Gai'shain

General

Gai’shain, meaning “pledged to peace in battle,” according to the Old Tongue, is an Aiel term that refers to those taken alive in battle, though those merely touched can demand to be taken gai'shan to reduce their loss of honour. Gai’shain have toh towards their captors, and must serve them for one year and one day. If their captors are killed, or taken themselves, their service is transfered to the person who killed them (This passage needs a reference) and they will even serve those who aren't Aiel, such as Seanchan (KoD, Ch. 4).

Gai’shain must complete any task given to them humbly and obediently, without complaint. They must also refrain from any violence, and touch no weapons. They wear white robes, so that they are clearly discernible to those around them. Since being meek is not an Aiel trait, and the idea of serving others is laughed at, having to perform both is the acceptable way for an Aiel to regain his or her honour (TSR, Ch. 23; TFoH, Ch. 46). Gai'shain wear only white and when taken, will go naked until white clothes are found for them (ACoS, Ch. 1).

Gai’shain normally do not run away, as this increases the amount of ji lost, and their time as gai’shain must begin anew. It has been said that if this occurs, first-siblings have also been known to offer themselves as gai’shain, to try to restore the amount of ji lost by the sept, sometimes more than one, if the loss of ji is felt great enough. Wise Ones, blacksmiths, children under the age of fifteen, mothers who have children under the age of ten and pregnant women are exempt from being made gai’shain (TSR, Ch. 23).

Individuals

Main article: Gai'shain Character List