Did Gandalf Know the Origin of Glamdring?

In J.R.R. Tolkien's vast and intricate legendarium, Glamdring is an Elvish sword with a rich and storied past. The character Gandalf, a central figure in tales such as The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, possesses a wealth of knowledge about these ancient artifacts. However, the extent of his knowledge regarding the origin of Glamdring is often debated. Did Gandalf know it from the start, or did he learn it later?

Gandalf's Initial Discovery

Initially, it may appear that Gandalf simply found a sword of excellent make and took it. However, the runes on the sword immediately identified its identity. The issue lies not in his initial discovery, but in his incomplete understanding of its full history. When Gandalf encounters the sword in the trolls' cave, he does not initially recognize the significance of the runes. As Tolkien himself wrote, Gandalf was not immediately aware of the sword's origin. This is corroborated by the fact that the runes, though identifiable, were beyond his initial interpretation.

The Role of Elrond

It was through the intervention of Elrond, a wise and knowledgeable Elf, that Gandalf learned of Glamdring's true heritage. Elrond, who was born in Gondolin, was the perfect source of information. He was familiar with the runes and recognized their significance. In the tale of Rivendell, when Elrond explained that Glamdring had once belonged to the King of Gondolin, Gandalf gained a deeper understanding of the sword's history. Elrond's knowledge shed light on the fact that Glamdring was forged by elves against the trolls, contributing to the lore of a powerful "Foe Hammer."

The Context of the Story

When "The Hobbit" was written, Tolkien was still in the process of developing and exploring the origins of many legendary artifacts. The sword's back story was a creative expansion designed to fit within the larger narrative. Tolkien established a narrative where Glamdring was once wielded by the King of Gondolin, Turgon, against the trolls. This forge, a symbolic Foe Hammer, was a nod to the sword's deadly purpose.

Elrond's Role in the Narrative

In his extensive discussions about the runes and their meanings, Elrond revealed more information about the famous swords found in the troll hoard. He discussed not only Glamdring but also other significant blades. Glamdring, as the sword of Turgon, served a crucial role in the defense of Gondolin. Another sword, Orcrist, was said to be its mate, although its ownership was less clear. Both of these swords, known as Beater and Biter, respectively, were respected among orcs due to their deadly effectiveness.

The Glowing Blue of Sting

Gandalf's knowledge extended to not just Glamdring but to another sword as well, Sting, which was shown to glow blue in the presence of orcs. This rule echoed the same principle as with Glamdring, highlighting the elvish heritage and the magical properties of these weapons. The history of these swords, their transformation, and their ultimate fates remain a source of intrigue, even after the tales of the First Age and the events of the Hobbit.

Conclusion

While Gandalf's knowledge was extensive, it was not limitless. His recognition of Glamdring's runes was an initial discovery, leading to further revelations from Elrond. Gandalf's journey to understand the complete history of these legendary swords is a testament to the complex and rich lore of Tolkien's Middle-earth. Through the guidance of wise figures and the unfolding of the narrative, a full understanding of the swords' origins was achieved.