In the years after the Breaking of the World, the Aiel people were wandering with the objects of the power given to them by the Aes Sedai. They were denied water and shelter by all other cultures and nations other than the people that later became the Cairhienen people. 400 years prior to the start of the story, the Aiel people, in thanks for the sharing of water, gave the Cairhienen people a sapling from the Avensdora tree, also known at the Tree of Life. The sapling was named Avendoraldera and was considered a great gift from the Aiel. Additionally, the Aiel gave the Cairhienen exclusive permission to trade across the Aiel Waste with the Sharans for their silk, giving great wealth to Cairhien. In 976 NE, King Laman Damodred had the sapling cut down to build a throne for himself. The Aiel feeling greatly dishonored, brought 4 clans across the Spine of the World to execute Laman. This event served as the spark that started the Aiel War. Despite fighting for 2 years, Laman was finally killed by the Aiel at the Battle of the Shining Walls near Tar Valon in 978 NE. After his death, the Aiel retreated back across the Spine of the World. Laman's sword was taken by the Aiel as part of the taking the fifth and that sword eventually made it to Aviendha, who then gifted the sword to Rand al'Thor to meet her toh. Rand accepted the heron-marked blade, but not the hilt that was covered in rubies and gems. Laman is the uncle to Moiraine Damodred and Taringail Damodred.