What is an Ajah?

From Tar Valon Library
Jump to: navigation, search
WhatisanAjah.png


Author: Aleita Taviah
Published: September 22 2020 Tar Valon Times Blog

Simply speaking, an Ajah (pronounced: AH-jah) is a group of Aes Sedai within the Wheel of Time series created by Robert Jordan. But it is much more than that.


In the modern era of the Wheel of Time Series, each Ajah has its own raison d’être which determines the lives and purpose of the Aes Sedai who belong to it. Each Ajah also comes with its own rules, requirements and leadership. Depending on the purpose of the Ajah, they also have their own traditions, spy networks (eyes-and-ears) and even secret weaves which are known only to the Aes Sedai of that Ajah.


When an Accepted is raised to Aes Sedai, she requests acceptance to her Ajah of choice. No Aes Sedai is ever refused entry into the Ajah she has chosen. The only Aes Sedai who does not belong to an Ajah is The Amyrlin Seat. The Amyrlin Seat is “of all Ajahs and of none,” however it is a point of pride for her former Ajah to have their sister serve as the Amyrlin Seat. There are 7 different Ajahs: Blue, Brown, Green, Gray, Red, White and Yellow. When an Aes Sedai joins her Ajah she is given a vine-embroidered shawl and the fringe denotes the Ajah she has joined.


The Blue Ajah stands for causes of righteousness. While some Aes Sedai may work together on these causes, others act alone. First Selector is the title given to the leader of the Blue Ajah, which is believed to be the sixth largest. While it may not be one of the larger Ajahs, the Blue Ajah has a very wide reach with the largest network of eyes-and-ears.


The Brown Ajah’s focus is on the collection and preservation of knowledge. Unlike the other Ajahs, the Brown Ajah is known to be governed by a ruling council, the head of which is given the title First Chair. The Brown Ajah is the fourth largest, and the Librarians in the Tower Library are most commonly Brown Aes Sedai.


The Green Ajah is also known as the Battle Ajah, and their primary focus is to “Stand Ready” for the Last Battle. The Green Ajah is the second largest and, because of their purpose, the Aes Sedai of this Ajah often bond more than one Warder. The leader of the Green Ajah is known as the Captain-General.


The Grey Ajah’s purpose is to exercise diplomacy and mediation in politics. The leader of this Ajah is known as the Head Clerk. The Grey Ajah is known to be the third largest in the Tower.


The Red Ajah is the largest in the Tower. They are responsible for “dealing with” the incorrect and dangerous use of the One Power. While this is predominantly achieved by the capture and gentling of male channelers, it has previously included the locating and eradication of any group of female channelers unaligned with the Tower. The leader of the Red Ajah holds the title of Highest. The Aes Sedai of the Red Ajah do not bond Warders.


The White Ajah’s focus is on logic and philosophy. The White Ajah is believed to be the smallest in the Tower, and their Aes Sedai are rarely known to bond Warders. The leader of the White Ajah is known as the First Reasoner.


The Yellow Ajah is known primarily for Healing. Since Healing is a specific talent of channelers, Accepted who have this talent often join the Yellow Ajah upon being raised to Aes Sedai. The leader of the Yellow Ajah is known as the First Weaver. The Yellow Ajah is believed to be the fifth largest Ajah in the Tower.


To learn more about the Aes Sedai, Ajah’s and The White Tower. Keep an eye out for more posts here on the Tar Valon Times!