a spear? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

JenFramp · 12-07-2002, 01:59 PM

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?

Bill Ferny · 12-08-2002, 02:29 PM

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).

Cúdae · 12-08-2002, 04:57 PM

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.

Bill Ferny · 12-08-2002, 05:01 PM

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 ]

12-07-2002, 01:59 PM	#1
JenFramp Haunting Spirit Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Zionsville Posts: 90	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? __________________ And seeing a picture of Jesus he cried out,"Momma, he's got some scars just like me." And he knew it was love, It was one he could understand He was showing his love, And that's how he hurt his hands.

12-08-2002, 02:29 PM	#2
Bill Ferny Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bree Posts: 390	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 prefer Gillaume d’Férny, connoisseur of fine fruit.

12-08-2002, 04:57 PM	#3
Cúdae Wight Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Boston, Massachusetts Posts: 160	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. __________________ "And if you listen very hard/ The tune will come to you at last/ When all are one and one is all/ To be a rock and not to roll." --Led Zeppelin "Stairway to Heaven"

12-08-2002, 05:01 PM	#4
Bill Ferny Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bree Posts: 390	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 ] __________________ I prefer Gillaume d’Férny, connoisseur of fine fruit.