This article is about the countries, cities, towns, and other important locations that existed in Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time fantasy world prior to the events depicted in the fiction series. With the publication in 1997 of The World of Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time (often called The Guide), much of the information previously available only by gathering from the various maps and culling from the books became readily available, along with much additional, supporting detail.
Robert Jordan is very clear that the world before the Breaking was much different geographically, and thus physical descriptions must first differentiate between the planet’s appearance in the Age of Legends or “The World Since the Breaking” (after insane male Aes Sedai and the Dark One's minions shattered the world, drastically altering it geographically). At the time of the books (the Third Age: 3 millennia since the Breaking), the planet consists of the following: two major oceans (with associated seas and small islands), a northern and southern ice cap, the "Main Continent" (also called the Eastern Continent), the Seanchan continent and a continent to the southeast (Land of Madmen).[1]
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Twenty-four nations rose during and just after the War of the Hundred Years. However, by 600 NE nine of these nations had already faded away. The overrunning of Malkier in 955 NE marked the latest death of a nation.[2] These ten extinct New Era nations are the following:
This area of this former nation is now known as the Almoth Plain. Unlike many of the extinct nations, Almoth Plain still contained a significant population at the outset of the series. In the north-east corner is the town of Katar. The long peninsula of Toman Head is also settled, containing the port town of Falme.
Since the end of Almoth, the Plain has had a turbulent history; control of Almoth Plain has been hotly contested by the two surrounding states of Tarabon and Arad Doman. Neither, however, has managed to secure a permanent advantage.
Falme also witnessed the first encounter with the Seanchan Forerunners, who were, however, forced to temporarily withdraw as they were faced with opposition led by Rand al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn. This led to large numbers of Dragonsworn forming armed bands and roaming the countryside, further adding to the disorder.
Following the eventual Seanchan conquest of Tarabon, Almoth Plain became a buffer between Arad Doman and the Seanchan Empire.
It can be surmised that a significant proportion of the original population has died or been displaced by the recent turmoil.
Little is known about Caralain, which once lay to the north of Andor. These days, much of Caralain is Caralain Grass, a great expanse of largely uninhabited grassland.
Goaban
Hardan was a nation located in the north-east of the Westlands, between Shienar in the north and Cairhien in the south. The capital of Hardan was Harad Dakar. The nation faded away during the New Age. After the end of Hardan as a nation, Cairhien tried to assert control over its territory, but retreated when it became clear that the nation could not control so much land.
Irenvelle
Kintara (including the Hills of Kintara, south of Andor)
Malkier was once the northernmost of the Borderlands, buffering Shienar and Arafel from the Great Blight. It was one of the first nations formed after the War of the Hundred Years, to provide stability and security along the Blight. The warriors of Malkier, like all Borderlanders, were renowned for their martial prowess.
Malkier was famous for containing the Thousand Lakes and the Seven Towers. It is unknown exactly what these towers were, but they were perhaps the key fortresses of the kingdom. The symbol of Malkier was a golden crane in flight.
Malkier fell to the Shadow in 955 NE. A powerful noble, Cowin Gemallan, deliberately stripped the border fortresses of their garrisons, and great numbers of Trollocs invaded. Gemallan was captured by Jain Farstrider and brought back to the Seven Towers in chains, and the King, al'Akir Mandragoran, killed him in single combat. But the Trolloc presence in Malkier was by this time too strong, and there was not enough time to gain military assistance from Arafel and Shienar. Lan Mandragoran, the King's son, who was then an infant, was escorted to Fal Moran. Al'Akir and his Queen, el'Leanna, led the Malkieri to the final defeat at Herot's Crossing. Despite the Trolloc attack eventually being blunted by the combined armies of Shienar, Arafel and Kandor, the Borderlander nations were not strong enough to reconquer Malkier, which was by then firmly under Trolloc occupation, and it eventually was swallowed up by the Blight. The surviving Malkieri fled as refugees, and most found homes in the other Borderland nations.
In the years since the fall of the Seven Towers in 955 NE, much has already been forgotten. Many Malkieri have turned from the old ways, forgetting their mothers and fathers, pretending to be Shienaran, Arafellin, Kandori or Saldean. Men have unbound (no longer wear) their hadori; women no longer paint the ki'sain on their brows.
Mar Haddon (now Haddon Mirk)
Maredo once was a nation in the New Age. The capital was Far Madding in the north of the kingdom. The land faded away sometime in the New Age, and the only human populated area in the former nation now is the city-state of Far Madding.
Mosara
Artur Hawkwing conquered and unified the Westlands into a single empire; this empire subsequently fragmented during the War of the Hundred Years. Before Hawkwing's conquest, which began c. FY 943 (approximately 1,150 years before the present), the Westlands were divided among many small nations. The following 29 existed within 100 years of the end of the Trolloc Wars:
In the even earlier period before the Trolloc Wars, ten nations controlled much of the Westlands. At some time during the approximately thousand years between the ending of the Breaking and the Trolloc Wars, these ten formed a pact, the so-called Covenant of the Ten Nations. Many cities, buildings and artefacts survive from this era. Some cities have been destroyed, but with the name partly preserved in a new town constructed nearby. Examples include Fal Dara (originally Mafal Dadaranell), Cairhien (originally Al'cair'rahienallen), and Caemlyn (originally Hai Caemlyn).
The Ten Nations all had inauspicious beginnings, populated by refugees who had survived the Breaking of the World. Each grew to become larger and more powerful than the succeeding nations during the Free Years or the New Era.
Geography The nation of Aelgar encompassed the lands now known as Tarabon and Amadicia as well as the Shadow Coast. It was bordered by Safer, Manetheren, Eharon and the Aryth Ocean. The capital city of Aelgar was Ancohima; little is known about Ancohima except that it had a Waygate. Other cities in Aelgar included Shar Honelle, Condaris, and Mainelle. Condaris, like Ancohima, had its own Waygate. Mainelle was located where Tanchico now stands. The fabled lost mines of Aelgar supposedly lie in the mountains south of modern day Amadicia.
Formation, Government and Nobility Like the other nations in its time, Aelgar was formed after the Breaking of the World. King Remedan the Goldentongued was the ruler who signed the Compact on behalf of Aelgar. Nothing else about the government or nobility is known.
After the Trolloc Wars Aelgar was one of the few nations that survived the Wars. However, it was so weakened by the forces of the Shadow that it soon fell due to this fragility. It was succeeded by the nations of Balasun and Kharendor, and eventually Tarabon.
Geography The nation of Almoren lay in the area that is now known as Cairhien, and bordered on what is now known as the Spine of the World. Almoren also bordered on the lands that were held by Tar Valon and the Aes Sedai of the White Tower. The capital city of Almoren was Al'cair'rahienallen, which bears some resemblance to the name of the modern-day capital of Cairhien. During the construction of this city, the Ogier built a Waygate here. The only other city that is known of from Almoren is Jennshain.
Formation, Government and Nobility The nation of Almoren was formed after the Breaking of the World. The ruler who signed the Compact on behalf of Almoren was King Coerid Nosar. Other than this, of the government we know only that at one time before the Trolloc Wars, Almoren was ruled by a Queen.
After the Trolloc Wars The nation of Almoren fell to the Shadow during the Wars. The date of its fall is not known, only the fact that Almoren did not survive. According to the maps, Ileande and Hamarea, and later Cairhien, grew out of the ruins of Almoren.
Geography The nation of Aramaelle was located in what is now Malkier, Shienar, and the unclaimed territory to its southwest. It was one of the two nations whose northern border actually extended well into the Mountains of Dhoom. To the west lay Aridhol, to the north-west Jaramide, Coremanda to the south, and the land held by Tar Valon was located to the east. The capital city of Aramaelle was Mafal Dadaranell; this city was located where Fal Dara is now situated. During the construction of Mafal Dadaranell, a Waygate was constructed by the Ogier.[3] The only other cities of Aramaelle whose names we know were Anolle'sanna, Cuebiyarsande and Rhahime Naille.
Formation, Government and Nobility The nation of Aramaelle was formed after the Breaking of the World. When the Compact was signed, Mabriam en Shereed, a ta'veren Aes Sedai of the Gray Ajah, was queen of Aramaelle. Mabriam en Shereed was very instrumental in the formation of the Compact. One legendary character, Kirukan, was the warrior queen of Aramaelle who carried the Sword of Kirukan that is now wielded by the Swordbearer of Kandor.
After the Trolloc Wars The nation of Aramaelle fell to the Shadow during the Wars. The date of its fall is not known, only the fact that Aramaelle did not survive. According to the maps, Rhamdashar, and later Shienar and Malkier, grew out of the ruins of Aramaelle.
Geography The nation of Coremanda was located in what is now known as eastern Andor. To the south it was bordered by Eharon to the southwest and Essenia to the southeast. To the west was Manetheren, with Aridhol to the northwest, Aramaelle to the north, and Tar Valon and Almoren to the northeast. The capital city of Coremanda was Shaemal, famous for its crystal dome. Other cities included Braem (now New Braem), Hai Caemlyn (now Caemlyn), and Nailine Samfara. There were Waygates at Shaemal, Braem and Hai Caemlyn.
Formation, Government and Nobility Like the other nations in its time, Coremanda was formed after the Breaking of the World. The ruler of Coremanda who signed the Compact was King Ladoman.
Before the Trolloc Wars Before the Trolloc Wars began, supposedly the whole world envied Coremanda's splendor and might.[4] Nothing else is known.
After the Trolloc Wars The Trolloc Wars took a heavy toll upon the nation of Coremanda. Braem and Shaemal were completely destroyed during the Wars.[5][6] By the end of the wars, the entire nation of Coremanda was destroyed. Some ruins of Coremanda can still be seen along the Tar Valon road.[7] According to the maps, Aldeshar, Dal Calain, Caebarin and part of Nerevan, and later a great part of Andor, grew out of the ruins of Coremanda.
Geography The nation of Eharon was located on the Sea of Storms, largely covering the same area as present-day Altara and Illian. Eharon was bordered on the west by Aelgar, the north-west by Manetheren, the north-east by Coremanda, and the east by Essenia. The capital city of Eharon was Londaren Cor, which had a waygate. Other cities of importance included Barashta, the predecessor to Ebou Dar, and Dorelle Caromon, located where Illian now stands. Both of these cities contained Waygates as well.[3]
Formation, Government and Nobility Like the other nations in its time, Eharon was formed after the Breaking of the World. The ruler of Eharon who signed the Compact of Ten Nations was King Temanin. The only other thing we know about the ruling of Eharon is that, at some time, there was a king named Maecine.[8]
After the Trolloc Wars Eharon was one of the nations that survived the Trolloc Wars, though it was very weak. Within a short amount of time, according to the maps, the nation of Shiota, and later, Altara and Illian, grew out of the eventual ruins of Eharon.
Geography The nation of Essenia was located in what is now known as Tear and the Plains of Maredo. To the north was Coremanda, with Eharon to the west and the Spine of the World to the east. The capital city of Essenia was Aren Mador, which eventually became the city of Far Madding as it is today. Other cities of Essenia included Dalsande and Tear. There were Waygates built at Aren Mador and Tear.
Formation, Government and Nobility Like the other nations in its time, Essenia was formed after the Breaking of the World. The ruler of Essenia who signed the Compact of Ten Nations was First Lord Cristol.
Before the Trolloc Wars Before the Trolloc Wars began, Essenia was known for its philosophers and seats of learning.[4] Nothing else is known.
After the Trolloc Wars Essenia was one of the nations that survived the Trolloc Wars, though it soon succumbed to its own fragility. According to the maps, the nations of Fergansea, Moreina, Talmour and Esandara, and later Tear and the Plains of Maredo, grew out of the ruins of Essenia. Essenia was one of the Ten Nations. Although it survived the Trolloc Wars, the resulting chaos after the Trollocs were defeated caused Essenia to fall from within. Essenia was famous for its philosophers and seats of learning. The capital city was Aren Mador (Far Madding). Other important cities were Tear and Dalsande.
Geography The nation of Jaramide was located in what is now known as Saldaea and Arad Doman. To the southeast lay Aramaelle and to the south Aridhol and Safer. To the north was the Blight. Jaramide was one of the two nations that had a border actually reaching into the Mountains of Dhoom. The capital city of Jaramide was Derenbar, where Maradon is now located. Other cities included Allorallen (now Bandar Eban), Barsine, Canaire'somelle and Nashebar. There was a Waygate in Derenbar.
Formation, Government and Nobility Like the other nations in its time, Jaramide was formed after the Breaking of the World. The ruler of Jaramide who signed the Compact of Ten Nations was High Queen Egoridin. Around 325 AB, Comaelle was High Queen.
After the Trolloc Wars Though the fall of Barsine marked the beginning of the Trolloc Wars, Jaramide was one of the nations that survived the Wars. However, it soon fell due to its fragility. According to the maps, Abayan, Basharande and part of Indrahar, and later Saldaea and Arad Doman, grew from the ruins of Jaramide.
Geography The ancient nation of Manetheren was centred on the present-day Two Rivers, and extended south into what is now Ghealdan. Its borders ran almost all the way to Murandy.[9] Its capital city, also called Manetheren, stood close to the village of Emond's Field. The city of Manetheren had a Waygate, built during the construction of the city, and an Ogier Grove said to be the most beautiful in the world except that at Tar Valon. Other than Manetheren, the names of only three other cities are known: Corartheren, Jara'copan and Shanaine. Nothing is known about Corartheren, but we know the approximate locations of the other two. Jara'copan was located somewhere south of the capital city, in the foothills of the Mountains of Mist, and Jehannah now stands were Shanaine was located.
Formation, Government and Nobility The nation of Manetheren was formed after the Breaking of the World. At the time when the Compact of Ten Nations was formed, Manetheren was ruled by Sorella ay Marena. Some time before the Trolloc Wars (exactly when is not known), a man named Buiryn was a ruler of Manetheren. He was defeated by Aedomon of Safer at Midean's Ford. During the Trolloc Wars, at the time of Aridhol's collapse, Thorin al Toren al Ban was king of Manetheren. It is unlikely that Thorin's son, Caar, succeeded him, as Caar died in the Borderlands after escaping from Aridhol. Likely, the throne passed straight to the last king, Thorin's grandson Aemon.
Before the Trolloc Wars Little is known about Manetheren before the Trolloc Wars except that there was some degree of tension between Manetheren and the nation of Safer. Some time before the Trolloc Wars began, King Aedomon of Safer defeated Manetheren at Midean's Ford.[10]
Trolloc Wars During the Trolloc Wars, Manetheren was one of the strongest opponents of the Shadow and was said to be a thorn in the Dark One's Foot. Manetheren was considered to be the "sword that could not be broken." The men and women were brave, and fought with all they had to defeat the forces of the Dark One. When Aridhol fell to the Shadow, King Thorin of Manetheren sent his son, Caar, to try to bring the people of Aridhol back to the Light. Caar was imprisoned, escaping and becoming known as Caar One-Hand, but was forced to flee to the Borderlands, where he perished. In the days of Caar's son Aemon, a great Trolloc army attacked Manetheren. Aemon and his soldiers held the crossings of the Tarendrelle against overwhelming odds for ten days, but were betrayed by the Amyrlin Seat, Tetsuan,[11] who persuaded other nations not to send reinforcements. Driven back to Emond's Field, Aemon and his remaining forces were surrounded and killed. His queen, Eldrene, used the One Power to kill the opposing generals, but killed herself and destroyed the city of Manetheren in the process, and the nation collapsed.
After the Trolloc Wars By the time the Trolloc Wars came to an end, Manetheren had been completely destroyed. Eventually, the descendants of this great nation came to forget who they had been, and even about Manetheren itself. Today, all that remains of the city are broken shards of glass and melted rock. According to the maps, Farashelle and Dowlan, and later part of Andor and Ghealdan, grew out of the ruins of Manetheren.
Geography The nation of Safer was located in what is now known as Almoth Plain and Toman Head. The Aryth Ocean was located to the west, with Jaramide to the north, Aridhol, Coremanda and Manetheren to the east, and Aelgar to the south. The capital city was Iman, where Katar now stands. Other cities in Safer included Miereallen (now Falme) and Shainrahien. There was a Waygate in Iman.
Formation, Government and Nobility Like the other nations in its time, Safer was formed after the Breaking of the World. The ruler of Safer who signed the Compact of Ten Nations was Eawynd. At one point in time, before the Trolloc Wars, there was a king of Safer named Aedomon.
Before the Trolloc Wars Little is known of Safer before the Trolloc Wars. However, there must have been some animosity between Safer and Manetheren; at the battle of Midean's Ford, king Aedomon of Safer wiped out Buiryn and the forces of Manetheren.
After the Trolloc Wars Safer was one of the Ten Nations to survive the Trolloc Wars. However, it was greatly weakened and soon disappeared. According to the maps, Darmovan, Oman Dashar, and Elan Dapor, and later Almoth Plain, Toman Head and part of Arad Doman, grew out of the ruins of Safer. Safer lay in the area most recently known as Almoth Plain and Toman Head. During the time of the signing of the Compact, the ruler was King Eawynd.
The world was considerably different prior to The Breaking of the world.
As remembered by the forsaken Aran'gar in chapter 3 of Knife of Dreams the "Gardens" were a place of exceptional art and beauty that contained immense stylized sculptures of people and animals by an artist named Cormalinde Masoon. Fine wines and meals were served there and patrons could gamble at the chinje wheels. Ansaline Gardens was destroyed by the third year of the War of the Shadow.
Adanza was one of the great cities of the Age of Legends, before the Breaking of the World.[12]
Comelle was the third-largest city in the Age of Legends. It was built along a steep coastline, with structures of glass, crystal and metal clinging to the rocks like a bursting flower overlooking the sea. Like all cities in the Age of Legends, Comelle housed a great number of chora trees. Little else is known about this city.
Devaille was one of the great cities of the Age of Legends, before the Breaking of the World. When Graendal announced to the world that she had turned to the Shadow, Devaille was seized by Darkfriends and Trollocs before the day was done.[12]
Emar Dal was one of the great cities of the Age of Legends, before the Breaking of the World.[12]
Halidar was one of the great cities of the Age of Legends, before the Breaking of the World.[12]
Jalanda was one of the great cities of the Age of Legends, before the Breaking of the World.[12]
Kemali was one of the great cities of the Age of Legends, before the Breaking of the World.[12]
Londaren Cor was one of the great cities of the Age of Legends, before the Breaking of the World.[12]
Mar Ruois was one of the great cities of the Age of Legends, before the Breaking of the World. When Mar Ruois was taken by the Shadow during the War of Power, it was burned to the ground and everyone who would not swear to the Shadow was burned alive.[12][13]
M'Jinn was one of the great cities of the Age of Legends, before the Breaking of the World. Before turning to the Shadow, Eval Ramman (Forsaken Balthamel) held a position at an institute of higher learning in M'Jinn.[12][14]
Paaran Disen was the largest city in the Age of Legends, and the location of the central seat of government. It also housed the Hall of the Servants, which housed the central government of the Aes Sedai. Apart from being a political center, Paaran Disen was also known as the fairest of cities in the Age of Legends, said to contain wonders of architectural genius. The Hall of the Servants was one of these spectacular buildings. During the War of Power, Lews Therin defeated Forsaken Ishamael at the gates of Paaran Disen. At the end of the War of Power the Forsaken and an army took Paaran Disen, and the city was burned to the ground. Soon after the fall of Paaran Disen the citizens of the city left during the Breaking of the World.
Paaran Disen can be compared with Athens during its golden age and with Rome, where the Hall of Servants can be compared with the Senate building. It is also worth mentioning that the name is similar to "Paradise", and that the "Hall of Servants" is similar to the angelic hierarchy.
Paral was one of the great cities of the Age of Legends, before the Breaking of the World.[12]
The city of Shorelle was a port and the birthplace of Forsaken Asmodean
Tsomo Nasalle was one of the great cities of the Age of Legends, before the Breaking of the World.[12]
Tzora was one of the great cities of the Age of Legends. During the Breaking, a male Aes Sedai driven mad by the taint named Jaric Mondoran killed thousands of Aiel one at a time while they sang to him trying to remind him who he had been, then turned the entire city of Tzora into a lake of glass with the One Power. The sacrifice the Aiel made allowed the inhabitants to flee the city before its destruction[14]
V'saine was one of the great cities in the Age of Legends and was best known as the home of the Collam Daan, in itself a masterpiece of silver and blue domes, which together with the great white floating sphere called the Sharom, was the leading center for research and development. It is known that the Forsaken Mesaana was denied a place at this research institute, and it is said that this made her turn to the Shadow.
When the hole in the Bore was drilled, the backlash destroyed most of the Collam Daan, the Sharom included. The following is a quote from The Shadow Rising, Chapter 26, describing the destruction of the Sharom.
"What seemed a tiny chip of white spun away from the Sharom in a jet of black fire; it descended, deceptively slow, insignificant. Then a hundred gouts spurted everywhere around the huge white sphere. The Sharom broke apart like an egg and began to drift down, falling, an obsidian inferno. Darkness spread across the sky, swallowing the sun in unnatural night, as if the light of those flames was blackness. People were screaming, screaming everywhere."
V'saine can be compared with Alexandria, as it was also a place of great learning, and Collam Daan resembles the Great Library of Alexandria.
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