I admittedly am not well-versed in inside information, posts on other forums, Q&A, or spoilers.

Having said that I think some part of the ending to the series has to do with Rand's death and rebirth at the end of Tarmon Gaidon. The Finns were "obliquely clear" that to live, Rand must die.

I think Rand will most likely die in the last battle, spilling his "blood on the rocks of Shayol Ghul" but just as the DO seems to be able to grant his Chosen immortality and new bodies, I think that after dying, and very possibly after everyone has begun to mourn, Rand will be "reborn" or reanimated by the Creator in his current Rand body and will awaken to much joy and "My god, he's ALIVE!"

I believe, also, that Rand will "awaken" totally sane (if he isn't already after that ending to tGS), both wounds in his side finally gone. And it is possible *maybe* that the herons and dragons will be gone, and even possibly the return of his hand (?)

If the DO can do those things for the Chosen, it seems plausible that the Creator, who shelters the heroes of the pattern, would reward Rand for his service to the light by allowing him to live out his life.

It also fits with some of the Christian parallels; one man being born to save mankind, being the sacrificial lamb and resurrecting.

Anyone have any "insider knowledge" or thoughts?