Cairhien (Nation)

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

Civil War

The war ended when Elayne Trakand 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).

General

Physical Features in Cairhien

• Bodies of Water
  • River Alguenya
  • River Erinin
  • River Gaelin
• Hills and Mountains
  • Spine of the World
  • Kinslayer's Dagger
  • Maraside Mountains
• Miscellaneous Features

Cities, Towns and Villages

• Cairhien - The Capital
• Tremonsien
• Maerone

Government

The Throne

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

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

People and Customs

General

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

Characters from Cairhien

Main article: Cairhienin Character List