Historically the spear was a more common battlefield weapon than the sword, especially during the pre-Norman, post-Roman period in England. Not to belittle the significance of the sword, Tolkien’s liking for the sword may just be a bit of romanticism on his part. In addition, the sword is one of the most popular symbols of pre-gunpowder eras, and was more likely to leave a desired impression than a spear would.
Túrin Turambar uses a spear instead of Gurthang after he accidently slew Beleg with a sword (at least that’s what I remember was the reason).
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I prefer Gillaume d’Férny, connoisseur of fine fruit.
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