Ghem (cetaganda)
Encyclopedia
The Ghem are the lower aristocracy
of the Cetagandan Empire
in Lois McMaster Bujold
's science-fiction series, the Vorkosigan Saga
The Ghem are the military caste and the lower aristocracy of Cetaganda. The main way for Ghem males to gain prestige and recognition is to serve with distinction in the military forces of the Empire (though not all Ghem males are in the army). For Ghem females, it is to perform genetic engineering on species other than humans with success (manipulation of human genetics is reserved for the ladies of the Haut).
A distinguishing feature of the Ghem is their use of face-paint. The exact usage depends on the individual's clan, status, and the activity they are pursuing. In particular, there are painting patterns associated with military missions.
In the novel Cetaganda, it is revealed that among the younger generation of Ghem, fashion dictates that the face paint is reduced to a painted patch on one cheek.
Aristocracy
Aristocracy , is a form of government in which a few elite citizens rule. The term derives from the Greek aristokratia, meaning "rule of the best". In origin in Ancient Greece, it was conceived of as rule by the best qualified citizens, and contrasted with monarchy...
of the Cetagandan Empire
Cetaganda
Cetaganda is the collective name for an 8-planet empire in the Wormhole Nexus of the Vorkosigan Saga novels of Lois McMaster Bujold.-Cetagandan Society:...
in Lois McMaster Bujold
Lois McMaster Bujold
Lois McMaster Bujold is an American author of science fiction and fantasy works. Bujold is one of the most acclaimed writers in her field, having won the prestigious Hugo Award for best novel four times, matching Robert A. Heinlein's record. Her novella The Mountains of Mourning won both the Hugo...
's science-fiction series, the Vorkosigan Saga
Vorkosigan Saga
The Vorkosigan Saga is a series of science fiction novels and short stories set in a common fictional universe by American author Lois McMaster Bujold. Most of these were published between 1986 and 2002, with the exceptions being “Winterfair Gifts” and Cryoburn...
The Ghem are the military caste and the lower aristocracy of Cetaganda. The main way for Ghem males to gain prestige and recognition is to serve with distinction in the military forces of the Empire (though not all Ghem males are in the army). For Ghem females, it is to perform genetic engineering on species other than humans with success (manipulation of human genetics is reserved for the ladies of the Haut).
A distinguishing feature of the Ghem is their use of face-paint. The exact usage depends on the individual's clan, status, and the activity they are pursuing. In particular, there are painting patterns associated with military missions.
In the novel Cetaganda, it is revealed that among the younger generation of Ghem, fashion dictates that the face paint is reduced to a painted patch on one cheek.
See also
- The Haut of CetagandaHaut (cetaganda)The Haut are the ruling and highest class aristocracy of the Cetagandan Empire in Lois McMaster Bujold's sci-fi series, the Vorkosigan Saga.-Who they are:...
- The Ba of Cetaganda