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The Three Oaths

All Aes Sedai swear the three Oaths on the Oath Rod when they are raised to the shawl. As the Oaths are spoken there is said to be a feeling of the oaths "settling" into the Sedai and a tightening of the skin, along with a mild burning sensation. Rebel Aes Sedai raised since the split in the Tower do not hold the Rod when they swear, although they do still take the Oaths. They should still strive to live by them, as should Novices and Accepted.

The Oaths:



1. Speak no word that is not true.
2. Make no weapon for one man to kill another.
3. Never use the One Power as a weapon except against Darkfriends or Shadowspawn, or in the last extreme of defending her own life, that of her Warder, or that of another Sister.

The most important thing about the Oaths is why they are sworn. Each has a specific reason. By swearing to tell only the truth, Aes Sedai prove that they can be trusted, that if they make a promise, they will keep it. Aes Sedai have the ability to craft or enhance objects with the One Power. By swearing the second oath they reassure the rest of the nations that they will never be involved in the raising of armies or the propagation of war. An army of soldiers whose swords cannot be broken and shields would never dent would be at a massive advantage. The third oath assures the nations that the Aes Sedai are not an agressive power. With the Power that broke the world at their beck and call, they would be unstoppable should they decide to expand their control.

All women being trained to become Aes Sedai are expected to live as if they have already sworn these oaths, regardless of whether or not they are in the White Tower. In the White Tower a woman swears before the Amyrlin on the day she is raised the the shawl. In Salidar it is much the same, although the Oath Rod isn't present.

On a practical note, one who sworn the Oaths on the Oath Rod is completely incapable of breaking them. The Oath Rod binds her to her word. However, there are ways to deceive without technically lying. For example:

Jane gives the servant a level stare, then introduces calmly, "You may address me as Lady Sara. Please tell your lord I wish to speak with him as soon as it's convenient."

Note that she did not say that her name is Sara, merely that the servant could call her Sara.

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