First of Mayene

The First of Mayene is the title given to the ruler of the city-state of Mayene. The title was originally ceremonial and given the full title "First Lord"' or "First Lady."

The title was created in FY 1004 and given to a man claiming to be Tyrn sur Paendrag Mashera, the son of Laiwynde sur Paendrag and grandson of Artur Hawkwing, who has sought refuge in Mayene after an assassination attempt. Tyrn's claims were not recognized outside of Mayene, but within the city he was regarded as a symbol of Mayene's independence during the War of the Hundred Years and given the title First Lord as a ceremonial and figurehead position.

Tyrn died in FY 1054 and his daughter Miselle sur Paendrag took the position of First Lady. During her rule the title was given more power and authority, and began its transition into the current role of today. Different Mayener houses have taken control of the position since Miselle's time, but only claimants with provable blood relations to Miselle and Tyrn can hold the position, in a manner not dissimilar to the fact that only descendants of Ishara Casalain can claim the Lion Throne of Andor.

Berelain wearing the Diadem of the First

The First of Mayene wears a crown called the Diadem of the First, a golden hawk in flight that is affixed to a slim circular band.

The current ruling family of Mayene, House Paeron, claims descent from Artur Hawkwing. The current First is Berelain sur Paendrag Paeron, who uses the appellation 'sur Paendrag' to demonstrate herself to be in line of Artur Hawkwing, whose formal name was Artur Paendrag Tanreall.

It is customary for the Firsts of Mayene to undergo basic, yet evenly rigorous physical training as to never be unprepared for a physical attack or assassination attempt, due to Mayene's longstanding status as the target of assimilation by neighboring Tear, which desires hegemony over the city-state. An example of this training can be seen when Berelain was able to handily defend herself against Faile Bashere's confrontation of her, in which Berelain was able to throw Faile to the ground and disarm her.

Seconds of Mayene

According to the The Wheel of Time Companion, the title Second of Mayene has two uses. In the first case, it is the equivalent to the High Seat of the noble houses in other parts of the Westlands i.e. the head of that particular family. In the second case, it is given to the younger sibings of the First of Mayene. We have no reference to a named character in the series itself that holds such a title, although it is known that Berelain does indeed have younger siblings, one of which ruled Mayene jointly with a regent during her long absence.

More removed stll is the "title" Third of Mayene, which has no official designation and was adopted by various nobles as an affectation of their own importance.