Science Fiction & Fantasy Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for science fiction and fantasy enthusiasts. It only takes a minute to sign up.
Sign up to join this community
I was wondering what Andúril looks like, and I know that distinctive look John Howe gives it, with the holes on the ends.
As far as I remember, John Howe wrote in his site that all Numenorean swords look like that, though it may have been a joke. I want to know what Numenorean (and Gondorian) swords look like. They do seem to have a distinctive look, since in FOTR: "The Ring Goes South", Boromir's sword is described as being
a long sword, in fashion like Andúril but of less lineage
The sword of Elendil was forged anew by Elvish smiths, and on its blade was traced a device of seven stars set between the crescent Moon and the rayed Sun, and about them was written many runes; for Aragorn, son of Arathorn was going to war upon the marches of Mordor. Very bright was that sword when it was made whole again; the light of the sun shone redly in it, and the light of the moon shone cold, and its edge was hard and keen.
from The Fellowship of the Ring, The Ring Goes South. There's the best description of it you're gonna get! Enjoy!
Tolkien would probably have in mind Anglo-Saxon/Viking swords as the weapon of choice, as the poetry and mythology of Middle Earth has a basis in his studies in that area. I would also go for that style in preference to a sword of a later era which would emphasise thrusting more (e.g. Estoc). The limited description of the fights imply a cutting style of use.
I would suggest that you look at Viking pattern-welded swords as the basis, with something like the sword of Elendil being a little like an +VLFBERH+T sword in quality and characteristics.
I would also go for a high quality but functional look instead of being very ornate. Killing people and orcs is a serious business and unnecessary adornment could affect your chances in a fight.
