Construction of Gurthang - The Black Sword of Turin

[TrueSwordsman]

Many have said that Turin's Black Sword Gurthang would be a big heavy two handed sword. Since it was made by an Elf for Elves, would it not be a lighter faster sword? If it were lighter though, would it be able to penetrate the dragons thick hide (even if it is the under belly). Fighting without shields as it appears the elves did most often would a bastard sword be the most likely case?

Your thoughts?


:aragorn:

[Illuvatar]

Hmmmm.....

I think from the description in the Sil, that while maybe not the size of a claymore, it would most likely be a hand and half sword for sure. At least that's the way I'm picturing it when I read. :p

To me, it's a sizable sword the likes of the Ranger sword, but with the cold blue/black metal similar those guns the police carry.

Am I making any sense at all? :huh:

[TrueSwordsman]

Yes, you are hitting my line of thought. I was also thinking that it would be a hand and a half. As for the look, I know Tolkien drew insperation from Norse Mythology, so the Black Sword could be similar to a Viking Sword. Maybe, even a cross between a Viking and a Medieval Sword.

:aragorn:

[Finrod Felagund]

Also, remember it was made by a Dwarf Trained Dark Elf who had a bad attitude and didn't like the sun. Judging how Eol is described, I would think it would have a slightly sinister look to it.

[TrueSwordsman]

Thank you, I almost overlooked that point. Do you think the whole hilt should be black or just the blade?

[Finrod Felagund]

With Eol in mind (and tactical), I would think the hilt should be at least subdued. I would think a blued (or something similar like anodized) crossguard/quillon and pommel would be appropriate. A dark wood like ebony, cocobolo, ipe or black walnut for the grip would look good as well.

[Catz]

and why is weight an issue?
elves are after all stronger than mortals........{i]balance[/i] is an issue certainly, but not weight
what is light to an elf is not necessarily light to anyone else...save perhaps a dwarf
:catz:

[TrueSwordsman]

If you take the elves flowing fighting style into account, they are not likely to use a massive sword.

Though if fighting large beasts such as orcs and trolls they may have needed some of their weapons to be heavy.

I think we may all be in agreement that the sword would have been at least a hand and a half and rather heavy.

[Silvorn]

Yes, the sword should definately be hand and a half. The elvish style of fighting is more of a deadly dance than a blood lustfull brawl. It's an effective style, not to mention quite a beautiful one. A hand and a half sword is ideal for this style because of it's balance and adjustability to certain forms of combat. I do not think you need to make it too heafty though, for the blades of the elves are trademarked for their keeness. Blade thickness should probably be similar to that of Strider's Ranger sword.

I was thinking that perhaps you could antique silver the hilt to kind of nullify the brilliance of the steel. That way, it wouldn't be completely black and it wouldn't be too bright; but would still retain kind of a cold gleam.

Let us know when you finish it and perhaps indulge yourself in sharing with us a picture of the finished product. It's quite a unique project and I'm very interested to see how it turns out.

[TrueSwordsman]

Thank you for sharing your views. You will definitely know when we have completed the project!

[TrueSwordsman]

The rough sketch and design of the black sword are done. I will be posting a new thread for feedback in the future.

Thank you for all the help.


:ring: