Elendil's Sword and Sauron's Ring

Does anybody have any information on who forged the Sword of Elendil, and how Isildur was able to land a piercing blow to Sauron with it, thereby defeating him AND the power of the One Ring? Is this Sword enchanted with special spells also, or CAN Sauron be pierced with a normal sword, however mighty?

I can't seem to work it out myself, but then again my Knowledge of ME extends only mainly to LOTR!