What Is a Wayward Pine?

Pine Trees

• Native to the northern hemisphere, varying species of pine trees grow in most corners of the world. They are evergreen, with needle-shaped foliage and seed-containing cones. When the cone blooms, the wind most typically disperses its seeds. Birds and rodents can also transport seeds away from the parent tree, however.

A Wayward Pine

• Because of the method of seed dispersal, it isn't uncommon for a pine tree to pop up in an unexpected location, far from its parent tree. This would be a wayward pine in its most literal sense.

Sword of Truth

• According to the fictional world created by Terry Goodkind in his fantasy book series "Sword of Truth," the wayward pine is a massive tree with drooping bows that offers shelter to travelers. These protective fortresses are throughout Goodkind's stories in the fairyworlds of Westland and the Midlands.

World of Warcraft

• In the gaming world, a wayward pine is a member of a raiding guild composed of older players. Members consider their loosely organized guild to be casual and welcoming, offering players whatever intensity of play they desire.