Question: What is the name of the glowing sword in The Lord of the Rings?
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Sting.
The glowing sword in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” is named Sting. This iconic weapon is wielded by the hobbit Bilbo Baggins in “The Hobbit” and later by his nephew Frodo Baggins in “The Lord of the Rings.” Sting is notable for its unique property of glowing blue when orcs or goblins are nearby, serving as a warning to its bearer of impending danger.
Sting’s origin traces back to the ancient Elvish smiths of Gondolin, a hidden city of the Elves in Middle-earth. It was found by Bilbo during the dwarves’ expedition to the Lonely Mountain in “The Hobbit.” Bilbo discovered the sword in a troll-hoard along with other Elvish weapons, including Glamdring and Orcrist, which were later wielded by Gandalf and Thorin Oakenshield, respectively.
Despite its relatively small size compared to typical swords, Sting was perfectly suited for a hobbit. Its craftsmanship was of such high quality that it was effective in battle and had an impressive sharpness and strength. Throughout Bilbo’s adventures, Sting proved invaluable, especially in the encounters with goblins in the Misty Mountains and during the Battle of the Five Armies.
When Bilbo retired to Rivendell, he passed Sting on to Frodo, along with the mithril coat, before Frodo embarked on his perilous journey to destroy the One Ring. Throughout “The Lord of the Rings,” Sting served Frodo well, providing him with a reliable means of defense and an early warning system against orc attacks. One of the most notable instances of Sting’s use is during the encounter with Shelob, the giant spider, where Samwise Gamgee wields it to defend Frodo and ultimately defeat Shelob.
Sting’s glowing property is not only practical but also adds to the magical and mystical atmosphere of Tolkien’s world. It symbolizes the heritage and legacy of the Elves and their fight against the darkness. The sword’s journey from Bilbo to Frodo and then to Sam represents the passing of responsibility and the courage required to face overwhelming odds.
