Regarding the swords:
Quote:
Moria is the only answer that doesn't involve a long chain of plunderers plundering plunderers. Someone had to carry the swords (and knife!) out of Beleriand before its fall, and it had to be someone with either hands or minions.
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The fall of Gondolin took place roughly 6000 years before the events in The Hobbit. Why shouldn't there be a long chain of plunderers plundering plunderers. Given the passage of time that wouldn't be surprising.
Who are the Warriors Gandalf is thinking of? In my view, this is a bit of Hobbitish embellishment by Bilbo, the author. Gandalf is justifying his recruiting a "burglar" rather than a group of armed adventurers. There are few or no well-known "mighty warriors" or heroes at that time, and certainly no Turin who could single-handedly take on a dragon.