Brand, the Rivan Warder

Brand, the Rivan Warder is a semi-democratically elected position on the Isle of Winds, also known as the kingdom of Riva. He is the Head of State for the Isle of Winds, and sits in the place of the Rivan King at the Alorn Council. The position is only semi-democratic because of the semi nepotistic nature of the post; the first Brand was subsequent Brands are elected by council vote when no clear heir is apparent, but the position can be handed down to a son of the current and exiting Brand. The name Brand is a Title of State and not the person's true name. Their birth name is given up upon the appointment to the post. The character of Brand has been important in the history of the David Eddings' series, acting as sensible counsel and ally to the Disciples of Aldur, the Child of Light momentarily during the Battle of Vo Mimbre (in which the Rivan Warder stabs Torak in the eye), and eventually as a martyr for the cause of the "good" side of the contest between two destinies.

History

The original Brand was hastily chosen by the Disciples of Aldur and the Alorn Council after the attempted (and nearly successful) assassination of the Rivan Royal Family. The position was created to ensure the safety of the Orb of Aldur and to govern the Isle of Winds. The nomiker "Brand" was created to keep the position from generating prestige for the office holder or from becoming a royal family in itself. This was clearly only partily successful from the nepotism present is the selection process. The position of Brand was turned towards a more bureaucratic function upon the return of Belgarion the Rivan King, similar to a Secretary of State. The Final Brand in the Eddings' series is Kail, one of the sons of the final Warder named Brand.