Beyond the fire he saw swarming black figures: there seemed to be hundreds of orcs. They brandished spears and scimitars which shone red as blood in the firelight.
A scimitar is a type of curved sword used by Orcs[1][2] and Haradrim[3].
History
In the First Age, Orcs of Morgoth are said to have used "sickle scimitars"[4] and "reddened scimitars".[5] Scimitars were also wielded by Orcs during the Fall of Gondolin in F.A. 510.[6]
The bodyguard of Bolg was said to consist of "Goblins" of huge size who wielded scimitars of steel in T.A. 2941.[7]
On 15 January T.A. 3019[8], the Fellowship of the Ring found "orc-scimitars with blackened blades" in the Chamber of Mazarbul shortly after entering Moria.[1] With the exception of the broad blades of the Orcs of Isengard, Orcs are said to have usually carried "curved scimitars".[2]
Haradrim are said to have wielded scimitars during the Battle of Pelennor Fields on 15 March T.A. 3019.[3]
Etymology
Scimitar is an English word that refers to a sword with curved blade which has an edge on the convex side, and is generally to describe curved swords used by Middle Eastern and North African swordsmen. It is borrowed from the Italian scimitarra which was likely borrowed, by uncertain origin, from the Persian šamšer ("sword, scimitar").[9]
Portrayal in adaptations
2001: The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game
- The "Orc Scimitar" and "Goblin Scimitar" cards were included in The Fellowship of the Ring base set of the card game.
2001: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
- In Peter Jackson's film series, the Uruk-hai of Saruman carry swords described in merchandise as "Uruk-hai scimitars". This blade-type is notably carried by the Orc Lurtz. However, "scimitar" is a misnomer given that it is a straight blade with a spike at the end, and neither of these features are characteristic of historical scimitars.
2002: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
- The Uruk-hai of Saruman are shown wielding the straight-bladed "Uruk-hai scimitar" throughout the film.
2003: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
- Swords closely resembling historical scimitars are clearly seen being used among the Orcs of Mordor, specifically when Sam and Frodo disguise themselves as Orcs in Mordor. The costumes of the Corsairs of Umbar include curved swords, but they are not clearly visible in the film.
2003: The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game
- The "Isengard Scimitar" card was included in the Battle of Helms Deep set of the card game.
2007: The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game
- The "Corsair Scimitar" card was included in the Treachery and Deceit set of the card game.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "The Bridge of Khazad-dûm", p. 321
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The Departure of Boromir", p. 415
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields", p. 839
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lays of Beleriand, "I. The Lay of the Children of Húrin, Second Version of the Lay: II. Túrin's Fostering", p. 116
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lays of Beleriand, "III. The Lay of Leithian: Canto IV (Beren before Thingol)", p. 193
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Fall of Gondolin, "The Original Tale"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, "The Clouds Burst"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Great Years", p. 1092, entry for January 15
- ↑ "Scimitar". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 10 December 2024