Xaîni LiteratureThe Xaîni Common Culture is now, by human standards, immensely old. Even though Xaîni are long-lived and have excellent memories, they are not considered to reach the age of provisional maturity until their 24th sikildar (Xaîni year); that is until they are about 56 years old in human terms. Until that time they do not leave the 'azeran or family compound more than is absolutely necessary, and their interaction with the wider society is minimal. Most of this period is spent in learning the things that they will need to know as functioning members of that society, and particularly the immense body of literature that has accumulated. Poetry is considered by the Xaîni to be the highest form of literature, as calligraphy is the highest of the arts. To
be accepted as a poet is automatically to be a member of the Tsinjan caste, which also comprises warriors and administrators.
(The warrior-poet is a fundamental psychological archetype among Xaîni.) Numerous styles of poetry exist, and fashions
for particular forms come and go. However, some of the most widely used are:
The Xaîni and their world |