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Way of the Leaf

A representation of the Way of the Leaf.

"The leaf lives its appointed time, and does not struggle against the wind that carries it away. The leaf does no harm, and finally falls to nourish new leaves. So it should be with all men. And women."
   —Aram


The Way of the Leaf is a pacifistic code of honor practiced by the Da'shain Aiel.[1] The Tuatha'an, who descended from the Da'shain Aiel, also follow it.[1] The philosophy uses the leaf as a model for life; not using force or resisting its fall from the tree. It is similar to the Water Way. It is held in contempt by most of the people in the Aiel Waste and the Wetlands, probably due to the fact that the Tinkers follow it.

Under the Way of the Leaf, the Tuatha'an will not raise a hand even to defend themselves.

Da'shain Aiel[]

Main article: Da'shain Aiel

During the Age of Legends the Da'shain Aiel were a people that worked as servants for the Aes Sedai. These people were sworn to serve the Aes Sedai and uphold the Way of the Leaf.

Tuatha'an[]

Main article: Tuatha'an
Leaves-icon

Trefoil Leaf

Following a split among the Da'shain Aiel a group decided to forsake the command of the Aes Sedai and instead seek out the Song of Growing. These people went on to become the Tuatha'an. They still held to the Way of the Leaf, and are today alone among the decendant of the Da'shain Aiel to do so. Members of the Tuatha'an that can not abide to live according to the Way of the Leaf leave the Tuathan'an society to go and live in the cities. They are called "the lost." There are also people who seek out the Tuatha'an and join their ranks because they find the Way of the Leaf appealing.

Jenn Aiel[]

Main article: Jenn Aiel

A second split among the remaining Da'shain Aiel occurred when a group of Aiel abandoned the Way of the Leaf, but still maintained that they were Aiel. The original group that still held on to the Way of the Leaf started to call themselves Jenn Aiel, the others simply Aiel. As time went by the Jenn Aiel dwindled to extinction.

The Bleakness[]

Main article: Aiel#The Bleakness

At Alcair Dal, Rand al'Thor revealed the secret that the Aiel had once been the Da'shain Aiel and followed the Way of the Leaf. The reaction to this revelation differed, but some forsook the spear and cadin'sor and attempted to live the Way of the Leaf in the wetlander cities, or among the Tuatha'an, as their ancestors would have.

Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 The Wheel of Time Companion, Way of the Leaf, the
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