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
Contents
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, rpompting the Aiel to attack and the Aiel War.
Civil War
After the assassination of Galldrian, most likely by Thom Merillin, 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 Tarborwin, with the intent of eventually giving the throne to Elayne Trakan, who had a claim through her father Tarringail 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
- 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
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