Maiden of the Spear
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"Maiden of the Spear" is an expression used in the fictional universe of the Wheel of Time books by Robert Jordan, and also in a role-playing game based on the series.
One of the twelve Aiel warrior societies. All members of the Maidens are female. Called Far Dareis Mai in the Old Tongue.
A Maiden of the Spear is an Aiel woman that is "wed to the spear", meaning remaining single in order to dedicate herself to her profession. A maiden may give up the spear to wed a man, or if the Wise Ones choose her to be an apprentice she must give up the spear, like Aviendha.
The first maiden is seen through one of Rands ancestors eyes inside Rhuidean, and also the creation of the Aiels famour spears.
They are the one of the most touchiest of the Societies (aside from Stone Dogs and Black Eyes) when it comes to ji'e'toh and have the honor of guarding Rand al'Thor, who is the only son of a known Maiden ever to return. The Maidens act in two different ways, either mothering him or treating him like a long lost brother, regardless of age. The Maidens are especially touchy about his refusal to use them in battle, due to him being unable to see a woman die, and they also seem to treat his running away with distress as well, even once going as far as to beat him. The Maidens also have formed their own language of sorts that involves using hands and fingers. One could go as far as saying it is an early form of sign language.
Some more well known Maidens are Sulin, Bain, Chiad and Enaila.
- Further information: Aiel
