The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
The name was used during Túrin's time in Nargothrond, I 490 - I 495
Location
Race
Division
Culture
One of the Men of Dor-lómin, dwelling among the Elves of Nargothrond
Family
Meaning
'Black Sword' comes from Túrin's black blade Gurthang; 'South' here refers to Nargothrond (the title was used by the Men of Brethil, who dwelt northward of Nargothrond)
Other names
Túrin continued to be known as the Black Sword (Mormegil) even after Nargothrond's fall, including the forms Black Sword of Brethil and Black Sword of Nargothrond, and the equivalent Black Thorn of Brethil
Title of

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  • Updated 14 July 2024
  • This entry is complete

Black Sword of the South

A title of Túrin Turambar in Brethil

Anglachel was a sword of black meteoric iron that came to Túrin after he mistakenly slew Beleg. When he later came to Nargothrond, the smiths of that stronghold reforged the sword for him; its blade was still deep black, but now its edges gleamed with light. With the reforged sword, which Túrin renamed as Gurthang, 'Iron of Death', he went out into the field and fought back against the Orcs that at that time infested Beleriand.

His fame as an enemy of Morgoth spread far and wide, and he was known in many lands as the Mormegil, the Black Sword. Even among the Woodmen of Brethil, far to the north of Nargothrond, his deeds were known, and when he eventually came among that people he was recognised as the 'Black Sword of the South'.


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About this entry:

  • Updated 14 July 2024
  • This entry is complete

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