The Aiel

     The Aiel do not live near the other nations on the main continent.  Instead they live beyond the Dragonwall, in the Aiel Waste.  The Waste is known as Djevik K’Shar by the Trollocs, “The Dying Ground.”  The Aiel themselves call it the Three-Fold Land, for they believe that the Waste was created to shape them, as a testing ground to prove their worth, and as a punishment for their sin.

     The Aiel themselves are tall and fair-haired.  They are most likely the fiercest fighters on the planet - even Artur Hawkwing’s armies could not conquer them. 

Artwork by Tom Reid

They veil their faces before killing, a tradition that is nearly three thousand years old.  They vigorously defend their homeland; only peddlers, Tinkers , and gleemen are allowed into the Waste.

     Despite the common belief among many wetlanders that the Aiel are savages, they actually have an educated and complicated society.  Aiel culture is dominated by ji’e’toh, the code of honor and obligation.  Another important part of the Aiel culture is the varied array of warrior socieites.

     The Aiel begin training their children as warriors at a young age.  The children play games which are designed to enhance their natural skill, speed, quickness, and accuracy.  They are taught about the complexities of ji’e’toh, as well as about politics.  Aiel children are also educated in the areas of reading and math.

     The Aiel are no longer nomads such as they were in the early days of their ancestors.  They have carved out holds in the cliffs and canyons of the Waste.  These holds are ruled by the chief’s wife, the Roofmistress.  Within the hold the Roofmistress has absolute authority, and the ability to refuse entry to anyone.

     There are no kings or queens among the Aiel.  Instead they are led by the clan chiefs and Wise Ones.  The chiefs and Wise Ones all must make a journey to Rhuidean, where they prove their worth and courage.

     The Aiel tradition of looting a fifth of the goods in a conquered nation has resulted in most Aiel possessing valuable riches.  The Aiel War in particular greatly increased the wealth of the Aiel.  Also, the trade with Shara has given many Aiel valuable silks.  Their homes are made of brick and clay, dug deep into the rock of the hold, to protect from the heat.  The insides of their homes are richly decorated.

     Weaving and jewelry are the primary crafts of the Aiel.  They mine the gold, silver, sapphires, rubies, moonstones, and firedrops which are used to make their jewelry.  There are no woodworkers among the Aiel, as there is virtually no wood in the Waste.  Objects made of wood are highly prized.

     The traditional way of life of the Aiel has been disturbed by the coming of Rand al’Thor, the Car’a’carn.  Traditions have fallen by the wayside as Rand does what is necessary to prepare the Aiel, and the world, for Tarmon Gai’don.

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