The Encyclopedia of Arda - Black Sword of Nargothrond (original) (raw)

Túrin in the halls of Orodreth

During his time in Nargothrond, Túrin hid his true name in an attempt to escape the dark fate that followed him. He gave himself the name Agarwaen, but among the Elves of Nargothrond his fame as a warrior grew, and they gave him a new name. From the black blade of his sword Gurthang, he acquired the title of Mormegil, the 'Black Sword'. His fame spread to lands beyond Nargothrond itself, where he became known as the Black Sword of Nargothrond, or the Black Sword of the South.

Túrin's prowess in warfare would bring disaster on Nargothrond. Where the Elves of that realm had previously preferred to fight their enemies through stealth, Túrin convinced them to go into open war. He created a bridge across Narog so that Nargothrond's forces could more easily pass out onto the plain beyond the river, but by doing so he revealed the hidden stronghold to its enemies. The Dragon Glaurung descended on Nargothrond with an army of Orcs, defeating the defenders at the Battle of Tumhalad and sacking the ancient city.

Túrin the Black Sword survived the Fall of Nargothrond, and was sent into the far North as an unwitting tool in the plans of the Dark Lord. When he returned into the south, he settled in the Forest of Brethil, and there he became known for a time as the Black Sword of Brethil.

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