Cairhien

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In the fictional world of Robert Jordan's fantasy series The Wheel of Time, Cairhien (pronounced "KEYE-ree-EHN" according to Robert Jordan's glossaries) is a nation that borders the Spine of the World. 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. It is currently under the hand of the Dragon Reborn, Rand al'Thor. Al'Thor 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, because her father, Taringail Damodred, was of the noble house that has traditionally ruled Cairhien.

[edit] Overview

The sign of Cairhien is a golden sun rising on a field of deep blue. 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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cairhien is thought by many to be based in part on France during the reign of Louis XIV ("The Sun King") and Japan (The "Land of the Rising Sun"). The resemblance to France is deepened when one considers the years of feud with Andor, which represents England, and the link between the ruling Houses, Trakand and Damodred, both of which reflect English and French history. Cairhienin speak in a precise, clipped accent, enunciating every word. Feudalism seems to derive Cairhien as it is the nobles that hold most power and it is they who wage war, often against opposing houses, by using cavalry and the odd unit of conscripted levies..This resembles medieval France were feudalism was especially strong.