Angrist

From Tolkien Gateway
Angrist
Weapon
OwnerCurufin, Beren
AppearanceKnife
CreatorTelchar
First Age
DestroyerBeren/Morgoth
Angband, F.A. 466
Notable forRemoving a Silmaril from the Iron Crown

Angrist was a knife held by Curufin and then Beren, of which was said that "iron it would cleave as if it were green wood".

History[edit | edit source]

Angrist was made by the dwarf-smith Telchar for the Elf-lord Curufin in the late First Age.

It was worn by him, sheathless by his side, when he and Celegorm attacked Beren Erchamion and Lúthien Tinúviel in the forest of Brethil, attempting to kidnap the latter. The brothers lost the fight and the knife, along with other spoils, was taken from Curufin.

During the Quest for the Silmaril, Beren used it to cut through the Iron Crown of Morgoth and free a Silmaril. However, its blade snapped as he tried to cut a second jewel and Morgoth stirred as a shard grazed his cheek. Beren left Angrist behind as he escaped.[1]

Etymology[edit | edit source]

Angrist means "Iron Cleaver" in Sindarin,[2][3] from ang ("iron") + crist ("cleaver", "sword").[4]

Other versions of the legendarium[edit | edit source]

In the Quenta Noldorinwa the knife of Curufin remained unnamed and it was referred to as "the knife of the treacherous Dwarves". Also, there it is stated that its maker was a dwarf from Belegost, not one of Nogrod.[source?]

References

  1. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Beren and Lúthien"
  2. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Index of Names"
  3. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lost Road and Other Writings, "Part Two: Valinor and Middle-earth before The Lord of the Rings, VI. Quenta Silmarillion", p. 303
  4. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Appendix: Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names", entries anga, ris
Weapons in Tolkien's legendarium
 Arrows:  Black Arrow · Dailir · Red Arrow
Axes:  Dramborleg · Durin's Axe
Bows:  Belthronding · Bow of Bregor · Bow of the Galadhrim
Knives:  Angrist · Barrow-blades · Morgul-knife · Sting
Maces:  Grond
Spears:  Aeglos
Swords:  Anglachel/Gurthang · Anguirel · Aranrúth · Dagmor · Glamdring · Glend · Gúthwinë · Herugrim · Narsil/Andúril ·  Orcrist · Ringil · Sword of Manwë