a spear?
 

I was thinking about it today, and it seems funny to me. There are many famous swords in Tolkien’s world, and many even have names. But Gil-Galad had a spear...Aeglos I believe. Why was he different? And what happened to Aeglos after his death?

Historically the spear was a more common battlefield weapon than the sword, especially during the pre-Norman, post-Roman period in England. Not to belittle the significance of the sword, Tolkien’s liking for the sword may just be a bit of romanticism on his part. In addition, the sword is one of the most popular symbols of pre-gunpowder eras, and was more likely to leave a desired impression than a spear would.

Túrin Turambar uses a spear instead of Gurthang after he accidently slew Beleg with a sword (at least that’s what I remember was the reason).

I agree with Bill about the use of the spear on the battlefield (much more practical if you ask me), but since you are asking why Gil-Galad got to have a famous spear...

Subconscious symbolism! It makes Gil-Galad stand out in Middle-Earth more than being simply a great king, the last king, or a great warrior would. Think about, the others get swords and they all fit together in the background. But then there is Gil-Galad with his spear that makes him stand out in a reader's mind. Tolkien might not have even known that he was doing this, many readers probably don't recognize it, thousands of English teachers have missed it, a hundred Tolkien-analysts have looked over it (well, maybe not), but your subconscious mind has not!

Alright, I think I have said enough now. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] Hope I helped.

Ummm, Cúdae, what are you really trying to say? Or do I just have a dirty mind? [img]smilies/eek.gif[/img] [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

Edit: deleted a needless reference to apples.

[ December 08, 2002: Message edited by: Bill Ferny ]