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'''Footnotes''' |
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Revision as of 12:28, 13 December 2014
| Aon | |
|---|---|
| Related to | AonDor |
| World of Origin | Sel |
Aons are a writing system used by the Aonic peoples of Arelon and Teod on Sel. They are logographic, meaning they represent words and meanings, as opposed to an alphabet which represents sounds. Instead of being an invented system like most scripts the Aons already existed and were discovered through trial and error.
Aons also served as the focus for the magic system AonDor used by Elantrians. This, presumably, served as the impetus for the discovering of new Aons.
Aons were all referred to as “Aon insert name here” such as Aon Rao or Aon Ene. They were disyllabic with two hard vowels.
All Aons were based off of Aon Aon, which itself was based off the shape of Arelon. The straight horizontal line at the top represented the northern coastline; the curve to the right, the Atad Mountains; the dot in the center, Lake Alonoe.
Known Aons
Aon
“First, Language”
—Elantris Glossary
This Aon serves as the starting point for all other Aons.
Examples: AonDor, Aonic
Aan
“Truth, Fact”
—Elantris Glossary
Aeo
“Bravery”
—The Hope of Elantris
Examples: Seon Aeo, Count Graeo
Aha
“Breath, Air”
—Elantris Glossary
Ala
“Beauty, Handsomeness”
—Elantris Glossary
Are
“Unity, Cohesion”
—Elantris Glossary
Examples: Arelon, Aredel, Maare, Waren
Ashe
“Light, Illumination”
—Elantris Glossary
Aon Ashe, when drawn correctly, will emit a bright light, without heat, that is enough to illuminate a large room.[1] Most rooms in Elantris had metal plates inscribed with Aon Ashe that would glow brighter and more steady than any lantern.[2]
Ata
“Grace, Smoothness”
—Elantris Glossary
Examples: Karata, Atad Mountains, Atara
Ate
“Silence”
—Inferred from deleted material
This Aon has the ability to "make a room go completely for a short time."[3][fn 1]
Examples:
Ati
“Hope”
—The Hope of Elantris
Examples: Matisse
Daa
“Power, Energy”
—Elantris Glossary
Aon Daa is the preferred offensive weapon by the Elantrians. When drawn successfully a burst of light is emitted that warps and twists the air around it. The light then strikes its target with considerable explosive force.[4]
Examples:
Dao
“Stability, Security”
—Elantris Glossary
Deo
“Gold, Metal”
—Elantris Glossary
Examples: Deo, Deo Plantation
Dii
“Wood”
—Brandon's Website
This Aon includes several circles that represent forests in the south of Arelon.[1]
Examples:
Dio
“Cold”
—Brandon's Website
Examples: Seon Dio, Diolen, Dion, Dionia
Eda
“Superior, Lofty”
—Elantris Glossary
Examples: Edan
Edo
“Protection, Safety”
—Elantris Glossary
Examples:
Ehe
“Fire, Warmth”
—Elantris Glossary
Aon Ehe is one of the few Aons that has an origin myth associated with it. When the Aonic peoples first migrated to what would become Arelon, the people were initially afraid of the vacant city of Elantris. King Rhashm (later Raoshem) wanting to overcome this fear chose Elantris as the center of his kingdom. Decades later the Shaod began to take people, including the princess, Elashe. She claimed to have seen Aon Ehe inscribed on a coal in her hearth the day after she was taken. This has led to the belief that a rock or piece of coal inscribed with Aon Ehe is good luck and provides protection against winter spirits.[5]
“The most inspiring of all Aons, a symbol for those with a creative heart and an unhindered mind”
—Lenehe, fifth century poet
A common practice among poets and artists was to take a new name after a certain stage in their development and Ehe was a common root that was used. Examples of this are the poets Lenehe and Ehen, the artist Ehelan, and the philosopher Mehen. The reasoning being that it represents the passion, and inherent danger, of artistry. [5]
In AonDor, Aon Ehe creates a column of fire, and is one of the strongest destructive Aons even without modification. The size and direction of the column are determined by the size of the Aon when drawn and the way that it faces. It is often drawn on the floor so the column is directed upwards. It the column is maintained for only a few seconds, unless certain modifiers are used. Before the Reod scholars were able to create lamps that would continue to burn no matter what, even underwater. It was occasionally used in warfare although Aon Daa is accepted as the superior weapon. When used as a modifier it can create a ward that will start other Aon chains. It is a useful Aon, however its complexity makes it difficult for less skilled practitioners.[5] It was the first Aon to be "fixed" by adding the Chasm line.[1]
Aon Ehe when used in conjunction with other Aons is used to represent warm food or warm beds were available for sale. It also serves as a symbol for danger, whether or not that danger is related to fire, such as an unsafe bridge. Since it represents one of the primal elements, it is often used in scientific writings.[5]
Examples:
Ela
“Focus, Center”
—Elantris Glossary
Examples: The City of Elantris, Elao
Ena
“Kindness”
—Elantris Glossary
Examples: Torena
Ene
“Wit, Cleverness”
—Elantris Glossary
The shape of Aon Ene is supposed to represent the two opposing sides of an argument, it is made up of two halves that are made up of the same symbols, only reversed.[6]
In modern usage Aon Ene has come to mean intelligence in a general sort of way. Scholars note however that originally it referred to cleverness or the ability to out-wit and out-think an opponent. It was a symbol that was often used to refer to trickster figures, which were called "Enefel," literally "Wit Killers" or those who kill with wit. During the Middle Era a group of storytellers, who took the name Enefel, began spreading stories of the wonders of Elantris. Some believe the Enefel were agents of the Elantrians who sought to expand their influence and quell the suspicion the rural populace felt towards them. Overtime this group of storytellers developed into a group of scholars that collected stories and histories. By the Late Era several distinct groups of scholars and philosophers had emerged. Aon Ene's association with these groups prompted the expansion of its meaning. [6]
When used in AonDor, Aon Ene emits what is commonly referred to as the "Light of the Mind." Anyone who is touched by the light has their mental capabilities enhanced. They can memorize more quickly, reason more clearly, and stave off the mental-diminishing effects of illness or lack of sleep. It can also be used as a Linking Aon, joining lists of Aons together and determining when their effects will activate. It is used extensively and any Master of AonDor is skilled in its use.[6]
“ No wealth of gold and silver can purchase a keen mind, but the man of wit will often find treasures beyond what mere lucre can provide.”
—Enelan, a scholar from a hundred years before the Reod
While the traditionally Aon Ene is associated with books and scholarly research, it has also become associated with merchants and bankers, in response to the quote above. The former do not approve of what they see as the appropriation of the symbol they claim for their own by the latter. This conflict is in part responsible for Ene's decline in popularity in naming, though traditionalists do sometimes use it.[6]
Ene is also one of the major constellations that can be observed in the night sky above Arelon. It includes Sel's pole star.[6]
Examples: Sarene
Eno
“Water”
—Brandon's Website
This Aon includes a "wiggly" line that corresponds to the shape of the Aredel River.[1]
Examples:
Eon
“Willpower, Endurance”
—Elantris Glossary
Examples: Eondel, Eonic, Eon Plantation
Eshe
“Gift, Endowment”
—Elantris Glossary
Eto
“Physical”
—Brandon's Website
This Aon references the earth and the ground. It is described as a triangle with "wing-like protrusions."[7][fn 1]
Iad
“Trust, Reliable”
—Elantris Glossary
Examples: Iadon
Ial
“Helpfulness, Aid”
—Elantris Glossary
Examples: Roial, Ial Plantation, Iald
Ido
“Mercy, Forgiveness”
—Elantris Glossary
Examples: Idos Domi
Ien
“Wisdom”
—Elantris Glossary
Aon Ien was used in AonDor as the basis for healing.[8] To maximize its potential however required the use of specialized modifiers that could target the part of the body that needed to be healed as well how the healing should take place.[9]
Iir
“Strength”
—Brandon's Website
Examples:
Ire
“Time, Age”
—Elantris Glossary
Examples: Diren
Kaa
“Plants”
—Brandon's Website
Examples: Kaa Plantation
Kai
“Calmness, Solemnity”
—Elantris Glossary
Examples: Kaise
Kae
“The Direction East”
—Elantris Glossary
Examples: The City of Kae
Kie
“Circle”
—Brandon's Website
Examples: Kie Plantation
Kii
“Justice”
—Elantris Glossary
Examples: Kiin
Mae
Examples: MaeDal
Mai
“Honor”
—Elantris Glossary
Examples:
Mea
“Thoughtfulness, Caringness”
—Elantris Glossary
The shape of Aon Mea represents the region in which a person can be taken by the Shaod. The “x” corresponds to a fertile valley with a high density of life and cognitive activity.[10]
Examples: Meala
Nae
“Sight, Clarity”
—Elantris Glossary
When drawn in Aon Dor, the circle in the center of the Aon "ripples like water" and then clears, showing a magnified view of what is on the other side. By placing their hand on the center of the circle, an Elantrian is able to move the Aon, thereby changing what is magnified.[11]
Examples:
Oed
Examples: Hoed
Omi
“Love”
—Elantris Glossary
Aon Omi is a common root in Arelish words such as affection, care, passion, piety, zeal, and loyalty. It is also a fairly common root for names as well, especially among those of the Korathi faith. Korathi priests often use it as a base when they choose a new name on joining the priesthood.[12]
“ The most perfect of Aons, fully incorporating the base of Aon Aon and spinning it into a complex icon that is artful and complicated, yet somehow simple at the same time.”
—Enelan
Aon Omi is perhaps most well-known for its association with Shu-Korath. When Korath (known in Jindo as KoWho) began teaching of Shu-Keseg in Arelon he chose Aon Omi to represent God, who he named Domi, calling it a "Thing of Beauty". He hoped to quell the rivalry his followers felt towards the Elantrians and so chose what they saw as a "heathen symbol" to show how all people should be accepted into the religion. Current Korathi priests view the use Aons in their religion as evidence that all people and beliefs can be united through love.[12]
Korath asked an Elantrian smith he was acquainted with to forge him a silver pendant of the symbol. Wearing an Aon Omi pendant was fairly common occurrence by the time of the Restoration of Elantris, and the exchanging of pendants was a common practice during Korathi marriage ceremonies.[12]
In AonDor, Aon Omi would emit a pure white light. Anyone touched by this light would have their negative emotions removed, replaced with a feeling of serenity and peace, making actively maintaining a sense of hatred difficult. It is peculiar in that it requires the Elantrian drawing it to feel sincere affection for those around them, making it one of the few Aons that requires anything except the ability to draw it. When used as a modifier it will link lines of Aons together or, if used correctly, serve as a minor power enhancer.[12]
Opa
“Flower”
—Elantris Glossary
Ope
“Nation”
—Brandon's Website
Examples: Opelon
Rao
“Spirit, Essence”
—Elantris Glossary
In AonDor, Aon Rao serves as a power amplifier. The Elantrian Metropolitan District, made up of Elantris and its four Gate Cities, served as a massive Aon Rao that targeted the Elantrians and the Aons they created.[13]
Aon Rao is also one of the constellations in the Arelish night sky.[14]
Reo
“Punishment, Retribution”
—Elantris Glossary
This Aon was known at least as far away as the Rose Empire.[15]
Examples: Dreok Crushthroat, Reod
Rii
“Wealth, Affluence”
—Elantris Glossary
Examples: Telrii, Sorii
Sao
“Intelligence, Learning”
—Elantris Glossary
Examples: Saolin
Sea
“Chastisty, Faithfulness”
—Elantris Glossary
Seo
“Loyalty, Service”
—Elantris Glossary
Shao
“Transform, Change”
—Elantris Glossary
Aon Shao can be used to create illusions that are tied to pieces of clothing. To do so however requires the extensive use of modifiers.[1]
Sheo
“Death”
—Elantris Glossary
Examples:
Teo
“Royal, Majestic”
—Elantris Glossary
Examples: Eventeo, Teod, Teoras, Teorn
Soi
Tae
“Open”
—Elantris Chapter 25
The entrance to the hidden library is marked with this Aon. One needed to only push on it and the way would open.[17]
Examples:
Tia
“Travel, Transportation”
—Elantris Glossary
Aon Tia can be used to transport and Elantrian from one point from another. With the correct modifiers the Elantrian can fix the distance and direction that is to be traveled. When completed the Elantrian grabs the center of the Aon, which becomes solid, and is enveloped by the Aon’s light. They then appear where they directed the Aon to take them.[4] There were a number of metal plates inscribed with this Aon scattered throughout Elantris. An Elantrian would only have to place their hand at the center of the Aon to be transported to another region of the city.[8]
Examples:
Tii
“Green”
—Brandon's Website
Examples: Tii Plantation
Notes
- ↑ a b c d e Elantris chapter 49#
- ↑ Elantris chapter 7#
- ↑ Elantris Alternate Ending Material
— Brandon's website - ?# - ↑ a b Elantris chapter 62#
- ↑ a b c d Description of Aon Ehe
— Theoryland - 2005# Cite error: Invalid<ref>tag; name "qa-768-1" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid<ref>tag; name "qa-768-1" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid<ref>tag; name "qa-768-1" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ a b c d e Description of Aon Ene
— Theoryland - 2005# Cite error: Invalid<ref>tag; name "qa-768-5" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid<ref>tag; name "qa-768-5" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid<ref>tag; name "qa-768-5" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid<ref>tag; name "qa-768-5" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ Elantris Deleted Scenes: The Mad Prince
— Brandon's website - ?# - ↑ a b Elantris chapter 19#
- ↑ Elantris chapter 53#
- ↑ What is the X in Aon Mea?
— Theoryland - 2009-07# - ↑ Elantris chapter 55#
- ↑ a b c d Description of Aon Omi
— Theoryland - 2005# Cite error: Invalid<ref>tag; name "qa-768-9" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid<ref>tag; name "qa-768-9" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid<ref>tag; name "qa-768-9" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ Elantris chapter 61#
- ↑ Elantris chapter 32#
- ↑ The Emperor's Soul chapter day#
- ↑ Elantris chapter 22#
- ↑ Elantris chapter 25#
Footnotes