Sheathing Callandor

📁 The Last Battle 👤 solomonrex 📅 2003-03-19 💬 7 replies

At some point in one of the earlier books, Lan makes a point of teaching Rand what 'Sheathing the Sword' is (thrusting the sword into yourself). I have always thought this is a reference to the Last Battle. The swords seem to be an important theme. Rand stubbornly insists that all the Black Tower students learn swordplay, even though no one else sees the need. Rand and Lews Therin are good with the blade. While RJ hasn't touched on this theme lately, Callandor was Rand's true 'unveiling' as the Dragon Reborn and Callandor is still powerful, even if it isn't a Choden Kal. Since the Callandor has no sheath, it could be that it's true owner is it's only sheath. Most of us agree that Rand will die to save the world, and I think this could be how. I also think that the method to turn someone to the DO- thirteen myrdraal linked to 13 aes sedai- will play a part in the Last Battle and this could be Rand's way out. Why would the DO keep Rand alive unless the DO has plans for him like this?

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Replies (7)

Tamyrlin #1

2003-03-20

The main issue I would have with your theory is the concept that Callandor was ever meant to be used as a sword. It is a powerful sa'angreal, in the form of a sword, and it would seem strange for RJ to not use Callandor in a way related to the OP. I understood the sheathing of the sword with Rand's heron marked blade, but with Callandor, I am in doubt.

Callandor #2

2003-03-20

In TSR Rand does say that Callandor would cut **like the sharpest steel** or close to that. So its in the shape of a sword and can be used as one, but I still dont think would work. The sheathing the sword seems to be for TGH.

Weird Harold #3

2003-03-21

"At some point in one of the earlier books, Lan makes a point of teaching Rand what 'Sheathing the Sword' is (thrusting the sword into yourself)." I think you mis-understand "Sheathing the Sword." "Sheathing the Sword" is NOT stabbing yourself. It's leaving yourself open so your *opponent* "sheathes" his sword in you. This traps your opponenets sword and leaves him open to a killing stroke. It is a desperation tactic that bets your opponents stroke will not be immdiately fatal and allow you the counter-stroke that is. Rand has already used this tactic -- at Falme -- to receive his first never-healing wound.

solomonrex #4

2003-03-26

I thought that The Great Hunt had to do with 'Heron Wading through the Rushes' rather than sheathing the sword, but I see your point now. I still wonder how Rand is going to die- and then live again. I don't think Balefire will do for Rand what it did for Mat. And I have seen Rand as suicidal, similar to LTT.

Weird Harold #5

2003-03-26

"Heron Wading..." is a training position that doesn't have much application in combat -- unless you're desperate enough for Sheathing the Sword" -- because it leaves you open to attack. Rand will "die" by a very convincing illusion or stasis weave cast by Alivia. He needs to convincingly disappear for a while to throw the Forsaken's plans into chaos.

Anubis #6

2003-03-27

Heron waiding is not so much as a scuicide move as a sacrifice moove. you are sure to die, but it will enable you to defeat a much more powerfull opponet like rand vs ishy in TGH. shiething the sword isnt just scuicide, its sacrafice. you gain somthing that you consider to be more valuable then your life. be it honor, fame, allowing your friends to escape, defeat of evil, whatever.

Shadow Bane #7

2003-06-08

Solomon rex- great idea! I never thought about it but it makes sense right? I mean Rand has to "Spill his blood on the rocks of Shayol Ghul" so maybe he sheathes the sword in a battle to let someone escape or something. I wonder if he uses this technique to distract his opponent from some sort of attack by Mat's forces? Thanks for the idea it could go somewhere.