Education

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 historyAs Alistair mentions in party banter with Morrigan in Dragon Age: Origins. 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.Codex entry: Chantry Hierarchy 
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.As Ser Donall is doing research on the Urn of Sacred Ashes at the Lothering chantry in Dragon Age: Origins.
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. 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 ===
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.Dragon Age: Asunder, p. 128 In other instances tally marks may be used to delineate locations or distances.As noted in Dragon Age: The Silent Grove Chapter 2, tally marks are used by illiterates in the Antivan Crow prison Velabanchel.
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.Cyrion Tabris, for example, has by necessity had some education in order to be a servant in Bann Rodolf's Denerim estate.
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.Dragon Age: The Masked Empire ch1. Elves are now allowed into the university, although it is common for their work to go unacknowledged and uncredited.According to Colette.
=== 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.Dragon Age: The Calling, p. 261. 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.As Josephine Montilyet did when she was fifteen years old.
=== 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 universitiesMyrion, a former slave, studied magic at a university. or in expensive private schools such as the one run by the Order of Argent in Minrathous. 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.As seen during The Book of Shartan quest. 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.As seen during Under Her Skin quest.Codex entry: The Long Walk to Halamshiral
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.Codex entry: The Secret Tongue of Slaves
== Dwarves ==
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.As implied by dialogue between a Dwarf Noble and Shaper Czibor in Dragon Age: Origins. 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 personalAs seen with Orta during Lost to the Memories. and professional research. Noble households may also serve as patrons for Shaperate scholars.Such as Gertek.
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.Dagna's family and particularly her father, Janar, dictates to her to maintain the tradition of learning the skills of her caste. Parents drill their children in the art of their trade, hoping that their children can attain excellence in their field and consequently renown.As depicted in dialogue between the female dwarven smith and her daughter when first entering the Orzammar Hall of Heroes in Dragon Age: Origins.
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.Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Player's Guide, p. 89
=== Casteless dwarves ===
Amongst the casteless there is no formal education; indeed, most casteless dwarves appear to be functionally illiterate.Based on Sigrun's illiteracy prior to joining the Legion of the Dead. However, noble hunters are literate and highly educated in poetry and other skills in order to make them attractive to noble partners.
== Qunari ==
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. Amongst Qunari, the tamassrans are arguably the most educated, being fluent in many languagesAs implied by Rasaan in Dragon Age: Those Who Speak. 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.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..."
== Dalish elves ==
Education among the Dalish appears to be in the main oral,As implied by hahrens Paivel and Sarel. who instruct through the use of lore and storytelling. The Dalish retain their history through oral tradition as well as books in some cases.As implied by the book Morrigan takes from Ariane's clan. A clan's First studies lore, magic and history in order to become a successful Keeper.According to Merrill in Dragon Age II. 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.As evidenced by Cammen in Cammen's Lament and Varathorn and his Dalish apprentice
== Known scholars ==
* A. PourriCodex entry: A Compendium of Orlesian Theater
* Andvan TherastesCodex entry: The Pyramids of Par Vollen
* Sister AdalaideCodex entry: The Storm Coast's Claim
* Lord Ademar Garde-HautCodex entry: Judicael's CrossingCodex entry: Tower of BoneCodex entry: Ville Montevelan
* Mother Ailis
* Lady Seeker Alandra VaelCodex entry: The Breach
* Lady Alcyone:Category:Lady Alcyone (source)
* Brother Ansel of HossbergCodex entry: Finesse
* Brother Ashor VellCodex entry: Battleground State
* Enchanter Ephineas AserathanCodex entry: The Laws of Nature in the Fade
* Atronus of AntivaCodex entry: The Temple of Mythal
* Senior Enchanter Bader of OstwickCodex entry: Demonic PossessionCodex entry: The Maker's First Children
* Brother BedineCodex entry: The Ashen CuirassCodex entry: Pilgrims and AmaranthineCodex entry: The Port City of AmaranthineCodex entry: Willem's Bulwark
* Mother BezoriaCodex entry: Champions of the Just
* BodaliereCodex entry: The Emergent Compendium
* Mother ClothildeCodex entry: Temple of Sacred Ashes, Rediscovered
* Sister DamsonCodex entry: A Nutty AffairCodex entry: Her Perfumed Sanctuary
* Prelate Davidus
* Sister Dorcas Guerrin
* Sister DulcineaCodex entry: Stonehammer's Gift
* Elodie FerrneauCodex entry: HalamshiralCodex entry: Superstitions of the Royal Family
* Erwine CavyCodex entry: Blood-Splattered Notes
* Brother EstomahrCodex entry: Giant
* Brother Ferdinand Genitivi
* Lord FlemingCodex entry: Moonlight on the Feast of Shadows
* Brother FlorianCodex entry: Dragon Cults
* Senior Enchanter FrancoisCodex entry: Spirit of Wisdom
* Lord Francois MaignyCodex entry: Aveline, Knight of Orlais
* Marquise FreyetteCodex entry: A Compendium of Orlesian Theater
* Ferdinand Pentaghast
* Professor Frederic of SeraultCodex entry: Varghest
* Gaston GerraultCodex entry: Adventures of the Black Fox
* Lady Gihn
* Magistrate Gilles de Sancriste
* Gregorias PepigitCodex entry: Qunari Dreadnoughts
* Guillaume van der HauteCodex entry: Chateau Haine
* Brother Harlon AscariCodex entry: Emperor FlorianCodex entry: Mad Emperor Reville
* Sister Harriet
* Baron Havard-Pierre d'Amortisan
* First Enchanter Halden of StarkhavenCodex entry: Templars
* Hendrik of CumberlandCodex entry: The Centurion's Cuirass
* Henry LannonCodex entry: Caer BronachCodex entry: Hargrave KeepCodex entry: Therinfal Redoubt
* First Enchanter HeronNote: Request for Resources on the Fade
* Brother HerrenCodex entry: The Legend of Calenhad: Chapter 1Codex entry: The Legend of Calenhad: Chapter 2Codex entry: The Legend of Calenhad: Chapter 3
* Revered Mother HevaraCodex entry: Of Gods and DoubtCodex entry: In Your Heart Shall Burn
* Sister HoldaCodex entry: The Stone Tree
* Lord Horace Medford, "Adventurer"
* Master Ilian GravireCodex entry: Rashvine
* Botanist Ines Arancia
* First Enchanter Irving
* First Enchanter Josephus
* Revered Mother JulietteCodex entry: Here Lies the Abyss
* Revered Mother LaeticiaCodex entry: The ChevaliersCodex entry: Empress Celene I of Orlais
* Sister Lilian Hatch
* Senior Enchanter Lorace of CumberlandCodex entry: The Champion of Kirkwall
* First Enchanter Luidweg of AnsburgCodex entry: The Basket of Lost Socks
* Sister ManonCodex entry: The Grey Wardens (Inquisition)
* Senior Enchanter Mareno of the Minrathous Circle of MagiCodex entry: The Veil
* Sister MarigoldCodex entry: Longbow of the Jackal
* Sister MaryCodex entry: The Old Gods
* Maryden Halewell
* Swordmaster Massache de Jean-Mien
* Enchanter Mirdromel
* Sister Oran Petrarchius
* Paul Legrand
* Brother PekorCodex entry: The Long Walk to Halamshiral
* Senior Enchanter PercivaleCodex entry: Enchanter Illana
* Sister Petrine
* Philliam, A Bard!
* Plume
* Pol Ageire PhrideeCodex entry: Lurker
* Brother Ramos of GuilhermeCodex entry: Cautionary Tales for the Adventurous
* Renatus of Ayesleigh
* Lord RenauresCodex entry: The First Grand Enchanter
* Enchanter Reva ClayeCodex entry: The Creation of a Phylactery
* Lord Roderick Gutenschwantz
* Lord Rodney PierceCodex entry: The Gem of Keroshek
* Enchanter Rodomonte van HeiglCodex entry: Spellbinder
* Sister Rondwyn of Tantervale
* Sister RosetteCodex entry: The Girl in Red Crossing
* Lady Simone Therese Germaine
* Stephan d'EroinCodex entry: Bear (Inquisition)Codex entry: HyenaCodex entry: Scattered Notes
* Bann TeoricCodex entry: The Orlesian Empire
* Sister TessariaCodex entry: Wicked Eyes and Wicked HeartsCodex entry: In Hushed Whispers
* Tilda AdereCodex entry: Tusket
* Brother TimiousHuman Noble's dialogue option when Dairren asks for a favorite book.
* Ser Treus
* Violette ArmandCodex entry: A Compendium of Orlesian Theater
* Brother VincentCodex entry: Daerwin's Mouth
* Senior Enchanter Vormann Quine of CumberlandCodex entry: The Circle of Magi
* Warden Warren
* Lord Werner JauquinCodex entry: Legend of the Three Sisters: Book 1Codex entry: Legend of the Three Sisters: Book 2Codex entry: Legend of the Three Sisters: Book 3
* First Enchanter Wenselus
=== Disapproved/Banned by the Chantry ===
* Seer Agata
* Brother Capria
* Lord Cerastes of Marnas Pell
* Father David of QarinusCodex entry: The Imperial Chantry
* Esmar TrevientoCodex entry: Envy
* Keeper Gisharel
* Laudine (former Chantry Sister)
* Senior Enchanter Maleus (formerly of the Circle of Rivain)
* Magister Pendictus
* The Randy Dowager
* Hahren Sarethia
* Magister Vibius Agorian
* Archon Vius
* Senior Enchanter Wentworth HiggingbottomCodex entry: The Hedge Witch
== Notable repositories ==
* The Shaperate of Orzammar
* The library of Kinloch Hold
* Archive of the Crows in Antiva City
* The Grand Library of the Winter Palace, Orlais
* Vir Dirthara, the Shattered Library, accessible from The Crossroads
* The library of Weisshaupt Fortress in the AnderfelsDragon Age: Last Flight, p. 214
== Known universities ==
* Royal University of AntivaMentioned in ambient dialogue by Josephine Montilyet's messenger in Dragon Age: Inquisition
* University of Ferelden (founded if Anora is the sole ruler)Epilogue (Origins).
* University of OrlaisDragon Age: The Masked Empire, Chapter 1
* University of Markham
* Unnamed universities in Tevinter
== Trivia ==
* Zevran Arainai and other assassins of the Antivan Crows are notably literate,As assassination contracts must be read per Master Ignacio. and the Crows maintain their own scholarship in their archive.
* Fenris is illiterate as a consequence of his enslavement.As seen during The Book of Shartan quest.
* Elan Ve'mal mentions there being a specific college for herbalists.
== References ==
Category:Lore
Category:Dalish lore
Category:Dwarven lore
Category:Human lore
Category:Qunari lore
Category:Tevinter Imperium
Category:Chantry lore
uk:Освіта