[C Of K]

Originally Posted by BSOM180

"Into the heart he thrusts his sword, into the heart, to hold their hearts. Who draws it out shall follow after. What hand can grasp that fearful blade?"

This was mentioned before he did it I think, it was mentioned in passing by someone in an earlier book who was explaining about parts of the Karaethon Cycle making no sense. So I think Jordan planned it from early on. I don't think there were any "cop outs".

Just because Jordan planned it early on, doesn't mean it wasn't a cop out.When he finally did have the chance to use it, Jordan came up with the certain flaw that is inherent in the sword, so that it was basically no use at all, but of course book nine shows that the sword actually is of use.I'm tired of it, myself. Either the sword works, or it doesn't. I don't like how Jordan flip-flopped with the whole thing.

Also, if he went to the Aiel with a SWORD, they might be a little peeved at their "He Who Comes With The Dawn" I'd love to see him convince the tribes that didn't want to go with him anyway he had their interests at heart when he uses a sword. The imaginary sword of fire he makes is probably bad enough, without a physical one showing at all times.

I don't think the Aiel would consider that sword imaginary at all. It killed very real, very dangerous enemies. Besides, a sword made of fire on the battlefield would be difficult to miss, don't you think?

He also knew their thoughts on swords before he left anyways.

Exactly, so why would he use a sword at all if he cared about their views at all? Rand spit on many of their beliefs long before they were his. His war with those Aiel who refused to follow him showed as much.

I know that if I intended to rule over a people I wouldn't want to spit in their beliefs until I knew they were completely mine, and even then I would try to avoid it.

He spit on their beliefs when he came out of Rhuidean and started a civil war.