The Lore Behind Gurthang: Túrin Turambar’s Cursed Sword
You know, there’s something utterly captivating about legendary swords in fantasy, but Gurthang? It’s in a league of its own. I mean, a sentient black blade forged from a meteorite that plays a pivotal role in one of the most tragic tales in Tolkien’s legendarium? Sign me up! From its creation by the enigmatic Dark Elf Eöl to its fateful end with Túrin Turambar, Gurthang’s story is a rollercoaster of epic battles, cursed fates, and heart-wrenching moments. I can’t help but think that if Andúril is the sword of hope in The Lord of the Rings, then Gurthang is its dark counterpart in The Silmarillion – a weapon of doom and redemption all at once.
Origins of the Sword
The origins of Gurthang can be traced back to the First Age of Middle-earth, when it was originally forged as the sword Anglachel by Eöl, known as the Dark Elf. Eöl was a skilled craftsman who dwelt in the forest of Nan Elmoth, outside the protected realm of Doriath. He was renowned for his metalworking abilities, having learned much from the Dwarves, with whom he had a close relationship unusual for an Elf.
Eöl’s greatest creation was a unique black metal called galvorn, which he used to craft his armor. However, for Anglachel, he utilized an even rarer material: iron from a fallen meteorite. This meteoric iron imbued the sword with exceptional properties, making it stronger and more resilient than typical blades. The use of this celestial material also contributed to the sword’s mysterious and somewhat malevolent nature.
When forging Anglachel, Eöl created a twin sword named Anguirel. These two blades were identical in their craftsmanship and properties, both possessing a dark hue and keen edge that could cut through iron. The creation of twin swords was not uncommon in Middle-earth lore, as seen with other famous pairs like Orcrist and Glamdring.
The key differences between Anglachel and Anguirel were:
- Ownership: Anglachel was given away, while Anguirel remained with Eöl
- Fate: Anglachel became Gurthang, while Anguirel’s ultimate fate is unknown
- Wielders: Anglachel/Gurthang had multiple notable wielders, Anguirel did not
Eöl’s relationship with Thingol, the King of Doriath, was complex. As a gesture of goodwill and in exchange for the right to dwell in Nan Elmoth, Eöl presented Anglachel to Thingol. This gift was significant, as it represented not only Eöl’s craftsmanship but also a rare and powerful weapon. However, Melian, Thingol’s wife and a Maia of great wisdom, sensed the malice within the blade and warned her husband against using it.
Anglachel: The First Incarnation
Anglachel, in its first incarnation, was a remarkable weapon that played a pivotal role in the tragic tale of Túrin Turambar. Forged by Eöl the Dark Elf from meteoric iron, Anglachel was a sword of great worth and unique properties. Its name, meaning “Iron of the Flaming Star” in Sindarin, reflected its celestial origins.
The blade of Anglachel was described as having extraordinary qualities. It was said to be able to cleave all earth-delved iron, a testament to its superior craftsmanship and the rare material from which it was made. While not explicitly stated to be black in its original form, the sword was known for its keen edge and exceptional strength.
When Beleg Cúthalion chose Anglachel from King Thingol’s armory, Melian, the Maia queen of Doriath, issued a grave warning. She perceived the malevolent nature of the weapon, stating, “There is malice in this sword. The dark heart of the smith still dwells in it. It will not love the hand it serves; neither will it abide with you long”. This ominous pronouncement foreshadowed the tragic events that would unfold.
Despite Melian’s warning, Beleg Cúthalion took possession of Anglachel. As one of Doriath’s greatest warriors, Beleg put the sword to use in protecting the borders of the realm. The text suggests that Anglachel served him well in this capacity, with Tolkien noting that “Anglachel rejoiced to be unsheathed”. This personification of the sword hints at its semi-sentient nature and its eagerness for battle.
Beleg’s ownership of Anglachel culminated in his quest to find Túrin, who had left Doriath. This mission led to a series of events that would transform the sword and seal its place in the annals of Middle-earth’s history.
This tragic turn of events marked the end of Anglachel’s first incarnation and set the stage for its rebirth as Gurthang, the Iron of Death.
| Aspect | Anglachel | Gurthang |
| Name Meaning | Iron of the Flaming Star | Iron of Death |
| Wielder | Beleg Cúthalion | Túrin Turambar |
| Appearance | Keen-edged, strong | Black blade with pale fire |
| Notable Deed | Protecting Doriath | Slaying Glaurung |
Transformation into Gurthang
The transformation of Anglachel into Gurthang is a pivotal moment in the history of this legendary sword. This metamorphosis began with a tragic event: Túrin’s accidental slaying of his dear friend, Beleg Cúthalion. In a moment of confusion and fear, Túrin mistook Beleg for an enemy and struck him down with Anglachel. This devastating act not only marked a turning point in Túrin’s life but also seemed to affect the sword itself.
Following this tragic incident, Túrin was brought to Nargothrond, where the sword underwent a significant change. The blade, which had become dull and blunt after Beleg’s death, was reforged by the skilled smiths of Nargothrond. This reforging process was more than a mere resharpening; it was described as being “forged anew,” suggesting a complete remake of the blade. The smiths of Nargothrond, known for their exceptional craftsmanship, likely used their expertise to restore and enhance the sword’s unique properties.
Upon its reforging, Túrin renamed the sword Gurthang, which translates to “Iron of Death” in Sindarin. This new name reflected both the sword’s dark history and Túrin’s own tragic fate. The renaming was not merely symbolic; it marked the sword’s transformation into an even more formidable weapon, now imbued with Túrin’s own grim determination and the weight of its past deeds.
The physical changes to the sword were notable:
- The blade, once dull and blunt, was now sharp and keen again.
- While still black, its edges now shone with a pale fire.
- The sword possibly gained a longer blade, making it more suitable for warfare.
- Its appearance may have included a pattern-welded design, resulting from the mixture of the original meteoric iron with new metal.
Gurthang’s Role in Túrin’s Life
In battles against Morgoth’s forces, Gurthang proved to be a formidable weapon. Túrin wielded it with great skill and ferocity, cutting down orcs and other foul creatures with ease. The sword’s ability to cleave through iron made it particularly effective against armored foes. Túrin’s prowess with Gurthang soon became legendary, striking fear into the hearts of Morgoth’s servants. His exploits in defending Nargothrond and later protecting the people of Brethil were largely due to his mastery of this unique blade.
The most significant feat accomplished with Gurthang was undoubtedly the slaying of Glaurung, the father of dragons. This momentous battle took place at Cabed-en-Aras, where Túrin lay in wait for the great wyrm. As Glaurung crossed the gorge, Túrin struck from below, driving Gurthang deep into the dragon’s soft underbelly. The black sword proved its worth, penetrating Glaurung’s scales where other weapons would have failed. Though Túrin was temporarily incapacitated by the dragon’s venomous blood, Gurthang remained whole and unsullied, a testament to its supernatural properties.
Túrin’s skill with Gurthang and the sword’s distinctive appearance led to him earning the epithet “Mormegil,” which means “Black Sword” in Sindarin. This name became feared among his enemies and revered by those he protected. The epithet “Mormegil” became so closely associated with Túrin that it sometimes served as an alias, allowing him to conceal his true identity while still capitalizing on his fearsome reputation.
Throughout Túrin’s life, Gurthang was more than just a weapon; it was a constant companion that seemed to embody his tragic fate. The sword’s dark nature, its tendency to “drink blood,” and its ultimate role in Túrin’s death all contributed to the sword’s legendary status in the lore of Middle-earth. Gurthang’s significance in Túrin’s life can be summarized in these key points:
- It was his primary weapon in countless battles
- It enabled his greatest victory in slaying Glaurung
- It became the source of his most well-known epithet
- It ultimately became the instrument of his death
Magical Properties and Sentience
Gurthang, the legendary sword of Túrin Turambar, possessed extraordinary magical properties and an apparent sentience that set it apart from other weapons in Middle-earth. Originally forged as Anglachel by the Dark Elf Eöl from meteoric iron, the sword’s unique origins contributed to its exceptional qualities.
One of Gurthang’s most remarkable attributes was its ability to cut through iron with ease. This property, inherited from its original form as Anglachel, made it an incredibly formidable weapon in battle. The blade’s effectiveness against even the strongest armor gave Túrin a significant advantage in his confrontations with Morgoth’s forces.
After being reforged in Nargothrond, Gurthang took on a distinctive appearance. The blade became black, but it was not a dull or lifeless color. Instead, it shone with a pale fire, creating an eerie and intimidating effect. This unique visual characteristic added to the sword’s mystique and fearsome reputation.
Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of Gurthang was its apparent ability to mourn. After Túrin accidentally slew Beleg with the sword, it was said that the blade became dull and its edges blunt, as if in grief for its former master. This behavior suggested a level of awareness and emotional capacity that was highly unusual for an inanimate object.
The sword was also the subject of prophecy, with claims that it would never fail its wielder. This prediction proved true throughout Túrin’s many battles, including his ultimate confrontation with the dragon Glaurung. The sword’s reliability in combat further cemented its legendary status.
The most striking evidence of Gurthang’s sentience came in Túrin’s final moments. When Túrin, overwhelmed by the tragic revelations about his life, sought to end his own life, he addressed the sword directly. Remarkably, the sword appeared to respond, speaking of its willingness to take Túrin’s life and referencing past events, including the deaths of Beleg and Brandir.
The magical properties and apparent sentience of Gurthang can be summarized in the following table:
| Property | Description |
| Material | Meteoric iron |
| Appearance | Black blade with pale fire |
| Special Ability | Could cut through iron |
| Emotional Capacity | Appeared to mourn Beleg |
| Prophecy | Never failed its wielder |
| Sentience | Spoke to Túrin before his death |
The Curse of Gurthang
The curse of Gurthang is inextricably linked to the broader curse that Morgoth placed upon Húrin’s family. After Húrin’s capture, Morgoth cursed his entire lineage, declaring that darkness would follow them and misfortune would forever be their companion. This curse manifested most prominently in the life of Túrin Turambar, Húrin’s son, and Gurthang became a physical embodiment of this malediction.
Gurthang’s role in Túrin’s tragic life cannot be overstated. Originally forged as Anglachel by the Dark Elf Eöl, the sword already carried a malevolent nature. This inherent malice, combined with Morgoth’s curse, created a potent and destructive force that seemed to guide Túrin’s fate. The sword played a crucial part in many of the most tragic events of Túrin’s life, including:
- The accidental slaying of Beleg, Túrin’s closest friend
- The fall of Nargothrond, where Túrin’s pride led to disaster
- The death of Glaurung, which indirectly led to the revelation of Túrin’s unwitting incest
- Túrin’s murder of Brandir and subsequent suicide
Throughout these events, Gurthang appeared to exert an influence over Túrin, pushing him towards violent solutions and tragic outcomes. This influence can be seen as a manifestation of both Morgoth’s curse and the sword’s own malevolent nature.
One of the most chilling aspects of Gurthang’s curse was its apparent thirst for blood. This characteristic is vividly illustrated in the sword’s final words to Túrin:
| Speaker | Dialogue |
| Túrin | “Will you take Túrin Turambar? Will you slay me swiftly?” |
| Gurthang | “Yes, I will drink your blood, that I may forget the blood of Beleg my master, and the blood of Brandir slain unjustly. I will slay you swiftly.” |
This exchange not only demonstrates the sword’s sentience but also its eagerness to spill blood, even that of its wielder. The reference to “forgetting” the blood of Beleg and Brandir suggests that the sword retained some form of memory or consciousness of its past deeds, further emphasizing its cursed nature.
Notable Battles and Deeds
The defense of Nargothrond was one of the first major engagements where Gurthang’s prowess was displayed. As the forces of Morgoth, led by the dragon Glaurung, assaulted the hidden Elven stronghold, Túrin stood at the forefront of its defense. Wielding Gurthang, he fought valiantly against the invading orcs and other fell creatures. The sword’s ability to cleave through iron and its black blade that shone with pale fire struck fear into the hearts of the enemy. However, despite Túrin’s efforts and the might of Gurthang, Nargothrond ultimately fell to Morgoth’s forces.
The most renowned deed associated with Gurthang was undoubtedly the defeat of Glaurung at Cabed-en-Aras. This confrontation marked the climax of Túrin’s lifelong struggle against Morgoth’s curse. At the ravine of Cabed-en-Aras, Túrin lay in wait for the great dragon. As Glaurung crossed the gorge, Túrin seized the opportunity to strike. With all his might, he drove Gurthang into the dragon’s soft underbelly, exploiting the one weakness in Glaurung’s armored hide. The black sword proved its worth, penetrating deep into the dragon’s flesh and delivering a mortal wound. This victory over Glaurung was Túrin’s greatest achievement, though it came at a terrible cost.
The final notable deed of Gurthang, though tragic, was the slaying of Brandir the Lame. This event occurred in the aftermath of Glaurung’s death, when Túrin, driven mad by the dragon’s final revelations and the subsequent suicide of his sister-wife Nienor, lashed out in grief and anger. Brandir, the chieftain of the Folk of Brethil, attempted to explain the truth of recent events to Túrin. In his anguish and disbelief, Túrin accused Brandir of lying and, in a moment of blind rage, struck him down with Gurthang. This act, more than any other, demonstrated the curse that seemed to cling to both Túrin and his black sword.
The notable battles and deeds of Gurthang can be summarized in the following table:
| Battle/Deed | Outcome | Significance |
| Defense of Nargothrond | Defeat | Demonstrated Gurthang’s power, but failed to save the city |
| Defeat of Glaurung | Victory | Túrin’s greatest achievement, slaying the father of dragons |
| Slaying of Brandir | Tragedy | Culmination of Túrin’s curse, leading to his ultimate downfall |
The Fate of Gurthang
Túrin’s suicide marks the culmination of his tragic life and the final act of Gurthang. Overwhelmed by the knowledge that he had unwittingly married his sister Nienor (who had subsequently taken her own life) and that he had unjustly slain Brandir, Túrin decided to end his life. In a moment of profound anguish, he addressed the sword directly, asking if it would take his life. In a chilling display of sentience, Gurthang responded, agreeing to drink Túrin’s blood and thus end the tragic saga of the son of Húrin.
The breaking of the sword occurred simultaneously with Túrin’s death. As Túrin cast himself upon Gurthang’s point, the blade, which had survived countless battles and even slain the dragon Glaurung, finally shattered. This breaking symbolized not only the end of Túrin’s life but also the conclusion of the sword’s own dark journey. The shattering of Gurthang can be seen as a release from its curse, much as Túrin’s death released him from the curse of Morgoth.
Following Túrin’s death, he was buried with great honor, befitting a hero despite his tragic end. The burial took place beneath the Stone of the Hapless, a great grey stone set upon a high mound where Túrin fell. In a poignant gesture, the shards of Gurthang were laid beside Túrin in his grave. This burial not only honored Túrin but also acknowledged the significant role Gurthang had played in his life and deeds.
Prophecy and the Final Battle
According to this prophecy, Túrin Turambar, the ill-fated hero of the First Age, is destined to return from beyond the circles of the world to participate in this final battle. More specifically, it is foretold that Túrin will wield Gurthang, his black sword, to deal the killing blow to Morgoth himself. This prophecy serves as a form of ultimate redemption for Túrin, whose life was marred by tragedy and the curse of Morgoth.
The concept of Túrin’s return and his role in Morgoth’s demise is particularly poignant given the history between these two figures. Throughout his life, Túrin struggled against Morgoth’s curse, which brought ruin to him and his loved ones. The prophecy suggests that in the end, Túrin will have the last word in this cosmic conflict, using the very weapon that was central to his tragic tale to vanquish the source of his suffering.
The key elements of the prophecy can be summarized as follows:
- Morgoth will break free from the Void and return to Arda
- The final battle, Dagor Dagorath, will commence
- Túrin will return from death, wielding Gurthang
- Túrin will slay Morgoth with Gurthang, avenging his family and all of Arda
Final Thoughts
Looking back on Gurthang’s journey, I’m struck by how this sword embodies the complexities of Tolkien’s world. It’s not just a weapon; it’s a character in its own right, with a will and a destiny of its own. The way it intertwines with Túrin’s tragic tale, from the accidental slaying of Beleg to the prophecy of Morgoth’s ultimate defeat, is simply masterful storytelling. And you know what? I think that’s why Gurthang resonates so deeply with fans like me. It’s more than just a cool magical sword – it’s a symbol of the intricate tapestry of fate, free will, and redemption that makes Tolkien’s work so timeless. In the end, Gurthang’s story reminds us that even in the darkest tales, there’s a glimmer of hope for ultimate victory, much like other legendary weapons in fantasy that continue to captivate our imaginations.