Rand, Galad, Gawyn or Lan?

[Guest The Thin Inn Keeper]

Just a bit of idle entertainment, nothing too serious.  ::)

 

Given that all 4 are fully fit and healthy, ie. 2 arms, 2 legs and a sword, no bonds etc., who's the best?

 

I've read the books a fair few times and can't decide.

 

Rand - Generally hard as nails. Fought and killed at least one blademaster.

Galad - Again, fought and killed at least one. Descriptions of fighting while getting Nyn. the boat descibes him as breaking the mob.

Gawyn - Fought in the tower. One of the Aes Sedai the Younglings were escorting thought he was more skilled than Galad.

Lan - Described as the best of the Warders, enough said. Again, he has fought and killed blademasters.

 

I'd like to give it to the old man. I think Lan'd take it, mostly due to the fact that he'd just refuse to die and probably end up offing his opponant with his teeth if need be.

[Feral]

I think Lan too. He was the one who taught Rand after all and he's been fighting a lot longer than the others. If I remember correctly Galad only killed Valda because Valda was over confident and in TDR Mat watches Galad and Gawyn practicing and notes that Galad seems to be coming off best. Of course Gawyn has probaby improved a good deal since then.

[Majsju]

According to RJ, Rand was better than Galad until he became Mr Stumpy. Galad is from all we have seen so far better than Gawyn.

I think Lan would whoop them all though. If nothing else, he has more battleexperience than the three of them combined.

[Guest The Thin Inn Keeper]

I agree that Galad appears better than Gawyn. But, that was before the Tower fighting and Gawyn's general fun and games with the Younglings. Gawyn seems to have seen more combat that Galad recently.

 

If I remember correctly Lan has fought 2 blademasters and has taken wounds in each fight. But, he keeps going.

 

But then again, the old fella's getting on a bit.  ;)

[Dragon21]

We have had a number of polls and questions about this on here.

I don't think any of them can beat Lan. (assuming no channeling)

Lan taught Rand, and he has been at it longer than any of the others have been alive.

To me it's no question.

[Guest Dreadlord]

It has to go to Lan, but I would say that Rand was very close behind him. Rand would have beaten Galad if not for the hand situation. And I think that Galad would be better at leading than sword fighting

[Ahaz Flagg]

In a fight if all were 100% healthy, Lan hands down.  Than based on reading and the feel you get, Rand would whip the other two.  As for a battle between Egwenes puppy and Berlain's boy, Gawyn.  Galad while certainly fierce, probaly could not match any of their battle exp.

[Harmless Bandit]

It could go either way in my opinion between Rand and Lan.

 

Lan is more experienced, but Rand has the youth's vigor on his side. He killed a Warder (with his bare hands) and mortally wounded another (with the guy's own sword) in mere instants, though I will grant you that he was highly motivated (read he was in a rage). Still, you have to be pretty darn fast to accomplish that feat. All it would take is to get him into that mode (or near it).

 

Imagine a hypothetical situation in which Lan is defending Nynaeve, and he is facing Rand, who is defending Min.

 

You have a fight of epic proportions there. ;)

 

Rand seemed pretty good in the GH, he faced and killed eight Trollocs, IIRC, with up to four at the same time. Trollocs are no swordmasters, but to kill so many isn't bad.

[The Dragon Champion]

Um, not really sure if anybody said this, but Gawyn has actually killed 2 blademasters- Coulin and Hammar, one of the Aes Sedai says so after the battle. Galad has killed one- Valda.

Lan would be the best, obviously as he's best of the warders, which has been stated multiple times. It's impossible to compare the other three however Rand may be better than the brothers, it hasn't really been delved into much. Gawyn is better than Galad I would say, because he killed the two blademasters who trained both of them.

[Guest leebarr]

Since I'm getting up there in age myself lol i would have to give old Lan the edge. he has seen much more and does not seem to care much on living or dieing. When death does not scary you  you will do more then others are willing too

[DuDZiK]

As a pure swordsman, I'd pick Lan hands down.

 

Rand with 'the void' can at least give him a run for his money, but even then I don't think he could beat Lan more often than not.

 

Gawyn is a good swordsman, but I don't think he could beat any of the other three in this list.

 

Galad is said to have been better than Gawyn, quite easily if I recall, and I think of the other three he'd be the serious contender with Lan.

[Rain]

I believe it would be between Rand and Lan. But while Lan might probably have more battle experience with a sword at least, I highly doubt he has more battle experience than Rand at this point. Anyway if I recall Rand up until losing his hand was constantly training  in un-armed combat and spear work with Rhuarc and fighting the best swordsmen in the entire city daily all at one time. And from POVs Rand and comments made about his sword skills after they actually see him use one, Rand is probably was the best blademaster in the series prior to losing his hand. From the looks of it as long as Rand doesn't lose the void he would win. It should also be pointed out that Lan is not the best among the Warders with the sword.

[bjclinton]

But while Lan might probably have more battle experience with a sword at least, I highly doubt he has more battle experience than Rand at this point.

 

Lan has about 60 years of nothing BUT battle experience- he grew up in the Borderlands and his entire life was one big battle in the blight facing creatures that Rand has still not even seen or fought firsthand (think back to TEOTW for just a few examples). The Lan met Moiraine, became bonded as her Warder and spent another 20 jumping from one viper pit to another with her. Rand has, what...3-5 years? Not sure of the exact passage of time here, but even though Rand has fought Forsaken and Darkfriends as of late, to say that he has more battle experience than Lan is more than an understatement.

 

Anyway if I recall Rand up until losing his hand was constantly training  in un-armed combat and spear work with Rhuarc and fighting the best swordsmen in the entire city daily all at one time.

 

True, and as a result he became good. Very good. However, he's been doing that for about a year. Lan however, has already been acknowledged as being deadly with every weapon out there, has also trained with the Aiel and understands their way of fighting with hands and feet, and trained as a Warder. Again, he has significantly much more experience than Rand in both swordmanship as well as general combat w/ other weapons or no weapons.

 

It should also be pointed out that Lan is not the best among the Warders with the sword.

 

Who is?

 

I seem to remember a very specific quote from the series identifying Lan as the "Best of the Warders, which makes him the Best of the Best."

 

Don't get me wrong- Rand is the closest one in this series that could give Lan a run for his money...unless of course you count Matt (lets not even get that one started  ;) ) but he certainly is not deadlier than Lan is.

[Harmless Bandit]

But while Lan might probably have more battle experience with a sword at least, I highly doubt he has more battle experience than Rand at this point.

 

Lan has about 60 years of nothing BUT battle experience- he grew up in the Borderlands and his entire life was one big battle in the blight facing creatures that Rand has still not even seen or fought firsthand (think back to TEOTW for just a few examples). The Lan met Moiraine, became bonded as her Warder and spent another 20 jumping from one viper pit to another with her. Rand has, what...3-5 years? Not sure of the exact passage of time here, but even though Rand has fought Forsaken and Darkfriends as of late, to say that he has more battle experience than Lan is more than an understatement.

 

Dude, I do agree with you that Lan has more experience, but where on earth did you get the 60 years thing? Lan is said to be into his middle years; and the calculations I have seen (here) give him less than 50 years of existence, much less experience, probably 45, give or take one year.

 

He was in his mid-twenties (or close) when he met Moiraine.

 

For him to have 60 years of "nothing BUT battle experience" he would have to be over 70, like 75 for it really to count. Or he would have started swinging that sword of his like twenty years before he was born.

 

Anyway if I recall Rand up until losing his hand was constantly training  in un-armed combat and spear work with Rhuarc and fighting the best swordsmen in the entire city daily all at one time.

 

True, and as a result he became good. Very good. However, he's been doing that for about a year. Lan however, has already been acknowledged as being deadly with every weapon out there, has also trained with the Aiel and understands their way of fighting with hands and feet, and trained as a Warder. Again, he has significantly much more experience than Rand in both swordmanship as well as general combat w/ other weapons or no weapons.

 

Lan knows how to fight like an Aiel, but I'm not sure it's specified that he trained with them.

 

But Rand knows that as well (he even used it), and he trained with Aiel.

 

And experience is not all. Galad killed Valda, yet the fool (Valda) was more experienced, though he was obviously overconfident, something Lan would never be. But then again, Gawyn killed his two masters, who had been at it far longer than him, and most probably were blademasters. Heck, Rand killed a 'blademaster' when he was still a rookie. There is more to it than experience.

 

It should also be pointed out that Lan is not the best among the Warders with the sword.

 

Who is?

 

I seem to remember a very specific quote from the series identifying Lan as the "Best of the Warders, which makes him the Best of the Best."

 

Don't get me wrong- Rand is the closest one in this series that could give Lan a run for his money...unless of course you count Matt (lets not even get that one started  ;) ) but he certainly is not deadlier than Lan is.

 

Perhaps I could parrot myself and point out that Rand killed two Warders in mere heartbeats etc etc?

 

And while on Mat, people often point out that he beat Galad and Gawyn while still weak like a babe to emphasize his deadliness, but ignore that later in the same book the High Lord Darlin (I think it's him) brought Mat to a standstill. What's with that?

[Guest The Thin Inn Keeper]

A few points that might be handy:

 

1. Warders aren't necessarily amazing with a sword. e.g. Birgitte's tough and probably not too shoddy in close combat, but she isn't a natural swordswoman. Lan being described as the best of the best probably puts him in the top bracket of swordsmen within the warders. Added to that, the sword is his weapon of choice. The only time I recall him using another weapon is when he takes Byars axe off him when he is rescuing Perrin. Surely that means he's fairly useful.

 

2. The majority of Rands combat is done with the OP. Given that he's only been fighting for a few years, he can't be anywhere near as experienced as Lan.

 

3. Rand has trained with the Aiel. So what? Given that all 4 go into it with a sword, if it comes down to facing any of them unarmed, he's a dead man.

 

4. As for experience, haven't all the blademasters encountered been fairly confident? In New Spring Lan kills one who was portrayed as arrogant. Valda certainly was, as was Toram. I think noting Valdas arrogance against Galad is a little harsh.

[Tyrell]

To be honest, I'd be very depressed if prior to loosing his hand Rand were the best living blademaster. Just WHY? He's as strong in the power as its possible to be, he's the Dragon Reborn, he has armies, nations, asha'man, aes'sedai and more all at his command. So why in the name of whatever you like to blaspheme with does he need to be an uber blademaster on top of everything else, especially when he's going to end up with his hand blown off anyways, besides which he's been using a sword for, what, two years?

 

To be honest if RJ made Rand the most amazing swordsman evah I'll loose respect for him.

[trakand_01]

I would go with Lan, or Rand. I think Lan may have the edge because he has the experience and understands the most important thing; when to stop fighting. He knows when there is no point in fighting, when to turn and run, which has undoubtedly kept him alive and skilled for so long. He taught Rand when to 'sheath the sword' and I think that knowledge will help both of them; there are times when the only way to win is to take the blade yourself.

 

I think G/G/R still have a little too much bravado, perhaps Gawyn more than the others, whereas L/R know what they are fighting for is a much greater thing, and their own safety (and to Lan, Nynaeve's safety relies on him staying alive) is paramount.

 

That sounds a load of garble. you know what i meant.

[Guest Dreadlord]

The way I see it, Lan is the fighter, the full on warrior, the master swordsman. The master of Blademasters. Rand is surely a Blademaster by now and would give Lan a run for his money.

 

Yes Rand learned from the Aiel, and we have seen Rand use the hand to hand a couple of times (Like when Rand punched one of the renegade Ashaman, was that Kisman?) and as he pulled back his fist Rand noted that the second would be the killing blow. If it was a fight without the power Rand would be the most evenly matched person for Lan, but I do think Lan would win.

[Guest The Thin Inn Keeper]

I see it all playing out as below:

 

Rand, Lan, Galad and Gwayn are all involved in the official Dragonmount Debate-Settling Tourney. They draw lots to decide the first round: Galad vs. Lan and Gwayn vs. Rand

 

Round 1

Gwayn vs. Rand

 

Rand and Gwayn circle each other cautiously, blades held out in front of them. Both are aware that the other is an acclaimed swordsman, both sure of their own abilities. The opening exchanges are cagey, Bull in China Shop is met by Tiny Field Mouse in a Bar, One Legged Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is met by Chopsticks Grabbing Maki. Soon both combatants are bleeding from a number of small wounds. They have tested each other out and have realized they are in for a fight.

 

“I didn’t kill your mother,” mutters Rand.

 

“Yes you did,” growls Gwayn.

 

“No, I didn’t.”

 

“Yes, you did.”

 

This goes on for a while.

 

Ferocious blows are being traded, both men are nearing exhaustion when Rand makes his move.

 

“Oh, I’m sleeping with your sister, she’s pregnant, I have no intention of marrying her and I have two other women on the go.”

 

Gawyn gasps, loses concentration, and Rand runs him through.

 

Rand is healed up by a waiting Aes Sedai and advances to the next round. He takes time to wail, tear out his hair and generally feel sorry for himself after killing Gawyn.

 

Lan vs. Galad

 

Billed as the pretty boy vs. the beast, the two men immediately lay into each other with a flurry of blows. Genius Child Writing on Chalkboard is countered by Man With a Bad Case of Dysentery. Sympathetic Vomiting Syndrome is met with Nervous Dog Outside Chinese Restaurant.

 

The battle goes on in total silence for half an hour. Lan, despite being the better swordsman, has been cut 157 times, is bleeding profusely, yet shows no sign of discomfort. Finally, the uncrowned king unleashes Skydiver Who Has Just Realized That The Man Who Packed His Parachute Knows That He Is Sleeping With His Wife and nicks the side of Galad’s cheek.

 

“NNOOOO!!!!! Not the face!!!!! Anywhere but the face!!!!!” cries Galad as he claps his hands to his wound.

 

“Gutted,” grunts Lan as he slices blondie’s head off.

 

Lan is healed up, not that he really needs it, and trots off to kill the sheepherder.

 

The Finale

Rand al’Thor vs. Lan Al’Mandragoranananananan

 

The two circle each other warily for a while before the banter kicks in.

 

“So Grasshopper, you have come far,” grins Lan.

 

“Further than you know, further than you know,” mutters Rand.

 

The two men attack, using all their skill and eventually fall back after 3 and a half days of solid combat. Finally Lan manages to press home an attack, Man Playing Air Guitar to Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid”, forces Rand onto the defensive.

 

Rand is forced to employ the “Wax On, Wax Off” defensive technique, however, Lan is wise to the tactic and slices off Rand’s left hand.

 

“Ohhh … for the love of Jordan. That really stings!” gasped Rand as he staggered backward.

Rand launches one last desperate attack. He manages to catch Lan off balance and plunges his blade toward his chest.

 

“Embrace Death!” shouts Lan as he steps into the blade, swinging his own sword towards Rand’s head.

 

“Oh for the Creator’s sake! Who does that?!? Bloody Borderlanders!!!” cries Rand just before his world goes dark.

 

Lan calmly slides Rand’s sword out of his stomach. He’s taken worse wounds, it only lacerated a kidney on the way through. He’s got a spare.

 

[Troilen]

Well, that was a very creative post, thanks for the laughs =)

 

As to Gawyn/Galad, I don't remember it ever being stated that Galad is a better swordsman than Gawyn.  IIRC Gawyn himself states that Galad has only to be taught something once to remember how to do it, but that doesn't mean that Gawyn sucks, just he has to practice more.  Anyways, I think Gawyn showed how well he can fight when he killed his masters.

[Cillian]

Hahahahaha!! :D

Great post Thin Inn Keeper ;D

The forms were brilliant 8)

[Guest Dreadlord]

QUOTE

Skydiver Who Has Just Realized That The Man Who Packed His Parachute Knows That He Is Sleeping With His Wife

UNQUOTE

 

Priceless. I was hoping there would be an impossibly long one. I can just imagine Lan training Rand up between chapters in the early books.

 

Lan: "This ones called "Skydiver Who Has Just Realized That The Man Who Packed His Parachute Knows That He Is Sleeping With His Wife."

 

Rand: "What was that?"

 

Lan: "Skydiver Who Has Just Realized That The Man Who Packed His Parachute Knows That He Is Sleeping With His Wife."

 

Rand: "Whats a parachute?"

 

Lan sighs wearily. "Never mind. I'll show you Sheath the Sword."

[Ebony Ash]

To be honest i seem to remember that some ais sedi mentoninig that Gawyn for all his lack of flair and theatrics is better than Galad. i think it was Suin(sp) when she was leaving the tower with min.

 

That point done i definatly think Lan ois the best. Rand although trained by aiel he was not trained like an aiel-- the diffrence- Rand started whern he was around 20 aiel children start around 8 so he might know the aiel moves but i would hazard to say he and lan fight eqaly when it comes to aiel ighting.

[Majsju]

To be honest i seem to remember that some ais sedi mentoninig that Gawyn for all his lack of flair and theatrics is better than Galad. i think it was Suin(sp) when she was leaving the tower with min.

 

Siuan thinks Gawyn is the more dangerous of the two, which is not the same as the best with a sword.

[Guest Dreadlord]

Suian is more likely to consider dangerous to be other things than being good with a blade. I would have thought that she meant he could ruin her plans rather than being able to swing his sword about