The "Return of the King" Weapons and Warfare

by Chris Smith

A detailed and fascinating tour through all of the major and minor conflicts that occur during the three parts of The Lord of the Rings Movie Trilogy. Battles, armour, weaponry, cultures and all are covered and explained, together with photos and illustrations and specially commissioned battle plans. As the memorable experience of watching The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers shows, Peter Jackson’s epic movie trilogy is destined to become one of the most exciting action adventure series ever filmed. The only problem is that the furious pace of the films means that the viewer barely has time to enjoy the visual spectacle of one particular action scene before they are hurtled headlong into another conflict. The Lord of the Weapons & Warfare will provide all the background that is absent from the films, taking the reader on a detailed tour through all of the major and minor conflicts that occur during the three parts of The Lord of the Rings Movie Trilogy. It explains the history behind each battle and examines the strategy used by both forces. Each of the major conflicts – The Last Alliance of Elves and Men, the Mines of Moria, Helm’s Deep and the climactic battle of the Pelennor Fields at Minas Tirith – will be illustrated by a specially commissioned battle plan that reveals exactly how the battle was fought. The book also describes in detail each of the many different races and armies that appear in the Men, Elves, Dwarves, all the different races of Orcs, and the various allies of both the Fellowship and Mordor. Each will be discussed at length – how they fight, why they are fighting, what armour they wear and what weapons they use. These will enable the reader to get as close to a marauding Orc as they could ever wish, without suffering the consequences! All of the above will be richly illustrated with exciting scenes from all three films together with close-up photography of all the swords, axes and other weapons and armour, plus digital and conceptual imagery produced by Weta Workshop.

Genres: Fantasy, Art, Fiction, Reference, Classics, Media Tie In, Film

218 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2003

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Chris Smith (1964) is the Tolkien editor of HarperCollins, since 1999. He edited several books about Peter Jackson's films by Gary Russell and Jude Fisher, but is most famous for The Lord of the Rings: Weapons and Warfare, a book containing a lot of information about the weaponry used in Peter Jackson's films.

Reviews

[Mike (the Paladin) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this mostly because:
A. I'm a Tolkien fan (and)
B. I'm a gamer (Dungeons and Dragons table top) and try to make the weapons as "fantasy realistic" as I can.

This book mostly leans heavily on the movie but still is a pretty good book. If you are big time into the movies you may enjoy it more, but any fantasy fan will probably enjoy it at least somewhat.

[Mikayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful resource for those in love with the books and movies. You get to see the weaponry up close and personal and find a greater understanding of the choices made as far as battle and defense mechanisms throughout the movie. As a huge fan of LOTR this is an invaluable guide for those wanting a more in-depth look at the components that made the film so spectacular.

[Κεσκίνης Χρήστος · Rating 4 out of 5]

Movies are the Canon, όχι τα βιβλία. Με αυτό σαν δεδομένο, το παρόν βιβλίο θα σας ταξιδέψει, ίσως και να γουστάρετε. Αν είστε φανατικός των βιβλίων του Καθηγητή,ετοιμαστείτε να σας εκνευρίσει σε αρκετά σημεία. Το βιβλίο ακολουθεί ξεκάθαρα τα όσα έγιναν στις ταινίες. Στην καλύτερη περίπτωση, όσα ξέρουμε από τα βιβλία (και είναι διαφορετικά από τις ταινίες) αναφέρονται σαν μη επιβεβαιωμένες φήμες. Στη χειρότερη δεν αναφέρονται καν. Αυτό που με χάλασε προσωπικά είναι πως βλέποντας τις ταινίες, οι διαφορές με τα βιβλία περνούσαν απαρατήρητες. Εδώ μου φάνηκε σαν να τονίζονται επίτηδες. Προφανώς και αν ξεπεράσεις αυτόν τον τρόπο που επέλεξαν να παρουσιάσουν κάποια γεγονότα, το βιβλίο αναφέρεται στα ίσως αγαπημένα μου βιβλία, οπότε φυσικά και αξίζει να το έχει κάποιος στη βιβλιοθήκη του

[Jeremiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any book with LTR & weapons in the title has got to be cool, and it was! This may be a little bit of geek overload but after falling (nearly) more deeply in love with these movies than I am with my wife I'm proud to be geekified through and through.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this... visual encylopaedia, I guess? It was really interesting: providing details on the armour and weapons used by the various races across Middle-Earth, the battles that took places across the film trilogy, whilst accompanied by incredibly detailed visual material. This is a great read for a Tolkien fan!

[Alice Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

*more slobbering* Ugh, these books are SO beautiful!!!!!! *hisses* My Preeeecious!!!

[Shane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I own quite a few books like this, scaled a bit bigger than printer paper, full-color, lavishly illustrated. Many of them are Star Wars books, but the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies went down a similar path and released books detailing the production of the films - props, costumes, and so on - and detailing races or cultures or the like based on what they carried or how they dressed. Some of them focus on geography (as this one too peaks in to), but most are about people and things.

So, in comparison to all of the others like it, how does Weapons and Warfare rate? The pictures are beautiful and the essays contain information that even the most diehard Tolkien fan will learn something from.

But this particular book is a bit stilted in its presentation because it tries to be a work of history, the conceit being that the events of the LOTR happened in the past and the book shows various artifacts and reconstructs various societal and political structures based on archeological evidence. So, for example when they show the rings of power they are "replicas" of the rings. When a prop is shown it is sometimes described as a re-creation, as if someone had studied the past and this was the best they could come up with. All of this is sort of layered on, as if someone had the thought that some of these models look like models, some props like props, and maybe this is the reason why. It's all a bit unnecessary and the book lost a star from me because of it.

Overall though a fan of the books or movies will find a lot to like here.

Recommended, with some reservations.

[Ddwfly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Lord of the Rings: Weapons and Warfare, which is a reference book by Chris Smith and the Weta Workshop, published in 2003. It provides an in-depth look at the weapons, armor, and military strategies used in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings book series, as well as the subsequent movie adaptations directed by Peter Jackson.

The book features detailed illustrations and photographs of the various weapons and armor used by the different races and factions in Middle-earth, including the Elves, Dwarves, Men, and Orcs. It also includes information on the history and cultural significance of each weapon and how it was crafted and used in battle.

In addition to covering the weapons and armor, the book also delves into the various military strategies and tactics employed by the armies in the story, such as the siege of Helm's Deep and the Battle of Pelennor Fields.

Overall, The Lord of the Rings: Weapons and Warfare is an excellent resource for fans of the books and movies who are interested in learning more about the weaponry and military strategies used in Middle-earth. It provides a fascinating look at the attention to detail and care that went into creating the world of The Lord of the Rings, both on the page and on the screen.
https://www.ddwfly.com

[Parka · Rating 5 out of 5]

(More pictures at parkablogs.com)

This is the movie visual companion that looks specifically at the weapons and history of warfare in The Lord of the Rings.

There are lots of photos of the weapons and armor featured in the movie, with occasional concept sketches. The writeup is incredibly detailed. There are lengthy discussions on the major battles, war zones, warriors, and other forms of weapon from Frodo's Sting sword to the scary Grond battling ram or the gigantic elephant-like Mumakil. There's even a range chart on how far different type of arrows can fly.

This isn't really a making-of book so you're won't read anything like how uncomfortable the actors felt while in suit. You'll know what type of wood Legolas' bow is made of, but not of the movie prop bow.

This is the book for all LOTR fans fascinated with weaponry and warfare.

[Sheenu Sapra · Rating 5 out of 5]

*The Lord of the Rings: Weapons and Warfare* is a richly detailed guide that explores the iconic battles, weaponry, and strategies of Middle-earth. With stunning visuals and behind-the-scenes insights, it's a must-read for fans and fantasy enthusiasts alike.

[Graham Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Read as a kid, Review from 2024)

Like similar books for the Star Wars franchise, I kept reading and rereading this in 5th and 6th grade at the height of my Lord of the Ring movie phase. I just thought it was nice and detailed getting all this lore (albeit one for the Peter Jackson movies, I doubt much of the content came from Tolkien’s actual lore except particular parts).

[John Gentry · Rating 3 out of 5]

here's why this book only gets three stars: it focuses way too much on just the movies. here's why it doesn't get two stars: there is still some pretty amazing information going on here, as well as some great original illustrations.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks for letting me borrow it for so long, Ted!

[Jalyn]

goodbook i want to see the movie

[Antholo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este libro repleto de dibujos y fotografías nos ofrece una información que no se da en las películas y que sólo lo podríamos encontrar leyéndose los libros. Aparte de las armas y armaduras de los personajes más importantes de la trilogía del Señor de los Anillos también nos relatan los sucesos más importantes como si de un texto histórico se tratara. Es un libro resumen bastante útil.
Los detalles sobre el empleo y el diseño de las armas y armaduras nos hace una idea de la profundización a la que llegó Tolkien desarrollando las distintas Culturas de las distintas razas de la Tierra Media.

[Peter Toth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is also a movie-guide, but focusing on weapons, armor and general warfare of Middle Earth. Taking inspiration and photos from all 3 movies, it is a great asset to relive famous moments from them or get to know certain characters or pieces of named gear better. While such books are almost always want to ride the hype for some additional cash when such movies are released (this specific book in 2003), but it is nonetheless an outstanding visual guide that fans of the trilogy will appreciate.

[Matthew Cohen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This just popped up in my GR feed. I had this book back in the day when the movies were all the rage and I was thoroughly obsessed. Probably perfect for young fans in the same way all those Star Wars ship cross section books are. Even back then I remember being disappointed with this book, though. The one part I remember thinking was awesome was the close up of the gear of The Mouth of Sauron, still one of my favorite parts of the films.

[Shaymaa Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I own quite a few books like this, scaled a bit bigger than printer paper, full-color, lavishly illustrated. Many of them are Star Wars books, but the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies went down a similar path and released books detailing the production of the films - props, costumes, and so on - and detailing races or cultures or the like based on what they carried or how they dressed. Some of them focus on geography (as this one too peaks in to), but most are about people and things.

[Goblin Peon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been fortunate to visit the Weta Workshops and some of the Peter Jackson film sets in person, and boy are they amazing. Holy heck it's like a pilgrim going to the most holiest of high places. Partner even let me buy a weapon from the forges but it was too annoying trying to bring it home so we ditched that idea, to this day slightly sad, dwarven steel would have looked glorious hanging above the mantlepiece.

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[Mark S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Obviously slapped together to take advantage of the success of the films. The art work is nice, but it is rather apparent that the authors did not read the books or even pay too much attention to the films.

[Marko Jevtić · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a very interesting compendium of the LotR knowledge, focused on weapons used in wars throughout the trilogy. The most fascinating aspect is definitely the great visualization of each major battle. The 2nd best part of it is definitely the foreword written by Christopher Lee.

[Raju Iyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Lord of the Rings" is a sweeping epic that tells the story of a group of hobbits who set out on a quest to destroy a powerful and evil ring. With its memorable characters and rich world-building, this book is a masterpiece of fantasy literature.

[Purity · Rating 5 out of 5]

woow, i really enjoyed reading this book, it was so interesting that i could not put it down even for a second... GREAT work Smith! you deserved a five star..

Thanks.

[Mason Mcdowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

guigvtfjnhkitruhygfkitfurhg

[Amie Cartwright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite visual book as a kid

[Tina Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reads like a history book of the races of Middle-Earth. Filled with many pictures amd examples of the weapons, tactics and races of the Third Age.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Lord of the rings