Did Anything Happen to Bilbo's Sword Sting After He Gave It to Frodo?

In the grand saga of The Lord of the Rings, the short, corpulent but mighty Bilbo Baggins passes on his trusty sword Sting to his beloved nephew, Frodo Baggins.[1] This iconic weapon, known for its glittering blade and its ability to light up in the presence of the One Ring, accompanies Frodo on his perilous journey to destroy the Ring and defeat the dark lord, Sauron. However, the final fate of Sting remains a subject of debate and speculation. This article explores the evidence from the books to shed light on the likely journey of Sting and its ultimate resting place.

Did Arwen Receive Sting?

One common misconception is that Arwen, the elf princess, received Sting. However, the books provide no mention of this. Instead, Sting is explicitly given to Frodo, who takes it with him on his quest.

Frodo's Journey with Sting

Frodo is known to carry Sting throughout his journey, using it not only as a weapon but also as a symbol of his mission and heritage. Samwise Gamgee, Frodo's loyal friend and sturdy companion, carries the sword for the final part of the journey to Mount Doom. After their victory, Frodo and Gandalf depart to the Undying Lands, where Bilbo also resides.

The Controversy of Sting's Final Fate

The exact disposition of Sting after Frodo's departure is not explicitly stated in the published books. A few theories emerge based on textual clues:

Frodo's Possession: Given Frodo's nature as a pacifist after the war, it is unlikely he would have kept Sting, as he is weary of the cycle of violence and killing. Samwise's Possession: As Frodo's official heir, Sam could have inherited Sting. The books do mention that Sam received the Red Book of Westmarch after Frodo's departure, but no mention is made of Sting. Possibility of Storage: If neither Frodo nor Sam took Sting, it could have been left behind or stored somewhere secure in Middle-earth.

Post-War Residences and Possessions

After the conclusion of the War of the Ring, Frodo and Bilbo journey to the Undying Lands. Some speculate that Sting may have been left behind with the Gamgee family, as Samwise becomes the new head of the household.[2] Additionally, the mention of Elves who left Middle-earth taking their weapons and belongings to the Undying Lands in The Silmarillion suggests a similar fate for Sting.

Conclusion

The ultimate fate of Sting remains an intriguing mystery for fans of The Lord of the Rings. While the books provide no definitive answer, the contextual clues and logical deductions suggest that Sting may have been left with Samwise or with the Gamgee family, symbolizing the subtle continuation of Bilbo's legacy beyond the destruction of the One Ring.