Ji'e'toh

Ji'e'toh (Old Tongue for honor and obligation) is a moral and social code followed by the Aiel. It is considered a fundamental aspect of Aiel life.

Overview

Ji means honor, while toh means obligation. Toh can be incurred as a sort of debt to others as a result of many actions, such as being saved by someone or letting someone down. The toh can be fulfilled, i.e. the debt repaid, and the individual's ji restored. Toh can be incurred to someone who is not Aiel, and even to someone who has died.

It is dishonorable to remind a person that they have toh.

History

Season 2

After Perrin Aybara saves Aviendha in Atuan's Mill, Aviendha tries to explain the Aiel system of ji'e'toh, and says that she has toh because he saved her, which is why she will travel with him. She uses the phrase, "My water is yours," to try to explain her reasons for staying with him, although Perrin is confused by it.

When Perrin and Aviendha meet up with the Aiel Bain and Chiad, Aviendha learns of Jolien's death. Aviendha speaks to the women in hand-talk, and they beat Aviendha until she's lying bloody on the ground, which alarms Perrin. As they continue their journey later, the women laugh together, and Perrin asks Aviendha about it. She again tries to explain ji'e'toh, saying she had toh to Jolien because it's her fault Jolien died. So Bain and Chiad helped Aviendha fulfill her toh with the beating, which restored Aviendha's ji.

Quotes

Perrin

So where are you going, then?

Aviendha

Where you go, wetlander.

Perrin

But you just said that...

Aviendha

I have toh. [Perrin looks confused] Toh? [Perrin shakes his head] Ji'e'toh is the Aiel way. You saved my life. My water is yours.

— Season 2 episode 5 Damane

Perrin

So, you're all just fine now? Friends again?

Aviendha

I fulfilled my toh to Jolien and restored my ji.

Perrin

Toh is... "obligation"? Like what you said you owe me?

Aviendha

It is dishonorable to remind me. But yes. I was defending myself when Jolien took the sword to her back that killed her. It's my fault she died. That was my toh.

— Season 2 episode 7 Daes Dae'mar

Changes from the book series

Ji'e'toh is an adaptation of the honor system of the same name  (book spoilers!) in the book series.