Flammifer
Well-Known Member
In class, we discussed many interesting and valid possible influences on why Aragorn chose the name 'Anduril', 'Flame of the West', for renaming 'The Sword that was Broken', once it was re-forged.
However, we never discussed what I think is the most obvious influence on Aragorn's choice of name.
Bilbo, in his 'Earendil Poem' ends with calling Earendil, "Flammifer of Westernesse". We know that Bilbo discussed the whole poem with Aragorn.
'Flame of the West', and 'Flammifer of Westernesse', are almost the same name. The only difference is that 'Flammifer' means 'flame-bearer' rather than 'flame'.
Earendil is the 'Flammifer'. The Silmaril is the 'Flame'. Aragorn is the 'Flammifer'. The Sword is the 'Flame'.
By naming the Sword, 'Anduril', Aragorn is equating the Sword to the Silmaril (both as signs of Estel to the West?), and himself to Earendil (his distant ancestor).
I think this is an obvious reference. However it is a bit curious. Is 'The Sword that was Broken' really a sign or beacon of Estel to the people of the West? Few know about it. Few see it. Few seem to grant it much importance. Who really seems to think much about the Sword? Aragorn, of course, Boromir, Elrond, Bilbo, "renewed shall be blade that was broken. The crownless again shall be king.", Providence, "seek for the Sword that was Broken", and perhaps Sauron, when Aragorn shows it to him in the Palantir? (Anyone else?)
The Silmaril which Earendil bears as 'Flammifer' is a signifier to one and all, as it shines in the heavens as the Morning and Evening Star, brightest in the sky. The Sword, which Aragorn bears as 'Flammifer' is a signifier to a few of the powerful and important, but not generally.
I wonder why Aragorn chose such an obvious reference to Bilbo's poem, and to Earendil and the Silmaril when naming 'Anduril' when their function, role, and significance seem so different?
However, we never discussed what I think is the most obvious influence on Aragorn's choice of name.
Bilbo, in his 'Earendil Poem' ends with calling Earendil, "Flammifer of Westernesse". We know that Bilbo discussed the whole poem with Aragorn.
'Flame of the West', and 'Flammifer of Westernesse', are almost the same name. The only difference is that 'Flammifer' means 'flame-bearer' rather than 'flame'.
Earendil is the 'Flammifer'. The Silmaril is the 'Flame'. Aragorn is the 'Flammifer'. The Sword is the 'Flame'.
By naming the Sword, 'Anduril', Aragorn is equating the Sword to the Silmaril (both as signs of Estel to the West?), and himself to Earendil (his distant ancestor).
I think this is an obvious reference. However it is a bit curious. Is 'The Sword that was Broken' really a sign or beacon of Estel to the people of the West? Few know about it. Few see it. Few seem to grant it much importance. Who really seems to think much about the Sword? Aragorn, of course, Boromir, Elrond, Bilbo, "renewed shall be blade that was broken. The crownless again shall be king.", Providence, "seek for the Sword that was Broken", and perhaps Sauron, when Aragorn shows it to him in the Palantir? (Anyone else?)
The Silmaril which Earendil bears as 'Flammifer' is a signifier to one and all, as it shines in the heavens as the Morning and Evening Star, brightest in the sky. The Sword, which Aragorn bears as 'Flammifer' is a signifier to a few of the powerful and important, but not generally.
I wonder why Aragorn chose such an obvious reference to Bilbo's poem, and to Earendil and the Silmaril when naming 'Anduril' when their function, role, and significance seem so different?