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Post by Stormrider on Jul 20, 2004 6:29:41 GMT -6
Gandalf’s sword, Glamdring (the Foe-Hammer or called Beater by the Goblins) and Thorin’s sword, Orcrist (the Goblin-cleaver or called Biter by the Goblins), were made by the fair elves in past ages. This connection seems to be one that helps tie The Hobbit to Tolkien’s Silmarillion and Lord of the Rings.
What Elf or Elves forged these swords and which Elves wielded them? The chapter says that the Elves hunted the Goblins in the hills. When and why were the Goblins hunted and by what Elves?
Gandalf’s sword, Glamdring, especially seems powerful and terrifying. The Elves were able to create many beautiful and powerful things. Which brings me to my age old question, "What kinds of powers did the Ilúvatar bestow upon the Elves?"
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Post by Stormrider on Jul 22, 2004 5:55:59 GMT -6
The only thing that I have been able to find out so far is:
Glamdring is the mate of Orcrist and they were made by the Elves of Gondolin for the Wars of Beleriand. Glamdring was worn by Turgon, Lord of Gondolin—also known as Thingol (second son of Fingolfin, father of Idril who was the mother of Eärendil).
There were five Battles of Beleriand: The first battle (no fancy name given for it), Dagor-nuin-Giliath (Battle Under Stars), Dagor Aglareb (the Glorious Battle), Dagor Bragollach (the Battle of Sudden Flame), and Nirnaeth Arnoediad (the Battle of Unnumbered Tears)(the Great Battle).
Looks like I have some Silmarillion reading to catch up on now!
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Post by Hilary on Jul 22, 2004 8:40:29 GMT -6
Um, Turgon was not known at Thingol: Elwë was known as Thingol ; also as Singollo, Greycloak or Greymantle. Elwë was one of the Teleri. He was King of Doriath; spouse of Melian, and father of Lúthien. Turgon was of the Noldor, and in Middle-earth, he ruled Gondolin. He was the father of Idril; and grandfather of Eärendil. Geez, all these First Age Elves get very confusing  |
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Post by Stormrider on Jul 25, 2004 12:03:03 GMT -6
Right you are, Hilary! I don't know what I was thinking when I posted that Turgon was also known as Thingol. I have to admit all the different names of the Elves still confuses me.
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Post by Stormrider on Aug 5, 2012 15:06:30 GMT -6
The first battle of Beleriand is after Melkor/Morgoth and Ungoliant slew the Trees of the Valar and escaped back to Middle-earth. Morgoth returned to Angband and Ungoliant went toward Dorthonion and the mountains she settled in became known at Ered Gorgoroth, the Mountains of Terror. Morgoth build up his orc strength moving into Beleriand and then they attacked King Thingol cutting him off from Cirdan. More Elves come from other regions to help and were able to defeat the orcs with bitter loss. The Elves were lightly armed and were no match for the orcs who had iron shields, and iron spears and broad blades. Another orc host drove Cirdan to the rim of the sea and he had to withdraw his people (at least those he could reach). Melian used her power and fenced in all their lands with the Girdle of Melian.
I can't find speciically when or what elves forced Orcrist or Glamdring. But after reading about the first battle of Beleriand, the Elves may have felt they needed stronger weaponry should they have to face orcs in battle again. This could have been the first laid plans for forging the two swords and probably many others like them.
If it was the Elves of Beleriand that forced the swords, Foster's says that at first the Sindar of Doriath and the Falas settled in Beleriand and were later joined by the Laiquendi of Ossiriand, and the Noldor of Nargothrond, Minlad, and Thargelion. I would guess that the talents of all these Elf breeds and Melian's Maiar abilities influenced the forging the swords.
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