Frosty of Forochel
Member
I have three thoughts regarding the forging of Narsil and its eventual handing off to the line of Elendil.
First, let's look at the etymology. Apparently the name Narsil means "red and white flame", and possibly references the light of the sun and moon. We should take this into account both to settle on the time of its forging, and who might receive such a sword initially.
Second: I kind of love the idea of it being forged but not initially given to anyone of consequence. Then during some major battle, a more prominent character loses or breaks his sword and takes up Narsil from the body of a fallen comrade (or even father??). This would prefigure the taking up of Narsil by Isildur, and I think is a lovely way to properly introduce the sword: as a major player in battle.
Third: A lot of discussion was had trying to link the sword to Elros, but I ask must it come to Numenor that way? Might it perhaps come to Numenor through Aldarion instead? Say, as a gift from Gil-Galad? Aldarion might eventually associate the sword with his voyages and marital troubles and lock it away with other treasures once he takes up the throne. Perhaps then it eventually gets into the hands of others by someone raiding the treasury for it when things in Numenor go south, akin to David taking up Goliath's sword from the tabernacle while on the run from Saul. Passing the sword through Gil-Galad is interesting to me because then it fights side by side with him again in the Last Alliance. We might even see the fall of Gil-Galad and the breaking of the sword in that same battle as thematically tied.
First, let's look at the etymology. Apparently the name Narsil means "red and white flame", and possibly references the light of the sun and moon. We should take this into account both to settle on the time of its forging, and who might receive such a sword initially.
Second: I kind of love the idea of it being forged but not initially given to anyone of consequence. Then during some major battle, a more prominent character loses or breaks his sword and takes up Narsil from the body of a fallen comrade (or even father??). This would prefigure the taking up of Narsil by Isildur, and I think is a lovely way to properly introduce the sword: as a major player in battle.
Third: A lot of discussion was had trying to link the sword to Elros, but I ask must it come to Numenor that way? Might it perhaps come to Numenor through Aldarion instead? Say, as a gift from Gil-Galad? Aldarion might eventually associate the sword with his voyages and marital troubles and lock it away with other treasures once he takes up the throne. Perhaps then it eventually gets into the hands of others by someone raiding the treasury for it when things in Numenor go south, akin to David taking up Goliath's sword from the tabernacle while on the run from Saul. Passing the sword through Gil-Galad is interesting to me because then it fights side by side with him again in the Last Alliance. We might even see the fall of Gil-Galad and the breaking of the sword in that same battle as thematically tied.