Leandro of Elfenomenon.com sent us this link to their news today about a mysterious object seen in Games Workshops ‘Two Towers’ images. Apparently the Uruk besiegers come with “everything from ladders to bombs.” And Elfenomeno posts the image for the bomb here The folks at Elfenomeno speculate that these are the objects that cause the explosion we see at Helm’s Deep in the trailer.
TORN staffer Demosthenes reminds us that the use of mortar-bombs could be just what Tolkien had in mind – nowhere does it say that Saruman used ‘magic’ to destroy the Deeping Wall. Couple that with Saruman’s “mind of metal and wheels,” Tolkien’s distaste for “magic” and Gandalf’s own use of fireworks … and you’re not far from explosives.
Quotes from the Two Towers chapter “Helm’s Deep” reinforce this:
” Even as they spoke there came a blare of trumpets. Then there was a crash and a flash of flame and smoke. The waters of the Deeping-stream poured out hissing and foaming: they were choked no longer, a gaping hole was blasted in the wall. A host of dark shapes poured in. ‘Devilry of Saruman!’ cried Aragorn. ‘They have crept in the culvert again, while we talked, and they have lit the fire of Orthanc beneath our feet.’ “
And later Aragorn speaks to Theoden inside the Hornburg:
” ‘But the Orcs have brought a devilry from Orthanc,’ said Aragorn. ‘They have a blasting fire, and with it they took the Wall. If they cannot come in the caves, they may seal up those that are inside. But now we must turn all our thoughts to our own defence.’ “
