Difference between revisions of "Aon"

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.{{qaincorrect ref|qa|768|?|Brandon's Aon Descriptions}}

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. {{qaincorrect ref|qa|768|?|Brandon's Aon Descriptions}}

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.{{qaincorrect ref|qa|768|?|Brandon's Aon Descriptions}} It was the first Aon to be "fixed" by adding the Chasm line.{{book ref|Elantris|49}}

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.{{qaincorrect ref|qa|768|?|Brandon's Aon Descriptions}}

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.{{qaincorrect ref|qa|768|?|Brandon's Aon Descriptions}}

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. {{qaincorrect ref|qa|768|?|Brandon's Aon Descriptions}}

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.{{qaincorrect ref|qa|768|?|Brandon's Aon Descriptions}}

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.{{qaincorrect ref|qa|768|?|Brandon's Aon Descriptions}}

Ene is also one of the major constellations that can be observed in the night sky above Arelon. It includes Sel's pole star.{{qaincorrect ref|qa|768|?|Brandon's Aon Descriptions}}