Sting: The Legendary Blade of Frodo Baggins

The world of The Lord of the Rings is filled with legendary weapons, each with its own unique history and significance. Among them, one of the most iconic is Frodo’s sword, Sting. Though diminutive in size compared to other swords in Middle-earth, Sting played a crucial role in the War of the Ring and remains one of the most memorable weapons in fantasy literature. This article will delve deep into Sting’s history, its origins, the features that made it special, its various wielders, and how it stands out as one of the most iconic fantasy book and film swords of all time.

Origins of Sting: An Elven Blade of the First Age

Unlike the great swords of Gondor and Rohan, Sting was originally an Elven blade, forged in the First Age during the wars between the Elves and Morgoth. The sword was likely created in the lost Elven kingdom of Gondolin, a realm that once stood as a bastion against Morgoth’s forces. The exact history of Sting before Bilbo acquired it is unknown, but it was likely crafted by the Noldor, the most skilled Elven smiths in Middle-earth. Along with Sting, other renowned Elven swords such as Orcrist (the Goblin-cleaver, wielded by Thorin Oakenshield) and Glamdring (the Foe-hammer, wielded by Gandalf) were also forged in Gondolin. During the fall of Gondolin, many of these weapons were lost, scattered across Middle-earth. Centuries later, Sting and these other swords would resurface in a troll hoard, waiting to be discovered.

Bilbo Baggins: Sting’s First Wielder

Sting was first introduced in The Hobbit, when Bilbo Baggins and the company of dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield, stumbled upon a cave occupied by three Stone Trolls—Tom, Bert, and William. After Gandalf tricked the trolls into staying out until dawn, they were turned to stone, leaving behind a treasure trove of weapons, gold, and supplies. Among the weapons found in the trolls' cave were Glamdring, Orcrist, and a small Elven dagger — later named Sting. While Glamdring was given to Gandalf and Orcrist to Thorin, Bilbo claimed the small blade for himself.

Bilbo, initially unsure of his abilities, soon found that Sting was no ordinary blade. When the company was captured by goblins in the Misty Mountains, Bilbo used Sting to free himself. Later, after his fateful encounter with Gollum in the dark tunnels beneath the mountains, he emerged not only with the One Ring but also a newfound sense of bravery. Bilbo named the blade "Sting" after using it to kill a giant spider in Mirkwood Forest, where the company was ensnared by the spawn of Shelob. The name symbolized the sword’s effectiveness despite its small size—like a wasp’s sting.

Bilbo continued to carry Sting throughout his journey, using it during the Battle of the Five Armies and keeping it after returning to the Shire. It remained in his possession until he passed it down to Frodo decades later.

Frodo Baggins: Sting’s Role in the War of the Ring

During The Lord of the Rings, Bilbo gave Sting to Frodo Baggins at Rivendell, along with the Mithril shirt. This marked the beginning of Sting’s role in the larger conflict against Sauron.

Notable Uses of Sting by Frodo

Detection of Orcs: One of Sting’s most notable abilities was its ability to glow blue when Orcs or goblins were nearby. This feature made it invaluable during Frodo’s journey, warning him and his companions of approaching enemies.

Moria and the Balrog: During the Fellowship’s journey through Moria, Sting glowed in the presence of goblins and orcs, giving them forewarning of danger. It was also present when Gandalf fought the Balrog on the Bridge of Khazad-dûm.

Shelob’s Lair: One of the most famous moments involving Sting was Frodo’s battle against Shelob, the ancient spider-like monster guarding the pass into Mordor. Frodo, alone and separated from Sam, tried to fight Shelob using Sting but was overpowered. However, it was Samwise Gamgee who ultimately wielded Sting to great effect. Sam, in an act of courage, stabbed Shelob with Sting, wounding her severely and forcing her to retreat. This was one of the few instances where an Elven blade injured a creature as powerful as Shelob.

The Final Journey into Mordor: As Frodo and Sam reached Mount Doom, Sting continued to serve as both a weapon and a symbol of their long journey. However, as they neared Barad-dûr, the sword ceased to glow—indicating that there were no more orcs in the land surrounding the Dark Tower, but rather something far more sinister.

Sting’s Features and Abilities

While small compared to swords like Andúril or Glamdring, Sting had several unique attributes that made it special:

Elven Craftsmanship
- Forged in the First Age by Elves, it was stronger and sharper than typical weapons.
- It never dulled or rusted, making it a blade that could be passed down for generations.

Glowed in the Presence of Orcs
- When Orcs or goblins were nearby, Sting emitted a blue glow, acting as an early warning system.
- This was a feature of weapons crafted in Gondolin, also seen with Glamdring and Orcrist.

Extremely Sharp and Deadly
- Despite its small size, Sting could cut through spider webs, armor, and goblin flesh with ease.
- It was powerful enough to wound Shelob, an ancient, near-invincible being.

Lightweight and Ideal for Hobbits
- While it was a dagger by Elven standards, it was sword-sized for a Hobbit, making it a perfect weapon for Bilbo and Frodo.

A Blade That Defied Expectations

Sting was a symbol of courage, resilience, and the strength of the seemingly small and powerless. From Bilbo’s first adventures to Frodo’s perilous journey into Mordor, Sting proved time and again that even the smallest blade could have a great impact on the world. Its history as an Elven weapon from Gondolin, its ability to glow in the presence of orcs, and its role in slaying Shelob solidified it as one of high-fantasy’s most legendary swords.

Even though it was not as grand as Andúril or Glamdring, Sting remains one of the most iconic swords in Tolkien’s legendarium, proving that true heroism is not measured by size, but by the will to fight against darkness. Want to experience what it’s like to wield Frodo’s blade for yourself? Here at True Swords we carry a multitude of fantasy swords, including a huge collection of swords from LoTR. Our blades are crafted only with high-quality materials, with an incredible likeness to the originals.