Moiraine Damodred
Encyclopedia
Moiraine Damodred is one of the main characters of the Wheel of Time
fantasy series by Robert Jordan
. She is an Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah and is the niece of King Laman Damodred of Cairhien.
she is often described as being possessed of an iron-clad self-control. Robert Jordan
describes her as being about 5 feet tall.
Rand, Mat and Perrin all described her as one of the most beautiful women they have ever seen. (When Perrin walks in on her wearing nothing but a robe during a scene in The Dragon Reborn, he is amazed by how beautiful she is.)
. As a novice, she became friends, and for a time "pillow-friends" (a term with sexual connotations http://www.dragonmount.com/forums/blog/4/entry-326-yet-another-post/) with a young woman named Siuan Sanche
. Both were quick learners, passed all their rituals on their first attempts, and attained the shawl in six years. They were among the strongest channelers of their day.
War came right up to the banks of the River Erinin, outside Tar Valon
itself, where her uncle Laman had retreated with the remainder of his Cairhienin forces. During the battle, the two attended to the Amyrlin
, Tamra Ospenya, and her Keeper of the Chronicles
, Gitara Moroso. That day, Moroso, who had the ability of Foretelling, was possessed by such a strong vision that, after managing to yell out its contents, died. What she Foretold was that, at that very moment, on the slopes of Dragonmount, the Dragon
had been reborn.
Moiraine and Siuan made a pact soon after: they would find the Dragon Reborn and guide him. They knew that he was the only one who could save the world from the Dark One
and that others would fear him and try to hinder him — if not kill him outright. The Dragon Reborn, though "necessary," was not the most celebrated of saviors.
, the uncrowned king of dead country Malkier. Together they uncovered a member of the Black Ajah
, Merean Redhill, and Moiraine eventually revealed to Lan all the secrets she had uncovered so far relating to the Dragon Reborn. They agreed to form a Bond, and Lan became Moiraine's Warder. For twenty years, they hunted for the boy who would become the Dragon Reborn. Eventually, they came to the village of Emond's Field in the Two Rivers region of Andor
. Moiraine had narrowed her search to three boys in that area. Her suspicions were confirmed when, on Winternight, Trollocs invaded the Two Rivers. She and Lan planned to lead the three boys — Rand al'Thor
, Mat Cauthon
and Perrin Aybara
— plus a few others (Thom Merrilin
and Egwene al'Vere
) to the safety of the White Tower. However, the Shadow had picked up their scent, and they were forced to take a back route. Their journey took them to Shienar
and the Eye of the World, where Rand channeled consciously for the first time. Soon after, Moiraine knew she had found the Dragon Reborn.
of the White Tower, and the two of them (with the unexpected help of Brown Ajah member Verin Mathwin
) confronted Rand with his destiny. From then on, Moiraine left Rand's side as little as possible. The only time she was not at his side was during a short period of time leading up to the events at the Stone of Tear, when Rand sneaked away and fled to Tear
, to see if he could draw the sword Callandor and fulfill an important part of prophecy or if he was only a False Dragon. Despite his success, Rand resented what he saw as interference and manipulation on Moiraine's part. Though she seemed to be trying to help him, Aes Sedai usually get what they want and keep their plans to themselves. Finally, after his journey to Rhuidean in the Aiel Waste
and his announcement that he was the Car'a'carn, Rand managed to compromise with Moiraine: He agreed to listen to Moiraine as long as she limited her role to that of an advisor.
, Moiraine gave Rand two letters, one for himself and one for Thom Merrilin
. Then she took Rand, Mat, Egwene, Aviendha
, and Lan to the docks of Cairhien
. Unexpectedly, the Forsaken Lanfear
emerged, enraged that her beloved Lews Therin (aka, Rand) had taken a lover besides herself. Rand, though he knew he faced certain death, could not bring himself to harm a woman. Moiraine took matters into her own hands. The twisted redstone doorway ter'angreal they had taken from Rhuidean was nearby, and Moiraine shoved Lanfear through it, ending her assault but also ending both their lives — neither she nor Lanfear ever reemerged from the doorway (which immediately caught on fire and began to melt). Lan reported that he could no longer feel her through their Warder bond. Because Moiraine had altered their bond so that Lan would "belong" to another Aes Sedai after her death, Lan left immediately, if unhappily, to seek out Myrelle Berengari of the Green Ajah
. Later, Lanfear is reincarnated by the Dark One into Cyndane, but Moiraine remains missing.
Rand's letter reveals why. While in Tear, Moiraine had entered the almost-twin of the redstone doorway she had fallen through, one that allowed her to ask three questions and receive three true answers (as opposed to the Rhuidean doorway, which was used to gain three favors). Also, in Rhuidean, she had visited the Aiel ter'angreal used to test girls who wanted to become Wise Ones. She learned that if they were not all at the Cairhien docks the day Lanfear was defeated, Rand would be doomed. Knowing she had to die, she had altered her bond with Lan to prevent him from trying to avenge her. The letter added a few more warnings and encouragements, but there was nothing in it to suggest she would ever return except for one impossibly small possibility that may not even have a connection to her return at all.
. The Great Lord of the Dark is well known for resurrecting his favorite subjects, but it is not known if this happened to Lanfear. Also, one of Egwene al'Vere
's Dreamed visions linked Thom Merrilin
to Moiraine in some way; specifically, she saw him drawing Moiraine's kesiera from a fire. The romantic tension between Moiraine and Thom has also gone unresolved. Adding fuel to the fire, one of Min Farshaw
's viewings suggests that, without Moiraine's help, Rand is doomed to failure. Finally, the contents of her letter she sent to Thom contains the fact that she is in fact alive, but trapped in a tower that has no door. This is the Tower of Ghenjei
, a second link between the worlds on either sides of the redstone doorways. Thom, Mat and relatively new character, Noal Charin, vow to rescue her, and do so by traveling to the tower in Towers of Midnight. Thom manages to pull Moiraine from her imprisonment, while Mat, as foreshadowed several times earlier in the series, is forced to sacrifice one of his eyes ("half the light of the world") to the Eelfinn as a bargain in order to escape with the Aes Sedai and a powerful angreal. In their escape from Ghenjei, Noal, revealed to be the hero Jain Farstrider, sacrifices his own life to hold back the attacking Aelfinn while Thom, Mat, and Moiraine flee using Mat's ashandarei as a sort of exit key. Moiraine, though still alive, reveals that the Eelfinn fed on her ability to channel, leaving her power diminished. She also decides to marry Thom and bond him as a warder.
, she progressed very quickly through the Tower, taking only six years to progress from Novice to Aes Sedai. She was able to delay the Forsaken Aginor
at the Eye of the World for a considerable amount of time with the help of a minor angreal. She is also able to weave Balefire, a Weave forbidden since The War of Power. (How she knows this talent remains unclear, but Moiraine herself hinted she might have learned of it during her research period away from Rand and the others during the second novel).
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...
fantasy series by Robert Jordan
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...
. She is an Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah and is the niece of King Laman Damodred of Cairhien.
Description
Moiraine is first described in The Eye of the World as having large, dark eyes and dark hair hanging in ringlets. She was known to wear a delicate gold chain fastened in her hair to support a small, sparkling blue stone in the middle of her forehead. She described herself as impetuous and hot-tempered when a youth in her native Cairhein, but after years of being Aes SedaiAes 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...
she is often described as being possessed of an iron-clad self-control. Robert Jordan
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...
describes her as being about 5 feet tall.
Rand, Mat and Perrin all described her as one of the most beautiful women they have ever seen. (When Perrin walks in on her wearing nothing but a robe during a scene in The Dragon Reborn, he is amazed by how beautiful she is.)
Origins
Moiraine Damodred was born in Cairhien in 956 NE and, as niece to King Laman, spent a lot of time in the Sun Palace. At age 16 she left for the White Tower to become an Aes SedaiAes 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...
. As a novice, she became friends, and for a time "pillow-friends" (a term with sexual connotations http://www.dragonmount.com/forums/blog/4/entry-326-yet-another-post/) with a young woman named Siuan Sanche
Siuan Sanche
Siuan 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...
. Both were quick learners, passed all their rituals on their first attempts, and attained the shawl in six years. They were among the strongest channelers of their day.
During the Aiel War
Both Moiraine and Siuan were Accepted in 978 NE, during the Blood Snow. On this day, the AielAiel
In Robert Jordan's fantasy series The Wheel of Time, the Aiel are a race of people. They live between the "wetlanders" in the west and the Sharans in the east, in a desert which the Aiel call The Three-fold Land and which everyone else calls the Aiel Waste. They have earned a reputation as skilled...
War came right up to the banks of the River Erinin, outside 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...
itself, where her uncle Laman had retreated with the remainder of his Cairhienin forces. During the battle, the two attended to the Amyrlin
Amyrlin Seat
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...
, Tamra Ospenya, and her Keeper of the Chronicles
Keeper of the Chronicles
Keeper of the Chronicles is a fictional title that exists in Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series.Although second in authority to the Amyrlin, the Keeper of the Chronicles has no real authority over Aes Sedai, except what the Amyrlin Seat chooses to give her. She also acts as the Amyrlin's...
, Gitara Moroso. That day, Moroso, who had the ability of Foretelling, was possessed by such a strong vision that, after managing to yell out its contents, died. What she Foretold was that, at that very moment, on the slopes of Dragonmount, the Dragon
Dragon (Wheel of Time)
In the fictional Wheel of Time fantasy series by Robert Jordan, the Dragon is the champion of the Light and the Creator against the evil Dark One. Although the Dark One was imprisoned by the Creator at the moment of creation, he continually seeks to break free of his prison. In each Age, the Dragon...
had been reborn.
Moiraine and Siuan made a pact soon after: they would find the Dragon Reborn and guide him. They knew that he was the only one who could save the world from the Dark One
Dark One
The Dark One is a fictional character in the The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. It is the main antagonist; bound to its prison at the moment of Creation and partially freed during the Age of Legends , it is the primary source of evil in the series.-Character:In The Wheel of Time books,...
and that others would fear him and try to hinder him — if not kill him outright. The Dragon Reborn, though "necessary," was not the most celebrated of saviors.
Married to her Quest
Shortly after being raised to full Aes Sedai and joining the Blue Ajah, Moiraine traveled to the Borderlands. There she met al'Lan MandragoranLan Mandragoran
Al'Lan Mandragoran is one of the main characters of the Wheel of Time fantasy series by Robert Jordan.Lan is very similar in characterization to Aragorn from The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien...
, the uncrowned king of dead country Malkier. Together they uncovered a member of the Black Ajah
Black Ajah
An Ajah is a sub-organization within the Aes Sedai of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time series. The Black Ajah is a secret society of Aes Sedai who have forsaken the Three Oaths. This Ajah supports the Dark One, and its members are also active members of the other seven Ajahs to keep their...
, Merean Redhill, and Moiraine eventually revealed to Lan all the secrets she had uncovered so far relating to the Dragon Reborn. They agreed to form a Bond, and Lan became Moiraine's Warder. For twenty years, they hunted for the boy who would become the Dragon Reborn. Eventually, they came to the village of Emond's Field in the Two Rivers region of Andor
Andor (Wheel of Time)
Andor is a country set in Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time series of fantasy fiction novels.Andor is one of the strongest countries in the Westlands of the main continent. It is located in the middle of the Westlands, and is one of the largest nations...
. Moiraine had narrowed her search to three boys in that area. Her suspicions were confirmed when, on Winternight, Trollocs invaded the Two Rivers. She and Lan planned to lead the three boys — Rand al'Thor
Rand al'Thor
Rand al'Thor, also known as the Dragon Reborn, is the fictional main character and protagonist of The Wheel of Time, a series of fantasy novels by Robert Jordan.Rand al'Thor has many other titles within the series:...
, Mat Cauthon
Mat Cauthon
Matrim "Mat" Cauthon is a fictional character in Robert Jordan's fantasy series The Wheel of Time. He is one of the primary protagonists and has moved over the course of the series from his beginnings as a mischievous farm lad into the role of a powerful, shrewd and successful general and...
and Perrin Aybara
Perrin Aybara
Perrin t'Bashere Aybara, or Goldeneyes, is one of the main characters of Robert Jordan's epic fantasy The Wheel of Time. Character is largely based on Slavic god Perun. In addition to the name similarity Perrin's choice of weapons include the axe, hammer, and bow...
— plus a few others (Thom Merrilin
Thom Merrilin
Thomdril "Thom" Merrilin is one of the main characters of the Wheel of Time fantasy series by Robert Jordan.Not much of his early life is known, although he was Bard to the young Lady Morgase of House Trakand. He helped her ascend to the throne of Andor and became her Court Bard, and was renowned...
and 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 safety of the White Tower. However, the Shadow had picked up their scent, and they were forced to take a back route. Their journey took them to Shienar
Shienar
In the fictional world of Robert Jordan's fantasy series The Wheel of Time, Shienar is the easternmost of the Borderlands; the capital is Fal Moran. The current ruler of Shienar is Easar Togita. Shienarans are a very polite people, which might seem at odds with their ferocity in battle and long...
and the Eye of the World, where Rand channeled consciously for the first time. Soon after, Moiraine knew she had found the Dragon Reborn.
Guide to Prophecy
Moiraine sent word immediately to Siuan, who by this time was the Amyrlin SeatAmyrlin Seat
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...
of the White Tower, and the two of them (with the unexpected help of Brown Ajah member Verin Mathwin
Verin Mathwin
Verin Mathwin is a fictional character in The Wheel of Time series of fantasy novels by Robert Jordan.-Description:Verin is an Aes Sedai of the Brown Ajah. Verin has grayed hair and is considered to be one of the oldest Aes Sedai alive; likely over 200 years old...
) confronted Rand with his destiny. From then on, Moiraine left Rand's side as little as possible. The only time she was not at his side was during a short period of time leading up to the events at the Stone of Tear, when Rand sneaked away and fled to Tear
Tear (Wheel of Time)
In the fictional world of Robert Jordan's fantasy series The Wheel of Time, Tear is one of the richest nations in the land. This comes in part from controlling the greatest port on the Sea of Storms, at the mouth of the River Erinin. A great deal of Tear's wealth comes from the oil produced on the...
, to see if he could draw the sword Callandor and fulfill an important part of prophecy or if he was only a False Dragon. Despite his success, Rand resented what he saw as interference and manipulation on Moiraine's part. Though she seemed to be trying to help him, Aes Sedai usually get what they want and keep their plans to themselves. Finally, after his journey to Rhuidean in the Aiel Waste
Aiel
In Robert Jordan's fantasy series The Wheel of Time, the Aiel are a race of people. They live between the "wetlanders" in the west and the Sharans in the east, in a desert which the Aiel call The Three-fold Land and which everyone else calls the Aiel Waste. They have earned a reputation as skilled...
and his announcement that he was the Car'a'carn, Rand managed to compromise with Moiraine: He agreed to listen to Moiraine as long as she limited her role to that of an advisor.
The Lesser Sadness
Unfortunately, Moiraine and Rand's cooperation was short-lived. Just before setting out for the city of Caemlyn to confront the Forsaken RahvinRahvin
Rahvin is one of the primary antagonists of The Wheel of Time fantasy series by Robert Jordan. He is one of the Forsaken.-Origin:...
, Moiraine gave Rand two letters, one for himself and one for Thom Merrilin
Thom Merrilin
Thomdril "Thom" Merrilin is one of the main characters of the Wheel of Time fantasy series by Robert Jordan.Not much of his early life is known, although he was Bard to the young Lady Morgase of House Trakand. He helped her ascend to the throne of Andor and became her Court Bard, and was renowned...
. Then she took Rand, Mat, Egwene, Aviendha
Aviendha
Aviendha of the Nine Valleys sept of the Taardad Aiel is one of the main characters of the Wheel of Time fantasy series by Robert Jordan.-Description:...
, and Lan to the docks of Cairhien
Cairhien
Cairhien is a country set in Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time series of fantasy fiction novels. Cairhien is located in the east central part of 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...
. Unexpectedly, the Forsaken Lanfear
Lanfear
Lanfear is one of the primary antagonists of the Wheel of Time fantasy series by Robert Jordan. She is one of the Forsaken.-Age of Legends:...
emerged, enraged that her beloved Lews Therin (aka, Rand) had taken a lover besides herself. Rand, though he knew he faced certain death, could not bring himself to harm a woman. Moiraine took matters into her own hands. The twisted redstone doorway ter'angreal they had taken from Rhuidean was nearby, and Moiraine shoved Lanfear through it, ending her assault but also ending both their lives — neither she nor Lanfear ever reemerged from the doorway (which immediately caught on fire and began to melt). Lan reported that he could no longer feel her through their Warder bond. Because Moiraine had altered their bond so that Lan would "belong" to another Aes Sedai after her death, Lan left immediately, if unhappily, to seek out Myrelle Berengari of the Green Ajah
Green Ajah
An 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:...
. Later, Lanfear is reincarnated by the Dark One into Cyndane, but Moiraine remains missing.
Rand's letter reveals why. While in Tear, Moiraine had entered the almost-twin of the redstone doorway she had fallen through, one that allowed her to ask three questions and receive three true answers (as opposed to the Rhuidean doorway, which was used to gain three favors). Also, in Rhuidean, she had visited the Aiel ter'angreal used to test girls who wanted to become Wise Ones. She learned that if they were not all at the Cairhien docks the day Lanfear was defeated, Rand would be doomed. Knowing she had to die, she had altered her bond with Lan to prevent him from trying to avenge her. The letter added a few more warnings and encouragements, but there was nothing in it to suggest she would ever return except for one impossibly small possibility that may not even have a connection to her return at all.
Still A Factor
Later events, however, have drawn Moiraine's supposed fate into question. Lanfear, presumed dead as well, has apparently reappeared in the form of Cyndane, whose name means "Last Chance" in the Old TongueOld Tongue
The Old Tongue is a fictional language from Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time fantasy series. It is depicted as a now-dead language, spoken only by scholars and certain nobles, but still plays a role in the plot of the books.-History:...
. The Great Lord of the Dark is well known for resurrecting his favorite subjects, but it is not known if this happened to Lanfear. Also, one of 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...
's Dreamed visions linked Thom Merrilin
Thom Merrilin
Thomdril "Thom" Merrilin is one of the main characters of the Wheel of Time fantasy series by Robert Jordan.Not much of his early life is known, although he was Bard to the young Lady Morgase of House Trakand. He helped her ascend to the throne of Andor and became her Court Bard, and was renowned...
to Moiraine in some way; specifically, she saw him drawing Moiraine's kesiera from a fire. The romantic tension between Moiraine and Thom has also gone unresolved. Adding fuel to the fire, one of Min Farshaw
Min Farshaw
Elmindreda "Min" Farshaw is one of the main characters of The Wheel of Time fantasy series by Robert Jordan.- Description :She is slender, a little taller than Moiraine , and has short dark hair that becomes curly when grown long. She has large, dark eyes...
's viewings suggests that, without Moiraine's help, Rand is doomed to failure. Finally, the contents of her letter she sent to Thom contains the fact that she is in fact alive, but trapped in a tower that has no door. This is the Tower of Ghenjei
Tower of Ghenjei
The Tower of Ghenjei is a location in The Wheel of Time book series by Robert Jordan.The Tower of Ghenjei is a shining column of metal some 200 feet tall, and as big around as a house. Despite this, it has no apparent seams or an entrance. Through the Tower of Ghenjei it is possible to reach both...
, a second link between the worlds on either sides of the redstone doorways. Thom, Mat and relatively new character, Noal Charin, vow to rescue her, and do so by traveling to the tower in Towers of Midnight. Thom manages to pull Moiraine from her imprisonment, while Mat, as foreshadowed several times earlier in the series, is forced to sacrifice one of his eyes ("half the light of the world") to the Eelfinn as a bargain in order to escape with the Aes Sedai and a powerful angreal. In their escape from Ghenjei, Noal, revealed to be the hero Jain Farstrider, sacrifices his own life to hold back the attacking Aelfinn while Thom, Mat, and Moiraine flee using Mat's ashandarei as a sort of exit key. Moiraine, though still alive, reveals that the Eelfinn fed on her ability to channel, leaving her power diminished. She also decides to marry Thom and bond him as a warder.
Skills and Talents
A powerful channeler in her own right, Moiraine started to show her spark at her home in the then royal house of Damodred at the Sun Palace in Cairhien. As she was the most powerful channeler in a few centuries, save Cadsuane MelaidhrinCadsuane Melaidhrin
Cadsuane Melaidhrin is a fictional character in The Wheel of Time series of fantasy novels by Robert Jordan.-Description:Cadsuane is an Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah. She has nearly black eyes and wears her iron gray hair in a bun with many gold ornaments. The ornaments in her hair are angreal and...
, she progressed very quickly through the Tower, taking only six years to progress from Novice to Aes Sedai. She was able to delay the Forsaken Aginor
Aginor
Aginor , originally known as Ishar Marrad Chuain, is one of the primary antagonists of the Wheel of Time fantasy series by Robert Jordan. He is one of the Forsaken.-Origin:...
at the Eye of the World for a considerable amount of time with the help of a minor angreal. She is also able to weave Balefire, a Weave forbidden since The War of Power. (How she knows this talent remains unclear, but Moiraine herself hinted she might have learned of it during her research period away from Rand and the others during the second novel).