I always took the severed hand to be Birgittes. With RJ's foreshadowing, I saw it as Elayne losing her 'hand'. Her advisor, her protector, in a great sacrifice, and then I think she will ride to the last battle when the Horn is sounded, to be spun out again later, younger than Gaidal.
WoT If...Birgitte Doesn't Survive the Last Battle?
in Theory Blog
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I always took the severed hand to be Birgittes. With RJ's foreshadowing, I saw it as Elayne losing her 'hand'. Her advisor, her protector, in a great sacrifice, and then I think she will ride to the last battle when the Horn is sounded, to be spun out again later, younger than Gaidal.