In The Lord of the Rings universe, there are many powerful and deadly swords that are wielded by both heroes and villains. These swords often have rich histories and significant powers, and many are steeped in the lore of Middle-earth. Below are some of the most deadly swords from J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, ranked by their power, reputation, and the consequences of their use:
1. Andúril (Flame of the West)
- Wielder: Aragorn
- Description: Andúril is the reforged sword of Narsil, the weapon used by Elendil to defeat Sauron in the Last Alliance of Elves and Men. When reforged by Elrond for Aragorn, it became a symbol of the rightful king of Gondor. The sword is renowned for its power and significance, and Aragorn wields it with great skill, making it incredibly deadly.
- Deadliness: Andúril is not only physically sharp and strong, but its history makes it one of the most significant swords in Middle-earth, marking the return of the King and the fall of Sauron.
2. Glamdring (Foe-hammer)
- Wielder: Gandalf
- Description: Glamdring was originally forged in Gondolin, a hidden Elven city, and later came into Gandalf’s possession during the Hobbit adventure. It was known as “Foe-hammer” because of its ability to strike down enemies with devastating force. Glamdring is an ancient and powerful sword, often described as glowing in the presence of enemies.
- Deadliness: Wielded by Gandalf, the sword was used effectively in battle against powerful foes, including orcs and trolls. Its strength and the wizard’s mastery in combat make it one of the deadliest weapons.
3. Sting
- Wielder: Bilbo Baggins, Frodo Baggins
- Description: Sting is an Elven blade from Gondolin that Bilbo finds in the Hobbit. While it may not be as large or heavy as some other swords, it has an edge that is deadly to goblins, orcs, and other creatures of darkness. It is a light, yet highly effective sword, glowing in the presence of orcs.
- Deadliness: Although not as powerful as some of the other swords on this list, Sting is still quite deadly, especially in the hands of a skilled hobbit like Frodo. Its power is more symbolic, representing the courage of the seemingly weak who stand up against evil.
4. Nazgûl Swords
- Wielder: The Nazgûl (Ringwraiths)
- Description: The swords wielded by the Nazgûl are often long, black, and covered in darkness. They are powerful, cursed blades that can instill fear and despair in their opponents. While their primary purpose is to serve Sauron, they are still deadly in direct combat. The swords are particularly effective against mortals, as they carry the influence of the Dark Lord.
- Deadliness: The mere presence of the Nazgûl and their swords strikes fear into the hearts of most, and their blades are capable of inflicting grave injuries. These swords are deadly because of the psychological terror they evoke as much as their physical power.
5. The Black Sword of the Witch-king (Angmar)
- Wielder: The Witch-king of Angmar
- Description: The Witch-king, the Lord of the Nazgûl, wields a particularly formidable sword, one that is imbued with the dark magic of Sauron. It is not merely a physical weapon but one that has a sinister, otherworldly power. The sword’s most significant moment of deadliness comes in his duel with Éowyn, though it is aided by his enchanted nature.
- Deadliness: The Witch-king’s sword is not only deadly but also cursed, and it carries the weight of the Witch-king’s evil power. It was able to pierce the armor of even the greatest of warriors and caused fatal wounds to both Éowyn and Merry during the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.
6. Herugrim
- Wielder: Théoden
- Description: Herugrim is the sword of King Théoden of Rohan. It is a weapon forged in the ancient traditions of the Rohirrim, a people known for their mastery of horse and war. The sword is a symbol of Théoden’s kingship and his role as the protector of Rohan.
- Deadliness: Herugrim is deadly not only because of its sharp edge but because of the strength and leadership of the king who wields it. Théoden, revitalized by Gandalf’s counsel, proves his battle prowess by using Herugrim to lead his people to victory against the forces of Saruman and Sauron.
7. Sword of Túrin Turambar (Anglachel)
- Wielder: Túrin Turambar
- Description: Anglachel is a cursed blade with a dark history, given to Túrin Turambar by Eöl the Dark Elf. It is a sword that is described as black and incredibly sharp, with a terrible fate attached to it. The sword is linked to tragedy, as it plays a role in Túrin’s dark and fateful life.
- Deadliness: Anglachel is a weapon capable of slaying enemies swiftly, and it holds a curse that seems to bring tragedy to its wielder. It is one of the deadliest swords, not just because of its cutting power, but because of the destructive fate it brings.
8. The Great Sword of Gondolin (Orcrist)
- Wielder: Thorin Oakenshield
- Description: Orcrist is another Elven blade from Gondolin, and it is often called the “Goblin-cleaver” because of its effectiveness in battle against goblins and orcs. Thorin Oakenshield inherits it in The Hobbit and uses it during the journey to reclaim Erebor.
- Deadliness: Like Glamdring, Orcrist is a sharp and powerful weapon, but it was especially feared by goblins, adding an edge of psychological terror to its deadliness. Thorin uses it with great skill, further increasing its lethality in battle.
9. The Sword of Elendil (Narsil)
- Wielder: Elendil
- Description: Narsil was the sword of Elendil, the high king of Arnor, and its shattering during the Last Alliance of Elves and Men signified the defeat of Sauron. When reforged into Andúril, it regains much of its former power, but the blade in its original form was already legendary.
- Deadliness: Narsil’s deadliness comes not just from its sharpness but its symbolic importance. It was wielded in a climactic battle that marked the downfall of Sauron (albeit temporarily). Its destruction marked a great loss for Middle-earth, but its reforging symbolizes hope and eventual victory.
10. Durin’s Axe (though not a sword)
- Wielder: Durin’s heirs
- Description: While not a sword, Durin’s axe is a legendary weapon among the dwarves. It has been passed down through the ages and represents the strength and legacy of the Dwarven kings. Although it’s not ranked as a sword, it holds immense cultural and symbolic weight in terms of its power and history.
These swords are memorable not just because of their fighting capabilities, but because of their role in the great stories of Middle-earth. Some are directly linked to the defeat of Sauron, while others symbolize the courage and destiny of their wielders.
