The New Hobbit Hole

[HairOfTheDog]

I think it looks like one of those posed "character" shots... I don't think it looks like a still. I will look for another shot of Aragorn with his quiver showing... see if that is how he always wears it.

[HairOfTheDog]

Here he is...

So which "handed" is he? - Which one counts, the bow hand or the string hand?

[Penny1]

I have no idea, but all of a sudden, I really don't care--I'm just glad for the excuse for you to post that picture...

:)

[Penny1]

Okay, now that I've managed to look at the bow technique, I'm thinking the dominant hand is the string hand. But from what I remember WAY back in high school, I thought you were supposed to have all your fingers on the string to maximize the tension on the string.

Then again, high school was a very, VERY long time ago, and it's not like I knew what I was doing in archery class....anyone else know?

[HairOfTheDog]

Well maybe that is why they don't show Aragorn shooting much?... ;~D He is better with swords? I do like how Aragorn is holding his next arrow in his bow hand (above)... seems efficient, especially because it is hard to grab arrows if your quiver is on the wrong side... is it bowman?

Legolas, then, is doing it right. and is opposite-handed whatever Aragorn is.

[HairOfTheDog]

OK - so how come Aragorn's arrows are so much shorter than Legolas's?... what does arrow length do for you?

[HairOfTheDog]

disgregard what I said about being opposite-handed... Apparently I was not paying attention. Maybe I was looking backwards? hehehehe

[Samwise]

OK - so how come Aragorn's arrows are so much shorter than Legolas's?... what does arrow length do for you?

It's not the size of the arrow, it's the power of the bowman. To coin a phrase...LOL

[Samwise]

FYI. I'm right handed, but I shoot a bow left handed. My instructor tested us and I am left eye dominant. Therefore, I need to line up the other way so that I came aim. It really makes a BIG difference. I wish someone had taught me how to aim years ago. I might have done better in the other sports.

[HairOfTheDog]

Well, I think Legolas is the guy you want around if things need to be shot at. And he is mighty pretty doing it.

[osagebowman]

Very good pictures, haven't seen these before. right hand dominant holds bow in left hand and arrow is shot off the left hand unless there is a shelf or cut out on the left side of the bow.

Typical loose is mediterranian style, index finger above arrow nock with middle and ring fingers below. There are a several other ways to loose the arrow, three fingers under arrow nock is common. Exceptions include those using a thumb ring, korean and turkish archers used this style, only the thumb to pull the string.

Generally arrow length is one inch plus draw length. Depends on physical measurements of the archer. The typical adult male archer has a draw length of 26-28 inches. If the draw and arrow length and bow are matched to the archer, the back of the arrowhead would just touch the index finger of the hand holding the bow. Longer arrows can be used and reasonably could be when there were lots of archers shooting lots of arrows, they would have them long enough that all could be used. The archer has an "anchor point" where the hand is touching a particular spot each time, corner of the mouth is typical. Gets a lot more involved but thats the high points. Some of the publicity shots were absymal but the movie and those above were spot on. dvp

[HairOfTheDog]

Thanks, I like finding out this background about archery...

So tell me, is this double arrow maneuver shown below ever really done?

[Samwise]

My jokes are so old that you younguns don't get them. There's an expression "It's not the size of the wand, it's the power of the magician." The expression isn't talking about Gandalf and Saruman. It's referring to what men like to brag about and what women reassure them about. Like I said, Aragorn makes me forget about being a lady.

[HairOfTheDog]

And now he is shooting on the other hand... What's up with that?

I am going to have to watch the film again I think, to see if he switches hands alot....

[HairOfTheDog]

I know exactly what you meant... and I tried to think of some not-too-bad-way to answer in kind, but gave up!

... and if that is your tendency tonight, I am surprised you didn't pick up on my earlier post where I said I was looking for pictures of Aragorn where his quiver is showing ;~D

[JenB]

I'm no archery expert, and I couldn't say if it's really done - but if anyone could do it, an Elf could. After all, they have superior dexterity, vision, and coordination, plus there's that matter of thousands of years of practice.

I will refrain from joining in the discussion of, uh, weaponry that you and Samwise are engaging in. I'm afraid I just don't know what the two of you are talking about. ;-)

[HairOfTheDog]

Awww. Now Jen's here, we have to clean up our talk ;~D

[Samwise]

I can't wait to get the DVD so I can slow-mo the Legolas scenes. The actor (can't remember his name) certainly captured the grace and elegance of elves. His archery skills were more ballet than battle. Legolas slaughtered hundreds of orcs with grace and orchestration, not brute force. Sigh...

This naughty (and sometimes dense) Hobbit needs to turn in for the night. Have fun, ladies! Catcha later.

[HairOfTheDog]

Goodnight Samwise!

[Restorer]

I had a thought recently while reading about the history of the One Ring.

When Sauron surrendered to Ar-Pharazon and was taken prisoner to Numenor, did he take the Ring with him? If he did it seems unlikely that the King would allow him to retain such a powerful artifact. (He wanted to control the entire world, and it certainly would have come in handy when he invaded Valinor!) Also, when Numenor was destroyed his body went down into the chasm with it. Only his spirit survived. If he couldn't save his body, it seems unlikely he would have the power to transport any material object like the Ring.

However, if he left the Ring in Middle Earth, somebody had to be in charge of it for the 57 years Sauron was in Numenor. But who could Sauron trust to this extent? If the Ring was left with someone of little power who would be unable to wield it, then someone of greater power would be able to take it away from him. If it was left with someone of potency (to continue the banter above), then the Ring would surely tempt him to grab for supreme power.