The Black Arrow is an Heirloom of the house of Girion, Lord of Dale. It originated in the Lonely Mountain and was passed on through generations within the family.
History
The Black Arrow was Bard the Bowman’s last remaining arrow. One characteristic feature of this arrow was that it could always be retrieved. Whenever it was used, it returned to the owner. The Black Arrow was forged by Thrór who was under the King Under The Mountain. The magical properties of this forged arrow were unknown but it was reported that it was almost always successfully retrieved whenever it was put to use, mirroring the properties of the original Black Arrow. [1]
Inspiration
The inspiration for the weapon may have come to J.R.R Tolkien through Beowulf’s story where the sword cannot kill the mother of Grendel. [2]
Characteristics
There are various depictions of the black arrow in different adaptations. The Hobbit, for example, portrays the Black Arrow as a large metal design used to kill dragons. They incorporate heavy twisted steel heads, combining elements of both a spear as well as a harpoon. Owing to the fact that the arrow completely defeats the dragon (Smaug), the characteristic features become subject to analysis. The make and the dimensions of the Black Arrow are able to puncture and defeat a dragon which points to the obvious fact that the Black Arrow is not just any normal arrow. [3] The weight of the arrow plays a massive role in destroying a dragon and it is thus estimated that the Arrow was made out of something heavy; either metal or steel. Apart from the physical characteristics of the arrow that are involved in its production and make-up, the manner of its use also needs to be calculated. It is estimated that the arrow would not be able to cause much harm if it is thrown from a larger distance. Measuring the distance invariably demands the need to calculate the speed of the arrow once thrown, the greater the speed, the greater the damage.
References
Categories:
Bows and Arrows
Dwarven objects
