Thorin and Orcrist [Archive] - THE TOLKIEN FORUM

HLGStrider

08-02-2002, 08:25 PM

All right Thorin got his sword, Orcrist, at the same time Gandalf got Glamdring. These swords were not made to be weilded by dwarves, and it came out in another discussion that swords were generally about four or five feet long... My question, how could a dwarf wield this thing? Sure he was strong. I don't doubt he could use it for fighting, but carrying it would be a tad bit awkward, could it not?

Was this a shorter sword than usual, or am I just under estimating dwarves.

BelDain

08-02-2002, 10:02 PM

perhaps the fact that he picked it in the first place tells us the answer to its length. much like sting was an elvish blade but certainly fit bilbo.

Grond

08-02-2002, 10:14 PM

Dwarves are short but on the average are stronger than Man. They have the ability to bear heavy burdens over great distances (as evidenced by Dain's march with the Dwarves of the Iron Hills to Thorin's aid in The Hobbit.) Their weapon of preference is the axe. And I'm not referring to a hatchet but a full sized Battle-axe. I find no inconsistency in Thorin being able to handle a 2 1/2 to 3 foot sword with little trouble.

But... that's just my humble opinoin. :)

HLGStrider

08-03-2002, 05:29 AM

I know they are strong, I just got this ridiculous picture in my mind of Thorin walking along with the end of his sword dragging in the dirt or over rocks, making sparks on the ground...

I always assumed it was a full sized blade because it was Glamdring's twin, and while Gandalf was not described as a tall wizard he still had a mansized stature.

Gil-Galad

08-04-2002, 12:34 AM

Grond,I must confess your humble;) opinion is correct.So correct that I haven't got anything to add.:p
That's my humbler opinion:p ;)

Chymaera

08-04-2002, 08:48 AM

Elgee the picture in your head is slightly wrong.;)

Thorin Oakensheild was never in any form silly looking. He had grace and regel style. He would not have taken the sword if it was not fated for him to have it. Thorin and Orcist fit perfectly together.:p ;) :D

HLGStrider

08-04-2002, 10:51 PM

I retain the right to get weird pictures in my head... ;)

Grond

08-05-2002, 04:02 AM

Originally posted by HLGStrider
I retain the right to get weird pictures in my head... ;) LOL! Elgee, I'm sure that Orcrist and Glamdring were rapier type weapons and would have been only 2 1/2 to 3 feet long. That would have been short enough for Thorin to have effectively wielded. I don't picture it being a Claymore like William Wallace (aka Mel Gibson) bore in Braveheart.:);) But I have been wrong in the past.... once. :p

HLGStrider

08-05-2002, 04:19 AM

Once I thought I was wrong... but I was mistaken...

I have never visualized Rapiers of any type associated with Tolkien. That's just me, of course.

Grond

08-05-2002, 04:30 AM

Gee!! I haven't ever visualized Tolkien's characters with rapiers either. I was just meaning the blade size. Okay... maybe Orcrist was a young Elf-prince's blade. :(

HLGStrider

08-05-2002, 04:51 AM

I'll buy anything.

Gamil Zirak

08-05-2002, 02:59 PM

Couldn't Thorin have had Orcrist sheathed across his back. It would be farther from the ground that if it was at his waist.

Aranaug

08-09-2002, 09:59 PM

Having it across his back makes sense. Because that's the way they would have to carry a battle axe if they weren't using it, heck I think that's how it's displayed in some moments of THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING with Gimli.

HLGStrider

08-09-2002, 10:30 PM

A friend who collects swords says he will "will" me his claymore... Thing is I don't think he is going to die anytime soon. I told him that when I ge it, I will take it to the nearest airport and give security a heart attack.

Grond

08-10-2002, 02:19 AM

I have reviewed every piece of artwork I could find on Gandalf and his sword Glamdring. If it's mate, Orcrist, is that same size as Gandalf's sword is illustrated in these pictures (I've attached) then Thorin would have had one heck of a time wielding it with any coordination. :confused:

Grond

08-10-2002, 02:20 AM

Image 2 of Gandalf's sword Glamdring.

Grond

08-10-2002, 02:22 AM

Image 3 of Glamdring.

tur-kheleden

08-10-2002, 06:41 AM

thats somthing that bothers me in the movie glamdring doesnt glow
sting doesnt even glow when frodos fighting the troll i mean come on jackson

Grond

08-10-2002, 06:44 AM

Originally posted by tur-kheleden
thats somthing that bothers me in the movie glamdring doesnt glow
sting doesnt even glow when frodos fighting the troll i mean come on jackson Find a full discussion on this issue in the Movie Forum. Link is http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5554

Dark Rider

08-13-2002, 05:31 PM

hey,'m new here so could somebody explain everything to me

HLGStrider

08-14-2002, 02:03 AM

What do you want explained? I'll do my best if you clarify.

Dark Rider

08-14-2002, 05:44 AM

well,basically just how the forum works

HLGStrider

08-14-2002, 05:49 AM

Ah...

Do you know how to do regular message boards? You obviously know how to reply... If you have a question start a thread or find an applicable one someone has already started. You can goof off on Prancing Pony or Bag End... join a guild, meaning a club of people with interests, argue points, and play role playing games... PM a moderator if you have any in depth question. They are listed at the top of all forums.

Dark Rider

08-14-2002, 09:17 PM

thanks

HLGStrider

08-15-2002, 04:28 AM

You're welcome and good luck... Always fun to help a new guy out.

Gil-Galad

08-18-2002, 12:55 AM

Grond do you remember when we discussed in a post that there should be some limits for new members?

Grond

08-18-2002, 02:56 AM

Sorry, Gil-galad... I don't understand your post. Some limits for new members concerning what in particular? Please elaborate and I'll respond. :);)

Gil-Galad

08-18-2002, 04:37 AM

In a post a month ago we discussed that there shoud be some limits for new members.Some of them just don't know what they're doing here.Some people said that it would be good if new members post new threads after they make 10,15 or 20 posts.In this way they will learn how to answer,to post a poll,thread,etc... and won't ask stupid things.

Gil-Galad

08-18-2002, 04:37 AM

HLGStrider

08-18-2002, 05:33 AM

The idea was not to let them start a new thread... and this guy wasn't starting a new thread so it wouldn't have effected him anyway. I personally would be against it. Enough of the new members are experienced on other message boards that they know what they are doing... and our few rules are pretty tacit. I think they learn best by making mistakes, and I can live with those they do make...

Grond

08-18-2002, 06:27 AM

I, for one, live to answer questions. I also believe in the old adage that the best way for a person to learn is through their mistakes. (I'm living proof of that. :)) So.... let em do their best and ask questions. Us "old timers" will straighten them out and the moderators will clean up anything that needs their attention. :)

HLGStrider

08-18-2002, 06:33 AM

HORRAY FOR GROND AGREEING WITH ME!!!

I knew I liked you... ;)

Azog

08-26-2002, 12:04 AM

This is just an example...

In FFVII (Final Fantasy Seven), Cloud, the main character, has an 8ft. Long sword (his Buster Sword, a big blade that must weigh a bunch prob 2ft wide). He is only six feet. The physics depicted are off, but i believe that Thorin would moderately be able to handle the sword. At least enough to swing it with ease, due to the fact that it was very light, being an Elven Blade.