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The Wheel of Time Wiki
The Wheel of Time Wiki
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Sword form

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Sword forms are movements or techniques used in sword-fighting in The Wheel of Time. A specific sword form will have a name and a movement that goes with it.

History[]

Season 2[]

While working at the Cairhien sanitarium, Rand al'Thor befriends the patient Errol, who is a blademaster. Rand asks if Errol could teach him a few more sword forms and Errol agrees, and then he demonstrates a few with his cane. Another orderly, Yann, makes a loud noise, triggering Errol. Rand comforts him and asks what he would hit him with first, and Errol names the forms he would use against him.[1]

When Rand and Lan Mandragoran are at the Sun Palace waiting to see Siuan Sanche, Lan reaches to take Rand's sword from him, and Rand dodges the motion, pulling his sword and sheath into his hands. Lan smiles and identifies the sword form as "Heron dips the wing." He suggests to Rand that if he's going to use any sword form, to use "cat crosses the courtyard" - walk straight with all his muscles loose.[2]

Known sword forms[]

Sword forms that have been named in The Wheel of Time television series are:

  • Cutting the Clouds[1]
  • Kissing the Adder[1]
  • Parting the Silk[1]
  • Reaping the Barley[1]
  • Heron dips the wing[2]
  • Cat Crosses the Courtyard - "keep your back straight, every muscle loose. As if hung from a wire at the top of your head."[2]

Quotes[]

Errol
Don't test me, boy. Once a blademaster, always a blademaster. Even if I have misplaced my heron-mark sword.
Rand
I'll try to sneak my sword in again sometime. You can teach me a few more forms, right?
Errol
Take your pick. Cutting the Clouds, Kissing the Adder...
— Season 2 episode 2 Strangers and Friends
Rand
Hey. Hey. That bastard. He caught us by surprise. Next time, we'll be ready for him. Now, what'll you hit him with first?
Errol
Parting the Silk to put him off balance. Then Reaping the Barley, before he can right himself. Straight to the heart.
Rand
Pretty vicious yourself, old man.
— Season 2 episode 2 Strangers and Friends
Lan
There's one rule above all others for being a man. Whatever comes, you face it on your feet. Put this on. Give me your blade.
Rand
[dodges the motion]
Lan
[smiles] Heron Dips the Wing. You've been learning sword forms.
Rand
I've learned a couple of things.
Lan
Keep the sword. If the Amyrlin's afraid of you, it won't be for a sword. If you're going to use one of the forms, use Cat Crosses the Courtyard, keep your back straight, every muscle loose. As if hung from a wire at the top of your head. Go. The Amyrlin waits.
— Season 2 episode 7 Daes Dae'mar

References[]

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