Amyrlin Seat
Encyclopedia
The Amyrlin Seat is a fictional title from Robert Jordan
's Wheel of Time
series.
The Amyrlin Seat, or Amyrlin as it is often shortened to, is the leader of the Aes Sedai
in Tar Valon
. The term can also refer to the actual seat upon which the Amyrlin sits. She is chosen by the Hall of the Tower
for life, and forsakes her former Ajah to be seen as "from all Ajahs and yet of none." Hers is the supreme authority among the Aes Sedai, although she can be deposed for malfeasance by the Sitters in the Hall.
It is a position held only by a female who can channel
, and presumably only by one who belongs to the White Tower. White Tower law considers the Amyrlin Seat to be an Aes Sedai after having been raised, but does not require it as a prerequisite for raising. This loophole was used to raise Egwene al'Vere
to the position by the Salidar Aes Sedai.
In the Age of Legends, Aes Sedai who sat as the "First Among Servants" (such as Lews Therin Telamon
) were the equivalent of the modern-day Amyrlin Seat. These Firsts wore the ring of the Tamyrlin. "Amyrlin" is presumably a corruption of this Old Tongue word, though the likely reality is that it is a literary allusion to Merlyn the Magician, just as Tar Valon is an allusion to Avalon
.
(*)- Her efforts to control Artur Hawkwing almost split the White Tower, and she was stripped of her stole and punished severely as a result of this. She was the last Aes Sedai of the Red Ajah to be raised as Amyrlin, until Elaida do Avriny a'Roihan was raised to the Seat.
Robert Jordan
Robert Jordan was the pen name of James Oliver Rigney, Jr. , under which he was best known as the author of the bestselling The Wheel of Time fantasy series. He also wrote under the pseudonyms Reagan O'Neal and Jackson O'Reilly.-Biography:Jordan was born in Charleston, South Carolina...
's Wheel of Time
The Wheel of Time
The Wheel of Time is a series of epic fantasy novels written by American author James Oliver Rigney, Jr., under the pen name Robert Jordan. Originally planned as a six-book series, the length was increased by increments; at the time of Rigney's death, he expected it to be 12, but it will actually...
series.
The Amyrlin Seat, or Amyrlin as it is often shortened to, is the leader of the Aes Sedai
Aes Sedai
The Aes Sedai are a special society in the fictional universe of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time book series. Aes Sedai means "Servant to All" in the Old Tongue. They are the wielders of the One Power...
in Tar Valon
Tar Valon
Tar Valon is a fictional city in Robert Jordan's fantasy series the Wheel of Time.-The City:Tar Valon is an island city in the River Erinin, within sight of the Dragonmount. It is the home of the White Tower, which is the center of Aes Sedai power...
. The term can also refer to the actual seat upon which the Amyrlin sits. She is chosen by the Hall of the Tower
Hall of the Tower
In Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time universe, the Hall of the Tower is the supreme governing body of the Aes Sedai of the White Tower.- Composition :...
for life, and forsakes her former Ajah to be seen as "from all Ajahs and yet of none." Hers is the supreme authority among the Aes Sedai, although she can be deposed for malfeasance by the Sitters in the Hall.
It is a position held only by a female who can channel
One Power
In The Wheel of Time fantasy series by Robert Jordan, the One Power is the force that maintains the continuous motion of the Wheel of Time. It comes from the True Source, and it is separated into two halves: saidin , the male half, and saidar , the female half. It is used in the series by people...
, and presumably only by one who belongs to the White Tower. White Tower law considers the Amyrlin Seat to be an Aes Sedai after having been raised, but does not require it as a prerequisite for raising. This loophole was used to raise Egwene al'Vere
Egwene al'Vere
Egwene al'Vere is one of the main characters of the Wheel of Time fantasy series by Robert Jordan.-Description:She is described as beautiful, with large brown eyes and long dark hair. Like all adult women in her home village of Emond's Field, she initially wore her hair in a long braid, but as soon...
to the position by the Salidar Aes Sedai.
In the Age of Legends, Aes Sedai who sat as the "First Among Servants" (such as Lews Therin Telamon
Lews Therin Telamon
Lews Therin Telamon is a fictional character in Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time fantasy series. He was the Dragon of the Age of Legends. He is the most powerful, most hated, and most feared man in history, for his part in the Breaking of the World and killing his loved ones, earning him the...
) were the equivalent of the modern-day Amyrlin Seat. These Firsts wore the ring of the Tamyrlin. "Amyrlin" is presumably a corruption of this Old Tongue word, though the likely reality is that it is a literary allusion to Merlyn the Magician, just as Tar Valon is an allusion to Avalon
Avalon
Avalon is a legendary island featured in the Arthurian legend. It first appears in Geoffrey of Monmouth's 1136 pseudohistorical account Historia Regum Britanniae as the place where King Arthur's sword Excalibur was forged and later where Arthur was...
.
List of Amyrlin Seats from FY 939
- Bonwhin Meraighdin (Red AjahRed AjahAn Ajah is a sub-organization within the Aes Sedai of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time series. The Red Ajah is strongly dedicated to preventing another Breaking of the World.-Organization:Its leader is known as the Highest...
)* - Deane Aryman (Blue AjahBlue AjahThe Aes Sedai are a society in the fictional universe of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time book series. The Blue Ajah is a sub-society dedicated to causes in the world and the implementation of justice. They figure prominently in the series as representatives of this sect are seen aiding the three...
) - Selame Necoine (Green AjahGreen AjahAn Ajah is a sub-organization within the Aes Sedai of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time series. The Green Ajah is one of the seven acknowledged Ajahs within the Aes Sedai.-Characteristics:...
) - Rabayn Marushta (White AjahWhite AjahAn Ajah is a sub-organization within the Aes Sedai of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time series. The smallest of the Ajahs, the White Ajah concerns itself with questions of philosophy, truth and logic.-Organization:...
) - Dalaine Ndaye (Gray Ajah)
- Edarna Noregovna (Blue Ajah)
- Balladare Arandaille (Brown AjahBrown AjahAn Ajah is a sub-organization within the Aes Sedai of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time series. The Brown Ajah is devoted to the study and collection of knowledge.-Organization:...
) - Medanor Eramandos (Gray Ajah)
- Kiyosa Natomo (Green Ajah)
- Catala Lucanvalle (Yellow AjahYellow AjahAn Ajah is a sub-organization within the Aes Sedai of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time series. The Yellow Ajah is the only Ajah that is completely dedicated to one of the Talents, namely Healing, which not all sisters are adept with but which is considered a requirement for entering the Yellow...
) - Elise Strang (Gray Ajah)
- Comarra Zepava (Blue Ajah)
- Serenia Latar (Gray Ajah)
- Doniella Alievin (Brown Ajah)
- Aliane Senican (White Ajah)
- Suilin Escanda (Blue Ajah)
- Nirelle Coidevwin (Green Ajah)
- Ishara Nawan (Blue Ajah)
- Cerilla Marodred (Gray Ajah)
- Igaine Luin (Brown Ajah)
- Beryl Marle (White Ajah)
- Eldaya Tolen (Blue Ajah)
- Alvera Ramosanya (Yellow Ajah)
- Shein Chunla (Green Ajah)
- Gerra Kishar (Gray Ajah)
- Varuna Morrigan (Green Ajah)
- Cemaile Sorenthaine (Gray Ajah)
- Marasale Jureen (Yellow Ajah)
- Feragaine Saralman (Blue Ajah)
- Myriam Copan (Green Ajah)
- Zeranda Tyrim (Brown Ajah)
- Parenia Demalle (Gray Ajah)
- Sereille Bagand (White Ajah)
- Aleis Romlin (Green Ajah)
- Kirin Melway (Brown Ajah)
- Noane Masadim (Blue Ajah)
- Tamra Ospenya (Blue Ajah)
- Sierin Vayu (Gray Ajah)
- Marith Jaen (Blue Ajah)
- Siuan SancheSiuan SancheSiuan Sanche is a character of the Wheel of Time fantasy series by Robert Jordan.The sharp-tongued daughter of a fisherman from Tear, Siuan Sanche joined the White Tower at the same time as Moiraine Damodred...
(Blue Ajah) - Tower Split:
- Elaida a'RoihanElaida a'RoihanElaida do Avriny a'Roihan is an antagonist in the Wheel of Time fantasy series by Robert Jordan.-Background:The youngest daughter of a minor House in the north of Murandy, Elaida was the first novice to be raised to Accepted in only three years. She was raised to the shawl after Siuan Sanche and...
(Red Ajah) — Amyrlin of the Tower in Tar ValonTar ValonTar Valon is a fictional city in Robert Jordan's fantasy series the Wheel of Time.-The City:Tar Valon is an island city in the River Erinin, within sight of the Dragonmount. It is the home of the White Tower, which is the center of Aes Sedai power... - Egwene al'VereEgwene al'VereEgwene al'Vere is one of the main characters of the Wheel of Time fantasy series by Robert Jordan.-Description:She is described as beautiful, with large brown eyes and long dark hair. Like all adult women in her home village of Emond's Field, she initially wore her hair in a long braid, but as soon...
(None) — Amyrlin of the Tower in Salidar
- Elaida a'Roihan
- Egwene al'VereEgwene al'VereEgwene al'Vere is one of the main characters of the Wheel of Time fantasy series by Robert Jordan.-Description:She is described as beautiful, with large brown eyes and long dark hair. Like all adult women in her home village of Emond's Field, she initially wore her hair in a long braid, but as soon...
(None), of the reunited White Tower
(*)- Her efforts to control Artur Hawkwing almost split the White Tower, and she was stripped of her stole and punished severely as a result of this. She was the last Aes Sedai of the Red Ajah to be raised as Amyrlin, until Elaida do Avriny a'Roihan was raised to the Seat.