Spears crossed, swords touched and arrows flew in a Czech forest over the weekend as hundreds of fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit reenacted a major battle.
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More than 1,000 people, dressed in costumes from Tolkien’s books, took part in the Battle of the Five Armies, according to organizers of the annual event, held in a forest near the Czech town of Doksy, 80 kilometres (50 miles) north of Prague.
PHOTO GALLERY: The Hobbit’s 5 armies do battle in Czech forest
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Participants dressed as characters such as elves, dwarves, goblins and orcs from J.R.R. Tolkien's novel "The Hobbit" re-enact the "Battle of Five Armies" in a forest near the town of Doksy, Czech Republic, June 16, 2018.
REUTERS/David W Cerny
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A participant dressed as a character from J.R.R. Tolkien's novel "The Hobbit" takes part in a reenactment of the "Battle of Five Armies" in a forest near the town of Doksy, Czech Republic, June 16, 2018. Picture taken June 16, 2018.
REUTERS/David W Cerny
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Participants dressed as characters such as elves, dwarves, goblins and orcs from J.R.R. Tolkien's novel "The Hobbit" re-enact the "Battle of Five Armies" in a forest near the town of Doksy, Czech Republic, June 16, 2018.
REUTERS/David W Cerny
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A participant dressed as a character from J.R.R. Tolkien's novel "The Hobbit" takes part in a reenactment of the "Battle of Five Armies" in a forest near the town of Doksy, Czech Republic, June 16, 2018. Picture taken June 16, 2018.
REUTERS/David W Cerny
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Participants dressed as characters such as elves, dwarves, goblins and orcs from J.R.R. Tolkien's novel "The Hobbit" re-enact the "Battle of Five Armies" in a forest near the town of Doksy, Czech Republic, June 16, 2018.
REUTERS/David W Cerny
View full screen
6/8
A participant dressed as a character from J.R.R. Tolkien's novel "The Hobbit" takes part in a reenactment of the "Battle of Five Armies" in a forest near the town of Doksy, Czech Republic, June 16, 2018. Picture taken June 16, 2018.
REUTERS/David W Cerny
View full screen
7/8
A participant dressed as a character from J.R.R. Tolkien's novel "The Hobbit" takes part in a reenactment of the "Battle of Five Armies" in a forest near the town of Doksy, Czech Republic, June 16, 2018. Picture taken June 16, 2018.
REUTERS/David W Cerny
View full screen
8/8
A participant dressed as a character from J.R.R. Tolkien's novel "The Hobbit" takes part in a reenactment of the "Battle of Five Armies" in a forest near the town of Doksy, Czech Republic, June 16, 2018. Picture taken June 16, 2018. REUTERS/David W Cerny
REUTERS/David W Cerny
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They fought with wooden weapons and any sharp points were wrapped in plastic to avoid injuries.
Although inspired by well known stories from Middle-earth, the results of battles at the event are not predetermined, and on several occasions the evil side has actually won.
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“We come here to enjoy a great battle, great atmosphere, have a little fight and to meet people one sees only once a year,” said Lucie Zavadilova, attending the battle for the sixth time.