The Seanchan are an empire from across the Aryth Ocean, descendants of Artur Hawkwing's armies who were sent to conquer lands to the west three thousand years ago. They returned to the Westlands during the events of The Great Hunt, beginning an invasion that intensifies through the series. Seanchan society is rigidly hierarchical, with elaborate customs around deference based on rank. Most strikingly, they collar women who can channel - called damane (leashed ones) - and use them as weapons, controlled by handlers called sul'dam. The Seanchan are neither simple villains nor allies: they maintain order efficiently, their invasion is devastating, and yet they share the same enemy as the forces of Light.