Blademaster

From A Wheel of Time Wiki

Blademasters are acknowledged masters of sword-based combat.

Contents 1 History 2 Sword of a Blademaster 3 Heron mark 4 Known Blademasters 4.1 Current Age 4.2 Historical 4.3 Age of Legends 4.4 Possible Blademasters 5 Notes

[edit] History

To date, all known blademasters are male.

Blademasters are formally recognized as such in the Westlands when one of two things occurs: either they defeat a known blademaster in single combat with appropriate witnesses, or they are judged by a sufficient number of blademasters (5), via unanimous vote, to have demonstrated sufficient skill.

A blademaster may decorate their sword with a heron mark although it is not demanded of them. They seem to master certain named forms that are used, almost like a dance. This is thought to be an adaptation of the game swords which was played in the Age of Legends.

[edit] Sword of a Blademaster

Heron-mark swords are rare, but far more important is the prestige attached to them. A heron-marked sword is the symbol of a recognized blademaster. Only men who have complete mastery of the sword are given the privilege of carrying a heron-mark sword. Heron-mark swords may contain the heron only on the blade, only on the hilt or on both. The size and shape of the blade may vary.

Tam al'Thor became a blademaster while serving in the army of Illian. The black scabbard displayed a bronze heron. The sword itself was very slightly curved and sharp on only one edge. The hilt was worked with a bronze heron and another was etched into the steel blade itself. This blade was passed onto Rand Al'Thor but was melted during his third fight against Ba'alzamon.

[edit] Heron mark

During the Age of Legends, Aes Sedai created weapons with the Power. Some were swords, and some of these blades were marked with a heron (see the chapter icon above). Heron-mark blades are awarded to Blademasters as a symbol of their skill. Some heron-mark blades were made by blacksmiths after Aes Sedai started taking Oaths to not create weapons.

In The Great Hunt (see TGH 15) Rand al'Thor is confronted by Ba'alzamon while searching for the Horn of Valere. While holding his sword Ba'alzamon heats the sword. Thus each of Rand's hands are branded with the Heron Mark; fulfilling the prophecy cited above. (Later Rand loses his left hand also leaving him less one Heron Mark brand. See Rand al'Thor.)

[edit] Known Blademasters

According to Robert Jordan, there are fewer than a hundred Blademasters in the Westlands. The number of Blademasters in Seanchan is unknown.

Blademasters names so far in the series are:

[edit] Current Age

• The High Lord Turak Aladon - killed by Rand al'Thor
• Lord Captain Commander Eamon Valda - killed by Galad Damodred
• Toram Riatin - killed by Lan
• Galad Damodred, Prince of Andor, Lord Captain Commander of the Children of the Light
• Lan Mandragoran, Dai'shan of Malkier, Lord of the Seven Towers
• Rand al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn
• Tam al'Thor, of the Two Rivers
• Rodel Ituralde
• Lieutenant-General Turan - Seanchan general

Spoilers: Information ahead comes from The Gathering Storm; please be careful if you have not read that book yet!
Hammar, of the White Tower- killed by Gawyn Trakand[1] Gawyn Trakand, First Prince of the Sword of Andor[1] Sleete, Warder to Hattori of the Green Ajah[1] Gareth Bryne, Warder to Siuan Sanche, Former Captain-General of the Queen's Guards [2]

[edit] Historical

• Jearom - reputed to be the best swordsman who ever lived. Historical figure.

[edit] Age of Legends

• Be'lal, Forsaken
• Lews Therin Telamon, Dragon

[edit] Possible Blademasters

• Laman Damodred, King of Cairhien (deceased) ^[verify]

[edit] Notes