Red Ajah
Encyclopedia
An 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.
; there have only been three throughout recorded history, including Elaida do Avriny a’Roihan
, in the course of the series. The two Reds that came before Elaida were both deposed
as Amyrlin, the last two Amyrlins to have been deposed before Siuan Sanche
.
completely. The Red Ajah has also recently undertaken a new role in world affairs: they have become intermediaries between the Aes Sedai and the Asha'man
. Reds now bond Asha'man in preparation for the upcoming Tarmon Gai'don
: it is believed that Reds have the most experience with male channelers, and are therefore the obvious choice.
Because saidin has now been cleansed of the taint, the Red Ajah is now somewhat purposeless, and author Robert Jordan
did not specify whether it will find a new direction.
and Moiraine Damodred
's second year as novices and chose the Red Ajah. From the time Siuan and Moiraine came to the Tower, Elaida made life miserable for them, pressing them so hard that other sisters often had to intervene. Her abusive and unwarranted 'help' as an already raised Aes Sedai were eventually put to an end after the then Mistress of Novices, Merean Redhill, having been informed by other concerned Accepted, threatened her with a penance as well as humiliation. Elaida bitterly resented this intervention, though, and grew to hate Siuan and Moiraine because of it. She has a strong aptitude with the One Power
, but is frequently depicted as proud and foolish. She dreams of defeating the Salidar Rebels and having them kneel at her feet, and plans to build a grand palace for herself despite the ongoing crisis in Tar Valon
. In The Fires of Heaven
, Siuan speculates that Elaida was insanely jealous that the former was raised Amyrlin over her. This was probably one of Elaida's most motivating factors in deciding to mutiny against Siuan. In the novel Lord of Chaos
, Padan Fain
speculates that now that he has "brushed" Elaida with some of the taint of Shadar Logoth
, she "might" trust her own mother, but never Rand al'Thor. This infection from Fain might also be a source of her growing and irrational paranoia.
Fifteen years ago Toveine, and other Sitters for the Red Ajah, were exiled for their role in gentling male channelers beyond the walls of the White Tower. She is called out of exile to lead a group of fifty or so Aes Sedai to destroy the Black Tower
and to gentle and hang every man they find. Upon locating the Black Tower they are captured by Asha'man
and Toveine is subsequently Bonded by Logain
, much like Aes Sedai create Bonds with their Warders. The modified Bonds include the ability to compel unconscious obedience.
Her time at the Black Tower is not easy. She is roughed up by the other Aes Sedai who accompanied her, blaming her for their capture. Logain's other Bonded Aes Sedai, Gabrelle, tells her that the captured Sisters must unite and that they two will submit to the strongest Aes Sedai there. It is during a ride with Logain that she and Gabrelle hear Atal Mishraile tell Logain that Mazrim Taim
is letting him leave to go look for recruits. Toveine, along with Gabrelle go with him.
She ends up not looking for other recruits with Logain but locating Rand al'Thor
instead, which was Logain's plan from the start.
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...
of 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...
's The 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 Red Ajah is strongly dedicated to preventing another Breaking of the World.
Organization
Its leader is known as the Highest. Reds are rarely raised to 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...
; there have only been three throughout recorded history, including Elaida do Avriny a’Roihan
Elaida a'Roihan
Elaida 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...
, in the course of the series. The two Reds that came before Elaida were both deposed
Impeachment
Impeachment is a formal process in which an official is accused of unlawful activity, the outcome of which, depending on the country, may include the removal of that official from office as well as other punishment....
as Amyrlin, the last two Amyrlins to have been deposed before 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...
.
Traditions and purpose
The traditional purpose of the Red Ajah was to seek out and control men who can channel saidin, generally by sensing the residue left by weavings of saidin. Over time, this practice evolved into "gentling" the men by severing their ties to the One PowerOne 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...
completely. The Red Ajah has also recently undertaken a new role in world affairs: they have become intermediaries between the Aes Sedai and the Asha'man
Asha'man
The Asha'man are an organization of men who can channel the male part of the One Power, Saidin, in the fictional world of Robert Jordan's fantasy series The Wheel of Time.-Description:...
. Reds now bond Asha'man in preparation for the upcoming Tarmon Gai'don
Tarmon Gai'don
Tarmon Gai'don, or the Last Battle, is an event set in the world of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time fantasy series. The event is both feared and anticipated in the lands of the Wheel...
: it is believed that Reds have the most experience with male channelers, and are therefore the obvious choice.
Because saidin has now been cleansed of the taint, the Red Ajah is now somewhat purposeless, and author 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...
did not specify whether it will find a new direction.
Relations with other Ajahs
Reds have had a long-standing feud with the Blue Ajah. This feud began when Bonwhin, the last Red to have been made Amyrlin before Elaida, tried to control Artur Hawkwing, leading to an attempted invasion of Tar Valon and a breaking within the Tower itself. Bonwhin was replaced by a Blue sister, Deane Aryman, and the two Ajahs have been at odds ever since. This feud has recently caused another break among the Aes Sedai, starting with Siuan Sanche's deposing and ending with civil war within the Tower. Many Aes Sedai, Accepted, Novices and even servants fled the Tower for the town of Salidar, where a second, exiled White Tower was created. All Blues fled the tower, while no Reds did.Elaida
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 SancheSiuan 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...
and Moiraine Damodred
Moiraine Damodred
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.-Description:...
's second year as novices and chose the Red Ajah. From the time Siuan and Moiraine came to the Tower, Elaida made life miserable for them, pressing them so hard that other sisters often had to intervene. Her abusive and unwarranted 'help' as an already raised Aes Sedai were eventually put to an end after the then Mistress of Novices, Merean Redhill, having been informed by other concerned Accepted, threatened her with a penance as well as humiliation. Elaida bitterly resented this intervention, though, and grew to hate Siuan and Moiraine because of it. She has a strong aptitude with the One Power
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...
, but is frequently depicted as proud and foolish. She dreams of defeating the Salidar Rebels and having them kneel at her feet, and plans to build a grand palace for herself despite the ongoing crisis 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...
. In The Fires of Heaven
The Fires of Heaven
The Fires of Heaven is the fifth book in American author Robert Jordan's fantasy series The Wheel of Time. It was published by Tor Books and released on October 15, 1993....
, Siuan speculates that Elaida was insanely jealous that the former was raised Amyrlin over her. This was probably one of Elaida's most motivating factors in deciding to mutiny against Siuan. In the novel Lord of Chaos
Lord of Chaos
Lord of Chaos is the sixth book of The Wheel of Time fantasy series written by American author Robert Jordan. It was published by Tor Books and released on October 15, 1994, and was nominated for the Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel in 1995. Lord of Chaos consists of a prologue, 55 chapters, and...
, Padan Fain
Padan Fain
Padan Fain is one of the primary antagonists of The Wheel of Time fantasy series by Robert Jordan.-Peddler and Darkfriend:Padan Fain was a peddler, who became a Darkfriend in his twenties, for the promise of immortality...
speculates that now that he has "brushed" Elaida with some of the taint of Shadar Logoth
Shadar Logoth
In the fictional world of Robert Jordan's fantasy series The Wheel of Time, Shadar Logoth, formerly known as Aridhol, was a city located in what is now Andor...
, she "might" trust her own mother, but never Rand al'Thor. This infection from Fain might also be a source of her growing and irrational paranoia.
Toveine Gazal
Toveine was a Sitter until her exile. She is described as short and slightly plump with smooth copper skin, dark eyes and long glossy dark hair. She is attractive, but not beautiful.Fifteen years ago Toveine, and other Sitters for the Red Ajah, were exiled for their role in gentling male channelers beyond the walls of the White Tower. She is called out of exile to lead a group of fifty or so Aes Sedai to destroy the Black Tower
Black Tower
-Constructions:* Black Tower is a 15th century guard tower in Braşov, Romania, used today as a museum* Black Tower or Černá věž is a well-known 16th century tower in České Budějovice, Czech Republic-Written works:...
and to gentle and hang every man they find. Upon locating the Black Tower they are captured by Asha'man
Asha'man
The Asha'man are an organization of men who can channel the male part of the One Power, Saidin, in the fictional world of Robert Jordan's fantasy series The Wheel of Time.-Description:...
and Toveine is subsequently Bonded by Logain
Logain Ablar
Logain Ablar is a fictional character in Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series.-False Dragon:Logain Ablar was a False Dragon who could channel the One Power. He proclaimed himself shortly before the events of Winternight in the Two Rivers...
, much like Aes Sedai create Bonds with their Warders. The modified Bonds include the ability to compel unconscious obedience.
Her time at the Black Tower is not easy. She is roughed up by the other Aes Sedai who accompanied her, blaming her for their capture. Logain's other Bonded Aes Sedai, Gabrelle, tells her that the captured Sisters must unite and that they two will submit to the strongest Aes Sedai there. It is during a ride with Logain that she and Gabrelle hear Atal Mishraile tell Logain that Mazrim Taim
Mazrim Taim
Mazrim Taim is a character in Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time fantasy series.-Description:Taim is described as having black hair, above average in height with a dark face, tilted eyes, hooked nose and high cheekbones...
is letting him leave to go look for recruits. Toveine, along with Gabrelle go with him.
She ends up not looking for other recruits with Logain but locating 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:...
instead, which was Logain's plan from the start.
Other notable members
- Duhara Basaheen is a Domani who was Keeper of the ChroniclesKeeper of the ChroniclesKeeper 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...
to Sierin Vayu. She is currently a Sitter in the Hall. She was sent by Elaida to be the Aes Sedai advisor to Elayne, although Elayne has refused to accept her. Verin reveals that Duhara belongs to the Black Ajah. - Pevara Tazanovni is a Sitter in the White Tower and a supporter of Elaida. She is from Kandor, a nation in the Borderlands. Along with her best friend Seaine Herimon and several others, she has begun to expose the Black Ajah who have seemingly taken over the White Tower from within.
- Sashalle Anderly is a blue eyed Aes Sedai with shoulder length curly hair. She was one of the Aes Sedai who kidnapped Rand, and was stilled when he broke the shield, along with Ronaille Vevanios and Irgain Fatamed. She has since been healed by Damer Flinn and has sworn fealty to Rand.
- Silviana Brehon is the Mistress of Novices in the White Tower. She remained in the White Tower when the rebellion began; however, while 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...
was in the tower, Silviana came to respect her and eventually denounced Elaida to the Hall of the Tower. When Egwene was recognized as Amyrlin by the White Tower, Egwene raised Silviana to the post of Keeper of the ChroniclesKeeper of the ChroniclesKeeper 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...
. - Teslyn Baradon is a dark-eyed former Sitter, who was captured by the Seanchan and made damane. Mat freed her, along with Edesina Azzedin.
- Tsutama Rath had once been a Sitter until she was exiled along with Toveine Gazal and Lirene for their role in gentling male channelers beyond the walls of the White Tower. Allied with Elaida. Returned from exile, Tsutama is leader of the Red Ajah.
- Tarna Feir is an Altaran and the second Keeper of the Chronicles to Elaida. She also served as Elaida's emissary to the Aes Sedai rebels in Salidar. During her early training in the Tower, she suffered from a block rendering her unable to channel except when her eyes were closed; Galina Casban helped her overcome it.