Difference between revisions of "Cairhien (Nation)"

From Tar Valon Library
Jump to: navigation, search
(The Throne)
Line 43: Line 43:
 
==Government==
 
==Government==
 
===The Throne===
 
===The Throne===
Cairhien is ruled by a monarch, though the throne can change hands and has done so on numerous occasions
+
Cairhien is ruled by a monarch, though the throne can change hands and has done so on numerous occasions. The monarch sits on the Sun Throne.
 +
 
 
===Nobility===
 
===Nobility===
 
;Noble Houses
 
;Noble Houses

Revision as of 08:48, 11 June 2012

Nation-flag-cairhien.jpg
Cairhien
Sigil The Rising Sun
Banner A many-rayed golden sun, rising on a field of blue.
Capital Cairhien
Ruler Elayne Trakand
Throne The Sun Throne
Crown
Palace The Sun Palace

Author: Caerwyn Jolan

Keye-ree-EHN

General

Cairhien is one of the Nations of the New Era, southeast of Tar Valon and situated between the River Alguenya and the Spine of the World (Dragonwall). Cairhien's capital is the city of Cairhien, which is a major port on the Alguenya, which flows south to Aringill where it joins the longer Erinin and then to Tear and the Aryth Ocean. Its strategic position as the gateway to the Aiel Waste via the Jangai Pass and as a major factor in river trade with Tear has allowed it to flourish and Cairhien to be a moderately rich nation. That position has also worked against Cairhien, as the Aiel have invaded it twice, doing great damage to the capital city and surrounding areas.

Cairhien maintains peace with Andor, the major kingdom to its west and trades extensively with both Andor and Tear, to its south. It is currently ruled by Elayne Trakand who took the throne after Galldrian's assassination, most likely by Thom Merrilin plunged the country into civil war

History

During the time of Artur Hawkwing's empire, Cairhien was one of the provinces. After his death, an alliance of bobles took the capital and announced they wished to bring the nation of Tova back, but at a ball to celebrate this, all the surviving descendants of the Tovan Councillors were slaughtered. Months of chaos followed until Matraine Colmcille took the city of Cairhien and was proclaimed the first king (The Wheel of Time Roleplaying Game, Chapter 12). In 509 NE, the Aiel gave the Cairhienin a sapling of Avendesora and with it the right to cross the Aiel Waste, Cairhien grew rich of the proceeds, but this ended weh Laman had Avendoraldera cut down to make himself a new throne, prompting the Aiel to attack and the Aiel War.

Civil War

After the assassination of Galldrian, most likely by Thom Merrilin, Cairhien fell into civil war with several rival factions competing for the throne. The situation was temporarily worsened when the Shaido passed through, taking many people gai'shain and killing others, but order was restored soon after by Rand al'Thor. He appointed Berelain as his steward, and then when she left for Ghealdan, appointed Dobraine Taborwin, with the intent of eventually giving the throne to Elayne Trakan, who had a claim through her father Taringail Damodred. She eventually took the throne, offering Cairhienin nobles land in Andor that had been recently stripped from people who had rebelled against her (This passage needs a reference)

Geography

According to the Map, the lands of Shandalle and Tova make up most of modern Cairhien, with the majority of both of these lands being within its current borders. Previously, the land of Almoren occupied the land (TWoRJTWoT, Ch. 10).

Physical Features in Cairhien

Bodies of Water
Hills and Mountains
Miscellaneous Features

Cities, Towns and Villages

Cities, Towns and Villages in Cairhien

Government

The Throne

Cairhien is ruled by a monarch, though the throne can change hands and has done so on numerous occasions. The monarch sits on the Sun Throne.

Nobility

Noble Houses

A number of Cairhienin noble houses are known

  • Aesnan
  • Aldorwin
  • Annallin
  • Chuliandred
  • Daganred
  • Damodred
  • Darengil
  • Delovinde
  • Dhulaine
  • Hamarashle
  • Maravin
  • Mavabwin
  • Moseneillin
  • Nolaisen
  • Osiellin
  • Osiellin
  • Riatin
  • Rikshan
  • Saighan
  • Taborwin

Military

Relations and Trade

Domani merchants carry on major trade with the Sea Folk, dispersing their goods to inland consumers (TWoRJTWoT, Ch. 30).

Arad Doman also trades heavily with Tarabon and Saldaea (TWoRJTWoT, Ch. 30).

Most Domani merchants are women and the nation owes its wealth to their success; very few men will come off the victor in trade with a Domani woman but they often consider losing worth the experience. (TWoRJTWoT, Ch. 30).

People and Customs

Daes Dae'mar is thoroughly established in Cairhien, more than any other nation and affects every action of its nobles and even their servants.

Feasts and Festivals

Appearance, Clothing and Dress

Food

Expressions

Characters from Cairhien

Main article: Cairhienin Character List