The Sword of Thorin – Orcrist

The Legendary Sword of Thorin Oakenshield 

The Tale of Orcrist: From Elven Forge to Dwarven Hands

Orcrist, famously known as the “Goblin-cleaver,” stands as one of the most legendary swords in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. Its captivating story begins in the ancient Elven city of Gondolin, where the Elven-smiths of old forged it alongside its “mate,” Glamdring. These weapons, masterpieces of Elven craftsmanship, earned their reputation for sharpness, exquisite design, and magical properties. Throughout its history, Orcrist proved deadly against dark creatures, especially goblins and orcs, who dreaded its power.

The sword’s journey through Middle-earth eventually led it to Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of the Company of Dwarves, during their epic quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain. The name Orcrist struck terror into the hearts of goblins and orcs, who referred to it as “Biter,” emphasizing its lethal history and effectiveness in combat.

The Rich History of Orcrist: From the First Age to the Third Age

Orcrist’s origin dates back to the First Age, when Elven-smiths in Gondolin forged it alongside Glamdring. Gondolin, a hidden city celebrated for its splendor and artistry, was home to some of the greatest craftsmen in Middle-earth. The Elves created Orcrist not just as a weapon, but as a work of art. The sword boasted a jeweled hilt and a beautifully crafted scabbard, displaying the Elves’ skill and love for fine details. Furthermore, intricate runes graced the blade, inscribing its name and highlighting its status as a weapon of power and prestige.

Historically, the Goblin Cleaver might have been wielded by one of the Lords of the Gondolindrim during the Goblin Wars. According to tales, it “killed hundreds of goblins in its time, when the fair Elves of Gondolin hunted them in the hills or did battle before their walls.” After serving valiantly in these battles, Orcrist disappeared following the tragic fall of Gondolin to Morgoth’s forces. For many centuries, the sword remained lost, its fate unknown.

Rediscovery in the Third Age

The story of Orcrist takes a new turn during the Third Age, when Thorin Oakenshield and his company stumbled upon it by sheer chance. As they ventured through the wilderness on their quest to reclaim Erebor, the Dwarves encountered a trio of trolls who captured them. After defeating the trolls, Gandalf led the company to search the trolls’ lair, where they discovered a treasure trove that included two ancient Elven blades. Among these, they found Orcrist and its counterpart, Glamdring.

Gandalf, recognizing the high quality of the blades, identified them as remarkable finds. While he took Glamdring for himself, Thorin claimed Orcrist. Once the company reached Rivendell, Elrond confirmed that the swords hailed from Gondolin. He identified Orcrist by name, recognizing its ancient lineage and formidable history. Hearing this, Thorin vowed to honor the sword, a pledge he kept throughout his journey.

Orcrist’s Role in the Quest of Erebor

From that point onward, Orcrist played a crucial role in the Quest of Erebor. Thorin wielded the sword with pride, especially during battles against orcs and goblins. One of the most notable moments came during the Dwarves’ captivity in Goblin-town, where Thorin used Orcrist to slay orcs after Gandalf killed the Great Goblin, helping his company escape. However, Thorin’s possession of Orcrist was not without challenges.

The sword was confiscated when the Wood-elves of Mirkwood captured Thorin and his company. The Elves, led by Thranduil, recognized Orcrist’s significance and took it into custody. Although Thorin lost the sword, he would eventually reunite with it, but not until after the Battle of the Five Armies.

What happened to Orcrist?

After the intense Battle of the Five Armies, in which Thorin fought valiantly but ultimately perished, Thranduil chose to honor him by returning Orcrist. Recognizing Thorin’s bravery and leadership, Thranduil placed the sword upon Thorin’s tomb under the Lonely Mountain. There, Orcrist took on a new role as a guardian, “gleaming ever in the dark if foes approached,” warning of any nearby threats. This act of respect symbolized the end of the animosity between the Elves and Dwarves, a rare gesture of unity in Middle-earth.

The Meaning Behind the Name: Etymology and Symbolism

The name Orcrist, derived from Sindarin, translates to “Goblin-cleaver.” It combines the word “orc” with “rist,” meaning “to cut.” The orcs, who feared the blade, nicknamed it Biter, a testament to its feared reputation. In Quenya, the sword’s name takes on a variation, Orchrist, from “risto,” meaning “slash” or “rip.”

The name itself encapsulates the sword’s purpose and power, emphasizing its deadly effectiveness against the dark creatures that plagued Middle-earth. Through these linguistic elements, Tolkien captured the essence of Orcrist’s role as both a weapon of war and a symbol of resistance.

Orcrist in “The Hobbit” Films: Iconic Design and Cinematic Moments

Peter Jackson’s “The Hobbit” film trilogy brought Orcrist to life with stunning detail, staying true to its Elven roots while adding a cinematic flair. The films portrayed Orcrist as a single-edged weapon with a curved design, similar in some ways to Hadhafang, the blade wielded by Arwen and Elrond in “The Lord of the Rings” films. However, unlike Hadhafang, Orcrist’s blade remained straighter, with a slightly curved edge that made it both elegant and deadly.

Key Scenes in the Films

In “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” the story begins when Thorin discovers Orcrist in the trolls’ cave, along with Glamdring. Recognizing the blade’s craftsmanship, he decides to keep it. It’s a decision that aligns with his determination to lead his company. However, when the Wood-elves capture Thorin’s company in “The Desolation of Smaug,” Legolas takes Orcrist. Throughout the movie, Legolas wields the sword in battles against orcs, defending Lake-town and its people.

The final movie, “The Battle of the Five Armies,” showcases some of Orcrist’s most pivotal moments. During a heated confrontation between Thranduil and Tauriel, Legolas uses Orcrist to stop his father’s blade, symbolizing his stand against unnecessary violence. Later, in one of the film’s most memorable scenes, Legolas throws Orcrist into the heart of an orc, saving Thorin’s life during a battle on a frozen waterfall. Thorin retrieves the sword from the dead orc, using it in his climactic duel against Azog the Defiler. This confrontation, marked by Thorin’s fierce determination, ends with Thorin sacrificing himself to land a fatal blow on Azog, using Orcrist to press the orc into the ice.

Ultimately, Orcrist finds its final place in the extended edition of the film, where it rests upon Thorin’s tomb, just as in the book. While the sword remains an Elven blade, the film adaptation notably diverges by not showing it glowing in the presence of orcs, a feature present in the original text.

The Design and Make of Orcrist: The Movie Version

The design team at Wētā Workshop approached Orcrist with careful consideration, blending elements of traditional sword-making with Elven aesthetics. Unlike the curved swords often associated with Elves, Orcrist’s straight spine and convex edge give it a more versatile, battle-ready appearance. The designers drew inspiration from the Hellenic makhaira. A weapon known for its forward-heavy design, which adds momentum to slashing attacks. This design choice made Orcrist particularly suited for the Dwarven style of combat, despite its Elven origins.

The sword’s grip, fashioned from a large tooth capped in a metal pommel, added a unique touch. The pommel also featured Ecthelion’s heraldic symbol. It suggests that Orcrist may have originally belonged to the great Ecthelion of Gondolin. Furthermore, the runes along the blade, crafted in the Cirth script, conveyed a sense of ancient magic, as if the Elves themselves had imbued the sword with power.

Timeblade Guild’s Battle-Ready Orcrist Replica: Own a Piece of Legend

Now, for the first time ever, Timeblade Guild proudly presents a battle-ready replica of Orcrist. Drawing inspiration from both Tolkien’s rich lore and the stunning cinematic design, our replica remains true to the iconic look of Orcrist while being fully functional for real-world use.

Crafted for Combat: Materials and Design

Our artisans have forged the Orcrist replica from high-quality Spring steel, renowned for its flexibility, durability, and sharpness.

This material ensures that the sword is not just for display but ready for real combat, maintaining its edge through rigorous use.

Key Specifications:

• Blade Material: Tempered Spring steel, for strength and durability.
• Blade Length: 27.95″ (71 cm), with the same elegant curve seen in the films.
• Hilt and Guard: Intricately detailed. Brass, imitating the dragon’s tooth, with Elven engravings.
• Weight and Balance: Perfectly balanced for ease of handling, whether for sparring or display. Point of Balance: 11 cm (4.33 in) from guard
• Full Tang Construction: Ensures the sword’s reliability and sturdiness.

Embrace the Legacy of the Biter with Timeblade Guild

Orcrist is more than a weapon. It symbolizes Thorin Oakenshield’s journey, the struggles he faced, and the leadership he embodied. Its legacy spans centuries, from its creation in Gondolin to its rediscovery and use in the quest for Erebor. Now, you can bring this rich history into your own hands with Timeblade Guild’s battle-ready replica. Perfect for collectors, martial artists, or fans of Middle-earth, this  sword allows you to own a piece of legend.

Embrace the power of Orcrist. The sword of Thorin Oakenshield awaits you at Timeblade Guild.