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Five Of My Favorite Weapons of Middle-earth

The most epic weapons in Tolkien's world


I, as a Tolkienist and Christian, love the works of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien. Recently, a movie trilogy has come out that depicts his works. While the LotR and Hobbit films may frustrate some Tolkienists because of the added craziness of PJ, he did do well sticking with the main plot. Let's explore some of my favorite Tolkien weapons from the books and motion pictures.

Please note that these are not in order.







1: Orcrist

(Picture courtesy of theonering.net.)

Orcrist (Sindarin for goblin-cleaver) was an elven sword from Gondolin, and was the mate of Glamdring. It later belonged to Thorin Oakenshield on the Quest of Erebor, and was buried with him. I love this sword because of the unique design WETA gave it in the Hobbit films (the hilt is made of a dragon tooth).

The United Cutley replica is 38 3/4 inches long.


2: Glamdring

(Picture courtesy of lotr.wikia.com.)

This blade was first forged by the elves of Gondolin for their king, Turgan. When Gondolin was destroyed, the sword disappeared, and ended up in a troll cave near Rivendell along with Orcrist it's twin. It came to Gandalf the wizard and he possessed it during the quest of Erebor, the War of the Ring, and everything in-between. The reasons I am fond of this blade are that it is overall cool because Gandalf uses to to fight the Balrog, and it's the mate of Orcrist.

The Sindarin meaning of Glamdring is 'foe-hammer'.

47 3/8 inches long in the films.


3: Dramborleg

(Picture courtesy of aminoapps.com.)

Sindarin for "thudder-sharp", this axe belonged to Tuor who came to Gondolin shortly before it's fall. It was carried by him in war and with it he slew many enemies, and possibly even a balrog. (In the non-canon Fall of Gondolin, it slew five balrogs.) Dramborleg was lost in the fall of Númenor.


4: Narsil


(Picture courtesy of lotr.wikia.com.)

Quenya for "red and white flame", this sword was an heirloom of the kings of Númenor, until the War of the Last Alliance, when it broke under king Elendil when he fell in battle with Sauron, servant of Morgoth. After that it was kept by Elrond, lord of Rivendell until he gave it to Aragorn II, heir of Isildur, son of Elendil. I like this sword because it belonged to Aragorn.


5: Barazantathul

(Picture courtesy of moddb.com.)

Barazantathul was Dáin Ironfoot's axe in the Hobbit concept art. It is not seen in the films, as it is replaced with a giant hammer. Tolkien describes Dáin as having a red axe in the books, but it is not known whether it is red with blood or actually red. I like this weapon because it looks so awesome.


What's your favorite Tolkien/Jackson weapon? Make an argument and give me your opinion in the comments.



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