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Education in Thedas varies depending on race, culture, and class, and from nation to nation.

Human nations[]

Chantry[]

The education provided to those of the Chantry appears on par with that of nobles. Templar recruits are literate and are taught history[1] in addition to their martial training and religious education. Only initiates, those who have taken vows to devote their lives to the Chantry, receive an academic education.[2]

Members of the Chantry, by virtue of their responsibilities, are naturally literate and well-read, in the Chant of Light if nothing else.

Local Chantries may also provide some instruction to their followers and allow access to their texts.[3]

Chantry members may also pursue scholarship. Clerics are the true academics of the Chantry, those men and women who have dedicated themselves to the pursuit of knowledge.[2] The most well-known Chantry scholar is Brother Ferdinand Genitivi, lecturer and author of numerous texts and travelogues. Other scholars search for ancient artifacts and scrolls, such as Sister Justine, curator of the Denerim chantry. Justine is also versed in decoding ciphers and encrypted text. There are also those who study astronomy, music or history.

Circle of Magi[]

Mage-tower-screens-preview-2

The library of Kinloch Hold.

The education of a mage is as extensive as that of a noble, if not more so. Beyond being taught to control their magic, a mage learns of the various schools of magic as well as languages, reading, writing, scrying, healing, etc. A mage's training consists of extensive study of arcane lore.

Much like the Chantry, the Circle of Magi encourages scholarship and publishes the completed research. Examples of this are the botanical writings of Ines and the spirit research of Rhys. Through their education and scholarship, mages are considered some of the most educated members of society and as such may sometimes function as advisers in royal courts.

Circles of Magi have massive libraries and are typically the greatest repositories of knowledge in a given country, though access is naturally limited.

Commoners[]

Commoners appear to receive little formal education in most countries in Thedas and many may be illiterate. City elves receive even less education than human commoners. As such, dwarven runes may be used in place of writing in some cases.[4] In other instances tally marks may be used to delineate locations or distances.[5]

However, in sharp contrast, those who work as servants in noble estates appear to receive extensive education, at least enough that is sufficient to perform their tasks.[6]

In recent years, Empress Celene Valmont I has been strongly encouraging the University of Orlais to overlook the lack of status and rank for individuals who show prodigious talent or potential which could help further the interests and prestige of the Orlesian Empire, provided a noble sponsors them. Most recently this has even extended to Celene personally interceding in support of an elven math prodigy, Lennan, who was sponsored by Comtesse Helene.[7] Elves are now allowed into the university, although it is common for their work to go unacknowledged and uncredited.[8]

Nobility[]

Among the Fereldan nobility, an education is typically provided by a learned tutor, such as Aldous in the Human Noble Origin. Noble Andrastian families may often have a Chantry Mother as a member of the household to attend to the religious education of the young. Examples of Mothers attached to noble households are Mother Mallol and Mother Ailis of the Cousland and Theirin families respectively.

A major facet of noble education appears to be history, as Aldous drills both the Human Noble and young squires in the household on family history. Reading and writing are naturally part of this education. A noble education does not necessarily make one a strong scholar however, as even King Maric is by his own admission a poor reader.[9] Martial training is also a component of the education of nobility, as nobles are expected by their commoners to defend them and their territories. It is unusual, but not unheard of, for noble daughters to be educated in the ways of war and battle.

Noble households may also boast libraries, as Castle Cousland does.

Noble education may also include such things as dance and song, as Leliana learned in Lady Cecilie's household.

There are also finishing schools in Val Royeaux where young ladies may pursue their education and study mathematics, rhetoric, poetry, history, logic, and etiquette.[10]

Tevinter[]

Mages[]

Unlike in southern nations, attendance at a Circle of Magi is not compulsory for the mages of the Imperium. On the contrary, Circles are prestigious academies of learning highly sought after by the children of magisters. Mages who do not attend the Circle can study magic from private tutors, at universities[11] or in expensive private schools such as the one run by the Order of Argent in Minrathous.[12] To become fully-ranked enchanters of a Circle of Magi, mages must receive sponsorship and pass certain tests.

Slaves[]

Slaves in the Tevinter Imperium are often illiterate.[13] However, some receive formal education and training for specific purposes such as working in libraries, accounting or scribing. Literacy is notable and reflects on a slave's price.[14][15]

To make up for this lack of instruction, Tevinter slaves develop their own pictograms as a way to warn other slaves of things such as a master's temperament and other practical uses related to their society. These symbols go largely unnoticed by their owners and have a local significance, thus the same image might mean different things to different groups.[16]

Dwarves[]

Orzammar Shaperate - archives

The archives of the Shaperate

Dwarven education in Orzammar appears to be given to those with caste. Little is known of the nuances of dwarven education but it appears that at least part of it, amongst nobles, may be administered by members of the Shaperate.[17] Martial training appears to be a major element of noble and warrior education in Orzammar, with the best trainers being retained by noble households.

The Shaperate is arguably the largest repository of history and knowledge. Its resources are available to anyone, in order to pursue both personal[18] and professional research. Noble households may also serve as patrons for Shaperate scholars.[19]

All dwarves in Orzammar are groomed to inherit the skills of their Ancestors, so all foremost education is aimed at learning skills that are relevant to their caste.[20] Parents drill their children in the art of their trade, hoping that their children can attain excellence in their field and consequently renown.[21]

BioWare canon
The following information is only mentioned in Dragon Age Tabletop. Certain portions of this media may no longer reflect currently established lore.

However the Shaperate is not the only source of scholarly work in Orzammar. A mining caste dwarf named Grundrak wrote a book named 'On Combustibles and Corrosives' which discusses the use of combustiles and corrosives for best effect and contains the formalae for both the Fire Bomb and Acid Flask. This book was written in the Trade tongue as he was certain that humans needed the advice most of all.[22]

Casteless dwarves[]

Amongst the casteless there is no formal education; indeed, most casteless dwarves appear to be functionally illiterate.[23] However, noble hunters are literate and highly educated in poetry and other skills in order to make them attractive to noble partners.

Qunari[]

Ben-Hassrath (Those Who Speak)

A Tamassran educating converts

Education amongst the Qunari is administered according to one's role in the rigid society of the Qun. Learning is a core philosophy of the Qunari way of life. In spite of it, many Qunari do not speak the common tongue of Thedas.[24] Amongst Qunari, the tamassrans are arguably the most educated, being fluent in many languages[25] in order to educate, or re-educate, converts to the Qun. Tamassrans raise the young, administer their general education, and evaluate them for placement in society.

Tamassrans raise all Qunari children to be literate so at a base level, all who were raised under the Qun know how to read.[26]

Dalish elves[]

Education among the Dalish appears to be in the main oral,[27] who instruct through the use of lore and storytelling. The Dalish retain their history through oral tradition as well as books in some cases.[28] A clan's First studies lore, magic and history in order to become a successful Keeper.[29] A Keeper is ostensibly a clan's leader and as such is viewed as wise and learned.

Dalish elves hold Arlathvhens in order to reconvene with other clans and to exchange their collected lore.

The Dalish believe it is their responsibility to relearn the old ways of their ancestors. However, their knowledge of the old elven culture is patchwork from what little they could salvage themselves; what knowledge of the old ways they do know has taken them lifetimes to achieve.

The Dalish have tried to preserve the ancient elven culture by remembering stories of their history. What techniques or philosophies their ancestors utilized that are still applicable in serving the needs of the clan are taught as trades for Dalish members. This has brought about specialized roles in Dalish clans that not only bears the responsibility of learning everything they can about their aspect of Dalish culture, but also serves to help sustain the clan in their new way of life. For example, a clan craftsmaster's duty is to learn what they can of the ancient elven arts of shaping wood and ore, while a hunter may learn ancient elven knowledge that protect and provide for the clan. Whatever their role, the Dalish use their talents and knowledge to address the needs of the clan.

The Dalish take on apprentices from the younger generation of their clan to pass on their knowledge and continue the legacy of their ancient arts. The apprentice appears to graduate their apprenticeship after passing a test of competence when their mentor and Keeper deems them ready. Graduation from apprenticeship also seems to be a rite of passage to adulthood in Dalish clans.[30]

Known scholars[]

Disapproved/Banned by the Chantry[]

Notable repositories[]

Known universities[]

Trivia[]

  • Zevran Arainai and other assassins of the Antivan Crows are notably literate,[133] and the Crows maintain their own scholarship in their archive.
  • Fenris is illiterate as a consequence of his enslavement.[134]
  • Elan Ve'mal mentions there being a specific college for herbalists.

References[]

  1. As Alistair mentions in party banter with Morrigan in Dragon Age: Origins.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Codex entry: Chantry Hierarchy
  3. As Ser Donall is doing research on the Urn of Sacred Ashes at the Lothering chantry in Dragon Age: Origins.
  4. Dragon Age: Asunder, p. 128
  5. As noted in Dragon Age: The Silent Grove Chapter 2, tally marks are used by illiterates in the Antivan Crow prison Velabanchel.
  6. Cyrion Tabris, for example, has by necessity had some education in order to be a servant in Bann Rodolf's Denerim estate.
  7. Dragon Age: The Masked Empire ch1.
  8. According to Colette.
  9. Dragon Age: The Calling, p. 261.
  10. As Josephine Montilyet did when she was fifteen years old.
  11. Myrion, a former slave, studied magic at a university.
  12. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 233
  13. As seen during The Book of Shartan quest.
  14. As seen during Under Her Skin quest.
  15. Codex entry: The Long Walk to Halamshiral
  16. Codex entry: The Secret Tongue of Slaves
  17. As implied by dialogue between a Dwarf Noble and Shaper Czibor in Dragon Age: Origins.
  18. As seen with Orta during Lost to the Memories.
  19. Such as Gertek.
  20. Dagna's family and particularly her father, Janar, dictates to her to maintain the tradition of learning the skills of her caste.
  21. As depicted in dialogue between the female dwarven smith and her daughter when first entering the Orzammar Hall of Heroes in Dragon Age: Origins.
  22. Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Player's Guide, p. 89
  23. Based on Sigrun's illiteracy prior to joining the Legion of the Dead.
  24. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 42
  25. As implied by Rasaan in Dragon Age: Those Who Speak.
  26. When asking Iron Bull with "So no families?" [Regarding living as a Qunari], he responds with "The tamassrans were like our parents, though.... Taught us to read..."
  27. As implied by hahrens Paivel and Sarel.
  28. As implied by the book Morrigan takes from Ariane's clan.
  29. According to Merrill in Dragon Age II.
  30. As evidenced by Cammen in Cammen's Lament and Varathorn and his Dalish apprentice
  31. 31.00 31.01 31.02 31.03 31.04 31.05 31.06 31.07 31.08 31.09 31.10 31.11 31.12 31.13 31.14 31.15 31.16 31.17 31.18 31.19 31.20 31.21 31.22 31.23 31.24 31.25 31.26 31.27 31.28 31.29 31.30 31.31 31.32 31.33 31.34 31.35 31.36 31.37 31.38 31.39 31.40 31.41 31.42 Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 142
  32. Codex entry: A Compendium of Orlesian Theater
  33. 33.0 33.1 Codex entry: The Pyramids of Par Vollen
  34. Codex entry: The Storm Coast's Claim
  35. Codex entry: Judicael's Crossing
  36. Codex entry: Tower of Bone
  37. Codex entry: Ville Montevelan
  38. Codex entry: The Breach
  39. 39.0 39.1 Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 144
  40. Category:Lady Alcyone (source)
  41. Codex entry: Finesse
  42. Codex entry: Battleground State
  43. Codex entry: The Laws of Nature in the Fade
  44. Codex entry: The Temple of Mythal
  45. Codex entry: Demonic Possession
  46. Codex entry: The Maker's First Children
  47. Codex entry: The Ashen Cuirass
  48. Codex entry: Pilgrims and Amaranthine
  49. Codex entry: The Port City of Amaranthine
  50. Codex entry: Willem's Bulwark
  51. Codex entry: Champions of the Just
  52. Codex entry: The Emergent Compendium
  53. Codex entry: Temple of Sacred Ashes, Rediscovered
  54. Codex entry: A Nutty Affair
  55. Codex entry: Her Perfumed Sanctuary
  56. 56.0 56.1 Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 143
  57. Codex entry: Stonehammer's Gift
  58. Codex entry: Halamshiral
  59. Codex entry: Superstitions of the Royal Family
  60. Codex entry: Blood-Splattered Notes
  61. Codex entry: Giant
  62. 62.0 62.1 62.2 62.3 Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 125
  63. Codex entry: Moonlight on the Feast of Shadows
  64. Codex entry: Dragon Cults
  65. Codex entry: Spirit of Wisdom
  66. Codex entry: Aveline, Knight of Orlais
  67. Codex entry: A Compendium of Orlesian Theater
  68. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 145
  69. Codex entry: Varghest
  70. Codex entry: Adventures of the Black Fox
  71. 71.0 71.1 71.2 71.3 71.4 Note: Request for Resources on the Fade
  72. Codex entry: Qunari Dreadnoughts
  73. Codex entry: Chateau Haine
  74. Codex entry: Emperor Florian
  75. Codex entry: Mad Emperor Reville
  76. Codex entry: Templars
  77. Codex entry: The Centurion's Cuirass
  78. Codex entry: Caer Bronach
  79. Codex entry: Hargrave Keep
  80. Codex entry: Therinfal Redoubt
  81. Codex entry: The Legend of Calenhad: Chapter 1
  82. Codex entry: The Legend of Calenhad: Chapter 2
  83. Codex entry: The Legend of Calenhad: Chapter 3
  84. Codex entry: Of Gods and Doubt
  85. Codex entry: In Your Heart Shall Burn
  86. Codex entry: The Stone Tree
  87. Codex entry: Rashvine
  88. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 145
  89. Codex entry: Here Lies the Abyss
  90. Codex entry: The Chevaliers
  91. Codex entry: Empress Celene I of Orlais
  92. Codex entry: The Champion of Kirkwall
  93. Codex entry: The Basket of Lost Socks
  94. Codex entry: The Grey Wardens (Inquisition)
  95. Codex entry: The Veil
  96. Codex entry: Longbow of the Jackal
  97. Codex entry: The Old Gods
  98. 98.0 98.1 98.2 98.3 98.4 98.5 98.6 Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 141
  99. Codex entry: The Long Walk to Halamshiral
  100. Codex entry: Enchanter Illana
  101. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 136
  102. Codex entry: Lurker
  103. Codex entry: Cautionary Tales for the Adventurous
  104. Codex entry: The First Grand Enchanter
  105. Codex entry: The Creation of a Phylactery
  106. Codex entry: The Gem of Keroshek
  107. Codex entry: Spellbinder
  108. Codex entry: The Girl in Red Crossing
  109. Codex entry: Bear (Inquisition)
  110. Codex entry: Hyena
  111. Codex entry: Scattered Notes
  112. Codex entry: The Orlesian Empire
  113. Codex entry: Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts
  114. Codex entry: In Hushed Whispers
  115. Codex entry: Tusket
  116. 116.0 116.1 Human Noble's dialogue option when Dairren asks for a favorite book.
  117. Codex entry: A Compendium of Orlesian Theater
  118. Codex entry: Daerwin's Mouth
  119. Codex entry: The Circle of Magi
  120. Codex entry: Legend of the Three Sisters: Book 1
  121. Codex entry: Legend of the Three Sisters: Book 2
  122. Codex entry: Legend of the Three Sisters: Book 3
  123. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 88
  124. Codex entry: The Imperial Chantry
  125. Codex entry: Envy
  126. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 139
  127. Codex entry: The Hedge Witch
  128. Dragon Age: Last Flight, p. 214
  129. Mentioned in ambient dialogue by Josephine Montilyet's messenger in Dragon Age: Inquisition
  130. Epilogue (Origins).
  131. Dragon Age: The Masked Empire, Chapter 1
  132. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 71
  133. As assassination contracts must be read per Master Ignacio.
  134. As seen during The Book of Shartan quest.
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