Aurenfaie

"Aurenfaie" refers both to the people of Aurenen and the language spoken by this group in the Nightrunner series of fantasy novels by Lynn Flewelling.

Overview

The Aurenfaie are a fictional race from the Nightrunner series of novels by Lynn Flewelling. They are long-lived and adept at magic and fighting- they bear many similarities to Tolkien's elves in that they are classically viewed as particularly wise and yet also incredibly reclusive.

Culture

The Aurenfaie are seen as the people of Aura- the Aurenfaie name for the god the Skalans call Illior. As such, they are a highly spiritual and peaceful people, generally slow to violence. They believe in taking as much as is needed from nature (in terms of hunting etc) and no more. The Aurenfaie hold dragons in special reverence, viewing them as being chosen creatures of Aura. (As Skalans similarly see Owls to be the chosen animals of Illior).

Community

The Aurenfaie community is split into clans, led by eleven larger clans, said to have come from eleven drops of blood shed by Aura. The clans are distinguished by different coloured and carefully folded headscarves called sen'gai.Each clan lives in their specific "Fai'thast" (Folklands; home)- the territory owned by their clan [Page 27, Traitor's Moon- Bantam Spectra] and are ruled by a Khirnari- The eleven Khirnari's of the major clans form the Iia'sidra- the ruling body of the Aurenfaie, who ensure the laws of the land are followed and pass judgement on those accused of breaking them.

"Sarikali" stands as sacred grounds to the Aurenfaie, and is described as "The Heart of the Jewel" [Page 42, Traitor's Moon- Bantam Spectra] Non-Aurenfaie are rarely allowed to enter Sarikali and, when they are, their eyes are covered on the journey. Many small dragons, known as "Fingerlings," make their residence in Sarikali.

Crime and Punishment

The punishment for serious crimes is known as "Two Bowls" ("Dwai Sholo")- the criminal is held in a small room in the house of their "Khirnari" and, each day, offered two bowls of food- one is poisoned, one is not. Each day he may choose to take one of the bowls or refuse both. If he manages to pick the non-poisoned bowl for one-hundred-and-one days the criminal is named as being chosen for forgiveness from Aura and so released. Very few manage it. [Page 30, Traitor's Moon- Bantam Spectra]

References

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