
other Ajah’s. With 6 Amyrlin’s they hold the highest average of any Ajah
 +
Total number of Years a Green has held the position: 190
 +
Average length of time as Amyrlin: 31 years
 +
 +
The Gray Ajah<br>
 +
The Grays had had the most Amyrlin’s raised, leading to a high figure with
 +
regards to the amount of years the position has been held. However they also
 +
hit the average almost dead on.
 +
Total number of Years a Gray has held the position: 245
 +
Average length of time as Amyrlin: 27 years
 +
 +
The White Ajah<br>
 +
It seems that the White Amyrlin’s have not faired too well in their times.
 +
Although they have had one more Amyrlin than the Yellow Ajah, they fall far
 +
short of the 28 year average and also have the lowest average of all the
 +
Ajah’s (bar Red).
 +
Total number of Years a White has held the position: 91
 +
Average length of time as Amyrlin: 22 years
 +
 +
I put this in visual form to see if it made things any clearer.
 +
 +
Initial Conclusion
 +
 +
I looked at all the above provided information and decided that there has to
 +
be some reason as to why the average reign of the Amyrlin Seat is 28 years.
 +
As Aes Sedai keep their exact ages hidden, it may be that the Hall chooses
 +
someone of appropriate age, though without knowing the exact answer. It may
 +
be that the whole thing is a coincidence, but do these really exist inside
 +
the White Tower?
 +
 +
Since the Prophecy of the Dragon and Tamra Ospenya’s reign, the amount of
 +
time an Amyrlin has held post has shrunk considerably for unknown reasons.
 +
We do not know when the Oath rod appeared, but there might be a reason that
 +
it is no longer possible to reign for 90+ years, and this is the issue
 +
surrounding the effects of the Three Oaths.
 +
 +
 +
Further investigation
 +
With further investigation and assistance, other factors have now been built
 +
in to this project. Tamra Ospenya was killed by the Black Ajah so her death
 +
was not by natural cause. Sierin Vayu was killed by the Red Ajah, but this
 +
was incited by Chesmal Emry of the Black Ajah, as Sierin was aware of the
 +
presence of the Black Ajah. The exact date of her death is also in question
 +
as the BWB claims 894 whilst WH claims 891.
 +
 +
On this basis it suggests that Marith Jaen may also have been ‘disposed’ of
 +
rather than reaching her natural age for death. The Hall of the Tower was
 +
unaware of the presence of the Black Ajah in its mists, and possibly
 +
concluded that the shortening length of time served by Amyrlin’s was being
 +
caused by their age on taking up the position. In order to action this, the
 +
Hall raised Siuan to Amyrlin, also hoping to be able to control her due to
 +
her youth. This in itself did not work out, possibly aiding the decision to
 +
‘still’ her when the opportunity arose.
  
 
[[Category:Channelers]]
 
[[Category:Channelers]]
 
[[Category:Groups]]
 
[[Category:Groups]]

Revision as of 15:27, 21 October 2007

Introduction

Aes Sedai are women who can channel and have been trained in the White Tower of Tar Valon. They have passed the tests for earning both the ring and the shawl and are bound by the Three Oaths. Each Aes Sedai belongs to one of the seven Ajahs (more information below), with the exception of the Amyrlin Seat.

Because of the effects of channeling the One Power, Aes Sedai can live up to three hundred years and not seem to age past their middle years. Generally standing in high regard, they are often mistrusted and/or feared. They have great influence on many nations and provide advisors to kings and queens.

The term Aes Sedai means "Servant of all" in the Old Tongue, which is what they were and still are, even though the majority of today's population would not agree. This is because Aes Sedai seek to bring all political matters in the Westlands under control of the White Tower, as they believe that only the Tower can guide the world safely through the Last Battle.


History

Main article: Aes Sedai (History)

The history of the Aes Sedai goes back to the Age of Legends, when both male and female channelers held honorable positions in society and helped the betterment of the world.

During the Breaking of the World, however, the male Aes Sedai destroyed both the old order and themselves in their madness. After the earth quieted down, the remaining (female) Aes Sedai decided to build a new city as the center of their power, Tar Valon.


Hierarchy

Main article: Aes Sedai (Hierarchy)

Aes Sedai determine their rankings among themselves by strength. This means that a weaker Aes Sedai has to obey a stronger one. If equal in strength, the length of time an Aes Sedai has worn the shawl matters. This can only be sidestepped if an Aes Sedai holds the position of either Amyrlin, Keeper, Sitter or Mistress of Novices.


Amyrlin Seat

Main article: The Amyrlin Seat

The leader of the Aes Sedai, she is part of all Ajahs and none. She is elected for life and works closely with the Keeper of the Chronicles, whom she herself chooses. Although her word is absolute, she has to bring up important decisions before the Hall of the Tower for discussion, lest they take away her power.


Keeper

Main article: Keeper of the Chronicles

The Keeper of the Chronicles is the second most influential Aes Sedai. She is usually chosen from the same Ajah as the Amyrlin Seat, but unlike the latter, she still belongs to her Ajah even after taking on her new position. She works closely with the Amyrlin Seat and acts as her secretary. The position is taken on for life, unless the Amyrlin dies before her or is deposed.


Sitters/Hall

Main article: The Hall of the Tower

The Hall is a decision-making council, consisting of three representatives of each Ajah, called Sitters. They discuss Tower issues with the Amyrlin Seat and cast votes before agreeing or disagreeing with upcoming decisions. A regular Aes Sedai has to defer to a Sitter, even if she is weaker in the One Power.


Mistress of Novices

Main article: Mistress of Novices

The Mistress of Novices is – as the name suggests – in charge of the novices and occasionally Accepted and their discipline. She is appointed by the Amyrlin Seat, but does not necessarily have to come from the same Ajah.


Accepted

Main article: Accepted

Accepted is the second stage a woman has to go through in order to become a full Aes Sedai. She has passed the test for the ring and is now allowed to more or less study at her own pace (which does not mean she has the chance to slack off, however) and/or teach novice classes. She wears the Great Serpent ring on the third finger of her left hand and a white dress with bands of colors representing the seven Ajahs at the hem and the sleeves.


Accepted Test

Main article: Accepted Test

The Accepted Test requires a candidate for Accepted to enter a ter'angreal made of three arches. The journey through each arch forces the girl to face her greatest fears: once for what was, once for what is, and once for what will be. There is always something within each arch that will tempt the girl to stay, so she must want to be Aes Sedai more than anything in order to leave at the appointed time.


Novices

Main article: Novices

Novices are girls and women with the ability to channel who are on their first step to becoming Aes Sedai. They wear plain white dresses, have to carry out a multitude of chores and attend classes to be taught the proper use of the One Power. Not all novices are strong enough to be raised to Accepted, much less Aes Sedai, however, and are only kept long enough to make sure they have enough control over the Power so as not to hurt themselves or anyone else with it.


The Aes Sedai

The Aes Sedai Test

Main article: Aes Sedai Test

The Aes Sedai test is a difficult ordeal that requires an Accepted to be able to remain calm and channel even in the direst of circumstances. It requires the candidate to enter a ter'angreal that will place them in situations where they often must channel in order to save their lives. The test is comprised of one hundred weaves.

Three Oaths

Main article: The Oath Rod

The Three Oaths are sworn on the Oath Rod, making them a part of the Aes Sedai's flesh and bones. They are taking after the passing of the test for the shawl and a night of contemplation and before choosing one's Ajah. The Oaths are as follows:

  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 defence of her own life or that of her Warder or another Aes Sedai.

There are many loopholes enabling the Aes Sedai to side-step the Oaths without breaking them. It all depends on the interpretation.


The Ajahs

In the Age of Legends, an ajah was "an informal and temporary group of people gathered together for a common purpose or goal, or by a common set of beliefs" (TWoRJTWoT).

Today, the Ajahs are permanent groupings among the Aes Sedai, each with its own goals and philosophies on how the One Power is to be used. There are seven in number, designated by colors. Every Aes Sedai belongs to one Ajah with the exception of the Amyrlin Seat, who is of all Ajahs while also being part of none.

Upon passing the test for the shawl, the Aes Sedai gets to choose one of the seven Ajahs after the swearing of the Three Oaths. They are all run by a Head of Ajah, who is only known to select members of the Ajah.

Although denied and even forbidden to be mentioned by the White Tower, an additional, secret Ajah dedicated to the Dark One exists, the Black Ajah.


Customs

Main article: Aes Sedai (Customs)

Aes Sedai have numerous customs and traditions, more than actual laws. Although they have never been written down, some of them are very old and carry as much weight as Tower Law and rule the Aes Sedai in the same fashion. They will not break a custom simply because it has not been done before.


Warders

Main article: Warders

Warders are men bonded to the Aes Sedai by the One Power and sworn to defend them with their lives. Every Aes Sedai is allowed to have one Warder at a time, excepting the Red Ajah, who will bond none, and the Green Ajah, who may be bonded to several men at once.


Internal and Foreign Affairs (Politics)

Tower Law

Main article: Tower Law

Tower law touches almost every aspect of the lives of Aes Sedai and rules them completely. Breaking a law means dire consequences in most cases.


Influences and Relationships

Main article: Aes Sedai (Relationships)

Aes Sedai meddle in affairs throughout the world, mostly pulling the strings as advisor to a king or a queen and seldom out in the open. They have had a positive relationship with Andor for over a thousand years.

Despite their influence, or maybe because of it, the White Tower faces a lot of enemies, the oldest and foremost being the Children of the Light.


Views and Attitudes

Main article: Aes Sedai (Attitudes)

Most people are fearful of Aes Sedai and/or mistrust them. Some still blame them for the Breaking of the World and claim that they will cause it again.


Eyes-and-Ears

Main article: Eyes-and-Ears

Each Ajah, except the White, has its own network of informants, also called "eyes-and-ears." The Blue Ajah has the most extensive, and even individual Aes Sedai are known to have their spies, e.g. the Amyrlin and the Keeper.


The Thirteenth Depository

Main article: The Thirteenth Depository

The Thirteenth Depository is a closed part of the Tower Library, containing secret documents that only a few select Aes Sedai have access to. The Tower has neither affirmed nor denied its existence. Rumor has it that there is even a law concerning this repository, stating that revealing the existence of this section or its contents come close to treason and will be punished severely. However, even this law itself is supposed to part of the Thirteenth Depository.


The Tower Guard

Main article: Tower Guard

The Tower Guard is the force that protects the city of Tar Valon. It is currently let by Jimar Chubain.


The Split

Main articles: Salidar Aes Sedai and White Tower Aes Sedai

In the Year 999 NE, the Amyrlin Siuan Sanche was deposed by a group of Sitters led by Elaida do Avriny a'Roihan. This act caused the Tower to be divided, with all of the Blue Ajah and many sisters of every other Ajah except the Red fleeing Tar Valon and congregating in the village of Salidar, Altara. Eventually, the Aes Sedai in Salidar raised an Accepted, Egwene al'Vere, to the position of Amyrlin Seat among the rebels. Both Egwene and Elaida, who is the Amyrlin within the White Tower, claim the right to the Amyrlin Seat. The rebels are currently camped outside of Tar Valon and are laying siege to the city.

Life Expectancy

Very little is known about the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Aes Sedai due to their secretive nature. However it is known that the use of the One Power significantly extends the life expectance of any channeller. At this point I will make the observation that, due to stilling and madness, it is not known if men experience the same phenomenon. Due to their relatively short term use of the One Power, it is not known to the author whether they achieve the ‘ageless look’ of a female Aes Sedai. It is known that as women use the One Power, over time their features slow in showing the progression of time, we assume with increased effect the more the One Power is used. However, this does not stop the aging process completely. Comments are often made throughout the series of ‘Senior’ Aes Sedai and how they have traces of gray hair, one such example is Verin Mathwin of the Brown Ajah (TGH, chapter 7). In order to develop this colouring, an Aes Sedai must have lived an exceptionally long time. In Verin’s case, she is already an Aes Sedai when Moiraine takes her test for the shawl, having herself taken 11 years to achieve it, leaving her fiancé before joining the Tower. It is it deemed rude to ask an Aes Sedai their age, though generally this is suspected, if not exactly known buy other members of the Tower. Cadsunane Melaidhrin is the oldest living Aes Sedai, with ‘iron gray’ hair worn in a bun. It is believed she was born in 705 NE, making her 294 during the series. Even in her own view, she expects to die soon. "Over two hundred and seventy years had passed since she last encountered a task she could not perform. Any day now might be her last, but young al'Thor would be a fitting end to it all." (ACOS: Chapter 19). However, the Glossary of ACoS states one birth place, while WH chapter 25 states her place of birth as somewhere else entirely. In ‘New Spring’ it is stated that she is the strongest Aes Sedai to have been born in the past thousand years (chapter 17), though this does not necerrily mean she has used the One Power more than any other Aes Sedai, or that the ageless look would be any more powerful within her. She is known for disappearing, having been thought to have headed into retirement to die, and has done this on two known occasions. The reason for presenting this information is to emphasize that a lot of the information gathered here, contains inaccuracies.

It is the presence of The Knitting Circle in the series that adds interest to the life expectancy and ages of Aes Sedai. Judging by the information gathered, the average Aes Sedai is expected to live about 300 years (hence Cadsunane expecting not to live a great deal longer). However it has been found that Reanne Corly of The Knitting Circle is 411. Having left the tower before she was raised to Aes Sedai, this implies that something is done to shorten the life expectance of an Aes Sedai. The obvious conclusions are that this ‘shortening’ may take place during the raising tests, or caused by the taking of the Three Oaths. Moiraine states in New Spring that the Three Oaths are worn close to the skin, trapping Aes Sedai, which suggests this is more than just a physical feeling. Of the Knitting Circle members, none have taken the Three Oaths, and at least one of their members is known to be over 600 years old. Therefore it can be assumed that some part of raising to Aes Sedai and taking the Three Oaths, not only shortens your life expectancy, but might do this by as much as half.

Other examples to suggest raising to Aes Sedai shortens their lifespan includes: Alivia, the former Demane, is known to be 414. The Foresaken existed before being locked in the Bore and were thought to be old then. In LOC chapter 15 there is a reference to an ageless Aiel who died at 300 years old, having been bitten by a snake. Had this not have happened, she may have lived a significantly longer time.

By the end of book 11, our female leads have come to the conclusion that the raising ceremony will shorten their lives. However Egwene chooses to take that risk, despite being seen as not only Aes Sedai but Amyrlin, and take the Three Oaths. One can only assume that her reasons are to show that she too binds herself to the Tower and to provide belief in her words with the inability to lie. The quote for this is as follows:

"'That's madness!' Nynaeve burst out... 'You know what it does; the Kin are proof! How many Aes Sedai live past three hundred? Or reach it? And don't tell me I shouldn't talk about age. That's a ridiculous custom, and you know it. Egwene, Reanne was called Eldest because she was the oldest Kinswoman in Ebou Dar. The oldest anywhere is a woman called Aloisia Nemosni, an oil merchant in Tear. Egwene, she's nearly six...hundred...years...old! When the Hall hears that, I'll wager they'll be ready to put the Oath Rod on a shelf.' "'The Light knows three hundred years is a long time,' Elayne put in, 'but I can't say I'm happy myself at the prospect of perhaps cutting my life in half, Egwene.'" (WH: Chapter 10).

From the above gathered information, it can be seen that very little is known with regards to the life expectancy of an Aes Sedai, or the effects raising to the shawl may have on that persons life.


Reign of the Amyrlin Seat

The data:

  • Years 992 – 1084 AB 92 Deane Aryman, raised from the Blue Ajah.
  • Years 1084 – 5 NE Selame Necoine, raised from the Green Ajah
  • Years 5 – 36 NE 31 Rabayn Marushta, raised from the White Ajah
  • Years 36 – 64 NE 28 Daline Ndaye, raised from the Gray Ajah
  • Years 64 – 115 NE 51 Edara Noregovna, raised from the Blue Ajah
  • Years 115 – 142 NE 27 Balladare Arandaille, raised from the Brown Ajah
  • Years 142 – 171 NE 29 Medanor Eramandos, raised from the Gray Ajah
  • Years 171 – 197 NE 26 Kiyosa Natomo, raised from the Green Ajah
  • Years 197 – 223 NE 26 Catala Luncanvalle, raised from the Yellow Ajah
  • Years 223 – 244 NE 21 Elisa Strang, raised from the Gray Ajah
  • Years 244 – 276 NE 32 Comarra Zepava, raised from the Blue Ajah
  • Years 276 – 306 NE 30 Serenia Latar, raised from the Gray Ajah
  • Years 306 – 332 NE 26 Doniella Alievin, raised from the Brown Ajah
  • Years 332 – 355 NE 23 Aliane Senican, raised from the White Ajah
  • Years 355 – 396 NE 41 Suilin Escanda, raised from the Blue Ajah
  • Years 396 – 419 NE 23 Nirelle Coidevwin, raised from the Green Ajah
  • Years 419 – 454 NE 35 Ishara Nawan, raised from the Blue Ajah
  • Years 454 – 476 NE 22 Cerilla Marodred, raised from the Gray Ajah
  • Years 476 – 520 NE 44 Igaine Luin, raised from the Brown Ajah
  • Years 520 – 533 NE 13 Beryl Marle, raised from the White Ajah
  • Years 533 – 549 NE 16 Eldaya Tolen, raised from the Blue Ajah
  • Years 549 – 578 NE 29 Alvera Ramosanya, raised from the Yellow Ajah
  • Years 578 – 601 NE 23 Shein Chunla, raised from the Green Ajah
  • Years 601 – 638 NE 37 Gerra Kishar, raised from the Gray Ajah
  • Years 638 – 681 NE 43 Varuna Morrigan, raised from the Green Ajah
  • Years 681 – 705 NE 24 Cemaile Sorenthaine, raised from the Gray Ajah
  • Years 705 – 732 NE 27 Marasale Jureen, raised from the Yellow Ajah
  • Years 732 – 754 NE 22 Feragaine Saralman, raised from the Blue Ajah
  • Years 754 – 797 NE 43 Myriam Copan, raised from the Green Ajah
  • Years 797 – 817 NE 20 Zeranda Tyrim, raised from the Brown Ajah
  • Years 817 – 866 NE 49 Parenia Demalle, raised from the Gray Ajah
  • Years 866 – 890 NE 24 Sereille Bagand, raised from the White Ajah
  • Years 890 – 922 NE 32 Aleis Romlin, raised from the Green Ajah
  • Years 922 – 950 NE 28 Kirin Melway, raised from the Brown Ajah
  • Years 973 – 979 NE 6 Tamra Ospenya, raised from the Blue Ajah
  • Years 979 – 984 NE 5 Sierin Vayu, raised from the Gray Ajah
  • Years 984 – 988 NE 4 Marith Jaen, raised from the Blue Ajah
  • Years 988 – 999 NE 11 Siuan Sanche

Having looked at my list, I started to work out how long each Amyrlin had held her position. Although it initially seemed like pointless maths for the sake of it, a pattern did seem to appear before me. To minimize errors, I found I had to remove all Amyrlin’s who held their positions before the New Era. The reasons are:

  • Elisane Tishar – it is unknown exactly when she was raised to Amyrlin and

it is unknown exactly when she died.

  • Bonwhin Meraighdin – the dates again are not exact, also Bonwhin was

stripped of the shawl rather than dying.

  • Deane Aryman – she was in post for 92 years, over twice the figures found

once the New Era began. Therefore to minimize the error this data was removed, but should be considered. Also her death was caused by a fall from her horse, not because she died of old age.

  • Selame Necoine – it is unknown what exact year the calendar was reset to

the New Era, so we cannot work out how long this Aes Sedai remained as Amyrlin.

I also removed Siuan Sanche on the basis she did not die, but was also stripped of the stole.

Basic maths told me that from 5 NE – 988 NE was 983 years, this divided by the 35 Amyrlin’s was an average of 28 years. I then sat down and worked out how long each Amyrlin had held their post, and which Ajah they were from. The results surprised me.

The Blue Ajah
The longest serving Amyrlin in this period was of the Blue Ajah with 51 years, however the shortest serving was also Blue at only 4 years. Total number of Years a Blue has held the position: 207 Average length of time as Amyrlin: 25 years

The Red Ajah
Well this was easy, there weren’t any Amyrlin’s of the Red Ajah.

The Yellow Ajah
Although only Three Yellows have held the position in the period, they almost hit the 28 year average spot on. Total number of Years a Yellow has held the position: 82 Average length of time as Amyrlin: 27 years

The Brown Ajah
The Brown Ajah for the most part stayed around the average figure, however it then jumps to 44 years, followed by a mere 20. Total number of Years a Brown has held the position: 145 Average length of time as Amyrlin: 29 years

The Green Ajah
The Ladies of the Green seem to vary on a much higher level than most of the other Ajah’s. With 6 Amyrlin’s they hold the highest average of any Ajah Total number of Years a Green has held the position: 190 Average length of time as Amyrlin: 31 years

The Gray Ajah
The Grays had had the most Amyrlin’s raised, leading to a high figure with regards to the amount of years the position has been held. However they also hit the average almost dead on. Total number of Years a Gray has held the position: 245 Average length of time as Amyrlin: 27 years

The White Ajah
It seems that the White Amyrlin’s have not faired too well in their times. Although they have had one more Amyrlin than the Yellow Ajah, they fall far short of the 28 year average and also have the lowest average of all the Ajah’s (bar Red). Total number of Years a White has held the position: 91 Average length of time as Amyrlin: 22 years

I put this in visual form to see if it made things any clearer.

Initial Conclusion

I looked at all the above provided information and decided that there has to be some reason as to why the average reign of the Amyrlin Seat is 28 years. As Aes Sedai keep their exact ages hidden, it may be that the Hall chooses someone of appropriate age, though without knowing the exact answer. It may be that the whole thing is a coincidence, but do these really exist inside the White Tower?

Since the Prophecy of the Dragon and Tamra Ospenya’s reign, the amount of time an Amyrlin has held post has shrunk considerably for unknown reasons. We do not know when the Oath rod appeared, but there might be a reason that it is no longer possible to reign for 90+ years, and this is the issue surrounding the effects of the Three Oaths.


Further investigation With further investigation and assistance, other factors have now been built in to this project. Tamra Ospenya was killed by the Black Ajah so her death was not by natural cause. Sierin Vayu was killed by the Red Ajah, but this was incited by Chesmal Emry of the Black Ajah, as Sierin was aware of the presence of the Black Ajah. The exact date of her death is also in question as the BWB claims 894 whilst WH claims 891.

On this basis it suggests that Marith Jaen may also have been ‘disposed’ of rather than reaching her natural age for death. The Hall of the Tower was unaware of the presence of the Black Ajah in its mists, and possibly concluded that the shortening length of time served by Amyrlin’s was being caused by their age on taking up the position. In order to action this, the Hall raised Siuan to Amyrlin, also hoping to be able to control her due to her youth. This in itself did not work out, possibly aiding the decision to ‘still’ her when the opportunity arose.

Retrieved from "https://library.tarvalon.net/index.php?title=Aes_Sedai&oldid=19438"