The Aiel Waste [The Strangest Places in the Wheel of Time]

[@TheNightrider88]

I have some uncanny associations with Aiel. So, here goes my warped train of thought: 1) They are not only white, but also even "Celtic" phenotype traits. 2) They live in harsh arid region, that isn't their ancestral home. 3) They are heavily militarized, and known for being fierce and effective light infantry. 4) And their traditional costume is, in fact, rather modern camouflaged battledress (especially evident when books mention that patches of green were added to its coloration). So I feel some Rhodesian vibe... As for veil, British army issued scrim nets to use as veils and headdress from 1942, and most former imperial territories, Rhodesia included, used them as as very practical item. Well, at least I can't unsee it. Also, have you ever noticed that in WoT red often is the color of internal security? Red Ajah, Aiel Red Shields, even in Mat' Band. And as far I know, red is the color of military police only in UK and Commonwealth.

[@wyn_wyzard]

Absolutely love what you wrote here. I totally agree about the Celtic resemblance. I’m a chunk Scottish myself so maybe that’s why I love them so much haha. In regard to your comments on red, that’s not something I’d noticed but I totally agree! My plan is that when I’ve finished the strangest places series I want to go back and make one massive video (2-3 hours) where I edit and add stuff I missed here and there so I’ll have to do some research on the Rodesians!

[@wyn_wyzard]

I just pinned this comment because I think it adds even more context to what I wanted to bring up here!

[@TheNightrider88]

@@wyn_wyzard Also, I remember that another known parallel for Aiel is Twelve Tribes of Israel (plus Tribe of Levi that had no land, but in charge of Temple).

[@TheNightrider88]

@@wyn_wyzard What is even funnier that here is mountain range known as Drakensberg (literally Dragons' Mountains!) in the eastern South Africa.

[@ManSeekingMeaning]

I’d like to add these breakdowns - full of original art, unbiased language, and well researched material an resources - really help me with my own writing. Cheers.

[@wyn_wyzard]

Thank you so much for the high praise! Going over the detail of the wheel of time also really inspires my own writing so I’m happy I can help you too in some way!

[@TaoJohn]

Original art? Where? All I see is AI slop.

[@musewinter9369]

So excited!

[@ManSeekingMeaning]

Glad to see you’re still around and making these videos. Thank you for reminding me of how incredible the world Jordan made is. Your editing is getting better, and your supplementary art is fantastic. If anything, I feel like these high quality videos take a lot of time to make, and I wish your efforts were better rewarded. Keep up the great work. As an aside, any chance we’ll ever get a Silmarillion series of midjourney character renditions? I think you’d knock the likes of Turin, Feanor, Melkor etc out of the park.

[@wyn_wyzard]

Thank you for noticing the editing! I worked on this video over the course of a few months and even within the video I think you can see the editing getting better! In regard to the response to the videos I’m just glad some people enjoy them and even if they don’t get a ton of views I’m having so much fun making them. In regard to the silmarillion I’m unfortunately a bit of a pleb when it comes to all that. Definitely something I’m interested in but haven’t gotten around to reading it myself although I have watched countless videos about it. Nothing in the cards at the moment but I’ll see what I can come up with!

[@lyndamackenzie3384]

So great! Well done. I can see you put a great deal of work into this!

[@wotoholicaussie5086]

nice work - not overcomplicated (a plus) but comprehensive

[@soulfyre6521]

I love the Aiel Waste setting so much some light-novel writer pleaseee make a story about a clan chief's rise to local power

[@davidplowman6149]

Quick historical note: the Silk Road failed for Europeans mainly because the Ottomans partly cut it off at the same time Europeans were developing deep water navigation. They just around Africa to India and the rest of Asia and bought silk (or stole silk worms).

[@jonathangooding5020]

Nice job, a good summary for anyone wanting to know the Aiel after finishing book 4 - liked the effor tto go into Jordan's inspiration for them. Where did you get the images for the cities like Ruidean, Paran Disen and other age of legends places ? They're pretty cool

[@wyn_wyzard]

I rendered them with midjourney! If you want them let me know and I can upload them somewhere!

[@ClassifiedExperiment]

I'd love to see Luc/Isam. :)

[@TheNightrider88]

Hi again. I see you're good with image-generating AI so I came up with idea of WoT cosmogram, that would represent various forces of powers. Like this: The Wheel of Time at the Center: At the heart of the cosmogram would be the iconic Wheel of Time with its seven spokes, symbolizing the seven Ages through which the world cycles. The Wheel could be represented in a way that suggests constant motion, reflecting the ceaseless turning of the Ages. The True Source Surrounding the Wheel: Encircling the Wheel would be a depiction of the True Source, the energy that drives the Wheel. The True Source could be visually divided into two halves: Saidin (Male half): Traditionally associated with a flame or represented with a more chaotic, jagged pattern. Saidar (Female half): Often symbolized with a smooth, flowing design, reminiscent of water or a gentle swirl. The Pattern Encompassing Everything: Beyond the Wheel and the True Source would be the Pattern, which could be shown as a complex tapestry or woven fabric encompassing all other symbols. This illustrates that everything exists within the confines of the Pattern. Symbols of the Creator and the Dark One: The Creator: A single, unbroken circle or a radiant sun could symbolize the Creator, representing perfection, light, and creation. This could be placed above the Wheel, shining down upon it. The Dark One: In contrast, a symbol for the Dark One could be a shrouded or shadowed area, such as a dark cloud or a closed eye, placed opposite the Creator, below the Wheel, indicating imprisonment and the antithesis of the Creator's light. Ta'veren: To represent ta'veren-individuals around whom the Wheel weaves the Pattern especially tightly-three distinct, radiant thread-lines should converge within the Pattern, each leading to a figure that stands out within the tapestry. These lines could emanate from the Wheel, indicating the direct influence of the Wheel's turning on the lives of these individuals. Connecting Lines and Symbols of the Power: The One Power: It should flow from the True Source into the Pattern, with intricate lines suggesting the weaving of the Power by channelers. Perhaps using a glowing effect or shimmering threads to highlight its presence. Five-Pointed Star or Other Elemental Symbols: As the One Power is divided into five elements (Earth, Fire, Water, Air, and Spirit), these could be shown around the True Source, indicating the various flows of the Power. The Creator Above All: The symbol of the Creator would be at the very top of the cosmogram to symbolize that the Creator is the ultimate force, transcendent and supreme over all. The divine light or sun could be shown casting its rays downwards, touching all elements of the cosmogram. The Dark One Opposed and Sealed: The symbol of the Dark One would be directly below the Wheel, signifying that while the Dark One is immensely powerful, he is still beneath the Creator in the hierarchy and is bound by the Wheel's turning. The Wheel of Time as the Instrument of the Creator: The Wheel would be placed centrally below the Creator, indicating that it is the primary tool through which the Creator's will is expressed across the Ages. The Wheel would be the largest symbol to indicate its central role in the cosmology. The True Source as the Manifestation of the Creator's Power: Encircling the Wheel, the True Source can be visualized as a dual wave or yin-yang pattern, signifying the balance of saidin and saidar. This encirclement presents the True Source as the immediate expression of the Creator's power, which is necessary for the turning of the Wheel and the existence of the Pattern. The Pattern as the Fabric of Reality: The Pattern surrounds and includes all other symbols (except for the Creator and the Dark One), as it constitutes the fabric of reality woven by the Wheel. Ta'veren can be shown as distinct threads within this Pattern, indicating they play a crucial role, yet still operate within the confines of the larger design. Threads of the One Power: Representations of channelers or Aes Sedai could be illustrated on the boundary of the Pattern, with thread-lines showing their connection to the True Source, emphasizing that while they wield significant power, they are still only agents within the grand scheme. Elemental Symbols Within the True Source: The five-pointed star or other elemental symbols would be subtly interwoven within the True Source, showing they are sub-components of saidin and saidar, signifying that the elements themselves are not primal forces but rather aspects of the One Power.

[@TaoJohn]

"Good with generating images"? Are you joking? This video looks awful.

[@TricksterDaemon-jw9hi]

BEH dooin. Stress on the first syllable :)

[@eldingar7341]

Where did you get that amazing map from?

[@hansolav5924]

I am convinced the pronounciation of Rhuidean involves a clear 'An'. de-an.

[@phillipj1135]

Bed-O-win Bedouin is how I here it pronounced but you do you.

[@wyn_wyzard]

Oop my bad

[@Omar-n6p2u]

What about sacsayhuaman

[@patrickducloux7523]

Nice video, but Iv'e always seens the Aiel waste as huge plothole and mess of a contradictions. There a multiple passages in the books where the Aiel mention that they have never seen rain in their lives. Even in the Sahara it rains at least once a year, while in the grand canyon it rains multiple times a year. Meaning that according to the description of the Aiel, the waste should be more arid than anything we have on earth. So how come there is no rain, but there are plants and animals? Even the sturdiest of plants can only go without rain for 1-2 years. How come they can dig so easily for water? If it hasent rained in centuries then the water should be almost as deep as oil, not enough for plants to reach. How come there are Oases if there are no rivers or aquifers? It has to be irrigated by something for it to happen, and if there is no rain at all and no rivers, well... you see, it shouldnt work. I think RJ tried to make it way too arid, contradicting his writings about fauna and plants.

[@anonymouslyopinionated656]

yeah, it's clearly Thar/Sonora desert level population and habitability, but he described it as worse. had he slowly transitioned it would've made sense... the wetlanders think it to be waaay more arid than the Aiel do.. that sort of a thing.... or he should've dont oasis better

[@VinnieMF]

Yeah, if you want a place with no rain the Termool kind of fits but the rest of the Aiel waste has a fauna and flora incongruent with the lack of watersources. The best I can think of is maybe there could be river basins from the west and Shara that continue underneath the Waste?

[@Emanon...]

Redheads living in a hot desert climate? That's too fantasy for me...