Andúril: Flame of the West

Narsil, the legendary sword that would one day become Andúril, first gained renown during the final battle of the Second Age. In the year 3441, Elendil wielded this mighty blade alongside Gil-galad against Sauron himself on the slopes of Mount Doom. Though Elendil fell in this confrontation, his son Isildur took up the broken sword and used its shattered remnant to cut the One Ring from Sauron's hand.

The blade proved its worth in the hands of Elendil during the Battle of the Last Alliance, where the combined forces of Elves and Men made their final stand against Sauron's dominion. As High King of both Arnor and Gondor, Elendil led the charge with Narsil, whose very name spoke of its celestial nature - derived from the Quenya words for sun (Anar) and white light (Sil).

Following Isildur's death, the shards of Narsil became a treasured heirloom of his heirs. The broken blade rested upon a display in the House of Elrond at Rivendell, where it remained for over three thousand years. Throughout the Third Age, each Chieftain of the Dúnedain came to Rivendell to see this symbol of their heritage, though none claimed it until the time was right for its reforging.

The reforging of Narsil into Andúril took place in Rivendell during the Quest of the Ring, as the Free Peoples prepared their response to the growing threat of Mordor. The master smiths of Imladris, inheritors of ancient Noldorin crafting techniques, undertook this momentous task at Elrond's direction. Their expertise in both metallurgy and enchantment was essential for restoring the legendary weapon.

The reforging process required exceptional skill and precision, lasting from the end of November until mid-December of 3018 of the Third Age. The smiths carefully reconstructed the blade using all the original fragments, ensuring that no piece of the ancient sword was lost. The work demanded not just physical crafting but also deep understanding of the sword's history and significance.

During its remaking, the elven smiths wove powerful enchantments into the steel. These spells of protection and power drew upon the same ancient elven craft that had originally blessed Narsil. The smiths incorporated protective runes and words of power in the Quenya tongue, ensuring that the reforged blade would retain and even enhance its original properties as a weapon against evil.

The reforged Andúril emerged as a magnificent long sword, nearly five feet in total length. Its blade shone with a brilliant light and displayed a unique property when exposed to sunlight, gleaming with a reddish sheen that spoke to its extraordinary forging. The steel itself was incredibly strong yet possessed a remarkable flexibility that prevented it from breaking in combat.

The blade's surface featured intricate engravings that represented the celestial bodies so important to Númenórean culture. The device of the sun and moon appeared prominently, while seven stars were arranged in a pattern reminiscent of the crown of Gondor. These symbols were masterfully etched into the steel using techniques preserved by the elven smiths of Rivendell.

Along the length of the blade ran an inscription in Quenya and Tengwar characters that proclaimed the sword's identity and heritage. The words 'I am Andúril who was Narsil, the sword of Elendil' served as both a declaration of the blade's lineage and a reminder of its historic significance in the struggle against darkness.

The sword's sheath matched its magnificence, crafted from the finest black leather and adorned with intricate patterns in silver and gold. The scabbard bore similar motifs to the blade itself, with the symbols of sun, moon, and stars repeated in precious metals. Its construction included protective enchantments to preserve the blade and prevent any harm from coming to it while sheathed.

Andúril stood as the physical manifestation of the unbroken lineage of Númenórean kingship, connecting Aragorn directly to his ancestor Elendil through three thousand years of history. The sword's reforging symbolized the restoration of this ancient line and the fulfillment of prophecies concerning the return of the king to Gondor. Its very existence proved Aragorn's claim to both the northern and southern realms of the Dúnedain.

The seven stars emblazoned on the blade represented the Lords of Gondor who received the Seven Stones, the palantíri, from the hands of the Elves. This symbolism connected the sword to the earliest days of Gondor's founding and the special relationship between the Dúnedain and the Eldar. Each star served as a reminder of the glory and responsibility inherited by the kings of the Númenórean realms.

The inclusion of sun and moon imagery on Andúril reflected deep-rooted Númenórean traditions dating back to the Second Age. These celestial symbols had adorned the banners and armor of Númenor's warriors and ships, representing the blessing of the Valar upon the realm of Men. Their presence on the reforged blade connected it to this ancient heritage and the wisdom granted to the Númenóreans before their fall.

Andúril possessed supernatural properties that made it a fearsome weapon against the forces of evil. When drawn, the sword struck terror into the hearts of Sauron's servants, causing orcs and other dark creatures to flee before it. This power stemmed not only from its enchanted nature but also from its history as the blade that had once defeated their master.

The sword exhibited a mysterious inner light that grew stronger in the presence of danger, particularly when enemies were near. This illumination served as both a warning to its bearer and a reminder of the blade's elven enchantments. The light resembled the gleam of stars, connecting it to the celestial symbolism worked into its design.

Following its reforging, Andúril gained additional qualities that made it an even more formidable weapon than its predecessor. The blade maintained a perpetual sharp edge that never needed honing, and its enhanced strength made it virtually indestructible. These properties resulted from both the exceptional skill of the elven smiths and the powerful enchantments they wove into the steel during its remaking.

Throughout the War of the Ring, Aragorn bore Andúril as both weapon and symbol of his heritage. The sword saw action from the slopes of Caradhras to the gates of Minas Tirith, proving its worth in countless encounters. Its presence helped establish Aragorn's identity among both allies and enemies, as tales of the sword of Elendil had spread far across Middle-earth.

One of Andúril's most significant moments came during Aragorn's confrontation with the Dead Men of Dunharrow. The sword's authority as the blade of Isildur's heir proved crucial in holding the oathbreakers to their ancient pledge. The Dead recognized the sword and through it, Aragorn's right to command their service in fulfillment of their oath.

The sword played vital roles in the major battles of the war, including the defense of Helm's Deep and the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. At Helm's Deep, its gleam heartened the defenders and struck fear into the attacking forces. During the battle before Minas Tirith, Andúril's presence helped rally the forces of Gondor and their allies.

Beyond its use in combat, Andúril served as a powerful diplomatic tool. When Aragorn revealed himself to the forces of Gondor and Rohan, the sword helped validate his claim to leadership. During the parley with the Mouth of Sauron, the sword's presence reminded all of the power and legitimacy of Isildur's heir. Even in negotiations, the blade's reputation often spoke as loudly as words.

After Aragorn's coronation as King Elessar, Andúril became the most treasured piece of the royal regalia of the Reunited Kingdom. The sword took its place as both a functional weapon and a symbol of royal authority, representing the restored line of kings and the union of Arnor and Gondor under a single crown.

Following the tradition of hereditary kingship, Andúril passed from Aragorn to his son Eldarion and subsequently through the line of kings that followed. Each successor to the throne received the sword as a symbol of their right to rule and their connection to the ancient heritage of Númenor.

The legend of Andúril grew throughout the Fourth Age, inspiring countless songs, poems, and tales. Bards and historians recounted its history from its origins as Narsil through its reforging and role in the War of the Ring. These stories helped preserve the memory of the great deeds accomplished during the defeat of Sauron and the restoration of the line of kings.