Aragorn enters Théoden’s tent where the mysterious hooded rider awaits him.… Read Full Bio ↴Aragorn enters Théoden’s tent where the mysterious hooded rider awaits him. Tense low brass chords reveal Aragorn’s apprehension. The figure stands and removes his hood. It is Lord Elrond, come at Arwen’s behest. Aragorn bows his head and the orchestra warms with rich harmonies as French horn sounds Rivendell’s theme. But Elrond’s news is heavy. Arwen, having released her immortality, is now threatened by the Ring. And Aragorn’s march to Gondor is futile: the Rohirrim are too few in number. The armies of Men are no match for the multiple forces soon to congregate upon the Pelennor—including a fleet of Corsair ships secretly approaching Minas Tirith from the south. The London Philharmonic again sinks to its low end. Reluctantly, Elrond offers his advice. “There are those who dwell in the mountain.” A blast of wind blows through the tent; high strings climb, suggesting the dyadic harmonies of the Army of the Dead. Aragorn protests, “They answer to no one,” but Elrond persists. “They will answer to the King of Gondor.”

From beneath his cloak he produces Andúril, reforged from the shards of Narsil. The Rivendell theme billows in a flourish of strings. Elrond explains to Aragorn that this is the sword of the King. Minas Tirith’s theme stands tall in the brass, proudly recalling Gondor’s noble heritage. Aragorn takes the sword, grasps its hilt and unsheathes it. The theme rises through silvery trumpets. “The blade that was broken shall return to Minas Tirith.” Aragorn will no longer dodge his heritage. Even should it lead him to personal ruin, he will lead. High string clusters mark the possibility of this self-sacrifice.

TEXTS
ANDÚRIL
Text by J.R.R. Tolkien
Adapted by Philippa Boyens
Sindarin Translation by David Salo
FIRST HEARD: DISC TWO | TRACK SEVEN
Elo! Andúril; | Behold! Anduril;
Lach en Annûn | Flame of the West.
I chathol asgannen | The blade that was broken,
Ad echannen | Has been remade!

(c) The Annotated Score (The Music of The Lord of the Rings Films)

Anduril
Howard Shore Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Sindarin

Elo, Andúril
Lach en Annûn
I chatho asgannen
Ad echannen

Overall Meaning

The Sindarin lyrics to Howard Shore's song Andúril translates to "Behold, Andúril. Flame of the West, forged from the shards of Narsil. The sword reforged shall be reckoned anew. The blade that was broken shall again be whole."

These lyrics refer to the sword Andúril, which is a significant weapon in J.R.R. Tolkien's universe. Andúril was once known as Narsil and was wielded by King Elendil, who died in the battle against Sauron. Isildur, Elendil's son, took up the broken blade and used it to defeat Sauron, but he was killed soon after. Centuries later, the wizard Gandalf helps Aragorn, the rightful heir to the throne of Gondor, to reforge the sword, which he renames Andúril. Andúril symbolizes Aragorn's destiny as a new hope for Middle-earth and his rightful place as King.

The lyrics to Andúril capture the importance of this sword in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. It serves as a reminder that the past can be restored and renewed, and that even broken things can be made whole again. The sword Andúril is a symbol of hope, strength, and the power of will.

Line by Line Meaning

Elo, Andúril
Hail, Andúril (sword of Aragorn)

Lach en Annûn
Flame of the West (referring to Aragorn and his companions)

I chatho asgannen
The enemy has been defeated

Ad echannen
I have been purified (referring to Aragorn's journey to claim his rightful place as king)

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: HOWARD SHORE, PHILIPPA BOYENS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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