Where were the `Blades of Westernesse` forged? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Inziladun · 03-09-2011, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cirdan

What did Tolkien mean by "young"? Clearly the weapon was not forged at the founding of Numenor when the Dunedain were truly young, nor was it made at the founding of Arnor 1400 years before Angmar. Is this a mistake or some kind of convolution of ideas improperly expressed? Hard to believe the meticulous JRR would have done so.

I think "young" was only a relative term there, in comparison with the Dúnedain of the year 3019, when the sword was destroyed.

Mithalwen · 03-09-2011, 07:56 AM

I agree with Inzil that young is relative and means more when they were still vigourous and numerous rather than the nearly spent force of the War of the Ring. Also as Morth points out Denethor was a scholar, a master of lore. Even though peoples fade and kingdoms fail their artefacts often survive one way or another. Some may well have made their way to Gondor and ended up in the treasure houses of Minas Tirith which of course the steward would have access to. Valuable stuff manages to travel even in ancient times. Also since Gondor and Arnor had shared origins their style of craft were likely to show their shared origins even if their paths diverged.

Cirdan · 03-09-2011, 03:44 PM

Good answers!

Perhaps there was a "Museum of Westernesse" in Minas Tirith, or even more likely one in the vastly-ancient Pelargir.

It may also be that while Arnor was at war within itself and with Angmar, some Dunedain families may have emigrated south to the relative "safety" of Gondor, bringing their crafts with them.

The idea of anti-Angmar runes in Adunaic legible to Denethor seems the most likely explanation for his recognition of the blade.

03-09-2011, 07:56 AM	#2
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,461	I agree with Inzil that young is relative and means more when they were still vigourous and numerous rather than the nearly spent force of the War of the Ring. Also as Morth points out Denethor was a scholar, a master of lore. Even though peoples fade and kingdoms fail their artefacts often survive one way or another. Some may well have made their way to Gondor and ended up in the treasure houses of Minas Tirith which of course the steward would have access to. Valuable stuff manages to travel even in ancient times. Also since Gondor and Arnor had shared origins their style of craft were likely to show their shared origins even if their paths diverged. __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

03-09-2011, 03:44 PM	#3
Cirdan Animated Skeleton Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: In the Tower of Elostirion with my new Palantir Posts: 33	Good answers! Perhaps there was a "Museum of Westernesse" in Minas Tirith, or even more likely one in the vastly-ancient Pelargir. It may also be that while Arnor was at war within itself and with Angmar, some Dunedain families may have emigrated south to the relative "safety" of Gondor, bringing their crafts with them. The idea of anti-Angmar runes in Adunaic legible to Denethor seems the most likely explanation for his recognition of the blade.