The Legendary Sword of Gandalf: Unveiling Its Mysteries

What is a legendary hero without a legendary weapon? In J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, the lore is so extensive that every bystander, tree, stream, and squirrel has a designated name and a rich history. Among the notable figures in Middle-earth, none stands taller, both physically and metaphorically, than Gandalf the Grey and his wizard's staff. However, Gandalf was not solely focused on spells and incantations.

Aside from his pipe smoking, wizard dueling, and communication with moths, Gandalf was also proficient in decapitating his foes with his reliable blade. But what is the name of his sword and what is its origin?

What Was Gandalf's Sword Called?

Glamdring, which translates to "Foe-Hammer" in the Sindarin language of the Elves, was originally wielded by Turgon, the ruler of the Elvish city of Gondolin, in the ancient era known as the First Age of Middle-earth. It is important to note that the events described in both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings take place in the later Third Age. This signifies that Glamdring was already over 6,500 years old when Gandalf stumbled upon it.

During the First Age, King Turgon established the secret city of Gondolin as a sanctuary for his people, the Noldor, after Morgoth, the original dark lord of Middle-earth, sought to eradicate them from existence. Named the "Hidden City," Gondolin was expertly concealed from both foes and allies by a vast mountain range, and its borders were protected by the Eagles of Thorondor, ancestors of the renowned Giant Eagles that have been a topic of much discussion among LOTR enthusiasts. Before Turgon and his kin were eventually betrayed and Gondolin's location exposed to Morgoth, the city had managed to remain undiscovered for four centuries, making it the last remaining Elven realm in existence.

When the forces of Morgoth laid siege to the city of Gondolin, it was Turgon who bravely wielded Glamdring in battle, slaying countless hordes of orcs before meeting his own demise. The Elven King's unmatched skill and determination in killing these vile creatures elevated the blade to legendary status among the orcs, earning it the fearsome nickname "Beater" in later tales of the epic clash. Its reputation was so renowned that even after nearly seven thousand years, orcs trembled in fear at the mere sight of it. Such was the power of Glamdring that when Gandalf brandished it against the Great Goblin, the ruler of the Orcs in the Misty Mountains, he instantly recognized the blade, despite being too young to have ever witnessed its awe-inspiring prowess.

How did Gandalf Get His Sword?

Following the catastrophic Fall of Gondolin, the whereabouts of the mighty Glamdring weapon vanished from historical accounts, only to resurface in a completely different age. Throughout the passing of countless millennia, there is evidence to suggest that this iconic blade changed ownership numerous times, until it eventually found its way into the clutches of a troll residing within the depths of the Misty Mountains. Here, it lay in wait, hidden away, yearning for the fateful encounter with a renowned sorcerer and his diminutive companions.

In J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved novel, The Hobbit, a harrowing encounter takes place between Bilbo Baggins and a notorious trio of trolls named William, Bert, and Tom. Seizing Bilbo and his company of Dwarves with malicious intent, the trolls intend to make a meal out of them. Helplessly bound and lacking the strength to defend themselves, Bilbo employs his wit and cunning to buy time. Ingeniously, he engages the trolls in conversation, skillfully diverting their attention until the break of dawn. As the first rays of sunlight penetrate the darkened forest, a magical transformation occurs - the trolls are instantly petrified, forever frozen in stone.

Afterward, Gandalf and the others stumble upon the trolls' den, where they discover a treasure trove of gold and numerous ancient valuable artifacts. Among these treasures are the legendary Elven blades known as Glamdring, Orcrist, and Sting. Though he cannot identify the blades by name, their impeccable condition despite years of neglect and the intricate runes adorning them signify their Elven origin. He explains that these blades, like all Elven weapons, possess the unique ability to emit a radiant glow in the presence of Orcs, making them highly sought after for their role in the party's quest.

Initially met with skepticism towards Elves, Thorin eventually heeds Gandalf's counsel and claims Orcrist as his own. Bilbo, on the other hand, selects Sting, which he would later bestow upon Frodo, and Gandalf opts for possession of Glamdring. Although the party utilizes these blades to fight their way through the treacherous Misty Mountains, it is not until they arrive at Rivendell, the abode of Elrond, that they unravel the true names and histories behind Orcrist and Glamdring. Sting, lacking a known past and appearing as nothing more than an oversized dagger, earns its name thanks to Bilbo's own ingenuity.

For countless years, Gandalf remained steadfast with Glamdring by his side, its power becoming legendary as he fearlessly wielded it against the formidable Balrog in the treacherous Mines of Moria. The purity of its metal granted Glamdring the ability to withstand the relentless onslaught of the demon, the blade piercing its very skin and leading to its fateful descent into the unfathomable depths beneath the desolate city. Remarkably, even after Gandalf's resurrection as Gandalf the White during the harrowing events of The Two Towers, he retained possession of this formidable weapon.

Gandalf presumably possessed Glamdring during the decisive Battle of the Black Gate, which marked the final downfall of Sauron's forces. The fate of Glamdring following the War of the Ring, when Gandalf, Bilbo, and Frodo departed Middle-earth to dwell in the Undying Lands, remains a mystery. However, what is unquestionable is that the legend of Glamdring endured throughout the ages, recounting the valorous accomplishments of its wielders, accompanied by the resounding clash of Elven steel and the anguished cries of vanquished adversaries.