What Is Up With That Hammer in "The Marvels"?
(Image credit: Marvel Studios)
As audiences flock to theaters to witness the epic return of Carol Danvers in The Marvels, one element steals the spotlight - the villain's formidable weapon, a hammer reminiscent of one first seen in The Guardians of the Galaxy. This iconic hammer not only adds a menacing edge to the antagonist's character but also draws intriguing parallels to the historical use of war hammers in real-world battles.
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In The Marvels, Zawe Aston’s villainous Dar-Benn’s hammer looks an awful lot like the one wielded by Ronan the Accuser, a Kree fanatic known for his ruthlessness and imposing presence. The weapon's design pays homage to its predecessor while elevating its significance in the context of the new film. Crafted with intricate details and an otherworldly aesthetic, the hammer becomes an extension of the villain's power, symbolizing destruction and dominance.
The choice to incorporate a hammer as Dar-Benn’s weapon in The Marvels does more than just connect the film to the greater MCU; it adds a layer of symbolism and historical significance to the character. The war hammer has a rich history, dating back to medieval times when it served as a deadly instrument on the battlefield.
Who brings a hammer to a knife fight?
War hammers were favored by knights and foot soldiers alike for their versatility and effectiveness in close combat. Unlike traditional swords or axes, war hammers featured a blunt, hammer-like head on one side and a spike or beak on the other. This dual-purpose design allowed warriors to pierce armor with the pointed end and deliver powerful, crushing blows with the hammer side.
One of the key advantages of war hammers was their ability to bypass armor, which was a common feature in medieval warfare. The blunt force from a war hammer could inflict severe damage, even if the opponent wore a suit of plate armor. This made war hammers valuable tools for knights facing heavily armored adversaries on the battlefield.
The real-world history of war hammers also showcases their adaptability in various combat scenarios. Whether used against armored opponents on horseback or in close-quarters combat on foot, the war hammer proved to be a versatile and lethal weapon. Its effectiveness led to its widespread adoption across different cultures and regions during medieval times.
The connection between the villain's hammer in The Marvels and Ronan the Accuser's weapon in The Guardians of the Galaxy creates a bridge between fictional narratives and historical inspiration. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, these iconic hammers are symbols of power, wielded by characters who seek to impose their will and dominate their adversaries.
It’s Hammer Time
As audiences marvel at the on-screen battles in The Marvels, they are treated not only to a visual spectacle but also to a nod to the fascinating history of war hammers. The fusion of fantasy and reality, where a fictional hammer pays homage to a historical weapon, adds depth to the narrative and highlights the enduring fascination with the formidable tools of warfare that have left their mark on both the pages of history and the silver screen.
Marvel and Disney’s The Marvels is in theaters now.
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