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.{{brokenqa ref|qa|768|?1|Brandon'sDescription of Aon DescriptionsEhe|date=2005}}

{{quote|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. {{brokenqa ref|qa|768|?|Brandon's Aon Descriptions1}}

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.{{brokenqa ref|qa|768|?|Brandon's Aon Descriptions1}} 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.{{brokenqa ref|qa|768|?|Brandon's Aon Descriptions1}}

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.{{brokenqa ref|qa|768|?5|Brandon'sDescription of Aon DescriptionsEne|date=2005}}

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. {{brokenqa ref|qa|768|?|Brandon's Aon Descriptions5}}

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.{{brokenqa ref|qa|768|?|Brandon's Aon Descriptions5}}

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.{{brokenqa ref|qa|768|?|Brandon's Aon Descriptions5}}

Ene is also one of the major constellations that can be observed in the night sky above Arelon. It includes Sel's pole star.{{brokenqa ref|qa|768|?|Brandon's Aon Descriptions5}}

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.{{brokenqa ref|qa|768|?9|Brandon'sDescription of Aon DescriptionsOmi|date=2005}}

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.{{brokenqa ref|qa|768|?|Brandon's Aon Descriptions9}}

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.{{brokenqa ref|qa|768|?|Brandon's Aon Descriptions9}}

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.{{brokenqa ref|qa|768|?|Brandon's Aon Descriptions9}}