In the universe of The Lord of the Rings, swords are much more than weapons: they are reflections of the souls of those who wield them.
This idea is strongly reflected in The Rings of Power, a series set in the Second Age of Middle-earth, where Galadriel, one of the most powerful elves in Tolkien's legendarium, is presented with a sword that not only marks her new facet as a warrior, but also her pain, her purpose, and her heritage.
A different, but coherent Galadriel
Unlike her wiser and more serene version shown in Peter Jackson's trilogy, The Rings of Power portrays Galadriel at a much more turbulent time in her life.
She is a military leader, marked by loss and an almost obsessive drive to find Sauron.
In this context, his sword takes on a central role: it is the tool with which he confronts his enemies, but also the symbol of his resistance, his struggle, and his Noldor heritage.
The symbolism of his sword
Galadriel's sword in The Rings of Power symbolizes several layers of her identity: her Elven nobility, her lineage among the Noldor, her grief at the fall of her people, and her desire for justice.
He wields this blade in the name of his brother Finrod, slain by the forces of Morgoth, and every fight reflects his personal mourning.
Being a weapon probably forged by elven artisans from Eregion, a region known for its refined metallurgy, her sword is no ordinary instrument of war: It is a piece of art, a physical extension of its wielder's soul.
Physical characteristics of the sword
In terms of design, Galadriel's sword is a masterpiece of Elven forging.
Long, thin and slightly curved, its blade has a burnished silver finish that shines even in dim light.
Along the edge are inscribed runes in Elvish (tengwar), which could refer to blessings, names or lineages.
The guard is carved in the shape of a leaf, a recurring motif in elven art, and the pommel features engravings reminiscent of branches or vines, reinforcing the connection between elves and nature.
Its handle is wrapped in dark leather, providing comfort and firmness.
It's a lightweight sword, ideal for the elven combat style, combining speed, precision, and elegance. It's not designed for brutality, but for skill.
Every movement Galadriel makes with this sword is graceful as a dance, but also deadly.
A weapon of the Second Age
Although it does not appear in Tolkien's books with a specific description, the presence of this sword in the series is consistent with the legendarium canon.
In the Second Age, Galadriel was still active militarily, and although it is not detailed that she used a sword, it is implied that she participated in armed conflicts alongside other Elven leaders.
The decision to depict her with a sword responds both to the series' own narrative and to a logical visual interpretation of her character at that time: a warrior elf who has not yet adopted the contemplative and wise role she will later have in Lothlórien.
A sword with a soul
Galadriel's sword in The Rings of Power is more than just an object, it is a tangible testament to her character in the Second Age: her determination, her pain, and her power.
In every battle, Galadriel fights not only against external enemies, but also against her own demons, and this weapon becomes an extension of that struggle.
Through its design, symbolism, and functionality, the sword shows us a more human, more vulnerable, but also stronger and more determined Galadriel.
An object of lethal beauty that embodies the essence of the elven spirit and its fight against the darkness that threatens Middle-earth.
