Aiels

The Aiel are a fictional nomadic people from Robert Jordan's "The Wheel of Time" fantasy novel series. They inhabit the Aiel Waste, a vast desert region in the continent of Randland. The Aiel are known for their fierce warrior culture, distinctive appearance, and unique social structure.

Physically, the Aiel are typically tall and lean with sun-darkened skin, often fair hair, and striking blue or green eyes. They wear practical, sand-colored clothing designed for the harsh desert environment. Their culture places a strong emphasis on honor, self-reliance, and martial prowess. Men are known as "Aiel warriors," and women, while not typically warriors in the same sense, are highly respected and hold significant positions within their society, particularly as Wise Ones, who are their spiritual and political leaders.

A key aspect of Aiel society is the concept of "ji'e'toh," which roughly translates to honor and obligation. This intricate system governs their interactions and dictates their behavior. They are also known for their contempt for what they consider the weakness and decadence of the wetlanders, people who live outside the Aiel Waste.

Historically, the Aiel are descendants of a group of people who were exiled from the lands to the west of the Aiel Waste many centuries before the main events of the series. They have a complex and often tragic history, including a devastating war with the wetlanders. Their arrival in the Westlands and their subsequent interactions with other peoples are a significant part of the "The Wheel of Time" narrative.