I would first say that even if Rand knows that he has to die, I suspect he would believe that he has to die in a way a bit more significant than death-by-lunatic to fullfill the prophecies and so on. As such I think he would very much want to solve death-by-Gawyn, even with balefire.
Perhaps. I think that there are any number of ways that the duel could go down, and I'm not sure why you are focusing on scenarios in which something would go wrong for the prophecies. Like I said, I think it most likely that Rand will manage to give the first fatal blow. With only one arm, he'll be defenseless against Gawyn's counterstroke (it has nothing to do with back-turning...just swordplay).
Yeah, I suppose this is possible. Though it does beg the question of why those maidens did not interfere in the batte to protect Rand in the first place if they were near(see below).
As I said in my post, I think it will be a proper duel. It's probably impossible to predict the exact conditions; I don't see why you would expect me to when there are any number of situations in which it would make sense. It may be a simple matter of honor, accepting the challenge to a duel...or it might be something Gawyn pulls out of Andoran law, like Galad did with Whitecloak law.
I would say that being one handed will place Rand at a disadvantage to someone with two hands.
This is rather obvious. But it doesn't mean that Rand can't hang. He fought five at once with two hands, in Caemlyn.
Second, there is a scene at the beginning of TGS that suggests that Rand has infact not been practising his swordsmanship.
It indicates that Rand fears he will be killed by his first instinct; he even emphasizes the fact that it's not his primary sword hand. It's a rather odd thought, actually, since most of the situations in which his life will be in danger will not involve swordsmen, much less skilled ones. I see it as foreshadowing of his duel with Gawyn.
Also, later in the book, there is another quote in Min's point of view that indicates he is getting used to the one hand thing:
TITLE - The Gathering Storm
CHAPTER: 37 - A Force of Light
Rand reached for a gold and black coat, sliding on one sleeve, then the other. Then did the buttons one after another. He had no trouble with these; he was growing practiced at working with only one hand. Button after button. First, second, third, fourth. . . .
Min felt like screaming.
CHAPTER: 37 - A Force of Light
Rand reached for a gold and black coat, sliding on one sleeve, then the other. Then did the buttons one after another. He had no trouble with these; he was growing practiced at working with only one hand. Button after button. First, second, third, fourth. . . .
Min felt like screaming.
Just buttons...but Rand is smart enough to be more critical than cocky when it comes to the vulnerability in his sword technique.
My new 'loony' theory
03/05/2010 11:09:52 AM
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Hehe, yeah, we can also discuss it here...
03/05/2010 12:04:57 PM
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Good deal. You're still being prejudiced, though.
03/05/2010 12:20:00 PM
- 1353 Views

Of course, I prefer my theory....
03/05/2010 01:01:07 PM
- 1088 Views
I suppose it's better than Beslan
03/05/2010 01:19:52 PM
- 1266 Views
He, Beslan being Berelain's man in white was a most brilliant theory!
03/05/2010 01:55:07 PM
- 1212 Views

See, this is why I am right and you are wrong!
04/05/2010 03:56:31 AM
- 1033 Views

In my view
04/05/2010 10:07:02 AM
- 970 Views
Still prejudiced, of course...
04/05/2010 10:24:53 AM
- 1085 Views
Just disagreeing
04/05/2010 11:15:44 AM
- 1059 Views
And repeating yourself. But I have evidence.
04/05/2010 12:24:06 PM
- 1053 Views
Well...
04/05/2010 01:10:17 PM
- 955 Views
This is getting silly
04/05/2010 01:27:56 PM
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Yeah, I think as well that we have sufficiently exchanged our views on this matter!
*NM*
04/05/2010 02:18:09 PM
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Re: My new 'loony' theory
03/05/2010 04:27:12 PM
- 1119 Views
cool people change the subject line
04/05/2010 04:14:18 AM
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Re: cool people change the subject line
04/05/2010 06:43:01 AM
- 946 Views
Re: cool people change the subject line
04/05/2010 07:32:24 AM
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Re: cool people change the subject line
04/05/2010 08:31:47 AM
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Re: cool people change the subject line
04/05/2010 09:27:51 AM
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I dont claim to be but didnt you say cool people change the subject line?
05/05/2010 02:41:49 AM
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Yes. What of it? *NM*
05/05/2010 03:22:34 AM
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now you're a cool kid again?
*NM*
05/05/2010 03:23:49 AM
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It was originally a comment on those who normally dwell here (and also did at Wotmania of course) *NM*
05/05/2010 03:25:17 AM
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Re: My new 'loony' theory
04/05/2010 04:44:28 AM
- 1109 Views
what comments by Brandon, and what flaws?
04/05/2010 04:49:29 AM
- 1095 Views
Gawyn promised not to raise a hand against Rand
06/05/2010 12:59:47 AM
- 894 Views
Indeed he did.
06/05/2010 07:23:44 AM
- 1280 Views
But...
06/05/2010 08:52:04 AM
- 1092 Views
Just because it makes more sense to you doesn't make it more likely. I have evidence!
06/05/2010 09:57:52 AM
- 922 Views
Well...
06/05/2010 11:12:42 AM
- 1028 Views
*sigh*
06/05/2010 01:41:03 PM
- 1121 Views
I'm still hoping to dissuade you from this crazy idea!
06/05/2010 02:07:54 PM
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You won't.
06/05/2010 02:11:42 PM
- 1044 Views
Gawyn agreed that he would talk with Elayne about this topic
06/05/2010 02:32:55 PM
- 1153 Views
Nice theory ...
07/05/2010 06:25:29 PM
- 1124 Views
Take two
17/05/2010 07:33:35 PM
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Re: Take two
17/05/2010 11:45:08 PM
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Re: Take two
18/05/2010 12:52:10 AM
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Re: Take two
18/05/2010 01:35:46 AM
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Re: Take two
18/05/2010 01:45:24 AM
- 1055 Views