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I'll cash that check, but I doubt my bank will care much. Phelix Send a noteboard - 01/01/2010 06:49:25 PM
Not at all, but a lack of context implies the most basic meaning. A highly specific meaning does not make sense for the unmodified word.

Inherently the AS themselves provide the context to the word, giving it the highly specific connotation.


But they don't give it the highly specific meaning that Fionwe proposed. Where do we hear an Aes Sedai go on about how their noble order exists to serve the pattern? Why don't any of the Forsaken mention that highly specific meaning when they mock the modern Aes Sedai?

Because Moiraine is the most reliable source.

Normally I'd agree with you, but in this case she's actually spot on


I disagree. She is reading the Old Tongue as a modern translator, not as a fluent speaker. I doubt Mierin ever wonders what is meant by tel'aran'rhiod.

The context does that to the word "aiel." During the AoL there were thousands of years of the Aiel serving Aes Sedai. If that had not happened, the word would not have taken on the subtext of such deep dedication.

Actually it's just as possible that the word Aiel was applied to them because of the meaning. What I'm getting at is that servants of the servants were given the name Aiel when they "signed" the Covenant with the AS. Just a random thought.


Possible, yes.

Except for the fact that not a single person in 12 main line, one prequel, and one "Encyclopedia" have mentioned this alternate meaning? Sure, "sedai" could have alternate meanings, but we have absolutely no evidence that it does. As such, we should assume the most common translation while reading it, not a far fetched meaning that includes high philosophic concepts.

Seems to me that when a word like sedai, or aiel or asha'man is made into a Title it adds a new level to the existing meaning of the word. Much like calling someone a dragon lady means she's a b*tch, but calling Min a Dragon Lady means something totally different. When Rand describes the meaning of asha'man as being a guardian, but more, it makes me think that Aes Sedai is in fact a "servant", but more... I don't recall ever being told what exactly the AS serve, and given the quasi-religious function of the Tower I don't think it's a stretch to view them as Servants of the Light (or the Pattern, or the Creator etc...). Although in the AoL it seems likely that the meaning was probably somewhat different as the AS had vastly different public roles than the current group.


One could view them as Servants of the Light, or the Pattern, or the Creator, but that would be unsupported by the text. We are told that Aes Sedai are "Servants of All" implying honor through public service. No one says a thing about there being any implication of serving the pattern.

As you mention, the title came from the AoL AS, and they were a different kettle of fish than the current lot. I doubt the half-trained girls who founded the tower would change the meaning of what their mentors did.
I was Phelix on wotmania, I will always be Phelix in the "real" world, and now I am Phelix on RAFO.

You will make all kinds of mistakes; but as long as you are generous and true and also fierce you cannot hurt the world or even seriously distress her.- Churchill

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It just occured to me Etzel - 31/12/2009 10:12:12 AM 1369 Views
I tink they did ursidae - 31/12/2009 10:52:32 AM 657 Views
Yeah, you are right, checked it. For example, Mierin Sedai is mentioned! *NM* Etzel - 31/12/2009 11:02:11 AM 508 Views
Re: It just occured to me Mysteria Indictus - 31/12/2009 11:07:29 AM 658 Views
Yeah, if you compare it to the Catholic Church... Etzel - 31/12/2009 11:34:49 AM 636 Views
Re: Yeah, if you compare it to the Catholic Church... Gerbeaud - 31/12/2009 02:20:32 PM 561 Views
In a democracy though... Silence_DoGood - 31/12/2009 02:38:21 PM 507 Views
Re: Yeah, if you compare it to the Catholic Church... Kieran - 31/12/2009 04:30:58 PM 561 Views
Depends on what the actual translation is... fionwe1987 - 31/12/2009 04:49:54 PM 546 Views
The translation... Phelix - 31/12/2009 06:17:07 PM 522 Views
Look at M'Hael fionwe1987 - 31/12/2009 08:12:35 PM 549 Views
No... Phelix - 31/12/2009 08:19:18 PM 499 Views
And Sedai is not a title? fionwe1987 - 31/12/2009 08:47:03 PM 582 Views
Nope, it is an honorific. Phelix - 31/12/2009 09:31:37 PM 649 Views
You're really splitting hairs... fionwe1987 - 01/01/2010 04:06:02 PM 737 Views
That's why I said I was. Phelix - 01/01/2010 06:19:22 PM 648 Views
My 2 cents... which may only be worth 1 darius_sedai - 01/01/2010 06:39:52 PM 624 Views
I'll cash that check, but I doubt my bank will care much. Phelix - 01/01/2010 06:49:25 PM 623 Views
Re: I'll cash that check, but I doubt my bank will care much. darius_sedai - 01/01/2010 07:27:57 PM 638 Views
Re: I'll cash that check, but I doubt my bank will care much. Phelix - 01/01/2010 07:37:17 PM 605 Views
Re: I'll cash that check, but I doubt my bank will care much. darius_sedai - 01/01/2010 08:08:58 PM 640 Views
Re: I'll cash that check, but I doubt my bank will care much. Phelix - 01/01/2010 09:05:45 PM 607 Views
I think we're pretty much in agreement darius_sedai - 01/01/2010 09:26:26 PM 625 Views
I'd agree with that. Phelix - 01/01/2010 10:20:52 PM 571 Views
I think it's a pride of humility thing.... Phelix - 31/12/2009 06:24:17 PM 579 Views
I think it's meant to be more like "public servant" than "household help" or "farmhand" BlackAdder - 31/12/2009 07:11:28 PM 461 Views
They don't care. The meaning of the honorific is irrelevant - all significance comes from context Cannoli - 01/01/2010 06:08:40 AM 543 Views
I Agree Yondaime - 01/01/2010 08:36:40 AM 496 Views
Re: I Agree Watcher - 01/01/2010 03:04:18 PM 489 Views
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