November 5, 2002

The Flame of Arnor
Lughaidh

I respectfully disagree with Brett's well-thought suggestion that the flame of Anor (sic) refers somehow to the power of Narya. I have two reasons for this and a (somewhat shaky) theory of my own.

1. Arnor is the realm of the Dunedain that was established by Elendil. Arnor did not extend over the river Hoarwell, though. Gil-galad and Cirday had established the Grey Havens in Lindon, and Elendil dwelt there for awhile when he came to Middle Earth.

2. Glamdring, the Foe-Hammer, was forged for Turgon of Gondolin during the First Age. This great sword was lost during the fall of Gondolin and did not reappear until Gandalf found it in the troll's cave in the Trollshaws ("The Hobbit").

I wonder if somehow Glamdring was recovered from Gondolin by the Elves and was put to some use in Arnor? I have no basis for this, but a sword that would cause such consternation with the Misty Mountain goblins/orcs might be considered a "flame." My theory is that Gandalf on the bridge was referring to the great sword Glamdring, the Flame of Arnor.

(Don't beat me! It's just a thought!)