Aiel Quote by Robert Jordan
““Almost everyone stopped when he did, but Enaila and Jalani exchanged glances and kept on right past him toward the garden. He raised his voice a fraction and hardened it considerably more. “The Maidens here will come with me. Anyone who wants to put on a dress and discuss matchmaking can stay behind.” ………….. Bashere motioned, and one of the younger Saldaeans loped ahead in that rolling stride of a man more used to a saddle. “A man must know when to retreat from a woman,” Bashere said to the air, “but a wise man knows that sometimes he must stand and face her.” “Young men,” Bael said indulgently. “A young man chases shadows and runs from moonlight, and in the end he stabs himself in the foot with his own spear.” Some of the other Aiel chuckled, Maidens and Knife Hands alike. The older ones did. Irritated, Rand looked over his shoulder again. “Neither of you would look well in a dress.” Surprisingly, the Maidens and Knife Hands laughed again, more loudly. Maybe he was getting a grip on Aiel humor.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Wheel of Time, The Shadow Rising, 1992
The passage illustrates the tension between duty and desire, urging discernment in confronting temptation and the importance of strategic retreat.
In simple terms: Know when to retreat, when to confront.
Key Takeaway
Choose wisely between retreat and confrontation.
Themes
strategy
temptation
gender dynamics
humor
Mood
witty
contemplative
Type
literary
dialogue
When to use this quote
- courtship negotiations
- leadership decisions
- cultural rituals
Key Concepts
psychology
social norms
character development
Questions to Reflect On
- When should one stand firm versus step back?
- How does humor affect serious decisions?
A Different Perspective
The humor may downplay serious gender power dynamics.
