Item from The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
A crystal vial containing the light of Eärendil's star — the most ancient and holy light in existence, given to Frodo as a weapon against the darkness that no sword can fight.
The Phial of Galadriel operates on a principle that Sauron cannot comprehend: the power of light freely given. It contains no force, commands no armies, and cannot strike a blow. What it does is illuminate — and in a world where darkness is a weapon, where Sauron's power manifests as shadow and blindness and despair, pure light is the most subversive force imaginable. Shelob, who has dwelt in darkness since before the sun existed, recoiled from the Phial's light as if burned. The Watchers at Cirith Ungol, stone sentinels animated by malice, were paralyzed by it. The light cuts through enchantment, reveals what darkness hides, and — most importantly — rekindles courage in the bearer. When Sam held the Phial in Shelob's tunnels, he found himself shouting in Elvish he didn't know he knew. The light does not just illuminate the world; it illuminates the bearer, revealing depths of courage they did not know they possessed.
A small crystal phial that fits in a Hobbit's palm, seemingly containing nothing but clear water. When held aloft with intent, it blazes with a brilliant white-silver light that intensifies based on the bearer's need and courage. The light is the captured radiance of Eärendil's star — itself containing the light of the last Silmaril. In complete darkness, it illuminates like a small star descended to earth.
Also known as: Phial of Galadriel, the Star-glass, Galadriel's light, the Phial