[jbcohen]

Would someone please explain the Aiel - I am going crazy. What is the difference between their septs, clans and societies? Can one individual be a member on one sept, one clan and one society at the same time? Is one born into a clan? Who or what are the Stone Dogs? How do the Maidens of the spear relate to the septs, clans and societies? Who are the Wise Ones and why are they running down hills? Who are the Shado and why do they dislike Ran? Why would I carry a grey shawl in my pocket in case someone got into a fight ? Why would someone dance the spears? If I had a near-sister or near-brother what relationship would they be to me in the real world? Why are the Aiel splintered and need to be re-united as their prophecy says will happen?

[Lady Fox]

Hmmmm, have you read the books? Most of those subjects are pretty much covered. Maybe you just haven't read far enough. I do remember that Aiel society was kind of confusing at first. Read on.

[kray3]

hi
ill try and answer what i can offhand, unfortunatly i dont have the books at hand to look the rest up


SPOILER WARNING
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Ok..
The wise one's are the female magic users of the Aiel, (the aiel version of an AesSedai). And im not sure why they are running downhills offhand.

The Shaido, they hate rand because he is an outsider trying to lead all the clans. But there is more, their leader is trying to claim the Dragon Reborn title (Aiel call it something else, but can't think of what) for himself, and since rand stands in his way he hates him.

To dance the spears is to fight. And they carry a grey shawl because they must cover their faces with a shawl when they fight. Hence if you see an aiel wearing a shawl you should run.

hopefully this didnt confuse you more.
ill come back and edit this if i rember any more about them.

Edit.. added the spoiler space

[This message has been edited by kray3 (edited January 24, 2002).]

[ChrisW]

What is the difference between their septs, clans and societies?

Umm i'll probably stuff this up but i shall try.

A society is a group of warriors. ie stone dogs and Maidens of the Spear.

Clans are mad up of Septs.

Can one individual be a member on one sept, one clan and one society at the same time?

yes. Just imagine that a Clan is a State and a sept is a town in that state. Societies have nothing to do with Clans and Septs.

[jbcohen]

What is an Aiel scoiety?

and yes, I did read the books, its just that the aiel always confused me throughout all of the books.

[Bond]

Aiel societies seemed to strike me as some sort of subgrouping similar to the marines, navy, air force, and army, without the specialized distinctions or something like a military fraternity/sorority, boy scout troop, team, faction, or what else have you. I may be mistaken but I thought the Stone Dogs and Maidens of the Spear are examples of societies.

Don't get "society" mixed up with the general definition. Clan is a large grouping of which sept is a subgroup. Societies seem to exist as a different classification system and it is unclear to me too just how large or small they are. I really doubt they number as large as a clan. Maybe they're the size of a sept but I think they're even smaller. I cannot recall the qualifications one needs to be a member of a society, if you need to belong in the same sept or the like.

Rand is the Caracarn or something like that.

[This message has been edited by Bond (edited January 25, 2002).]

[ChrisW]

Ok this should clear it up for you. I've quoted a bit from the guide but shortened it a bit as i'm a slow typer http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif.

The Aiel consist of 12 clans, 13 if you count the extinct Jenn. Each clan is made up of many septs. In addition the warriors themselves are divided into 12 societies.
e.g. Seia Doon(Black Eyes), Far Aldazar Din(Brothers of the Eagle),Aethan Dor(Red Shields),Shae'en M'taal(Stone Dogs).
Each has its own customs, and sometimes it has a specific duty. For example, Red Shields act as police, and Stone Dogs are often used as rear guards during retreats, while Maidens of the Spear are often scouts. Raids and Battles between clans have been commonplace since the first clans were formed, but the members of the same society will not fight each other even when there clans do so.

jbcohen the Guide is now out in paperback. Its a good read if you really want to learn about the different countries and the history of the world.

[This message has been edited by Caldazar (edited January 25, 2002).]

[saintjon]

They have a spiritual messiah called Muad'dib and they're addicted to spice, too.

*LOL* I'm just kidding.

[Lady Fox]

Very funny, Saintjon. You will now be given over to the Wise Women whereupon you will be birched and forced to run naked through the camp. You have toh.
;-)

[jbcohen]

What is this toh? If someone has an extreemly lack of Ji, what is wrong with them?