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axe, deathless, dwarves, oakenshield, orcrist, photos, richard armitage, sword, thorin, weapons, weta
Weapons of a King – Thorin Oakenshield
by Kingfisher
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This is the first part in a series highlighting the various weapons used by the dwarves in the Company of Thorin, including speculation on their form and function. The essay concentrates on the original weapons as shown in the first movie “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”, and doesn’t cover additional concept weapons that were never actually used. References are drawn from the film, tie-ins and supporting materials.
Related articles are:
2. Fili: Twice as Fierce – or – “The One-Dwarf Walking Arsenal”
3. Kili and His Weapons – Deadly At Every Range
4. Dwalin – Weapons of a Veteran
5. Balin – Mace or Sword from Ancient Times?
6. Glóin – His Axe Stands Ready
7. Óin – A Healer And His Staff
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Of course a dwarf-lord like Thorin Oakenshield didn’t set out on the quest to reclaim Erebor without proper weapons made by dwarven craftsmen (at least not in Peter Jackson’s world. Tolkien chose to arm his 13 dwarves with nothing more than short knives). Thorin is skilled with blade and axe, and can swing both with equal fervor and virtuosity. Thus he initially carried a long-hafted battle axe, his dwarven sword “Deathless” and – of course – his legendary “Oakenshield”.
Axes in general are very popular amongst dwarves because they can double as tools and weapons more often than other objects.
Thorin’s long-handled axe is reminiscent of a throwing axe with a single, triangular-shaped blade at the top, which picks up the customary dwarven motifs with their sharp angles. His axe even has an angular hole cut into the blade.
But Thorin set out from Bag End with not only this axe, but also his dwarven sword “Deathless”, which he used before the coming of the dragon Smaug (TA 2770), and through the battle of Azanulbizar (TA 2799), during which he used it to dis-arm (literally) the Pale Orc Azog.
Dwarven swords are not unlike those of other races, being either long swords, pointed short swords or broadswords with a double-edged blade. But unlike elvish and human blades, dwarf blades are generally very wide and follow, both in pattern and style, their distinctive motifs, the same as their axes, as described above. “Deathless” has Thorin’s emblem present above the short cross-guard which protects his hand, as well as at the end of the pommel (which is a knob at the end of the hilt, providing counterbalance to the blade). The pommel’s shape is reminiscent of a crystalline formation.
Dwarven swords can feature either thrusting or slashing characteristics. For example, a thrusting sword has a sharp point for stabbing, and a blade with a diamond cross-section – that is when the sword is thicker in the middle, and therefore more rigid (you can only see the blade’s cross-sectional design if you were to cut a blade in half crosswise and then look at its cut end). On the other hand, a slashing sword places more emphasis on the cutting edge, but is weaker against mail or plate armor.
However, some swords have both qualities, and so does Thorin’s “Deathless”. Held by a half-scabbard, it has a wide blade that tapers to a long point, capable of punching through armor. And it is also sharpened along both sides right to the tip (a double-edged blade), ideal for slashing attacks. If you look closer, you can also recognize its hexagonal cross-section and the ornate fullers (the beveled grooves in the flat side of the blade). This sword, wielded by a skilled fighter like Thorin, can savagely thrust around, under, or over an enemy’s shield, and is especially good in close combat.
The thick blades of the dwarven swords give them more mass as well, and this fits their fighting style perfectly, which is all about power and damage. Therefore, a heavy weapon is very useful because you get your body behind the weapon and allow the weight of the weapon to do the damage.
The last of Thorin’s original weapons is no less legendary – the “Oakenshield” from which he received his by-name. During the dreadful battle of Azanulbizar, when Thorin’s shield was lost and he found himself without protection, he made do with the branch off an oak tree, holding it in his left hand to ward off the strokes of his foes.
It saved his life, and he carried it at his side for years, adapting it, and tending it to stop the wood from cracking. He even hollowed this oak branch a bit, so it became more like a vambrace, which, when reinforced with durable metal prongs on the end, could be used offensively as well as defensively. “Thus he got his name, or also because in memory of this he bore ever after at his back a shield made of oak wood without colour or device, and vowed to do so until he was hailed again as king.” (PofME, p.281)
And though these weapons had served him faithfully right up to the present day, all three – sword, axe and oaken shield – were unfortunately lost after finding Orcrist, escaping Goblin Town, and being saved by the eagles… So this is their story – not to be forgotten. Additionally, if you are interested in details on Orcrist, I recommend reading this essay: Orcrist: The Sword of Thorin in Book, Film, and Replica.
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[Edit by kingfisher (May 3rd, 2014): Found concept art of Thorin’s weapons, © Frank Victoria, Weta Workshop]
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References
- Chris McNab: Swords, a Visual History. London, 2010.
- Rupert Matthews: Weapons of War: From Axes to War Hammers, Weapons from the Age of Hand-to-hand Fighting. London, 2009.
- Dorling Kindersley: Arms and Armour. London, 2011.
- Harvey J.S. Withers: The Illustrated Directory of Swords & Sabres. London, 2011.
- Ken Mondschein/J.Paul Getty Museum: The Knightly Art of Battle. Los Angeles, 2011.
- J.R.R. Tolkien: The Peoples of Middle Earth. London, 2002.
- Daniel Falconer: Chronicles: Art & Design (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey), 2012.
- Brian Sibley: Official Movie Guide (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey), 2012.
- http://hole-intheground.blogspot.com/2012/07/arming-crew-thorin-companys-weaponry.html
- http://www.screenslam.com/blog/the-weaponry-and-languages-of-the-hobbit-an-unexpected-journey/
- http://l-clausewitz.livejournal.com/
morrighansmuse said:
Reblogged this on Love, Sex & Other Dirty Words and commented:
Excellently researched and written article about the favorite weapons of my favorite dwarf! Hey, I grew up with boys!
Rana said:
I want the axe, and they don’t make a replica of the axe!!!!!! 😥 I like Deathless, but there is something archaic about that axe… WAH!
Grim Helbeard said:
I was disappointed to see Thorin favoring Orcrist over his hereditary weapons – particularly that unique axe of his.
I’ve matured in reenactment combat to prefer a Dane Axe – for it’s diversity in both close range and more aggressive field warfare. Thorin’s axe head design would certainly compliment a longer shaft for thrusting and fuller swings.
I’ve added forging a similar axe head to my list of projects for the future.
Thanks for the article elaborations on blade designs – I look forward to seeing the Dwarves from the Iron Hills, and their preferred weapon designs.
kingfisher said:
You’re welcome, Grim. Thanks for your comment. Question: A Dane Axe similar to the replica featured here? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dane_Axe
Grim Helbeard said:
That’s the one. You simply can’t beat it for decimating shield walls … and swiping the legs out from under Trolls. They’re some tough bastards.
kingfisher said:
Indeed they are. And I’m afraid it isn’t done with swiping their legs out from under them.
You are writing that you prefer your Dane Axe for diversity and its abilities in close range combat. And certainly a long handle extends arc and impact of the blow, but isn’t it rather a hindrance when it comes to close-quarters fighting?
Grim Helbeard said:
A Dane Axe held at half shaft, can use it’s shorter lower bearded blade to grasp and drop shields – then you can project the longer upper end of the blade forward as a thrusting tip. Depending on the curvature and texture of the shaft – you need become comfortable with projecting and retracting the axe handle smoothly for transitions from close combat to more aggressive field warfare.
Any weapon is only as efficient as it’s wielder is comfortable with it’s weight and counterbalance. Blades needn’t be razor sharp – a wider edge can deflect impacts without sustaining stress risers or simply shattering. Of course, the difference between a crucible or damascus steel blade, and a decorative replica, is like comparing Bard’s ‘black arrow’ to an orc’s weapon.
My recommendation – always engage trolls with ‘multiple’ weopons. And I’m still a supporter of sweeping their legs out from under them. Even if the effort leaves an awful ache in the arms afterwards.
Cheers
Grim
kingfisher said:
Thanks for that insightful explanation, Grim!
DaleB. Roberts said:
Well, it’s almost 2yrs after this post comment, so I hope you’ll even receive this message!
I really enjoyed your ?essays? on the weaponry of Thorin & Company…What happened to the rest of them?!? Dori, Nori, Ori, & Bofur, Bifur, Bombur?!?
No weapons study for those that They wielded?
They aren’t listed here, so I can only assume they Weren’t written…that makes me a bit sad as you did such an excellent job with wonderful photo’s on Thorin, Balin, Dwailin, Fili, Kili, Oin, Gloin!
Any chance of the same treatment of LOTR Characters?!?
Thanks for the entertainment this past year in perusing your musings lol
xoDaleB.xo
kingfisher said:
Hi there, yes, thanks to DJ I received your comment, many thanks for it as well. I’m glad you liked the essays, it has been much fun researching weaponry and writing the texts too, but I have to admit that I kind of moved on (had to move on) by now.. life has been very demanding this year, and I have too many challenges currently to be able to concentrate on intense weapon research.
Which answers one of your questions – sadly no weapons study for Dori, Ori and Nori – or Bifur, Bofur, Bombur. I planned them as combined essays for each “group” and had also a lot of ideas for them, but as I always did a lot of research on real life weapons to start from for the thoughts on the dwarf weapons, it takes too much time currently.
Doing this for the LOTR weapons would be a very interesting research topic too (as I’m actually a fan of the elvish weapons like Hadhafang or Legolas’ hunting knives – but don’t tell anyone ;)), but… sorry, same as above. Time and focus issues.
I even retreated currently from my FB pages (Gloin, son of Groin is one of them) where we had interesting discussions on the art of sword polishing! 😉
Maybe when the pace of my life and its current changes slows down again, I will continue the essays. But I’m glad there are still people out there who are interested in them and enjoy reading my musings, so thank you! 🙂
All the best
Su aka Kingfisher
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rafimrgreen1692 said:
Reblogged this on mrgreensimaginarium.
Copper360 said:
You should also mention that he can use a bow even if he doesn’t carry one. Thorin is the one who started training Kili with the bow so therefore he can use one pretty well.
kingfisher said:
Of course, every dwarf can use a bow if he chooses to (and has been trained to use it). But as said above, I’m not covering weapons that were never actually used.
And – a little question from my side – where did you get the information from that “Thorin was the one who started training Kili with the bow”?
Helarktos said:
I know Thorin uses a bow in Mirkwood, as do several other dwarves. And while he doesn’t carry one in the movies, you can clearly see he has a quiver of arrows attached to Orcrist’s scabbard on his back.
kingfisher said:
Maybe so, but this essay was written during the first movie. 😉 But good point on the quiver. In which scene exactly can I see it attached to Orcrist’s scabbard?