This is a miniature glossary explaining in layman's terms a few words, phrases, and names associated with Robert Jordan's "The Wheel of Time" books, here conveniently abbreviated to WoT. The online communities dedicated to WoT are those I have joined as my permanent Internet home, specifically the community of the former Pages of Prophecy, which has existed in one form or another for nearly eight years. My online names are all of WoT origin.

For further information, I will post links at the end of this page. But if you really want to find out about WoT, I suggest reading the books. :)

Aes Sedai: 1.) Generally, in the books, a wielder of the One Power, i.e. a user of magic. The term refers to women alone in the current setting of the books, but in the past there were both male and female Aes Sedai. Not all wielders of the Power are Aes Sedai; the term specifically refers only to those women trained and accepted as members of an exclusive order, or to their ancient counterparts of both sexes.
2.) In some online WoT communities, a female member who has taken on the name, persona, or role of an Aes Sedai.

Bonding: 1.) In the books, the magical joining of a Warder to an Aes Sedai as companion and protector.
2.) In some online WoT communities, a mark of friendship or alliance between two members. This Bonding can be very serious, as between "real-life" couples, or merely a silly form of fun between friends.

Cairhien, Cairhienin: A nation in the current setting of the WoT books, and the people of that nation, individually and collectively. Cairhienin are short and pale, and their particular culture (dress, art and architecture, politics) have been described by some fans as being somewhat analogous to France in the 17th and 18th Centuries.

Forsaken: The thirteen most powerful male and female Aes Sedai who turned to the side of the Shadow (the evil force in the world) and precipitated the ancient War of Power; in the current setting they are resurrected from a three-thousand year sleep.

Gaidin: Ancient title and term of respect for a Warder [see below].

Myrddraal: Evil servants of the Shadow, unnatural and unintended offshoots of Trollocs [see below]. Myrddraal, also called Halfmen, Fades, Lurks, and Shadowmen, look like tall, pale, black-haired humans, but are unnaturally graceful and powerful, and have no eyes whatsoever.

Old Tongue: The ancient language of the WoT world; somewhat analogous to the way Latin is related to modern Romance languages.

Trollocs: Evil servants of the Shadow, created by blending human and animal genetic stock. Trollocs are large, powerful, and vicious, but are not overly intelligent and are controllable only in the hands of Myrddraal.

Warder: 1.) In the books, a warrior joined to an Aes Sedai as protector and companion.
2.) In some online WoT communities, a male member who has taken on the name, persona, or role of an Warder.