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Spirit of the Downfallen West
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Re: Where were the `Blades of Westernesse` forged?
I know the quote to which you are referring, Lindil. It states that the blades were forged in the North-Kingdom, but is vague as to the date of their making. The Witch-King did not inhabit Angmar until c.1300. Malvegil assumed the throne of Arthedain in 1272 and it was in his reign that "evil came to Arnor". The barrow in which the swords were recovered was reputedly that of the last prince of Cardolan, who fell in 1409. Since we know that it was forged "when the Dunedain were young, and chief among their foes was the dread realm of Angmar", I think it reasonable to accept that the blades were forged between 1300 and 1409, probably later in this period, when the true nature of the Witchking could perhaps be guessed at.
If these dates are accepted, then the question is how one interprets `North Kingdom`. Arnor was dissolved in 861 after the death of Earendur and the elder line of Isildur subsequently ruled Arthedain. However, Argeleb I (ruled from 1349-1356) claimed the rule of Arnor once more. This claim was resisted by Rhudaur.
When the swords were forged, all three Northern Kingdoms were still in existence, and after 1349 Arnor can be said to have been a political reality, due to the claim of Argeleb I and his successors. I conclude therefore that one cannot say with certainty what is meant by `North-Kingdom`.
In the Tale of Years the name Arnor is also used even after the kingdom was divided.
The only statement that can be safely made is that the blades were wrought in Arnor. I think that the question I posed in the trivia quiz is unsatisfactory.
Look into the
http://www.fortunecity.co.uk/library/classiccourt/77/Mirror of Desire.</a> </p>