The Enchanting Blade: Unveiling the Name of Arwen's Sword in LOTR
Arwen's sword, a symbol of Elven power, holds a captivating backstory Discover the significance of this exquisite weapon and explore the enchanting realm of Elven swords in Middle-earth
Throughout the Lord of the Rings trilogy, a wide array of weapons were utilized. Ranging from battleaxes, maces, and spears, to bows and arrows and swords, each weapon carried significance not only to its wielder but also to the community they belonged to.
Certain weapons were bestowed with names, particularly when gifted or crafted for individuals of royal lineage. For instance, the sword Orcrist received its moniker, which translates to "Goblin-cleaver," when it was entrusted to Thorin Oakenshield, the Dwarf king. Named weapons are typically intended to fulfill a specific purpose in unforeseen circumstances.
This notion extends to characters like Arwen, the Elven lady. In the Lord of the Rings, she becomes the guardian of a powerful sword with a rich family history, which had been instrumental in combating formidable foes and ultimately came into Arwen's possession to continue the legacy of its heroic deeds.
What Is Arwen's Sword Called?
Like many other swords, Arwen's weapon also has a descriptive name that highlights its abilities. An example of this is the knife Angrist, which means "iron-cutter" in Sindarin. It was stolen by the Edain warrior Beren, who used it to cut through the Iron Crown worn by Morgoth. These weapon names possess a certain power to foretell the future use of the weapon.
Arwen's sword, Hadhafang, follows the same pattern. In Sindarin, Hadhafang translates to "throng-cleaver". This refers to the sword's ability to destroy or cleave through a horde of warriors. True to its name, Hadhafang has played a significant role in numerous battles throughout history, including the First Age, the Second Age, and even in the Third Age when it was wielded by Arwen herself.
Why Is Arwen's Sword Significant?
: The sword, although absent from J.R.R. Tolkien's stories, was ingeniously introduced by Peter Jackson, the visionary director behind the Lord of the Rings films of the early 2000s. Despite its fictional origin, this weapon boasts a remarkable backstory that led to its acquisition by Arwen, enabling her to triumph over formidable adversaries while safeguarding the very essence of peace within Middle-earth.
The role of Hadhafang in the story is crucial as it has been wielded during numerous critical moments involving the Elven people throughout their extensive history. Initially, it was bestowed upon Idril, the Elven princess. Subsequently, after marrying a man and giving birth to Eärendil, she passed it on to him. Eärendil, in turn, became the father of Elrond, who is widely recognized as the father of Arwen.
The sword's design was specifically crafted for mounted combat, featuring a seamless connection from its blade to its handle, enabling swift yet powerful strikes. Elrond initially took up this weapon during the War of the Last Alliance in the Second Age, when Sauron met his downfall at the hands of Elves and Men. Elrond's mastery of Hadhafang allowed him to repel Sauron's massive army and ultimately brought an end to a significant conflict. However, a noteworthy aspect is that the sword was never intended for Elrond's use; some argue that it was solely meant for Arwen.
Hadhafang bears an inscription on its blade that roughly translates to: "Hadhafang, a noble defense against enemy masses, meant for a noble lady." Notably, this description aligns with Arwen herself, as her name also signifies "noble lady." Despite Arwen's limited display of swordsmanship in the films and her absence in swordplay within the books, she brandishes Hadhafang to save Frodo from the Ringwraiths. It is interesting to note that this group of Sauron's servants could also be referred to as a "mass". This suggests that the sword, throughout three ages, was destined to be present for the purpose of rescuing Frodo, the bearer of the One Ring, even though Arwen herself never wields it.
What Are Some of the Other Elven Swords?
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The Elven people, depending on their martial ranking and community, wielded various swords in combat. Among them, the Lhang was particularly popular. High Elves were known to use this shortsword, which enabled quick and sweeping movements to immobilize adversaries. Once the opponents were brought down, a downward attack could be swiftly executed.
Another prestigious sword in Elven lore, reserved for Elves of high martial rankings, was the Elven Lord Sabre. As the name suggests, this curved blade with a short handle, known as Hadhafang, was primarily used on horseback due to its substantial weight and maneuverability.
The Wood-elven sabre stands out for its exceptional length compared to other swords, offering the option of wielding it with both hands or from behind a shield. When used behind a shield, it transforms into a spear-like weapon, maximizing its effectiveness in thrusting and cutting motions to maintain a safe distance from oncoming foes.
