Of the forging of Astoreg:
Fallen were the great realms of Elvenness, and scattered the abodes of men before the unrelenting advance of Morgoth. Seeking to escape his hate, the Edain and survivors of Doriath, Nargothrond, and Gondolin gathered at the Havens of Sirion, never forgetting the shadow that still advanced.
Men dwelt in the regions on the edges of Arvenien, who in desperation or in lust for power fell under the sway of Morgoth. The Dark Lord was not yet ready to bring his full strength to bear upon the Havens of Sirion and mostly the lands of Arvenien were peaceful enough, though from time to time in ambition or hate, men would attempt to raid the settlements.
Gelilthor patrolled the forests and was oft accompanied by Togon, a young adan, not even full-grown, but courageous and fueled with zeal to protect his home.
On one of these patrols, men lay in wait, using all their cunning to hide from the keen senses of both the woods-wise Togon and the Elf, they set upon her as she scouted ahead of the man. She cried to her companion to flee, but he charged into the fray, heedless of his own life, and indeed, almost lost it, and lay sore wounded for several weeks. But by his intervention, the Elf was saved, and in his convalescence she forged for him a sword in token of gratitude. Though before she had been fond of the young man, now deep respect and friendship lay between them.
But the wrath of the outlaws was now on Togon for he had slain their captain. When he was alone, and far from help they set upon him and captured him. When Gelilthor heard of this she prepared immediately to go after and rescue him, but by the time they found him he was already slain, his sword broken and thrown down in contempt.
Great effort had these evil men expended to break the Elven steel, and Gelilthor took up the broken pieces in memory of her friend.
Gelilthor took the steel of the blade, and began to forge a weapon new, a work begun beneath the hopeless advance of Morgoth’s might, but completed in the tranquillity of Lindon.
Astoreg she named it, and it is said that only by great power could the glaive be separated from its maker did she not set it aside. Even should a foe succeed in seizing it, never was the spear turned against her or her allies, and indeed, it is thought that should any have the power to turn it to such ill use, it should itself break before it betrayed its purpose.
In ages after it became known among the Dúnedain that Gelilthor of Imladris proclaimed that her spear was ever for the succour of the Younger Children. For the glaive was forged of loyalty and bonds of friendship, and this the Elf forgets not, and fierce is her wrath and sharp her spear against those who serve the shadow.
Of the making of Thorthand:
Eager were the Elves as the second age dawned to set their creativity to the making of things fair upon Middle Earth.
Yet among these, Gelilthor of Nargothrond was little seen on the beaches and streets of the towns of Lindon, but laboured long and alone. None other heard her songs or saw her work deep beneath the earth as she brought forth and kept for herself the finest ores and metals. After a time she returned to Lindon, and dwelt with her cousin, the Lady Glirwing. With few would she take council or instruction, and ever was seen at her work. Many fair works were made in those days, though most of these were thrown back into the fire, failing to meet the exacting standards of their smith.
The chief of her labour, and that to which all the other works were but practice and playthings, was the shield of Thorthand, known later by men as the Eagle-Shield of Wrath for the war depicted upon it.
The shield is large, and lighter than might be supposed, though in all the ages no force or foe has prevailed to shatter it. It is composed of three rings. Upon the innermost is engraved a depiction of Elbereth, hands raised over seven stars. Upon the second is shown Eonwë and the host of the Vanyar, arrayed for battle with the banners of the West streaming in the wind of their advance. Upon the third and outermost ring fly the eagles, in their eyes set jewels which reflect the light of the moon and sun and seem to shine with the wrath and power of Lord Manwë’s messengers. Only these gemstones were not the work of Gelilthor’s own hands, but of the jewel-smith Elmiror the wife of Nestadrenon, brother of Gelilthor.
Inscribed on the inside in letters of silver is a verse to Elbereth, written in the ancient tongue of the Noldor.
The shield of Thorthand is counted the greatest work save one of the Elven smith Gelilthor.”
“Of Vorondiel Liltare Gelilthor” Memories of the Eldar, by Gwetheril, Lore-Keeper of the North.
