oliphaunts

Oliphaunts, also known as Mûmakil, are colossal elephant-like creatures native to the southern and eastern lands of Middle-earth. They are described as being immensely large, far exceeding the size of any ordinary elephant, with thick, grey hides and massive tusks. Their sheer size and strength make them formidable creatures, capable of crushing trees and battering down fortifications.

In the Third Age, oliphaunts were primarily used by the Haradrim, the men of the south, as beasts of war. They were often adorned with war-gear, including towers or howdahs mounted on their backs, from which archers and spearmen could attack. The sight and sound of these creatures on the battlefield were terrifying, often demoralizing enemy forces. Their immense weight could also trample and crush infantry.

The history of oliphaunts is ancient, with mentions in lore dating back to the First Age. They are considered among the largest and most powerful beasts in Tolkien's legendarium. While their exact origins are not fully detailed, they are depicted as creatures of the natural world, albeit on a grand and fearsome scale. Their presence in Middle-earth signifies the wild and untamed nature of the southern regions.