imported>LordTBT at 14:33, 18 February 2026

2026-02-18T14:33:45Z

New page

A '''ballista''' is a [[Wikipedia:Siege Weapon|siege weapon]] used to launch projectiles.

===Description===
The technical meaning of a [[Wikipedia:Ballista|ballista]] is a crossbow powered by torsion as opposed to a tension. What this means is that a ballista is based on the rotational movement of a spring, as opposed to the release of a tight string. Ballistae ranged from small, handheld crossbows to larger [[Wikipedia:Catapult|catapults]] which could break down walls.

===''Mossflower'' Controversy===
In ''[[Mossflower]]'', [[Timballisto]] uses a ballista to break down the walls of [[Kotir]], which had already been weakened by flooding. However, in the book, the ballista is described as consisting of counterweights and a throwing arm, which more describes a [[Wikipedia:Trebuchet|trebuchet]].

Yet in ''Mossflower'', the ballista throws rocks and is refered to as a catapult. Also, it has a release lever (which [[Young Dinny|Dinny]] enjoyed pulling). It would seem likely, based on the description of the machine, that the ballista was actually a trebuchet. As for the name, there appear to be two possibilities. Either "ballista" is the Redwaller's name for catapults, just like [[Dibbun]] is the equivalent of "Abbeybabe." Alternatively, it is possible that [[Brian Jacques]] made an error in his description.

===Other Appearances===
In ''[[The Sable Quean]]'', [[Gurjee]] oversaw the construction of a siege catapult in [[The Cellar|the cellar]] by [[Foremole]] [[Darbee]]'s mole crew. After [[Ambrevina Rockflash]] arrived at [[Redwall Abbey]], she made adjustments to the device, which was described as a ballista. She had experience constructing the weapon, which she had used previously to sink corsair ships with her family on the [[Eastern Shores]]. The weapon later proved to be extremely effective in battle, but was destroyed shortly after.

===Books===
Ballistas appear in ''[[Mossflower]]'' and ''[[The Sable Quean]]''.

===Trivia===
*Watch [[Brian Jacques]] discuss ballistas [https://youtu.be/YyoiPXQJ4yc?si=dw1G1KDRx38K_Qjj&t=19 here].

[[Category:Weapons]]

Ballista - Revision history

imported>LordTBT at 14:33, 18 February 2026