The Greatest Axes in Middle-earth | Tolkien Explained

Nerd of the Rings7 minutes read

Axes were created by the Noldor to combat Morgoth, becoming a main weapon for elves and men in various battles throughout Middle-earth. Characters like Hurin and Tuor wielded axes, displaying their prowess in epic deeds and battles alongside dwarves, who are synonymous with this weapon.

Insights

  • Axes, initially forged by the elves of Feanor to combat evil, became a significant weapon for various races such as dwarves, men, and elves throughout different historical conflicts in Middle-earth.
  • The association of dwarves with axes is deeply rooted in their history, prominently displayed in significant battles like the Nirnaeth Arnoediad and the War of Dwarves and Orcs, with notable figures like Dain Ironfoot wielding iconic axes.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • What weapons did the elves forge in Valinor?

    Swords, spears, and axes.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Axes: Weapons of Elves, Dwarves, and Men

  • The elves of Feanor forge weaponry, including swords, spears, and axes, to combat the evil of Melkor in Valinor.
  • Axes become synonymous with dwarves, but men and elves also have long histories with these weapons.
  • Axes were created by the Noldor to combat Morgoth in Valinor and became the main weapon of the Sindar in Beleriand.
  • King Thingol traded with dwarves for axes, swords, and spears, which became the main weapon of his march wardens.
  • Men of Hithlum, like Hurin of Dor-lomin, were known for wielding axes, with Hurin performing epic deeds with an axe.
  • Tuor wielded an axe named Dramborleg, using it to kill balrogs and orcs in the Fall of Gondolin.
  • Dwarves, synonymous with axes, used them in great battles like the Nirnaeth Arnoediad and War of Dwarves and Orcs, with Dain Ironfoot's red axe being prominent.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.