Branch thread: Tolkien's military technology

[Eönwë]

Originally Posted by Vaine

Well to me it's just a personal preference, crossbows just arent as... heroic as bows.

Yes, well it certainly would have been a less heroic story. All the weapons used in LOTR require skill and practice (and determination). In Tolkien's world, you need to have these to be a good warrior.
I think that using old-style weapons makes the heroes into warriors rather than soldiers.

Also, remember, Tolkien liked the Anglo-Saxon times, and they didn't have that sort of technology (at least in Europe) then.