Amyrlin Seat (Grey Tower)
The Amyrlin Seat is the leader of the Aes Sedai, and co-ruler of Hama Valon and the Grey Tower.
Contents
Election and term
The Amyrlin Seat is elected unanimously by the Aes Sedai members of the Hall of Sitters. After her election to the Amyrlin Seat, she no longer belongs to her former Ajah, instead being "from all Ajahs and yet of none". This is the formula that is used to emphasise the fact that she must govern in an equanimous manner, absolutely avoiding any kind of favouritism, especially towards the Ajah of her origin. Therefore, the Amyrlin usually wears a stole with the colours of all eight Ajahs.
Unlike her White Tower counterpart, Amyrlins of the Grey Tower are not elected for life; some Aes Sedai have even been Amyrlin multiple times. The reasons for an Amyrlin to step down need not be publicly explained, and this act is not usually seen as a sign of weakness.
Role
The Amyrlin Seat leads the Aes Sedai of the Grey Tower. She is present during the raising tests for all novices and Accepted, as well as during all meetings of the Hall (outside those meant to elect a new M'Hael). The Amyrlin theoretically has legal powers equivalent to a sovereign, although these powers find their limits in the consensus that it succeeds in securing in the Hall of Sitters. In fact, the orders and the decrees of the Amyrlin risk being meaningless without the support of the Sitters and Heads of the various Ajahs, who tend to take charge in the implementation of such policies.
Relationship with the Keeper of the Chronicles
The Keeper of the Chronicles serves as the first associate of the Amyrlin Seat, assisting the Amyrlin in all of her acts and in countersigning all of her decrees. When elected (and throughout her term), the Amyrlin may choose a new Keeper to serve with her. Different Amyrlins take different views on this prerogative, meaning that some Keepers have served multiple Amyrlins, whereas some Amyrlins have had multiple Keepers.
Full title
The Amyrlin's full title is "Watcher of the Seals, the Flame of Hama Valon, the Amyrlin Seat". "Watcher of the Seals" refers to the seven seals of cuendillar that imprison the Dark One in Shayol Ghul. In reality, this is a completely honourary title, since the exact location of the seals has remained unknown since the time of the Trolloc Wars.
List of Amyrlin Seats
- Nevelyn Co'rel, the 1st Amyrlin Seat
- Xeia Loragan, the 2nd Amyrlin Seat
- Harmony Kianor, the 3rd Amyrlin Seat
- Joaynna Daleb, the 4th Amyrlin Seat
- Ceralyn A'Delin, the 5th Amyrlin Seat
- Lelianna Damodred, the 6th Amyrlin Seat
- Aleatha Fondir, the 7th Amyrlin Seat
- Revelin Alder, the 8th Amyrlin Seat
- Amora en'Damier, the 9th Amyrlin Seat
- Crysthia Faedryn, the 10th Amyrlin Seat
- Elyscia Mordel, the 11th Amyrlin Seat
- Eliza Maddix, the 12th Amyrlin Seat
- Amora en'Damier, the 9th and 13th Amyrlin Seat
- Carraidhin Glaisne, the 14th Amyrlin Seat
- Miahala Ives, the 15th Amyrlin Seat
- Ninya Evoneigh, the 16th Amyrlin Seat[1]
- Elia Darrow, the 17th Amyrlin Seat