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"This, Gandalf,
was Glamdring, Foe Hammer that the king of Gondolin once wore."
~ The Hobbit, Chapter 3
Glamdring was most likely forged in the smithies of Gondolin for Turgon,
the only Elf to hold the title of 'King of Gondolin'. Gondolin existed
from approximately 100 to 500 First Age, thus placing Glamdring's age
at over 6000 years during the War of the Ring.
Originally wielded by Turgon, the King of Gondolin, Glamdring was lost with the fall of both the king and the city. Since Gondolin and all of Beleriand were completely destroyed at the end of the First Age, Glamdring must have left and traveled east prior to this, either as a spoil of war, or in the hands of one of the fleeing elves. It is more likely that Glamdring ended up as a spoil of war as it seems to have passed from Elvish memory until it was found by Gandalf.
Gandalf found Glamdring in a troll horde in 2941 TA. It travels with him throughout the War of the Ring, most notably during the battles in Moria, especially when facing the Balrog. When Gandalf departs the Grey Havens, there is no mention of Glamdring, nor is there ever any mention of him passing it on to anyone. It was most likely carried by Gandalf to the west, but this is uncertain.
When Glamdring is initially discovered in The Hobbit, (chapter 2) it is described as having a "beautiful scabbard and a jeweled hilt." Later, when Elrond examines the sword, he identifies it by the runes (presumably) on the blade. It is interesting to note that even after being lost for over 6000 years, even the goblins recognize Glamdring as Beater (The Hobbit, Chapter 4) and are afraid of it.
Glamdring is typically described as a shining white blade. In the Fellowship of the Ring (Bridge of Khazad-dum) "Glamdring shone with a pale white light", "glittered white" and was described as a "stab of white fire" when Gandalf faced the Balrog on the bridge. Even in The Hobbit, Glamdring is described as "shining cold and bright" (Chapter 4). The only time it is ever described as glowing blue is after Gandalf slays the Great Goblin.
"He took out his sword again, and again it flashed in the dark by itself. It burned with a rage that made it gleam if goblins were about; now it was bright as blue flame for delight in the killing of the great lord of the cave." ~ The Hobbit, Chapter 4
Somehow,
Glamdring managed to survive the encounter with the Balrog as it appears
later in the books. It can be presumed that Gandalf had the sword in hand
when he reached the bottom of the abyss for Gandalf states that "and
ever I hewed him" (The Two Towers; The White Rider). However, Gandalf
also describes himself after the battle as "naked I was sent back"
and "naked I lay upon the mountain-top." There is no mention
of Glamdring until Gandalf leaves it with Háma the Doorward of
Théoden, when Gandalf enters the hall of Théoden. Somehow,
Glamdring made it out of Khazad-dûm and back into the hands of Gandalf.
It may have been with him all along, and simply an oversight of the author,
or if Gandalf brought it to the mountain top for the final battle with
the Balrog, it could have been collected by Gwaihir and returned to Gandalf
in Lothlorien.
It is interesting to note that Glamdring is never used again in battle in the books. There is no mention of the sword when Gandalf faces the Lord of the Nazgul at the Gates of Gondor, nor is it mentioned in the last battle at the Black Gates of Mordor. The next (and last) time that Glamdring is mentioned is when the hobbits return home and stop in Bree. There is no mention of Glamdring at the final parting at the Grey Havens, but it is reasonable to assume that Gandalf took the sword that had hung at his side throughout the War of the Ring with him.
Glamdring is portrayed in the recent movies as a bastard sword (hand-and-a-half sword) capable of being wielded by either one or two hands. It is relatively plain in appearance (no apparent runes or jeweled hilt) and for some reason, never seems to glow in the presence of orcs…..
A display sword of Glamdring is currently in production by United Cutlery.
If you want to comment about this article or ask Orc a question, you can e-mail him. Alternatively, you can go to our Weapons Forum and have a chat there.
