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Interview #36: Twitter 2011 (WoT), Entry #38

Brandon Sanderson (6 January 2011)

Nynaeve is a divisive force among WoT fans. Yes, she likes to call men wool-headed. Next time you read, though, watch her actions.

BRANDON SANDERSON

She often speaks in a way influenced by her culture. But if you watch her body language and intent, she’s a very different person.

BRANDON SANDERSON

An excellent example of this is her conversation with Rand in The Eye of the World

  1. She very reasonable, empathetic, and treats Rand as an adult.

BRANDON SANDERSON

Yes, she calls all men wool-headed. If you want to understand Nynaeve, see these comments as kin to a Seanchan “May she live forever”.

BRANDON SANDERSON

Sure, she means them. Kind of. But mostly, they’re just things you say when you are part of her culture.

LEAH DEHNEL

Its not just Nynaeve though, there’s not a main character who is a woman who doesn’t voice these sentiments at least once…

BRANDON SANDERSON

That’s why I argue it’s cultural. Makes sense in a culture where men who have magic are a danger, but women are a resource.

MIGNON FOGARTY

I find Nynaeve very annoying. She’s such an irrational pill.

BRANDON SANDERSON

Lol. I can’t help seeing her, even still, as a big sister.

BRANDON SANDERSON (7 JANUARY)

“Dresses were not made for stalking.”—Nynaeve, trying to sneak while wearing one. Gender roles are fascinating in the WoT. For example…

BRANDON SANDERSON

Harriet edits so we’re careful to use non-gender-specific terms. Fisher instead of fishermen, as that’s the preferred WoT usage.

BRANDON SANDERSON

The world has blatant sexism on both sides, and yet, at the same time there’s far more gender equality than found in most cultures.

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