Where has it ever been shown that Taim is gay? - Edit 1
Before modification by Curie at 10/11/2009 09:58:16 AM
Third; and this seems pretty minor given everything you said, but where has it ever been shown that Taim is gay? We haven't seen much of his character in the last few books but I never picked up on any clues that may have been there. I don't think I've heard anyone else ever bring this up.
The possibility of male homosexual practices in the Black Tower were discussed in Wotmania, if I remember correctly, in years 2000-2001. Discussion was triggered by following fragment of Toveine’s PoV:
“Last night”, Sandomiere said after moment, “I learned that Mishraile is having private lessons from M’Hael”. He stroked his pointed beard with satisfaction, as if he produced a gem of great price”.
Perhaps he had, but Toveine could not say what kind. Logain nodded slowly. The others exchanged silent looks with faces that may be carved.” (WH, Prologue “Snow”).
Second hint was from Gabrelle’s PoV in next book:
“The newcomer [ Mishraile] was almost as tall, as Logain, with waves of golden hair to his wide shoulders and a winnig smile. She suspected, he knew it was a winning smile. He was too pretty not to know, much more beautiful than Logain. Life’s forges had hardened Logain’s face, and left edges. This young man was smooth, yet. Still the Sword and the Dragon decorated his coat collar” […] “ His smile slid into smirk, disdainful and not at all winning. “Maybe if you ask the M’Hael, he’ll let you join his classes at the palace. You wouldn’t be bored them”.( CoT, Prologue “Glimmers of the Pattern”).
It is widely known, that internal organization of the Black Tower, in some way, is similar to the structure and regulations of yhe Die Sturmabteilungen der NSDAP, or SA, established in Germany by Hitler in 1920. Inside SA was unit named Die Schutzstaffeln der NSDAP, or SS, organized in 1925. Members of SS were clad in black uniforms, with distinctions on collar. From 1931, on the top of SA was Ernst Rohm, second to Hitler only. He was killed by order of Hitler during the Night of Long Knives, July 1st, 1934. Rohm was a known gay. He successfully promoted homosexual practices and homosexual friendship between members of SA. Training courses ( “classes” in BT) for young adepts of SA usually ended with orgies. Rohm willingly arranged quick promotion of his young, pretty, blond aide-de-camps. After death of Rohm, his successor Himmler banned officially homosexual practices inside SA, and slowly dismantled this organization. He developed SS instead.
Mishraile recently was a messenger of Moridin to Graendal. “ The youth stood still, just two steps into the room. And my, he was attractive! Pale golden hair as was so rare in many parts of the world, green eyes that shimmered like moss-grown pools, a lithe figure taut with just enough muscle. Greandal clicked her tongue. Was Moridin trying to temp her by sending his very most pretty, or was the choice coincidental?”. (tGS, Prologue, “What the storm means”).
Good for him. I expect Mishraile going in glory, and having much pleasure, even if for very short time.