The Bardic Tale of Anduril: How Was Aragorn's Weapon Made so Powerful?

As a powerful symbol and weapon in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth universe, Anduril is the successor to the ancient sword Narsil and wields considerable mystical and historical significance. But how was this weapon forged, and what made it so strong and powerful? Let's delve into the intriguing tale of Anduril.

The Origin of Anduril: From Narsil to Tear Apart the Hand of Sauron

Anduril's journey begins long before the events of The Lord of the Rings. The original sword Narsil was forged by the famous Dwarvish smith Telchar of Nogrod during the First Age of Middle-earth. This sword eventually found its way to Gil-Galad, the last High King of Lindon, and Elendil, the High King of Arnor and Gondor.

During the War of the Last Alliance, Elendil wielded Narsil against Sauron. It was said that no force could withstand Elendil when he wielded Narsil. When Elendil and Gil-Galad fell in the final battle, Narsil broke beneath them and Isildur, Elendil's son, used the hilt-shard of the sword to cut the One Ring from Sauron's hand. Afterwards, Isildur bore the shards of Narsil with him, but they were later lost in the Gladden Fields during the Disaster of the Gladden Fields.

The shards were entrusted to Ohtar with the instruction to carry them back to Rivendell. They were subsequently passed to Isildur's surviving son, Valandil, and became an heirloom of the House of Isuldur.

Narsil and the Succession of Masters

After the dissolution of the kingdom of Arthedain, the shards of Narsil either remained at Rivendell or were borne by the Chieftain of the Rangers of Eriador. Aragorn first displays Narsil to the Hobbits at Bree when he encounters them for the first time. Before the Fellowship of the Ring departs Rivendell, Narsil is reforged by Elvish smiths of Rivendell and renamed Anduril.

Anduril, wielded by Aragorn, became a symbol of his claim to the Kingship of Gondor and Arnor. While Anduril itself is not described as having inherent magical properties, its power is said to stem from its connection to the legacy of Elendil and Narsil, which were used to defeat and outmaneuver one of the most formidable enemies in Middle-earth.

Forging Anduril Under the Direction of the Army of the Dead

According to a lesser-known part of the lore, the Army of the Dead, who resides in the Cracks of Doom, only recognizes the leadership of those who possess the Sword That Was Broken. This adds an additional layer of mystique and guardianship around Anduril, further emphasizing its significance in the narrative.

It should be noted that Gondor did not play a direct role in the forging or transformation of Anduril. The reforging of Narsil was entrusted to the Elves of Rivendell, who possessed the necessary skills and knowledge to restore such an ancient and valuable artifact.

The Unsignified Enchantment and the Battle Wield of Elendil and Aragorn

While Anduril is not inherently imbued with magical powers, its potency lies in its historical and cultural significance. It is a testament to the strength and prowess of its wielders, Elendil and Aragorn.

Elendil's use of Narsil during the War of the Last Alliance demonstrated its effectiveness and historic importance, establishing its power in the lore. When Aragorn, the heir of Isildur, wields Anduril, he taps into a powerful symbol of his lineage and the spirit of his ancestors.

Anduril, therefore, became a formidable weapon through the combination of its historical and symbolic significance with the skill and strength of its wielders. Its legend and power are intrinsically tied to the noble deeds and struggles of Elendil and Aragorn, making it a potent symbol and weapon in the narrative of Middle-earth.

Conclusion

The forging and reforging of Anduril