Cairhien

Cairhien is a country set in Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time series of fantasy fiction novels. Cairhien (pronounced "KEYE-ree-EHN") is located in the east central part of the The Westlands, on the east it borders with the Spine_of_the_World. The sign of Cairhien is a golden sun rising on a field of deep blue. The capital of Cairhien is a city of the same name.

History

Originally was called Al'cair'rahienallen, which in the old Old Tongue means "Hill of the Golden Dawn." The city and country were weakened in the Aiel War, and again by recent civil war and unrest, which was caused by the assassination of King Galldrian.

Cairhien, like many of the current nations, became sovereign at the end of the War of the Hundred Years. For four hundred years after, it enjoyed a period of unprecedented wealth. This was due primarily to the Aiel, who granted Cairhienen the exclusive right to cross the Aiel Waste and trade for silk in Shara. This prosperity ended when Laman Damodred cut down Avendoraldera, a cutting from the Tree of Life and a gift from the Aiel, and unknowingly sparked the Aiel War. During this war the city of Cairhien was burned and partially destroyed, and as of the rise of the Dragon Reborn, its famous "topless towers" had not yet been totally rebuilt.

Current events

Cairhien is currently under the hand of the Dragon Reborn, Rand al'Thor. He intends for Elayne Trakand, Daughter-Heir of Andor (and Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah) to hold the Sun Throne of Cairhien as well as the Lion Throne of Andor. Her father, Taringail Damodred, was of the noble house that has traditionally ruled Cairhien.

Geography

Cairhien is the name of the capital city of the nation. It is situated on the east bank of the River Alguenya. After the Aiel War, a wooden city called the Forgate sprang up on the outside of the walls. Its inhabitants were mostly farmers who were afraid to go back to their farms close to the Spine of the World. Since all of the buildings were wood, the Forgate was burned by the Shaido Aiel who reached Cairhien before Rand al'Thor.

Politics & Government

Cairhienin (along with Aes Sedai) are known to all but have invented Daes Dae'mar (the Game of Houses), a system of intrigue and plotting.

The politics of Cairhien are dominated by the Game of Houses, called "Daes Dae'mar". The nobles took the plotting and intricacies of politics within the White Tower, and gave it their own twist. To the Cairhienin, everyone has a hidden motive, every word has a hidden meaning, every action is believed to be a move to gain more power and strength. Unsurprisingly, Daes Dae'mar has been the cause of almost every disaster in Cairhien's history.

Culture

Cairhienin are usually short in stature and of rather pale complexion. They are also, outwardly at least, a very reserved people. Their love of order and control is best illustrated by the perfect grid of their capital's streets.

It is said that when Cairhienin reserve breaks, it can do so to a surprising degree. A good example is Cairhien during the Feast of Lights. During this two day celebration, all social barriers fall, and any man may kiss any woman, and any woman may kiss any man; nobles and commoners alike can be seen in the streets in various states of undress. After the two days are over, life proceeds as if nothing had occurred.

External links

• Encyclopedia of the Wheel of Time