Heron Wading in the Rushes

Heron Wading in the Rushes
First mentioned or used	The Great Hunt, Chapter 1
Mentioned or used by	Rand al'Thor

For other uses of the word "heron," see Heron.

"Remember that Heron is only for practicing balance. Anywhere but doing forms, it leaves you wide open; you can strike home from it, if you wait for the other man to move first, but you'll never avoid his blade."
   —Lan Mandragoran

Heron Wading in the Rushes is a sword form.

Description

Heron Wading in the Rushes is typically used to train balance. The swordsman stands on the ball of one foot, sword held reversed in both hands over their head shifting from foot to foot. Many consider it unworthy of practice, since it allows the enemy to strike with impunity.

In practice

Rand al'Thor was told to use this form by Lan Mandragoran to train his balance. Rand continued to use it when he, Loial, and Hurin traveled to another world by Portal Stone. While watching Rand practice this form, Ingtar Shinowa commented that it would allow a sure strike on the enemy yet leave the blademaster unable to defend. Ingtar also said that what is used in practice could inadvertently be used in battle. In the battle above Falme, Rand uses Heron Wading in the Rushes to draw Ishamael into a strike, thus, it was also a form of Sheathing the Sword.