The Sting, Frodo Baggins' sword, Lord of the Rings

The original sword from the world of Lord of the Rings

With over 100 million copies sold in more than 40 languages, generations have grown up on The Lord of the Rings, the classic epic tale that is considered by millions of readers to be the greatest fantasy adventure of all time. J.R.R. Tolkien's phenomenal trilogy describes the struggle between good and evil for control of the magical Ring. The book trilogy has been named the most popular book of the 20th century and has received a successful film adaptation by New Line Cinema.

The Sting is a magical short sword from the legendary elven city of Gondolin, forged by elves in ancient times. It was found by Bilbo Baggins, Frodo's uncle and the original bearer of the Ring, in a troll lair in Rhûdaur. Bilbo carried it with him from the moment he acquired the Ring from Gollum and used it for most of his quest. The sword eventually saved his life in a battle with giant spiders in the Dark Forest.

The blade and guard are engraved with Tengwar runes in Sindarin, the language of the Grey Elves:
Maegnas aen estar nín - dagnir in yngyl im
("Sting is my name; I am the bane of spiders.")

The blade of the sword glows with blue light as the Orcs - the violent pawns of Sauron - approach. Sixty years later, the sword passes to Bilbo's nephew Frodo, who, along with the Fellowship, embarks on a dangerous journey to destroy the Ring in the fires of Mount Doom, where it was originally forged. Bilbo gives him the Sting to serve him on this harrowing journey.

• Overall length: approx. 55.9 cm

• Blade length: approx. 38.1 cm

• Blade thickness: approx. 6.4 mm

• Blade material: hardened stainless steel 420 J2

• Handle material: wooden handle with elven metal elements; guard and pommel made of solid steel with patinated surface

• Official license, manufacturer: United Cutlery Corp