Bows
From Tolkien Gateway
Bows are a common weapon among J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium.
Inspirations
It is possible Tolkien's fascination with bows came from Red Indian stories:
- "Red Indians were better: there were bows and arrows (I had and have a wholly unsatisfied desire to shoot well with a bow)"
- ― On Fairy-stories
- "But he [Tolkien] liked Red Indian stories and longed to shoot with a bow and arrow."
- ― J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography
Notable wielders of bows
- Beleg Cúthalion who bore Belthronding
- Bard the Bowman who slew the Dragon Smaug with his Black Arrow
- Legolas of Mirkwood a member of the Fellowship of the Ring
- The Men of Númenor who's hollow steel bows had a fell reputation