The White Council

Re: Elven and Dwarven Weapons and their Use

Tolkien and Inklings Discussion

: : : : It is interesting to note that the preferred weapons of the Sindar were axes (probably both long and (single) hand) and short bows. It is possible that the Sindarin and Dwarven systems of combat had some resemblence to each other. The Vanyar however preferred the spear (I like to think of their combat system as bearing some resemblance to the Greek who also preferred the spear).

: : Did Legolas (a Sinda) not use long knife/short sword (Gladius??) and bow? Thranduil also employed both spear"men" and swords"men" in the Battle of Five Armies. : : Palle

: Correct. He was initially armed with a short bow, which was the traditional missle weapon of the Sindar. The traditonal melee weapon of the Sindar was the axe. It would seem that swords (and longbows) were, among the Sindar, resevered for more 'elite' type warriors. Spears would have been used as well. In the Battle of Five Armies the majorty of Elves involved were Silvan and likely armed with their traditional weapons of bow and spear; presumably (IMO) they would have had elite troops armed with swords as well, due to the influence of Thranduil and his Sindarin subjects. : It is possible that Legolas was armed as a 'traditional' Sinda messenger/scout (shortbow and long knife). : Personally, I think of the 'traditonal' Sindarin military as being equipped as follows: Elite axemen with long axe (2 hand) and hand axe, scale armour, helm, greaves, vambraces, and a small shield/buckler for use with the hand axe. 'Standard' warriors with battle axe (my terminology indicating capable of being used in 1 or 2 hands) or spear, hand axe, mail, helm, greaves and a large shield. Archers with shortbow, hand axe, helm, mail or brigandine/leather and a small shield. Various specialty (knights, rangers etc.) troops armed with swords, longbows and also as above. And daggers/long knives as well.

First, I forgot to ask where you got the information concerning axes? I seem to remember the same thing but suspect it is a MERP info. Secondly, that sort of equipment seem not to be very suited for auxillia moving around in forests (remember how Quintillius Varus fared with his heavy legions?). I would agree with regards to a small elite, but as the Sindar and Silvan elves were mostly bimbling around in forests I see them as somewhat lighter equipped. NT