Belthronding

From Tolkien Gateway
Belthronding
Weapon
Elena Kukanova - Beleg 2.jpg
"Beleg" by Elena Kukanova
Pronunciationbel-thron-ding
LocationDoriath, Dor-Cúarthol, Taur-nu-Fuin
OwnerBeleg
AppearanceBow made of black yew-wood
GalleryImages of Belthronding

Belthronding was a mighty bow, made of black yew-wood, that was carried by the most mighty archer of the First Age, Beleg Strongbow of Doriath. To it he owed his own epithet, Cúthalion ("Strongbow").

With it, he long defended the borders of King Thingol, and when he left Doriath in search of his friend Túrin, he took it with him. When he found him, together, from the halls of Mîm in Amon Rûdh, they founded the realm of Dor-Cúarthol - the Land of Bow and Helm - with him being the 'Bow'.

When the pair were betrayed to the Orcs, Beleg went to free his friend, but in a tragic turn of fate Túrin mistook him for a foe, and slew him. Overcome with grief, Túrin dug a grave for Beleg's body, and he buried Belthronding beside its late owner.[1]

Etymology[edit | edit source]

Belthronding is Ilkorin, and it is never glossed, being a compound of bel ("strength") + thrôn ("stiff, hard") and ding (an onomatopoeic sound).[2]

See also[edit | edit source]

References

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