Orcrist was an elven sword wielded by the Turgon [1], Thorin Oakenshield (and briefly) Legolas Greenleaf.
History
Origin
Orcrist (which meant the "Goblin-cleaver") was forged in the Elvish hidden city of Gondolin in the First Age. It was wielded by Ecthelion of the Fountain, a Lord of the city, who used to "slice a thousand necks" in battle. The sword's pommel was made of a dragon's tooth. It was however lost during the sack of the city (in which Ecthelion died) and became part of the plunder of the city.
Curiously, the sword ended up in the hands of Mountain Trolls - Bill, Bert and Tom - who came down from the Ettenmoors and left the sword (along with Glamdring and a dagger of similar make) in their hoard in Trollshaws.
An Unexpected Journey
Orcrist was uncovered by Thorin and Company in a Troll's hoard
After encountering the Trolls who ended up turning to stone at sunrise, Thorin and company surveyed the hoard and found the sword. Thorin very nearly refused wielding an Elvish blade, but was convinced by Gandalf when he said "you could not wish for a finer blade." The sword was later identified and named by Elrond, a descendant of the people of Gondolin. It was also identified as "Biter" by the Goblin-King who ordered Thorin and Company flogged and be killed upon seeing the blade.
The Desolation of Smaug
Orcrist in the possession of Legolas Greenleaf.
Thorin wielded Orcrist against the Wargs, Goblins, Orcs and finally the Giant Spiders, when Legolas appeared. Identifying it as a Noldorin sword from Gondolin, the Sindar Elf accused Thorin of having stolen it, and took it for himself. He wielded it in his first battle with Bolg, and again in their second encounter.
The Battle of the Five Armies
However, repaying a favor to Thorin, who was being menaced by Gundabad Berserker Orcs above, Legolas threw the sword at the chest of one of the Orcs, saving Thorin and allowing him to reclaim it for his final battle with Azog.
Thorin kills Azog with Orcrist and was buried with him
Thorin used it to deliver the killing blow to Azog. It was laid on his chest when he was entombed at Erebor.
Etymology
- Orcrist is Sindarin for "goblin cleaver."
- The Goblins dobbed the sword "Biter."(The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey)