This sword was produced as a limited edition of 25.
All editions are currently under contract and we are no longer accepting enquiries for this piece.
Wētā Workshop was intrinsically involved in the design and physical effects manufacture for all three films of The Lord of the Rings™ trilogy.
Steel remembers what Men forget, and bronze holds the warmth of ancient oaths. When King Théoden™ rose at last from the dark counsel that bound him, he laid hand again upon the hilt, and the blade sang of old promises and unbroken lineage. Thus, Herugrim returned to the field, and the cry of the Rohirrim rose like thunder over the wide grasslands.
Herugrim was first forged for King Théoden by Peter Lyon during production for the original trilogy of films. Now, almost 30 years later, he and his team, Senior Swordsmith Christopher Menges and Swordsmith Orgo, have revisited this exquisite work of art once more as part of the Master Swordsmith’s Collection.
Informed by close study of the original prop, production photography, and the passage of time itself, this edition reflects not only careful craft, but an ongoing relationship with the films and the people who made them.
FEATURES
• Blade length: 27.8 in (705 mm)
• Total length: 36.2 in (920 mm)
• Total width, including cross guard: 4.2 in (108 mm)
• Weight: 3.8 lbs (1.74 kg)
• Balance Point: 680mm from the blade tip
CRAFTING HERUGRIM
The sword of King Théoden has always stood apart among the weapons of Middle-earth. It is not simply steel and grip; it is steel, bronze, and richly dyed leather, working together to give the sword character and presence.
As Master Swordsmith Peter Lyon explains, “It’s quite an ornamental sword. The bronze fittings and reddish leathers give it strong warmth. It has a sense of age and importance.” That distinct character meant that recreating Herugrim was not only a matter of replicating a prop, but of retracing a journey.
When it was first made during pre-production, it was built (as all the swords were) for a right-handed wielder. Only later, once actor Bernard Hill had been cast and arrived on set, did the team discover that he was left-handed. “It changed how the sword was worn,” says Peter. “The seam of the scabbard is actually facing forward on what would normally be the presentation face.” Even the pommel was modified after filming began, as its sharp edges proved uncomfortable once in action.
Time left its imprint as well. During filming, leather dyes softened and bronze darkened. Rain and cold, particularly during the Helm’s Deep sequence, altered materials naturally. The team studied original reference photographs to understand these changes. “The bronze paint [on the leather sword belt] actually shifted from bright bronze toward green during filming,” Peter notes. “Once we understood that, we could decide what version of the sword and scabbard to represent and why.”
Collectors now have the chance to choose between two interpretations: a version that reflects how Herugrim was originally crafted, and one that reflects how it appeared by the end of filming, carrying the marks of time and use. Both are true. Both tell part of the story.
This addition to the Master Swordsmith’s Collection is a reminder that the things we create are never static; they live, change, and are shaped by the hands and moments that surround them. Here, that history is preserved, and shared.
I want people to feel that it’s a real sword. I want them to feel a sense of the character that was using the sword originally. And hopefully, they feel joy when they are holding it.
PERSONALISATION OPTIONS
While we have our own preferences for how these blades should be finished, it may not be to everyone's personal tastes. If you would like to explore more variations with our team to ensure the piece is perfect for you, please email us and discuss the options.
PLEASE NOTE: Minor variations to weights, measurements and balance point will occur as this is a handmade sword.
Every sword is carefully packed in a beautiful wooden display case for the safest possible delivery.
A Certificate of Authenticity signed by Richard Taylor and Peter Lyon will also be enclosed.
MASTER SWORDSMITH’S COLLECTION
Our ancestors believed that steel was enchanted with magical properties when following the ritual of heat treatment. Today, we’ve changed our language from "ritual" to "procedure" and "magical properties" to "material science" as we’ve learnt more about atomic structures. However it's described, they figured it out and we follow in their footsteps.
A hard blade will shatter, a soft blade won't hold an edge, just right and it'll act like a sword. This delicate balance is one of the skills our swordsmiths require to make accurately representative blades for our hero props.
A Wētā Workshop Master Sword is the epitome of craftsmanship.
