November 26, 2002

Why They Didn't Re-forge the Sword
Razors

Linda is right - the re-forging of Narsil is a very symbolic (and important) part of the trilogy. So why didn't they do it in the FOTR movie? Well...

The re-forging of the sword represents Aragorn's decision to claim the throne of Gondor and "re-forge" the line of kings. In the book he comes to this decision in Rivendell, so the sword is forged there and he takes it with him on the journey, with every intention of returning to Minas Tirith (I seem to remember that the original plan was to take Frodo and the Ring to Minas Tirith, then on to Mordor - I may be wrong about this).

But in the movie, they wanted to show all the soul-searching and self-doubt that Aragorn goes through before making his decision. He WANTS to go home and save his people, but isn't sure he's up to the task. Hence his conversation with Arwen...

Arwen: "You are Isildur's heir, not Isildur himself. You are not bound to his fate."

Aragorn: "The same blood flows in my veins. The same weakness."

He also doesn't think the people of Gondor will accept him as their leader, which seems to be confirmed by Boromir's bold claim: "Gondor has no king. Gondor needs no king."

Therefore, when Aragorn leaves Rivendell his top priority is to protect Frodo on his quest. But along the way he gets to know Boromir and, through him, comes to understand just how desperate the situation in Gondor really is - this especially comes out during their conversation in Lothlorien, which in my opinion is one of the best moments in the movie.

But it isn't until he's been released of his duty to Frodo - and Boromir is dying in his arms - that Aragorn finally makes the vow: "I do not know what strength is in my blood, but I swear to you I will not let the white city fall. Nor our people fail." And Boromir replies: "Our people... OUR people..." signifying that Aragorn is finally ready to face his responsibility as Isildur's heir, and Boromir understands this. Which is why his last words are to address Aragorn as, "My brother, my captain, my king."

So I assume the sword will be re-forged in The Two Towers, and delivered to Aragorn by Elrond's sons. Or possibly by Arwen, which will probably annoy a lot of people...