Sword Expert Reacts To The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

IGN27 minutes read

Matt Easton analyzes the fight scenes in Lord of the Rings, highlighting the accuracy of armor, archery techniques, shield walls, and weapon choices in medieval combat. He discusses the importance of historical battle strategies, such as engaging enemies strategically, targeting weak points in armor, and utilizing two-handed weapons for defense and offense, providing insight into the realistic portrayal of combat in the movie.

Insights

  • Armor in Lord of the Rings resembles 14th-15th century European armor, showcasing advanced design for the imagined medieval setting.
  • Historical battle strategies like engaging enemies to spread them out, targeting knee-level opponents, and utilizing narrow spaces are reflected in fight scenes, emphasizing strategic combat techniques.

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Recent questions

  • How does the armor in Lord of the Rings compare to historical European armor?

    The armor in Lord of the Rings is advanced for the imagined medieval setting, resembling 14th-15th century European armor.

  • What historical techniques are reflected in the fight scenes involving elves?

    The elves' upward sword cuts align with historical two-handed sword techniques like the montante.

  • How effective is targeting opponents at knee level in combat?

    Targeting opponents at knee level is effective against those with upper body armor and shields, as legs are often exposed.

  • Why is it important to engage enemies in a way that spreads them out in medieval combat?

    In medieval combat, it's strategic to engage enemies in a way that spreads them out to avoid being surrounded.

  • How do battles historically emphasize the importance of mobility and fluidity?

    Battles historically covered large areas, emphasizing the importance of mobility and fluidity in skirmishes.

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Summary

00:00

Analysis of Lord of the Rings fight scenes

  • Matt Easton of Scholar Gladiator, a sword fighting teacher, analyzes fight scenes from Lord of the Rings.
  • Armor in the movie is advanced for the imagined medieval setting, resembling 14th-15th century European armor.
  • Archery scenes show exaggerated arrow range and instant kills, highlighting the importance of archery in warfare.
  • Contrasting shield walls of civilized peoples and massed orcs and goblins visually effective.
  • Elves' upward sword cuts align with historical two-handed sword techniques like the montante.
  • Shield wall discipline contrasts with chaotic melee, reflecting historical battle strategies.
  • Large mace for a giant character like Lurtz is historically accurate for his strength.
  • Breaking swords by stamping on them is a valid historical technique, not exclusive to Sauron.
  • Chopping fingers off Sauron's gauntleted hand is improbable due to the armor's protection.
  • Training with sharp swords in the wilderness scene is criticized for safety and sword preservation concerns.

13:56

Medieval combat tactics and weapon effectiveness.

  • In medieval combat, it's strategic to engage enemies in a way that spreads them out, then attack and retreat to avoid being surrounded.
  • Targeting opponents at knee level is effective against those with upper body armor and shields, as legs are often exposed.
  • Utilizing narrow spaces or backing against something is crucial when facing numerous opponents to prevent being surrounded.
  • Armor is designed to resist cuts and thrusts, making hitting gaps or weak points more effective than direct hits.
  • Axes, being top-heavy, are more impactful against armor compared to swords due to their percussive force.
  • Stabbing with an arrow, while possible, is not practical due to the arrow's fragility and lack of penetrative force.
  • In combat, using a two-handed weapon against a one-handed one can provide a significant advantage in defense and offense.
  • Battles historically covered large areas, emphasizing the importance of mobility and fluidity in skirmishes.
  • Arrows in combat scenes are realistically portrayed, not instantly fatal, reflecting historical accounts of people surviving arrow wounds.
  • The sound of a bow creaking in movies is a cinematic choice and not reflective of actual bow mechanics.
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