Sharpened Wit

Among the Many Characters in The Lord of the Rings, Boromir Stands Out Who is Boromir? Boromir is the oldest son of Denethor II, the last Ruling Steward of Gondor, and he is an important character in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings . He grew up in Minas Tirith, training to be the Steward of Gondor, and loved learning about Gondor's history. After their mother, Finduilas, died when Boromir was ten, he became a protector for his younger brother, Faramir. As an adult, Boromir became a respected soldier and leader, bravely fighting against Mordor's forces. He survived the first battle at Osgiliath and went to the Council of Elrond to seek help for Gondor. Boromir's Personality Boromir was a proud and brave warrior, loved by his father and respected by others. Tolkien describes him in the appendices of The Return of the King : "Boromir, five years the elder, beloved by his father, was like him in face and pride, but in little else. Rather he was a man after the s...

 What Did Historical Swords Weigh? Introduction: How heavy were swords from the Middle Ages and Renaissance? Experts know the answer, but many people do not. It's hard to find the true weights of these swords because there are many false ideas. This article gives you the real facts about the weights of swords from these times and clears up the myths. A Weighty Issue: There are many wrong ideas about how much medieval and Renaissance swords weighed. TV and movies often show these swords as very heavy and hard to use, which is not true. For example, an expert on The History Channel once said that 14th-century swords could weigh up to 40 pounds, which is not accurate. In reality, swords were not that heavy. Most historical swords weigh between 2.5 to 3.5 pounds, and even the larger war swords rarely go over 4.5 pounds. Many reference books do not give detailed weight information, adding to the confusion. The Reality of Historical Sword Weights: The Wallace Collection Museum in Lond...

Fencing: Exploring the Rich History and Evolution of Swordplay Through the Ages Fencing Basics Fencing involves using swords like épée, foil, or sabre, executing specific movements to score points by touching opponents. It combines speed, agility, wit, and strength, making it both physical and mental. Early Fencing History Fencing dates back to ancient times, seen in Egyptian reliefs from about 1190 BCE. Various cultures, including Persians, Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans, practiced sword fighting. Romans trained soldiers and gladiators in specialized schools, elevating sword combat. Roman Swordsmanship Romans trained gladiators in "ludi," using wooden swords (rudis) before heavier weapons. Training emphasized combat skills, discipline, and strategy. Middle Ages and Renaissance During medieval times, sword fighting evolved with changes in armor and weaponry. Fencing guilds emerged in Europe, refining techniques. The rapier, introduced in the 16th century, was lighter and mo...