Aes Sedai marked by unappealing qualities”

[Caelan Arendor]

While reading The Wheel of Time, I often encountered passages in which I struggled not to fall into the all-too-familiar clichés surrounding gender roles. The Aes Sedai in particular made it almost impossible for me to adopt a positive—or even neutral—attitude toward them.

 

How do many, though not all, of these female wielders of magic present themselves to the initially unbiased reader? They display a certain, at times considerable, arrogance toward non-channelers, making sure the common folk feel it, while leaving any trace of interpersonal empathy aside.

 

They cultivate secrecy and suppress vital information not only from the general populace but even within their own ranks. For instance, the very existence of the Black Ajah is categorically denied, though knowledge of them might, under certain circumstances, prevent misfortune.

 

The Ajahs themselves are often divided, guarding their secrets and meeting one another with suspicion—fertile ground for the eventual fracture of the White Tower. Jealousy, elitism, and pride lay the foundation for the institution’s decline.

 

I don’t intend to dampen the enthusiasm of devoted readers, nor to offend anyone; but isn’t this forum meant to welcome a diversity of viewpoints?

 

In future blog posts, I intend to articulate the character flaws of the individual Ajahs, and I look forward to your responses.