Introduction to:
The Arms and Armour of Ancanar
Forged by Master Metalsmiths
Joe Piela and Jenna Brocius of The Lonely Mountain Forge
by Anthony S Burdge
Chairman The New York Tolkien Society

Endowed with the spirit of legendary heroes and, embodying and upholding the ancient craft of black smithing, Joe Piela and Jenna Brocius breathe life into the arms and armour of Ancanar. For many years now the team of The Lonely Mountain Forge have brought to life forgotten weapons and armour for the modern eye “straight out of the Dark Ages” as superbly said by Sam Balcomb (Writer/Director Ancanar). The New York Tolkien Society Staff has featured the work of Joe and Jenna at their recent Ringbearers-Day event, where over 100 people stood amazed at the intelligence, knowledge and craftsmanship behind their work.

Joe and Jenna are such lovers of Tolkien and his works, their knowledge and expertise of both Tolkien and their field of Arms and Armour really rounded out the program, true Tolkienians, scholars and professionals. From Sting to Anglachel to Dwarven helms, recreations of some of Tolkien’s weapons and armour straight from Middle Earth are just part of Joe and Jenna’s focus. Since working with Sam Balcomb, the inheritor of Tolkien’s story telling abilities, (in the humble opinion of this author), Joe and Jenna have forged many facets of the Ancanar legendarium. From Finlomë’s helm, sword and mail, Ancanar’s helm and forthcoming sword and mail Hauberk, the Helm of Mystery aside from many other examples of their outstanding abilities.

When asked by the Ancanar team to host this Arms and Armour feature, we were at a loss for words, which is unusual for writers at times. Joe and Jenna have become like family to Jessica and I, they have introduced us and are training us in the art of battle reenactment, armour building and sharing in their love of all kinds of Arms and Armour. Our living-room was transformed for a short while into the Lonely Mountain Forge work station as Joe and Jenna worked on their respective projects for the film. We are very happy to have been welcomed to their craft and feel that if you have not explored all the facets of The Lonely Mountain Forge and Ancanar then you are missing out on something spectacular.