How did 🧝Earendil 💀kill Ancalagon The Black?

[Vorondil]

Just wondering how Earendil was able to kill Ancalagon The Black, with nothing but a flying glass boat, a jewel stuck to his forehead, and a sword.

 

[Radaghast]

Unfortunately, there are no details. Where does it say Eärendil's boat is made of glass?

 

[Vorondil]

Unfortunately, there are no details. Where does it say Eärendil's boat is made of glass?

I'm pretty sure it was made out of elven glass. Although, I'm now wondering if it was.

 

[grendel]

"With the aid of Cirdan Earendil built Vingilot, the Foam-flower, fairest of the ships of song; golden were its oars and white its timbers, hewn in the birchwood of Nimbrethil, and its sails were as the argent moon."

"But they took Vingilot, and hallowed it, and bore it away through Valor and to the uttermost rim of the world; and there it passed through the Door of Night and was lifted up even into the oceans of heaven."

So it would seem than Earendil had a wooden boat, and used this same vessel - though it was "hallowed" (whatever that meant to JRRT) by the Valar - when he was sent to be among the stars. No mention of Elven-glass, at least not in the Silmarillion.

 

[Radaghast]

In my head canon, I imagine Eärendil skewers Ancalagon with the bow (or prow? Not sure about naval terminology) of his ship. I think Ancalagon's underside was vulnerable just like other dragons' (except Smaug, who cunningly wrought armor for his underbelly).

The "Tale of Eärendil" is the best story Tolkien never wrote.

 

[Elthir]

Bilbo's verse in Rivendell notes that a new ship was made for Earendil. . .

of mithril and of Elvenglass
with crystal keel; no shaven oar
nor sail she bore . . .

And the Silmaril is here set on the ship's silver mast.

And surely Bilbo, living in the house of Elrond along with various Noldorin folk, wouldn't dare to transform and apply a piece "somewhat incongruously" "to the High-elvish and Numenorean legends of Earendil" (Tolkien's description -- both colours).

Perhaps Bilbo wasn't, at least always, overly concerned with "historical accuracy"

In any case, Túrin Turambar slew Ancalagon according to the prophecy of Andreth. And yes I didn't have to go there. . . but I did.

 

[d4rk3lf]

How incompetent people get important jobs?

He had "connections" with the Valars.

 

[Olorgando]

He had "connections" with the Valars.

Now that bunch's competence as custodians or Arda shows practically no sign of competence (except for Tulkas's urge to pond Melkor's face to a pulp).

 

[Vorondil]

Bilbo's verse in Rivendell notes that a new ship was made for Earendil. . .

of mithril and of Elvenglass
with crystal keel; no shaven oar
nor sail she bore . . .

I knew I wasn't losing my marbles.