Yanus was the Sea Holder of Half-Circle Sea Hold in the Ninth Pass.
History[]
Yanus was considered by many to be the finest Sea Holder that Half-Circle had ever had. Under his leadership the hold prospered. Because of his skill and wisdom with the sea and the weather they had few losses with both fishermen and/or ships. He knew his duty and role and expected everyone else to fill theirs to the benefit of the Sea Hold. He eventually married Mavi and had many children, among them being Alemi, Sella, and Menolly.
Despite his success as a Sea Holder, Yanus's wisdom in dealing with people was less developed. He was very traditional and felt that both men and women had their duties and any deviation wasn't acceptable. His biggest issue was with his youngest daughter Menolly; he didn't feel that she was a proper girl because he couldn't understand her as she didn't have the same interests as the other girls in the sea hold.
Despite this, he allowed Menolly to assist Petiron, the Sea Hold's elderly harper, in his duties, as Petiron was no longer able to play the instruments required for the Teaching Ballad. Following Petiron's death, he begrudgingly allowed Menolly to continue teaching, but beat her after hearing her play a single measure of her own music. Following the arrival of the new Harper, Yanus and Mavi relegated Menolly to the minor duties of a holder's daughter, and forbade her from singing in front of the Harper. Though Elgion, the new Harper, was aware of a talented youth though Petiron's last communications, he was told that the youth was a fosterling who left, as Yanus believed that the fact that Menolly had taught was a shame on the Sea Hold. After Menolly ran away, Yanus showed no concern for his daughter, and only allowed children who were already collecting food to participate in a search.
Personality and traits[]
Yanus was a hard worker and dutiful to his responsibilities to both Benden Weyr and Half-Circle. In his eyes, the sea was everything and was unable to relate to anyone that didn't feel the same way. Yanus had extremely traditional views and was unable to think beyond what had always be done before. In particular, he did not believe that women could be Harpers, which led to a difficult relationship with his youngest daughter, Menolly.
Despite his conservative views, Yanus had a reputation for training up good seamen, and was commended by MasterFisherman Idarolan.
Appearances[]
- Dragonsong (only appearance)
- The Dolphins of Pern (mentioned)