The Thousandfold Thought (The Prince of Nothing, Book 3) (84 page)
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Authors: R. Scott Bakker
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BOOK: The Thousandfold Thought (The Prince of Nothing, Book 3)
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Daybreak
—Achamian’s mule.
—Achamian’s mule.
Dayrut
—A small fortress in the Gedean interior, built by the Nansur after the fall of Shigek to the Fanim in 3933.
—A small fortress in the Gedean interior, built by the Nansur after the fall of Shigek to the Fanim in 3933.
Dead-God, the
—See
Lokung
.
—See
Lokung
.
Defence of the Arcane Arts, A
—The famed sorcerous apologia of Zarathinius, which is as widely cited by philosophers as by sorcerers because of its pithy critiques not only of the Inrithi prohibition of sorcery but of Inrithism itself. The work has long been banned by the Thousand Temples.
—The famed sorcerous apologia of Zarathinius, which is as widely cited by philosophers as by sorcerers because of its pithy critiques not only of the Inrithi prohibition of sorcery but of Inrithism itself. The work has long been banned by the Thousand Temples.
Demua Mountains
—An extensive range located in northwestern Eärwa, forming the frontier between Injor-Niyas and what was once Kûniüri.
—An extensive range located in northwestern Eärwa, forming the frontier between Injor-Niyas and what was once Kûniüri.
denotaries
—In Gnostic sorcery, the “primer” Cants given to students to practise “dividing their voice,” which is to say, saying and thinking two separate things.
—In Gnostic sorcery, the “primer” Cants given to students to practise “dividing their voice,” which is to say, saying and thinking two separate things.
Detnammi, Hirul
(4081-4111)—The Palatine of the Ainoni province of Eshkalas, slain at Subis under dishonourable circumstances.
(4081-4111)—The Palatine of the Ainoni province of Eshkalas, slain at Subis under dishonourable circumstances.
Dialogues of Inceruti, The
—One of the most famous “missing works” of Far Antiquity, frequently referenced by Ajencis.
—One of the most famous “missing works” of Far Antiquity, frequently referenced by Ajencis.
Dinchases
(4074-4111)—A Captain of Attrempus and lifelong comrade-in-arms to Krijates Xinemus, slain at Iothiah. Also known as “Bloody Dinch.”
(4074-4111)—A Captain of Attrempus and lifelong comrade-in-arms to Krijates Xinemus, slain at Iothiah. Also known as “Bloody Dinch.”
“Doff your sandals and shod the earth ...”
—A common saying meant to remind listeners not to project their failings onto others.
—A common saying meant to remind listeners not to project their failings onto others.
Domyot
—(Sheyic version of “Torumyan”) Also known as the Black Iron City. The administrative capital of Zeüm, famed for the cruelty of its rulers and for its iron-skirted walls. For most in the Three Seas, Domyot is as much a place of legend as Golgotterath.
—(Sheyic version of “Torumyan”) Also known as the Black Iron City. The administrative capital of Zeüm, famed for the cruelty of its rulers and for its iron-skirted walls. For most in the Three Seas, Domyot is as much a place of legend as Golgotterath.
Dragons
—See
Wracu
.
—See
Wracu
.
Dreams, the
—The nightmares experienced by Mandate Schoolmen of the Apocalypse as witnessed through Seswatha’s eyes.
—The nightmares experienced by Mandate Schoolmen of the Apocalypse as witnessed through Seswatha’s eyes.
Dunjoksha
(4055- )—The Sapatishah-Governor of Holy Amoteu.
(4055- )—The Sapatishah-Governor of Holy Amoteu.
Dûnyain
—A severe monastic sect that has repudiated history and animal appetite in the name of finding enlightenment through the control of all desire and all circumstance. Though the origins of the Dûnyain are obscure (many think them the descendants of the ecstatic sects that arose across the Ancient North in the days preceding the Apocalypse), their belief system is utterly unique, leading some to conclude their original inspiration had to be philosophical rather than religious in any traditional sense.
—A severe monastic sect that has repudiated history and animal appetite in the name of finding enlightenment through the control of all desire and all circumstance. Though the origins of the Dûnyain are obscure (many think them the descendants of the ecstatic sects that arose across the Ancient North in the days preceding the Apocalypse), their belief system is utterly unique, leading some to conclude their original inspiration had to be philosophical rather than religious in any traditional sense.
Much of Dûnyain belief follows from their interpretation of what they consider their founding principles. The Empirical Priority Principle (sometimes referred to as the Principle of Before and After) asserts that within the circle of the world, what comes before determines what comes after without exception. The Rational Priority Principle asserts that Logos, or Reason, lies outside the circle of the world (though only in a formal and not an ontological sense). The Epistemological Principle asserts that knowing what comes before (via the Logos) yields “control” of what comes after.
Given the Priority Principle, it follows that thought, which falls within the circuit of the before and after, is also determined by what comes before. The Dûnyain therefore believe the will to be illusory, an artifact of the soul’s inability to perceive what comes before it. The soul, in the Dûnyain world view,
is part of the world,
and therefore as much driven by prior events as anything else. (This stands in stark contrast to the dominant stream of Three Seas and Ancient North thought, where the soul is taken to be, in Ajencis’s words, “that which precedes everything.”)
is part of the world,
and therefore as much driven by prior events as anything else. (This stands in stark contrast to the dominant stream of Three Seas and Ancient North thought, where the soul is taken to be, in Ajencis’s words, “that which precedes everything.”)
In other words, Men do not possess “self-moving souls.” Far from a given, such a soul is an
accomplishment
for the Dûnyain. All souls, they claim, possess
conatus,
the natural striving to be self-moving, to escape the circle of before and after. They naturally seek to
know
the world about them and so climb out of the circle. But a host of factors make outright escape impossible. The soul men are born with is too obtuse and clouded by animal passions to be anything other than a slave of what comes before. The whole point of the Dûnyain ethos is to overcome these limitations and so become a self-moving soul—to attain what they call the Absolute, or the Unconditioned Soul.
accomplishment
for the Dûnyain. All souls, they claim, possess
conatus,
the natural striving to be self-moving, to escape the circle of before and after. They naturally seek to
know
the world about them and so climb out of the circle. But a host of factors make outright escape impossible. The soul men are born with is too obtuse and clouded by animal passions to be anything other than a slave of what comes before. The whole point of the Dûnyain ethos is to overcome these limitations and so become a self-moving soul—to attain what they call the Absolute, or the Unconditioned Soul.
But unlike those exotic Nilnameshi sects devoted to various other forms of “enlightenment,” the Dûnyain are not so naive as to think this can be attained within the course of a single lifetime. They think of this, rather, as a multi-generational process. Quite early on they recognized that the instrument itself, the soul, was flawed, so they instituted a program of selective breeding for intellect and dispassion. In a sense the entire sect became a kind of experiment, isolated from the world to maintain control, with each prior generation training the next to the limit of their capabilities, the idea being that over the millennia they would produce souls that could climb further and further from the circle of before and after. The hope was that eventually they would produce a soul utterly transparent to Logos, a soul capable of apprehending all the darknesses that come before.
Dûnyanic
—The language of the Dûnyain, which remains very close to the original Kûniüri from which it is derived.
E—The language of the Dûnyain, which remains very close to the original Kûniüri from which it is derived.
Eämnor
—A lost White Norsirai nation of the Ancient North. The roots of Eämnor reach back to the days of Aulyanau the Conqueror and the Cond Yoke. In 927, Aulyanau conquered the fortress of Ara-Etrith (“New Etrith”) and, struck by the anarcane characteristics of Mount Ankulakai, settled several Cond tribes in the vicinity. These tribes flourished, and under the influence of the nearby cities of the Aumris they quickly abandoned their pastoral ways. In fact the Cond were so effectively assimilated into Aumris culture that their White Norsirai cousins, the Scintya, took them for High Norsirai during the time of the Scintya Yoke (1228-1381).
—A lost White Norsirai nation of the Ancient North. The roots of Eämnor reach back to the days of Aulyanau the Conqueror and the Cond Yoke. In 927, Aulyanau conquered the fortress of Ara-Etrith (“New Etrith”) and, struck by the anarcane characteristics of Mount Ankulakai, settled several Cond tribes in the vicinity. These tribes flourished, and under the influence of the nearby cities of the Aumris they quickly abandoned their pastoral ways. In fact the Cond were so effectively assimilated into Aumris culture that their White Norsirai cousins, the Scintya, took them for High Norsirai during the time of the Scintya Yoke (1228-1381).
Eämnor proper emerged from the Scintya Yoke as one of the pre-eminent nations of the Ancient North. Though laid waste in 2148, Eämnor could be considered the sole surviving nation of the Apocalypse, insofar as Atrithau survived. Due to the concentrations of Sranc, however, Atrithau has never been able to recover more than a fraction of the lands constituting historical Eämnor.
Eämnoric
—The lost language of ancient Eämnor, a derivative of Condic.
—The lost language of ancient Eämnor, a derivative of Condic.
Eänna
—“[Land of the] Uplifted Sun” (Thoti-Eännorean) The traditional name of all the lands to the east of the Great Kayarsus.
—“[Land of the] Uplifted Sun” (Thoti-Eännorean) The traditional name of all the lands to the east of the Great Kayarsus.
Eärwa
—“[Land of the] Felled Sun” (Thoti-Eännorean) The traditional name of all the lands to the west of the Great Kayarsus.
—“[Land of the] Felled Sun” (Thoti-Eännorean) The traditional name of all the lands to the west of the Great Kayarsus.
Ebara
—A small fortress in the Gedean interior, built by the Nansur after the fall of Shigek to the Fanim in 3933.
—A small fortress in the Gedean interior, built by the Nansur after the fall of Shigek to the Fanim in 3933.
Ecosium Market
—The main “wares market” of Sumna, located just south of the Hagerna.
—The main “wares market” of Sumna, located just south of the Hagerna.
Ej’ulkiyah
—A Khirgwi name for the Carathay Desert meaning “Great Thirst.”
—A Khirgwi name for the Carathay Desert meaning “Great Thirst.”
Ekyannus I
(2304-72)—The first “institutional” Shriah of the Thousand Temples, and the author of the widely admired
44 Epistles
.
(2304-72)—The first “institutional” Shriah of the Thousand Temples, and the author of the widely admired
44 Epistles
.
Ekyannus III, “the Golden”
(2432-2516)—The Shriah of the Thousand Temples who converted Triamis the Great in 2505 and thus assured the predominance of Inrithism in the Three Seas.
(2432-2516)—The Shriah of the Thousand Temples who converted Triamis the Great in 2505 and thus assured the predominance of Inrithism in the Three Seas.
Eleäzaras, Hanamanu
(4060- )—The Grandmaster of the Scarlet Spires.
(4060- )—The Grandmaster of the Scarlet Spires.
Eleneöt, Fields of
—See
Battle of Eleneöt Fields
.
—See
Battle of Eleneöt Fields
.
elju
—The Ihrimsû word for “book,” referring to someone, either Man or Sranc, who accompanies a Nonman to aid with his failing memory.
—The Ihrimsû word for “book,” referring to someone, either Man or Sranc, who accompanies a Nonman to aid with his failing memory.
Empire-behind-the-Mountains
—A Scylvendi name for the Nansurium.
—A Scylvendi name for the Nansurium.
Emwama
—The indigenous Men of Eärwa, who, as slaves of the Nonmen, were massacred by the Five Tribes following the Breaking of the Gates. Very little is known of them.
—The indigenous Men of Eärwa, who, as slaves of the Nonmen, were massacred by the Five Tribes following the Breaking of the Gates. Very little is known of them.
Enathpaneah
—A governorate of Kian and former province of the Nansur Empire. Located at the hinge of Khemema and Xerash, Enathpaneah is a semi-mountainous, semi-arid land whose wealth is predominantly derived from the caravans that pass through Caraskand, its administrative and commercial capital.
—A governorate of Kian and former province of the Nansur Empire. Located at the hinge of Khemema and Xerash, Enathpaneah is a semi-mountainous, semi-arid land whose wealth is predominantly derived from the caravans that pass through Caraskand, its administrative and commercial capital.
Ennutil
—A Scylvendi tribe of the northwestern Steppe.
—A Scylvendi tribe of the northwestern Steppe.
Enshoiya
—Sheyic for “certainty.” The Zaudunyani name for the Warrior-Prophet’s sword.
—Sheyic for “certainty.” The Zaudunyani name for the Warrior-Prophet’s sword.
ensolarii
—The base monetary unit of High Ainon.
—The base monetary unit of High Ainon.
Eöthic Garrison
—The primary fortress and barracks of the Emperor’s personal guard, dominating Momemn’s northern quarter.
—The primary fortress and barracks of the Emperor’s personal guard, dominating Momemn’s northern quarter.
Eöthic Guard
—The personal heavy infantry guard of the Nansur Emperors, consisting primarily of Norsirai mercenaries from Cepalor.
—The personal heavy infantry guard of the Nansur Emperors, consisting primarily of Norsirai mercenaries from Cepalor.
Epistemologies, The
—A work oft attributed to Ajencis but more likely a redacted compilation drawn from his other works. Many consider it his definitive philosophical statement on the nature of knowledge, but some argue that it distorts his position since it presents a unitary vision of views that actually evolved quite dramatically over the course of his life.
—A work oft attributed to Ajencis but more likely a redacted compilation drawn from his other works. Many consider it his definitive philosophical statement on the nature of knowledge, but some argue that it distorts his position since it presents a unitary vision of views that actually evolved quite dramatically over the course of his life.
Eritga
(4092-4111)—A Galeoth slave-girl belonging to Cutias Sarcellus, slain in the deserts of Khemema.
(4092-4111)—A Galeoth slave-girl belonging to Cutias Sarcellus, slain in the deserts of Khemema.
Eryeat, Coithus
(4038- )—The King of Galeoth, and father of Coithus Saubon.
(4038- )—The King of Galeoth, and father of Coithus Saubon.
Eshganax
—A Palatinate of High Ainon, located across the north Secharib Plains.
—A Palatinate of High Ainon, located across the north Secharib Plains.
Eshkalas
—A Palatinate of High Ainon, famed for the quality of its cotton, located on the western edge of the Secharib Plains.
—A Palatinate of High Ainon, famed for the quality of its cotton, located on the western edge of the Secharib Plains.
Eumarna
—The most populous governorate of Kian and former province of the Nansur Empire. Located to the south of the Betmulla Mountains, Eumarna is a large, fertile land that is primarily known for its exports of wine and horses.
—The most populous governorate of Kian and former province of the Nansur Empire. Located to the south of the Betmulla Mountains, Eumarna is a large, fertile land that is primarily known for its exports of wine and horses.
Eumarni
—The language of Eumarna, a derivative of ancient Mamati.
—The language of Eumarna, a derivative of ancient Mamati.
eunuchs
—Men castrated either before or after the onset of puberty, but usually before. Eunuchs have become something of an informal caste in the Three Seas, both in the management of harems and also in high administrative posts, where their lack of progeny, the belief is, renders them more immune to influence and less likely to harbour dynastic ambitions.
—Men castrated either before or after the onset of puberty, but usually before. Eunuchs have become something of an informal caste in the Three Seas, both in the management of harems and also in high administrative posts, where their lack of progeny, the belief is, renders them more immune to influence and less likely to harbour dynastic ambitions.
Exalt-General
—The traditional title of the Imperial Army’s supreme commander.
—The traditional title of the Imperial Army’s supreme commander.
Exhortations
—The sole surviving work of Hatatian. See
Hatatian
.
—The sole surviving work of Hatatian. See
Hatatian
.
“Expect not, and you shall find glory everlasting ...”
—
The Tractate,
Book of Priests, 8:31. The famed “Expect Not Admonition” of Inri Sejenus, where he urges his followers to give without hope of exchange. The paradox, of course, is that by doing this, they hope for eternal paradise in exchange.
F—
The Tractate,
Book of Priests, 8:31. The famed “Expect Not Admonition” of Inri Sejenus, where he urges his followers to give without hope of exchange. The paradox, of course, is that by doing this, they hope for eternal paradise in exchange.
Fallow Gate
—The northernmost gate of Ishuäl.
—The northernmost gate of Ishuäl.
Fama Palace
—The residence and administrative seat of the Warrior-Prophet while the First Holy War remained in Caraskand, located on the Heights of the Bull.
—The residence and administrative seat of the Warrior-Prophet while the First Holy War remained in Caraskand, located on the Heights of the Bull.
Fanashila
(4092-)—One of Esmenet’s Kianene body-slaves.
(4092-)—One of Esmenet’s Kianene body-slaves.
Fanayal ab Kascamandri
(4075- )—The first-born son of the Padirajah, and leader of the Coyauri, his famed elite heavy cavalry.
(4075- )—The first-born son of the Padirajah, and leader of the Coyauri, his famed elite heavy cavalry.
Fane
(3669-3742)—The Prophet of the Solitary God and founder of Fanimry. Initially a Shrial Priest in the Nansur province of Eumarna, Fane was declared a heretic by the ecclesiastical courts of the Thousand Temples in 3703 and banished to certain death in the Carathay Desert. According to Fanim tradition, rather than dying in the desert, Fane went blind, experienced the series of revelations narrated in the
kipfa’aifan,
the “Witness of Fane,” and was granted miraculous powers (the same powers attributed to the Cishaurim) he called the Water of Indara. He spent the remainder of his life preaching to and consolidating the desert tribes of the Kianene, who after his death would launch the White Jihad under the leadership of Fane’s son, Fan’oukarji I.
(3669-3742)—The Prophet of the Solitary God and founder of Fanimry. Initially a Shrial Priest in the Nansur province of Eumarna, Fane was declared a heretic by the ecclesiastical courts of the Thousand Temples in 3703 and banished to certain death in the Carathay Desert. According to Fanim tradition, rather than dying in the desert, Fane went blind, experienced the series of revelations narrated in the
kipfa’aifan,
the “Witness of Fane,” and was granted miraculous powers (the same powers attributed to the Cishaurim) he called the Water of Indara. He spent the remainder of his life preaching to and consolidating the desert tribes of the Kianene, who after his death would launch the White Jihad under the leadership of Fane’s son, Fan’oukarji I.
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