The Greatest Axes in Middle-earth | Tolkien Explained

[@tonybaker1268]

*"According to the Silmarillion"* should be used as a source for every academc journal.

[@andreasderycke42]

Every time somebody doesn’t understand something and I don’t want to explain I just say: Guess u didn’t read the Silmarilion then

[@MrAnimator-ud9cu]

So true...

[@KenDelloSandro7565]

Legit!!! The problem is, about 85% of people don't read books, PERIOD!!! Unfortunatel but very true.

[@gringoguapo]

@@KenDelloSandro7565 it is a shame, most my friends don't read and they never understood how I could bury my head in books all day. It seems like people read less and less these days.

[@uwesca6263]

@@gringoguapo hmm i dont think that people read less. I mean look at how many books are written every year. The thing is that the silmarion is a bit special and not for everyone...

[@lesyeuxduciel]

All the dislikes are from Treebeard and the ents.

[@Andrewlang90]

Well…………..said…………..good……………sir

[@jamesbalbutin6796]

They hate the axes of ex elves.

[@geo-fg3bh]

I want to acknowledge dains red axe its pretty cool its so so underrated

[@NerdoftheRings]

Totally!!

[@Ace-cr9qt]

@@NerdoftheRings Make a video of the dwarves in the first age

[@keithellison716]

@@NerdoftheRings It is very cool, Y is it red tho? Jw

[@thestrikers3666]

I would like to hear more about the greatest citys of middle earth

[@ryanfarnsworth6782]

Agreed! The cities are a fascinating aspect of the lore I know very little about

[@mho...]

the lack of overall descriptions & details about the ancient citys in generell is the problem with that one! would like to know more about "the builders" too!

[@NoThatRyan]

2 years later-boy, would you get your wish, huh?

[@jakegibbs9638]

Its a bit of a testament to Gimli's strength when compared to Aragorn and Legolas since both had a legendary weapon and he just had his basic axe

[@parthmudgal9270]

It's not their weapons that give them power, it's their skill. Aragorn would just as easily cut people to ribbons with any other sword.

[@pantelisliakos2481]

The weapons/blades in LOTR have a lot similarities with the manga ones(and some Chinese martial art lores). No matter how " legendary" they seem, it's the wielder's skill/level/energy that allows to flow into the weapon and take effect. Unless we talk about a totally "magical" artifact, which is not the case here.

[@leftyfourguns]

I wouldn't call dwarven weapons, or anything made by dwarves, "basic". They're the best smiths around. Even if Gimli's axe wasn't some enchanted artifact from the 1st age, it was still more than enough to take down some (or a lot in his case) orcs

[@michaelblower7363]

Well being Dwarf-made, Gimli's axes would be pretty good quality weapons. But like others have said, the warrior's skill is what makes them great, not the weapon.

[@johnfinch621]

If i am remembering correctly during the battle of helms deep gimli makes a statement about how much better dwarven craft is than human. I cant remember as its been nearly a decade since i read them last

[@zackhedin3419]

It would be awesome to see "Armors of Middle Earth"

[@the_chosen_one_fr]

Ikr

[@nikolaosboukouvalas449]

Hurin's axe wasn't actually his own: he took it from an orc captain he slew... Which makes him even more badass.

[@bloodangel19]

All these mighty heros using named weapons made by smiths of legend, angels or gods, and my man Hurin kills 70 Trolls and who knows how many orcs with some radom axe he picked up.

[@Luhtwizzy505]

We making up words now

[@KeppyKep]

Hurin's last stand is one of the single most badass moments in all of Arda. One man. Alone. Against a literal army. And he killed 70, singing as he did so, before they could finally subdue him.

[@brendonspence2933]

Not to mention his survival and the Curse of Morgoth.

[@dagnirglaurunga1620]

Lol and they didn't even subdue him.. He subdued himself

[@devinparvin2707]

He trapped himself under all those orcs lol

[@dagnirglaurunga1620]

@@brendonspence2933 it was too bad he ended up bitter and broken but he was still a bad ass

[@richardsanchez9190]

Does this sound similar to that story of that berserker that held a bridge against an army?

[@marks5757]

You should do an episode on Tolkien's Paintings and some of the clues or differences that may be garnered from those compared to depictions or descriptions in the books

[@briangarrow448]

Gil galad was an Elven king, Of him the harpers sadly sing, The last whose realm was fair and free, Between the mountains and the sea.

[@fortalezadador]

His sword was long, his lance was keen. His shining helm afar was seen; the countless stars of heaven's field were mirrored in his silver shield. But long ago he rode away, and where he dwelleth none can say; for into darkness fell his star in Mordor where the shadows are.

[@briangarrow448]

@@fortalezadador Well done sir, Well done.

[@eminosose]

*Dain one shot's Azog* Peter Jackson: This sounds like a three movies picture.

[@ryanmounce2850]

To be fair Jackson was saying "it's barely 300 pages 1 MAYBE 2 movies is more than enough." New Line replied with, "You're in the service of the studio now, you're going to have to do as you're told" This is why studios hire directors. Not for their vision but to be a fall guy when studio meddling hurts a production.

[@shawnthompson2303]

^ what he said.

[@richardsanchez9190]

One script to bring them all and in contracts bind them.

[@gibio396]

Azog is one of the most epic orcs imo

[@Haris-bg4jy]

@@gibio396 yet he isn't even alive at the battle of the 5 armies or throughout the whole of the hobbit, only his son bolg comes and even that is right at the end of the story, at the battle of the five armies

[@wickedsmokr6934]

I'm honestly shocked that Gimlis axe was never named after the war

[@thrownswordpommel7393]

Should call it "and". "And" my axe.

[@12philipweston]

42 would fit well too

[@FaithRox]

Wasn't the axe that Gimli carried Durin's Axe that he found in Moria?

[@Inv1cto]

Yeah I was wondering about that... it seems, in the movies at least, that he doesn't get the larger, double-bladed axe until the Chamber of Mazarbul

[@spiceboyog9083]

Gimli axe has no name for none have returned to tell the tail of the mighty axe and it’s glorious name. None survive Gimli as he has the high ground. All dwarves have the high ground.

[@CybershamanX]

(8:09) I love the coins falling out of the mouth of Azog's head. Now _that's_ what I call payback. ;)

[@CivilityEngeneer205]

I love your content. It’s in depth analysis of Tolkien’s world is amazing and I will continue to watch. I just wish you could do some more stuff on the history of the dwarves. Just anything and everything about them. Again amazing work.

[@phiology1983]

Legolas: ' you have my bow' Gimli: 'and my axe 🪓'

[@phiology1983]

@@fingersTitan 🤣

[@archivesofarda986]

Frodo: How will I be able to carry all that stuff? :/

[@samodonnell9466]

@@archivesofarda986 lolll

[@quillaja]

0:10 that's some powerful elf magic to handle yellow-hot steel with bare hands.

[@mikemckenzie1397]

Editing, artwork, and the masterful way you guide us through these videos is all so enjoyable. I've started to proper look forward to when these drop on Saturday!

[@EhlistarsWrath]

It’s a weird stereotype for the dwarves, since in the books it’s said that dwarves too wielded swords! Dain’s host in the Hobbit are a great example, they bore short swords, great iron shields and axes

[@EhlistarsWrath]

I must also add that it’s a shame we didn’t get to see Dain’s mighty red axe in the Hobbit films

[@smaug9956]

@@MrRenanHappy they did

[@NerdoftheRings]

This was a real bummer for me as well! Would’ve loved to see the red axe!

[@edwardness7497]

all very square looking swords, was cool association but strange to look at for some reason after seeing mostly sleek swords of men and elves...

[@hannotn]

I've always thought that a better choice of weapon for the dwarves would have been something like a shorter version of a cutlass- a chopping sword with the weight forward for impact, but with the option of stabbing. They would have fought the orcs underground often, so you wouldn't want a weapon that required too much room to swing. Depictions of battleaxes in fantasy tend to the ornate, rather than the lethally effective, when what you'd want is a weapon that's comparatively light to wield, but delivers force at the point of impact. Unless you've been involved in physical fighting, like boxing or a sport like rugby, you won't know how much physical combat exhausts you. You wouldn't know how long a battle might continue, so you'd want a weapon that wouldn't tire you out after a short period of battle.

[@marimarzep4050]

I really have to acknowledge the style of your videos, the maps with the little bubbles with CONSISTENT ( i mean the same imagen across the board) art for the characters are the ABSOLUTE EFFING BEST for us visual people. Your audio processing is also agreeable to the ear. Dynamics in the combination of images from the movies, books and artist works are also super helpful and make the visual of the video much more enjoyable I really see and really appreciate this work not only to process all this info to spoon-feed us but for the videos in themselves. Also, I SO TOTALLY APPRECIATE YOU CREDITING THE ARTISTS IN YOUR DESCRIPTION!! not everyone does that Great, great job in this channel!!! Already recommended to family and friends!!

[@john23336]

Amazing, I love these to connect even more to Middle-Earth!

[@NerdoftheRings]

Thanks! Glad you are enjoying the channel!

[@lasandumaduranga7463]

looking forward a video about elf friends

[@adamwee382]

5:30 well, the mace is a symbol of power and authority. That's why there is a mace in the British house of commons and also in the US congress, to symbolize their authority. So it makes sense that Sauron would have a mace, as a symbol of his authority and right to rule.

[@lukamijic4335]

Story of Tuor for the next topic!! His story from being a slave to being a high lord in Gondolin and marrying beautiful Idril is wholesome. And also wanna hear your theory on what exactly happened to them when they left for Aman. :)

[@ManhHungPham3003]

The fate of the Avari and (early) human kingdoms in the East, I find that topic extremely intriguing. Could they survive and thrive by themselves without the Ainur? What had happened to the area around lake Cuivienen? Why had Illuvatar chosen that location inthe first place?

[@Crafty_Spirit]

Great idea for a topic 👌🏿 You know, there are some wild speculations that Dorwinion was an Avari kingdom 😯

[@albertbiszewski9245]

Maybe some armors or pieces of clothing that are known? Cheers mate, keep it up ;)

[@mayasho5917]

This weapons series has been informative and entertaining! I'm gonna request once again for an in-depth history on the history of Gondor please! Thank you as always!

[@Schmierhaar]

A detailed video of the shire would be great with all his regions with their specific places, nature and economy and culture

[@babayaga1644]

Thank you for the hard work and research you put into these videos!

[@MrAnimator-ud9cu]

Love the Vids been watching a lot of them recently.

[@NerdoftheRings]

Thanks so much for watching and subscribing!!

[@paulh.gaston4795]

I love your speculation videos. You should do one about if Gimli took the Ring to Mordor. Keep up the incredible work. You are the best Middle Earth and Tolkien scholar I have had the chance to find on KZbin.

[@scicokev]

I would love a video detailing the hatreds and mistrusts between races and what caused them.

[@jadendurham6951]

Also your videos about Morgoth and the maps of middle earth are my favorites. Absolutely awesome content!

[@jamiegregg9211]

awesome vid matt really enjoyed it

[@hanux4]

I love your job, great work. Content idea: Magic of middle earth, All spells used by characters like gandalf and Elrond

[@Eamonncarlin]

Love the content and you have a consistent upload schedule. Keep up the good work!😁

[@BrianMarrino236]

7:06 One Dwarf Lord dies. Only Seven remain

[@alightinthedarkages9494]

The music at around 7:37 I immediately recognized as from the soundtrack of Rome Total War. I play that music whenever I play as Rome even in other games.

[@alightinthedarkages9494]

Okay not the same song but very similar at that part.

[@azazelinblack]

Your content is amazing. Thank you for this!

[@braylon3233]

what about the great helms and armor of middle earth?

[@joeybox0rox649]

Great research Matt! 👍👍

[@zandroamador4491]

"Bring your pretty face to my axe!" - Gimli, son of Gloin

[@laughingtolkien]

Amazing work as always! Love Dramborleg

[@robsmith1975]

Your channel is so good! So so good!

[@NerdoftheRings]

Thanks so much!!

[@troutroumetal4201]

Awesome, as usual! I would personally love to hear about the forgotten regions of Middle Earth: the East and South, there is not much information about these places and I am really curious to know about the people living there, the limits of the territory, etc. :) Thanks a lot for your great job! Cheers from Britanny!!

[@Enerdhil]

The Amazon Prime LotR series is supposed to include the Blue Wizards. Their mission was to try to free the people of the East of Middle Earth from Sauron's influence. So, there should be some very interesting stuff coming out. I am very curious what the race of the Easterlings and people of Khand will look like. Asian? South Asian? Arabian? Black? That could dictate what the Blue Wizards' race is.

[@troutroumetal4201]

@@Enerdhil hou yes ! That is promising ^^ Even what it looks like beyond the desert - well, what they imagine it looks like.

[@Enerdhil]

@@troutroumetal4201 There must be some fan art out there you can Google. I will wait to see what Amazon does with it first.

[@maxzora1901]

I don't know if there are many or any at all, but maybe a video about the great armors of middle earth

[@goshlike76]

Axes are quite underrated. And actually if you look closely Isildur's statue of Peter Jackson's Argonath bears an axe.

[@penguinproduction697]

It cut be so cool to se a THE GREATEST ELVES

[@bigd2736]

Keep up the hard work, I absolutely love listening to your videos while I stock at Sheetz on 3rd shift. Thank you for your hard work on these videos!

[@darrenchurch4523]

A video about Tuor please!

[@Wastelandman7000]

Battleaxes are underrated. They're really effective weapons. Especially against armor. Against mail they can break links and shatter the bones underneath. And even against plate armor they can be effective. Especially if they have a spike on the rear of the head. Even with a hammer pol they can drop an enemy to their knees by shock through the helmet. Or with a strong enough blow fracture the spine. Understanding this, you can see why so many warrior cultures (real and fictional) love them.

[@Maritimesgestein]

And they cost way less ore than sword. Which means they are faster to produce than sword as well.

[@jeptime657]

I've read somewhere that other battles were being fought during the time of the Seige of Minas-Tirith, I'd love to watch a video about that.

[@gregorronckers7645]

Just discorvered your channel and loving it!! What if Angrist (lost in Angband) was reclaimed and reforged in Gondolin...becoming Sting much later

[@Enerdhil]

That is an interesting idea, but how does Angrist get out of Angband before Angband is destroyed in the War of Wrath?

[@gregorronckers7645]

@@Enerdhil what if Hurin carried it with him to the Gates of Gondolin and there it was found bij the eagle sent to find Hurin

[@Enerdhil]

@@gregorronckers7645 Again, how does Angrist get out of Angband, where Beren left it? You have Hurin in possession of the blade. How does he get it from Angband? Does Morgoth give it to him as a Sayonara gift? Remember the tip of it is broken, so why carry it at all? It probably lost all it's magical ability to suspend at the hip without a scabbard.

[@gregorronckers7645]

@@Enerdhil Pure speculation; Morgoth hates the blade cause the silmarillion. He gives Hurin a broken blade he and his followers hate. Nice to debate with you! Thanks.

[@Enerdhil]

@@gregorronckers7645 Actually, Hurin never gets to the Gates of Gondolin. He never finds the cave that leads to the Gates. He was probably within a few miles, though. I guess Hurin could have thrown Angrist down in frustration and anger and walked away. Then, maybe a sentinel could see it and have the gate guards pick it up. I guess they could have it reforged into Sting after that.

[@michaelnash1067]

Would like to hear about the vegetation of Middle Earth. Wether for healing or symbolism.

[@Kenerad]

You should cover the history of Bree town

[@winxclubflora8446]

Oh my gosh this channel is great!!!! The way and style of story telling,the pictures and voice sync,the detailed story research and telling👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻this channel is phenomenal

[@tannerastle8988]

I always get sad when I find out someone cool is in the first age and there is no way I am going to see him/her in the Amazon show. That Húrin scene would be so sick.

[@AlfnCrafts]

as always awesome video!

[@RythymBeast]

Great series, sir!

[@eliaveini4599]

we watch your videos every day! we are hoping for a video about armour and shields! thanks

[@MrAndreg7]

Please a video on Fingolfin. I love him and his behaviour with his brothers...

[@grokeffer6226]

I'd like to know more about obscure places in The Shire. What would a Hobbit in Frogmorton be having for supper?

[@ofgondor5312]

Great work! Love the higher frame rate when zooming in and moving around the map. Nice touch. Anyways, happy to hear that the March Wardens of Doriath (aka BELEG mf CUTHALION) were proficient with axes as well. Makes them even more badass. #FreeMorgoth

[@NerdoftheRings]

Yours is the first comment mentioning the frame rate! 😁 I tried 60fps this week to see how it would go over.

[@ofgondor5312]

@@NerdoftheRings It's quite awesome to see your overall production quality from early videos till now. They just keep getting better and better (so does the content!) Thank you!

[@gabrielposso179]

I ended up reading the Silmarillion because of you. Thanks dude

[@michaelnash1067]

Yep, ...read the Tale of Beren and Luthien to my Daughter at 10 ... she'll be turning 26. Still thinks it's the greatest love story ever written. Read to them when they are young and books will remain with them forever.

[@davidmullortomas7745]

00:17 that poor elf is burn scared for life, but he is smiling like its nothing, beast.

[@haldir8169]

i loved this series about famous weapons of middle earth!

[@jameswest981]

Its an old game,but when I play Reckoning,it reminds me of this body of work,excellent vid sir.

[@JohnFallot]

0:16 Do elves not burn from heat?

[@Enerdhil]

Apparently not. lol

[@tommartin6310]

According to the movies Gimli gets his double headed battle axe from balins tomb (you don’t see it until that scene)

[@Crafty_Spirit]

It looks really fancy, but did you also get the impression that the blades are so ridiculously thick that you can't possible to cut anything harder than fruit with it? 🤣

[@flatplant]

One thing I love about Tolkien lore is that even stories written by him which are not necessarily "canon" could still be considered canonical myths hence still having a place within the world itself.

[@Cloofinder]

Topic idea: Obscure differences/similarities between the books and films.

[@aloofmonkey]

Hiya, long time lurker with a question: Can you do a video on the underground of Arda, specifically how gandalf gets pulled into the chasm in Moria, falls for a long time, but ends up at the top of a hill where he smotes the balrog? Is Moria just that high up, or is the chasm just that deep?

[@supertiger1979]

Great question lots of people are a bit confused on this?

[@edwardness7497]

falling through fire and water... do Gandalf and the Balrog just swim around for a while and what not, or actually keep falling... also, if a balrog is submerged in water, are they like, put out...

[@supertiger1979]

@@edwardness7497 I know that when they hit that cold water the Balrogs flames were quenched he became a slimy creature and I think it weekend him some

[@edwardness7497]

@@supertiger1979 describing a balrog as slimy is hilarious and weird

[@supertiger1979]

@@edwardness7497 That's how Gandalf describes him in the book when he's telling the story of the battle 🤷

[@thelordofshadowhammer1157]

I'm curious if you have any information on the wizard staffs. I remember hearing reference to them a few times, the five staffs, and it seemed like taking them all for one single wizard would do something based on the wording when all five were referenced at once.

[@differentmando4588]

It’s something about the dwarves carrying their king in the middle of a battle field, and knowing how nasty orcs are & they wouldn’t even dare make a move to the dwarves…that is beyond amazing to me.

[@vbreum]

I'd like to cover all things in the 3 booke that does not line with Peter Jackson adaptations. All of the important points that isnt portayed in the films. Like the brandiboks great home. The hobbits stay at farmer maggots Barrow downs etc. Maybe a 3 part video, of each of the books?

[@Raz.C]

I genuinely appreciate that you pointed out one of the MANY screw ups of Peter Jackson. I don't know why Peter Jackson thought he should change aspects of the narrative that had no need of being changed. It's as though he decided that he's a better storyteller than Tolkien... Anyway, I love that you didn't shy away from pointing out his fuck-ups.

[@FallenOne669]

Axes are underused in fantasy series.

[@NeonGarlic]

I would say spears are even more underused. I've been playing Nioh lately and spears are awesome lol

[@HAWSHPAWZ-GAMEZ]

Play chivalry 2 if you can, axes are a lotta fun to wield in that. I agree but axes and spears are so cool and should be featured more in fantasy but swords have the more regal look i guess and are easier to store/carry overall.

[@massimojf1]

Would be great to see some more in depth videos about important landmarks in Middle-Earth.

[@TheDemonKingMMA]

I get a huge kick out of the fact that the artwork used to represent Dramboleg at 2:44 in the video is a steel battle axe from Skyrim. 😂💯

[@sebastianmatt7707]

Great video again!

[@CybershamanX]

Can't wait for the video on Túrin Turambar! And the epic Fall of Gondolin! :) Well, I guess I _can_ wait. ;) I don't want to rush the master at his craft. :) Take care, buddy! LOVE your content! :)

[@loganjirout8189]

i think it's funny how dramborlegg is the 2 handed axe from skyrim at 2:46

[@valentinkambushev4968]

Can you do a video about Hobbits' origin.

[@hugoakerlund5114]

But in the movies Elendil holds narsil to his chest whilst Isildur rests his hand on the head of his axe. The axe is in his right hand.

[@RafaelSolaPACalsaverini]

A mortal man killing multiple balrogs is kind of mind blowing.

[@marcognudi664]

Trees and Plants of middle Earth would be a cool next topic

[@andrewneilson8461]

Staying on the blacksmithing topic could you do a video on the great armor sets in Middle-earth such as Frodo's Mithril?

[@Enerdhil]

Would that include the Dragon Helm of Dor-lomin?

[@ShanaReviews]

Do you think there is enough material to dedicate a video the Grond from the 3rd age? I remember how I first saw this weapon being used in the 1980s ROTK animated movie and was in awe for its design and how it was portrayed and is still to this day one of my favorite moments from the film

[@pooritech]

I love how Tolkien’s body of work echoes of so much of mythologies actual culture. The elvish word for dwarf being Khazad and the Arabic word for dwarf being Kazim is just a little token of Tolkien’s brilliant work. I’d like a video on some of the many lores mythologies and cultures Tolkien’s work refers to or draws from.

[@yoshijb9428]

Wow it's almost as if he was a linguist. Or that his worlds languages have influence from hundreds of cultures and languages.

[@kenkuhns8902]

Love the videos! How about a history of the origins of the Edain, the men of middle earth?

[@kostischoley6931]

Hi can you do a “what if” vid about if the dwarves never fled Moria/durins bane never awoke

[@buckwildsrq]

My man Tom DaBombadil always killing it at the top.

[@Megasaiyu]

o7 Hopefully we get 3rd age maps too. Loving your vids.

[@satherfilms220]

I've just noticed that the Easterling armor, looks like a mix of Ancient Mongolian and Japanese armor.

[@LoganSearles]

It looked kinda Persian to me but I can see the similarities.

[@J4R0D]

The most dangerous axe in all Middle-Earth is the one currently in Gimli's hands.

[@gushamborg6690]

I loved seeing Brian Sibleys episode and would love to see more from the bbc adaptation. Whether that’s another episode with cast/crew from the production or highlighting some of the incredible music that came out of it etc.

[@JamesAce]

0:10 holding a like 700° degrees red hot work like an absolute chad

[@travisvery6278]

Could you do a video on Battle tactics, such as the ones the numenorians use, rohan, gondor, eleves and dwarves?

[@r1pp3rr0]

2:46 The axe of Tuor is actually a Skyrim two handed battle-axe, didn't know that! XD

[@garytwinem5275]

I liked Wuuthrad in Skyrim, the Elf-Cleaver 🙂

[@r1pp3rr0]

@@garytwinem5275 my favorite is the warhammer Volendrung, the orchish daedric artifact!

[@garytwinem5275]

@@r1pp3rr0 Never got that. Back to Skyrim, time for another playthrough 🙂

[@r1pp3rr0]

@@garytwinem5275 is has an absorb stamina enchantment, you're gonna like it :D

[@garytwinem5275]

@@r1pp3rr0 Just the thing for over-optimistic bandits. Can't wait to count out their coin 🙂

[@gaminginmotion3795]

the image that you used for Tur's ax at this timestamp 2:59 is a Skyrim steel ax.

[@laser8389]

The story about the dwarf king’s funeral procession always gives me shivers.