The Thousandfold Thought (The Prince of Nothing, Book 3) (95 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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Thesji Bowmen
—An elite Kianene unit of Chorae archers.
—An elite Kianene unit of Chorae archers.
Third Analytic of Men, The
—Regarded by many as Ajencis’s magnum opus, the
Third Analytic
interrogates the aspects of human nature that make knowledge possible, as well as the human weaknesses that make knowledge so difficult to attain. As Ajencis notes, “if all Men disagree on all matters, then most Men confuse deception for truth.” He investigates the reasons, not only for deception in general, but for the erroneous sense of conviction that sustains it, giving what has come to be called the “selfish knower” thesis, the idea that convenience, conditioning, and appeal (as opposed to evidence and rational argumentation) are the primary motivation for the beliefs of the vast majority.
—Regarded by many as Ajencis’s magnum opus, the
Third Analytic
interrogates the aspects of human nature that make knowledge possible, as well as the human weaknesses that make knowledge so difficult to attain. As Ajencis notes, “if all Men disagree on all matters, then most Men confuse deception for truth.” He investigates the reasons, not only for deception in general, but for the erroneous sense of conviction that sustains it, giving what has come to be called the “selfish knower” thesis, the idea that convenience, conditioning, and appeal (as opposed to evidence and rational argumentation) are the primary motivation for the beliefs of the vast majority.
Thoti-Eännorean
—The alleged mother tongue of all Men, and the language of
The Chronicle of the Tusk
.
—The alleged mother tongue of all Men, and the language of
The Chronicle of the Tusk
.
“Though you lose your soul, you shall gain the world.”
—The penultimate answer in the Mandate catechism, referring to the fact that Mandate Schoolmen, unlike other Schoolmen, damn themselves for a purpose.
—The penultimate answer in the Mandate catechism, referring to the fact that Mandate Schoolmen, unlike other Schoolmen, damn themselves for a purpose.
Thousand Temples
—The ecclesiastical and administrative framework of Inrithism, based in Sumna but omnipresent throughout most of the Three Seas. The Thousand Temples first became a dominant social and political institution during the reign of the first Aspect-Emperor, Triamis the Great, who declared Inrithism the official faith of the Ceneian Empire in 2505. Authority is nominally centralized in the person of the Shriah, who is regarded as the Latter Prophet’s living representative, but the sheer size and complexity of the Thousand Temples often renders that authority ceremonial. Aside from the management of the temples proper, there are the ecclesiastical courts, the political missions, the various Colleges, and the labyrinthine interconnections with the Cults to administer. As a result, the Thousand Temples often suffers from weak leadership, and is regarded with cynicism by many in the Three Seas.
—The ecclesiastical and administrative framework of Inrithism, based in Sumna but omnipresent throughout most of the Three Seas. The Thousand Temples first became a dominant social and political institution during the reign of the first Aspect-Emperor, Triamis the Great, who declared Inrithism the official faith of the Ceneian Empire in 2505. Authority is nominally centralized in the person of the Shriah, who is regarded as the Latter Prophet’s living representative, but the sheer size and complexity of the Thousand Temples often renders that authority ceremonial. Aside from the management of the temples proper, there are the ecclesiastical courts, the political missions, the various Colleges, and the labyrinthine interconnections with the Cults to administer. As a result, the Thousand Temples often suffers from weak leadership, and is regarded with cynicism by many in the Three Seas.
Thousand Thousand Halls
—The labyrinth constructed by the Dûnyain beneath Ishuäl and used by them to test their initiates. Those who become lost in the Thousand Thousand Halls invariably die, ensuring that only the most intelligent survive.
—The labyrinth constructed by the Dûnyain beneath Ishuäl and used by them to test their initiates. Those who become lost in the Thousand Thousand Halls invariably die, ensuring that only the most intelligent survive.
Three-Headed Serpent
—The symbol of the Scarlet Spires.
—The symbol of the Scarlet Spires.
Three Hearts of God
—A term referring to Sumna, the Thousand Temples, and the Tusk.
—A term referring to Sumna, the Thousand Temples, and the Tusk.
Three Seas
—Specifically, the seas of Meneanor, Oncis, and Nyranisas, located in south central Eärwa. More generally, the (primarily Ketyai) civilization that has thrived in this region since the end of the Apocalypse.
—Specifically, the seas of Meneanor, Oncis, and Nyranisas, located in south central Eärwa. More generally, the (primarily Ketyai) civilization that has thrived in this region since the end of the Apocalypse.
Threesie
—The name given to Nansur who sign on for a third fourteen-year term of service in the Imperial Army.
—The name given to Nansur who sign on for a third fourteen-year term of service in the Imperial Army.
Throseanis
(3256-3317)—A late Ceneian dramatist, famed for his
Triamis Imperator,
a dramatic account of the life of Triamis I, the greatest of the Ceneian Aspect-Emperors.
(3256-3317)—A late Ceneian dramatist, famed for his
Triamis Imperator,
a dramatic account of the life of Triamis I, the greatest of the Ceneian Aspect-Emperors.
Thunyeric
—The language of Thunyerus, a derivative of Meoric.
—The language of Thunyerus, a derivative of Meoric.
Thunyerus
—A Norsirai nation of the Three Seas located on the northeastern coasts of the Meneanor Sea. According to Thunyeri legend, their peoples migrated down the length of the Wernma River, continually pressured by the Sranc tribes that largely rule the great forests of the Dameori Wilderness. For two hundred years the Thunyeri plied the Three Seas as pirates and raiders. Then, in 3987, after three generations of Inrithi missionaries had largely converted them from their traditional Kiünnat beliefs, the tribes elected their first King, Hringa Hurrausch, and began adopting the institutions of their Three Seas neighbours.
—A Norsirai nation of the Three Seas located on the northeastern coasts of the Meneanor Sea. According to Thunyeri legend, their peoples migrated down the length of the Wernma River, continually pressured by the Sranc tribes that largely rule the great forests of the Dameori Wilderness. For two hundred years the Thunyeri plied the Three Seas as pirates and raiders. Then, in 3987, after three generations of Inrithi missionaries had largely converted them from their traditional Kiünnat beliefs, the tribes elected their first King, Hringa Hurrausch, and began adopting the institutions of their Three Seas neighbours.
Tirummas, Nersei
(4075-4100)—The eldest brother of Nersei Proyas, and Crown Prince of Conriya until his death at sea in 4100.
(4075-4100)—The eldest brother of Nersei Proyas, and Crown Prince of Conriya until his death at sea in 4100.
Tokush
(4068-4111)—The Master of Spies to Ikurei Xerius III.
(4068-4111)—The Master of Spies to Ikurei Xerius III.
topoi
—Locations where the accumulation of trauma and suffering has frayed the boundaries between the World and the Outside.
—Locations where the accumulation of trauma and suffering has frayed the boundaries between the World and the Outside.
Tractate, The
—The writings of Inri Sejenus and his disciples, forming the second part of the Inrithi scriptural canon. The Inrithi believe
The Tractate
to be the prophesied culmination of
The Chronicle of the Tusk,
an amendment of the Covenant of Gods and Men for the realities of a new age. Among its seventeen books are various accounts of the life of the Latter Prophet, many parables for the purposes of moral instruction, and Inri Sejenus’s own explanation of the “Intervention” he himself represents: that mankind, as it matures, will become more and more able to worship the God in His “singular multiplicity.” Given that
The Tractate
was written more as a testament to the divinity of Inri Sejenus’s vision than out of any real commitment to historical rigour, it is impossible to assess the veracity of the text. Zarathinius and, more recently, Fanim commentators have pointed out several glaring inconsistencies in the text, but nothing that Inrithi apologists have not been able to explain away.
—The writings of Inri Sejenus and his disciples, forming the second part of the Inrithi scriptural canon. The Inrithi believe
The Tractate
to be the prophesied culmination of
The Chronicle of the Tusk,
an amendment of the Covenant of Gods and Men for the realities of a new age. Among its seventeen books are various accounts of the life of the Latter Prophet, many parables for the purposes of moral instruction, and Inri Sejenus’s own explanation of the “Intervention” he himself represents: that mankind, as it matures, will become more and more able to worship the God in His “singular multiplicity.” Given that
The Tractate
was written more as a testament to the divinity of Inri Sejenus’s vision than out of any real commitment to historical rigour, it is impossible to assess the veracity of the text. Zarathinius and, more recently, Fanim commentators have pointed out several glaring inconsistencies in the text, but nothing that Inrithi apologists have not been able to explain away.
Trail of Skulls
—See
saka’ilrait
.
—See
saka’ilrait
.
Triamarius I
(3470-3517)—The first of the Zerxei Emperors, acclaimed by the Imperial Army following the assassination of Trimus Meniphas I in 3508. See
Nansur Empire
.
(3470-3517)—The first of the Zerxei Emperors, acclaimed by the Imperial Army following the assassination of Trimus Meniphas I in 3508. See
Nansur Empire
.
Triamarius III
(3588-3619)—The last of the Zerxei Emperors of Nansur, murdered by palace eunuchs. See
Nansur Empire
.
(3588-3619)—The last of the Zerxei Emperors of Nansur, murdered by palace eunuchs. See
Nansur Empire
.
Triamic Walls
—Caraskand’s outermost fortifications, raised by Triamis the Great in 2568.
—Caraskand’s outermost fortifications, raised by Triamis the Great in 2568.
Triamis Imperator
—The famed drama by Throseanis, based on events in the life of Triamis the Great.
—The famed drama by Throseanis, based on events in the life of Triamis the Great.
Triamis the Great
(2456-2577)—The first Aspect-Emperor of the Ceniean Empire, famed for his conquests and for declaring Inrithism the official state religion in 2505. See
Ceneian Empire
.
(2456-2577)—The first Aspect-Emperor of the Ceniean Empire, famed for his conquests and for declaring Inrithism the official state religion in 2505. See
Ceneian Empire
.
Triaxeras, Hampei
(4072- )—The Captain of Ikurei Conphas’s bodyguard.
(4072- )—The Captain of Ikurei Conphas’s bodyguard.
Trimus, House
—A Nansur House of the Congregate.
—A Nansur House of the Congregate.
Trinkets
—See
Chorae
.
—See
Chorae
.
Trondha, Safirig
(4076- )—A Galeoth thane, client to Earl Anfirig of Gesindal.
(4076- )—A Galeoth thane, client to Earl Anfirig of Gesindal.
Trucian Dramas, The
—The magnum opus of Xius, a near antique poet and playwright.
—The magnum opus of Xius, a near antique poet and playwright.
Truth Room
—An interrogation chamber located deep in the catacombs beneath the Andiamine Heights.
—An interrogation chamber located deep in the catacombs beneath the Andiamine Heights.
Trysë
—The ancient administrative capital of Kûniüri, destroyed in the Apocalypse in 2147. Arguably the greatest city of the Ancient North and, with the exception of Sauglish, Umerau, and Etrith, also the oldest.
—The ancient administrative capital of Kûniüri, destroyed in the Apocalypse in 2147. Arguably the greatest city of the Ancient North and, with the exception of Sauglish, Umerau, and Etrith, also the oldest.
Tshuma
(4073- )—One of the Nascenti, formerly a Kutnarmu mercenary.
(4073- )—One of the Nascenti, formerly a Kutnarmu mercenary.
Tsuramah
—“Hated One” (Kyranean) The ancient Kyranean name for the No-God. See
No-God
.
—“Hated One” (Kyranean) The ancient Kyranean name for the No-God. See
No-God
.
Tusam
—A village in the Inûnara Highlands destroyed by Fanim raiders in 4111.
—A village in the Inûnara Highlands destroyed by Fanim raiders in 4111.
Tusk, the
—The premier holy artifact of both the Inrithi and Kiünnat traditions, and the most unholy in the Fanim tradition (where it is referred to as Rouk Spara, or “Cursed Thorn”). Since the Tusk bears the oldest extant version of
The Chronicle of the Tusk,
which in turn is the oldest human text, its provenance remains an utter mystery, though most scholars agree that it predates the coming of the Tribes to Eärwa. It has been installed in the holy city of Sumna throughout most of recorded history.
—The premier holy artifact of both the Inrithi and Kiünnat traditions, and the most unholy in the Fanim tradition (where it is referred to as Rouk Spara, or “Cursed Thorn”). Since the Tusk bears the oldest extant version of
The Chronicle of the Tusk,
which in turn is the oldest human text, its provenance remains an utter mystery, though most scholars agree that it predates the coming of the Tribes to Eärwa. It has been installed in the holy city of Sumna throughout most of recorded history.
Twin Scimitars
—The primary holy device of Fanimry, symbolizing the “Cutting Eyes” of the Solitary God.
—The primary holy device of Fanimry, symbolizing the “Cutting Eyes” of the Solitary God.
Tydonni
—The language of Ce Tydonn, a derivative of Meoric.
—The language of Ce Tydonn, a derivative of Meoric.
Tywanrae River
—A major river system in north central Eärwa, draining the Gâl basin and emptying into the Cerish Sea.
U—A major river system in north central Eärwa, draining the Gâl basin and emptying into the Cerish Sea.
Uän, Samarmau
(4001- )—One of the Dûnyain Pragma.
(4001- )—One of the Dûnyain Pragma.
Ukrummu, Madarezer
(4045-4111)—A sorcerer of rank in the Scarlet Spires, slain by Chorae at Anwurat.
(4045-4111)—A sorcerer of rank in the Scarlet Spires, slain by Chorae at Anwurat.
Ulnarta, Shaugar
(4071- )—One of the Nascenti, formerly a Tydonni thane.
(4071- )—One of the Nascenti, formerly a Tydonni thane.
Umeri Empire
—The first great nation of Men, encompassing the length of the River Aumris, founded after the overthrow of the Trysean God-Kings,
c.
430. See
Kûniüri
.
—The first great nation of Men, encompassing the length of the River Aumris, founded after the overthrow of the Trysean God-Kings,
c.
430. See
Kûniüri
.
Umeritic
—The lost language of ancient Umerau, a derivative of Aumri-Saugla.
—The lost language of ancient Umerau, a derivative of Aumri-Saugla.
Umiaki
—The name of the ancient eucalyptus tree located in the heart of the Kalaul in Caraskand, famed as the tree from which the Warrior-Prophet was hung on the Circumfix.
—The name of the ancient eucalyptus tree located in the heart of the Kalaul in Caraskand, famed as the tree from which the Warrior-Prophet was hung on the Circumfix.
“umresthei om aumreton”
—Kyranean for “possessing in dispossession.” Ajencis’s term for those moments where the soul comprehends itself in the act of comprehending other things, and so experiences the “wonder of existence.”
—Kyranean for “possessing in dispossession.” Ajencis’s term for those moments where the soul comprehends itself in the act of comprehending other things, and so experiences the “wonder of existence.”
Unaras Spur
—The low mountain range that extends from the southern terminus of the Hethantas to the Meneanor coast, marking the geographical frontier between the Kyranae Plain and Gedea.
—The low mountain range that extends from the southern terminus of the Hethantas to the Meneanor coast, marking the geographical frontier between the Kyranae Plain and Gedea.
Unclean, the
—A name, derived from
The Chronicle of the Tusk,
commonly used by Inrithi as a pejorative for sorcerers.
—A name, derived from
The Chronicle of the Tusk,
commonly used by Inrithi as a pejorative for sorcerers.
Unmasking Room
—A chamber located in the labyrinth below Ishuäl where Dûnyain children are taught the connections between facial musculature and passions.
—A chamber located in the labyrinth below Ishuäl where Dûnyain children are taught the connections between facial musculature and passions.
Unswolka, Goeransor
(4079- )—The Tydonni thane of Hagmeir in Numaineiri.
(4079- )—The Tydonni thane of Hagmeir in Numaineiri.
Uranyanka, Sirpal
(4062- )—The Palatine-Governor of the Ainoni city of Moserothu.
(4062- )—The Palatine-Governor of the Ainoni city of Moserothu.
Uroborian Circle
—A so-called “artifactual Cant” used to prevent the utterance of sorcery and thought to turn on the same aporetic principles that make Chorae possible.
—A so-called “artifactual Cant” used to prevent the utterance of sorcery and thought to turn on the same aporetic principles that make Chorae possible.
Uroris
—A constellation in the northern sky.
—A constellation in the northern sky.
Usgald
—A fiefdom in the Galeoth interior.
—A fiefdom in the Galeoth interior.
Uskelt Wolfheart
(?-?)—One of the Chieftain-Kings named in the Tusk.
(?-?)—One of the Chieftain-Kings named in the Tusk.
Utemot
—A tribe of Scylvendi located in the northwest extremes of the Jiünati Steppe. Among the Scylvendi, the Utemot are noted as the tribe of both Uthgai and Horiötha, the two greatest conquerors in their history.
—A tribe of Scylvendi located in the northwest extremes of the Jiünati Steppe. Among the Scylvendi, the Utemot are noted as the tribe of both Uthgai and Horiötha, the two greatest conquerors in their history.
Utgarangi ab Hoularji
(4059- )—The Sapatishah-Governor of Xerash.
(4059- )—The Sapatishah-Governor of Xerash.
Uthgai
(
c.
2100-
c.
2170)—The folklore hero and Scylvendi King-of-Tribes during the Apocalypse, whose deeds are oft recited in the Scylvendi oral tradition.
V(
c.
2100-
c.
2170)—The folklore hero and Scylvendi King-of-Tribes during the Apocalypse, whose deeds are oft recited in the Scylvendi oral tradition.
Valrissa
(4086-4112)—A daughter of the Werigda and wife of Aëngelas.
(4086-4112)—A daughter of the Werigda and wife of Aëngelas.
Vaparsi
—The lost language of ancient Nilnamesh, a derivative of Shem-Varsi.
—The lost language of ancient Nilnamesh, a derivative of Shem-Varsi.
Vasnosri
—The language group of the Norsirai peoples.
—The language group of the Norsirai peoples.
Vault-of-the-Tusk
—See
Junriüma
.
—See
Junriüma
.
Venicata
—An Inrithi holy day celebrated in late spring, commemorating the so-called First Revelation of Inri Sejenus.
—An Inrithi holy day celebrated in late spring, commemorating the so-called First Revelation of Inri Sejenus.
Vindauga River
—The westernmost of the three major river systems draining into Lake Huösi, and the primary geographical boundary between Galeoth and Cepalor.
—The westernmost of the three major river systems draining into Lake Huösi, and the primary geographical boundary between Galeoth and Cepalor.
Vulgar Holy War
—The name given to the first contingent of the Holy War to march against the Fanim.
W—The name given to the first contingent of the Holy War to march against the Fanim.
Wainhail, Swahon
(4055-4111)—The Galeoth Earl of Kurigald, slain at Mengedda.
(4055-4111)—The Galeoth Earl of Kurigald, slain at Mengedda.
war, Scylvendi mode of
—Despite their illiteracy, the Scylvendi possess an extensive war nomenclature that provides them with a thorough understanding of battle and its psychological dynamics. They call battle
otgai wutmaga,
a “great quarrel,” wherein the point is to convince the foe of their defeat. The concepts central to the Scylvendi understanding of war are as follows:
—Despite their illiteracy, the Scylvendi possess an extensive war nomenclature that provides them with a thorough understanding of battle and its psychological dynamics. They call battle
otgai wutmaga,
a “great quarrel,” wherein the point is to convince the foe of their defeat. The concepts central to the Scylvendi understanding of war are as follows:
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