The Hobbit gives a different, more elemental explanation for the glow emitted by the swords:
Quote:
[Gandalf] took out his sword again, and again it flashed in the dark by itself. It burned with a rage that made it gleam if goblins were about; now it was bright as blue flame for delight in the killing of the great lord of the cave.
The elves were the first to charge. Their hatred for the goblins is cold and bitter. Their spears and swords shone in the gloom with a gleam of chill flame, so deadly was the wrath of the hands that held them.
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This is a slightly different take on the glow. The “early warning” use of the swords is more of a side effect than a primary design function. Indeed, the tactical advantage of a glowing blade is debatable and could as often be a hindrance as a boon, for instance, if you’re trying to organize an ambush but you’re giving off a glow like a stadium at night.
It’s also interesting that the swords glow notably on at least two other occasions:
Quote:
From out of the shadow a red sword leaped flaming.
Glamdring glittered white in answer.
Sting flashed out, and the sharp elven-blade sparkled in the silver light, but at its edges a blue fire flicked. Then holding the star aloft and the bright sword advanced, Frodo, hobbit of the Shire, walked steadily down to meet [Shelob].
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Obviously there are orcs about in both instances, so there’s nothing conclusive here, but the phrasing, particularly in Gandalf’s confrontation with the Balrog, gives a strong indication (at least to my mind) that the swords react with a glow that’s commensurate with the “evil” of the Elf-foe that they face. The passion of the wielder may also be a factor. Compare with the Chamber of Mazarbul, where Glamdring issues “a pale light” and Sting merely “glinted at the edges” even though the company faces a large group of orcs in close proximity.
In answer to the original question, based on the
Hobbit quote one might theorize that a blooded sword could actually glow brighter than usual for a while, even if the goblin the blood belonged to was dead.
[ September 03, 2003: Message edited by: Mister Underhill ]