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* In ''TabletopGame/ArkhamHorrorTheCardGame'', a "Bolas" event can be used to essentially cripple "hunter" enemies; once the bolas gets thrown at them and ties them up, it not only penalises their evade stat, but also makes them exhaust each time they move, which makes them easy target.
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* In ''WesternAnimation/HowToTrainYourDragon'', Hiccup builds a crossbow-like bola-throwing device in order to take down a dragon. Prior to Hiccup unveiling his crossbow, Gobber chides Hiccup for trying to join the other Vikings in defending the village from the attacking dragons, citing Hiccup's inability to wield hammers, axes, or even throw a bola, the bola in question being grabbed by another Viking and immediately used to capture one of the dragons mid-flight.
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* In ''WesternAnimation/HowToTrainYourDragon'', ''WesternAnimation/HowToTrainYourDragon2010'', Hiccup builds a crossbow-like bola-throwing device in order to take down a dragon. Prior to Hiccup unveiling his crossbow, Gobber chides Hiccup for trying to join the other Vikings in defending the village from the attacking dragons, citing Hiccup's inability to wield hammers, axes, or even throw a bola, the bola in question being grabbed by another Viking and immediately used to capture one of the dragons mid-flight.
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* Attempted, [[FlawedPrototype albeit only very briefly]], with the [[https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Bola_Pod Bola Pod]] in ''TabletopGame/BattleTech''. The concept was surprisingly straightforward--modify a [[TargetSpotter NARC pod]] to contain overlapping chains with magnets on the end, as opposed to the homing missile beacon it would normally hold. Ideally, it would wrap around enemy 'Mechs' limbs and trip them or prevent arm weapons from being used. It was quickly discovered that getting within 300 meters to fire a piece of steel chain at enemy 'Mechs for the mere ''possibility'' to hobble them was not worth the effort, and the Bola Pod was quickly abandoned.
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Disambig.
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* In ''ComicBook/AstroCity'', Bravo, the KidSidekick of the [[WhipitGood whip-wielding]] el Hombre, used bolas as his [[WeaponSpecialization weapon of choice]].
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* In ''ComicBook/AstroCity'', ''ComicBook/AstroCity'': Bravo, the KidSidekick of the [[WhipitGood whip-wielding]] whip-wielding el Hombre, used bolas as his [[WeaponSpecialization weapon of choice]].
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* ''Film/Film/MadMax2TheRoadWarrior''. One of the settlers is shown whirling GreatBallsOfFire at the end of a rope and then hurling them at the besieging Marauders.
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* ''Film/Film/MadMax2TheRoadWarrior''.''Film/MadMax2TheRoadWarrior''. One of the settlers is shown whirling GreatBallsOfFire at the end of a rope and then hurling them at the besieging Marauders.
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* ''Film/Film/MadMax2TheRoadWarrior''. One of the settlers is shown whirling GreatBallsOfFire at the end of a rope and then hurling them at the besieging Marauders.
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* In ''Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy'', Peter Quill uses a pair of energy bolas when he is attacked by Gamora, who attempts to steal the Orb from him. Quill quickly takes out a pair of energy bolas and throws them at Gamora, briefly incapacitating her.
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* In ''Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy'', ''Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy2014'', Peter Quill uses a pair of energy bolas when he is attacked by Gamora, who attempts to steal the Orb from him. Quill quickly takes out a pair of energy bolas and throws them at Gamora, briefly incapacitating her.
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* ''Videogame/DiabloIII'': The Demon Hunter can choose to have their bows shoot bolas instead of arrows, which explode shortly after hitting their target.
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* ''Videogame/DiabloIII'': ''VideoGame/DiabloIII'': The Demon Hunter can choose to have their bows shoot bolas instead of arrows, which explode shortly after hitting their target.
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* ''Webcomic/GrrlPower'': [[HavingABlast Atomic Bombshell]] uses ''exploding'' bolas against [[FlyingBrick Maxima]]. [[https://www.grrlpowercomic.com/archives/comic/grrl-power-240-shock-and-aw-come-on/ With preditable results.]]
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* ''Webcomic/GrrlPower'': [[HavingABlast Atomic Bombshell]] uses ''exploding'' bolas against [[FlyingBrick Maxima]]. [[https://www.grrlpowercomic.com/archives/comic/grrl-power-240-shock-and-aw-come-on/ With preditable predictable results.]]
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[[folder:Webcomics]]
* ''Webcomic/GrrlPower'': [[HavingABlast Atomic Bombshell]] uses ''exploding'' bolas against [[FlyingBrick Maxima]]. [[https://www.grrlpowercomic.com/archives/comic/grrl-power-240-shock-and-aw-come-on/ With preditable results.]]
[[/folder]]
* ''Webcomic/GrrlPower'': [[HavingABlast Atomic Bombshell]] uses ''exploding'' bolas against [[FlyingBrick Maxima]]. [[https://www.grrlpowercomic.com/archives/comic/grrl-power-240-shock-and-aw-come-on/ With preditable results.]]
[[/folder]]
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** Also applies to Keyops in the Americanized version ''Anime/BattleOfThePlanets''.
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** Also applies to Keyops Keyop in the Americanized version ''Anime/BattleOfThePlanets''.
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* In the ''WesternAnimation/COPS1988'' toy line, sundown's major weapon is a bola-launching backpack.
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* In the ''WesternAnimation/COPS1988'' toy line, sundown's Sundown's major weapon is a bola-launching backpack.
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Weapon Of Choice is now a disambiguation page. Examples that don't fit the tropes listed on the disambig will be removed.
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* ''Literature/{{Mattimeo}}'': Slagar the Cruel, TheHeavy of the book, uses a bolas as his WeaponOfChoice. He uses it both to attack and to intimidate. In the AnimatedAdaptation, he throws it at a wooden chair, shattering the chair to splinters, just to demonstrate what will happen to his slaves if they don't obey him. He later uses it to attempt a stealth kill on Matthias, though he fails. Subverted in that he's a DirtyCoward, and never uses his weapon in direct combat with anyone, instead running away when the heroes prepare to fight him.
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* ''Literature/{{Mattimeo}}'': Slagar the Cruel, TheHeavy of the book, uses a bolas as his WeaponOfChoice.[[WeaponSpecialization weapon of choice]]. He uses it both to attack and to intimidate. In the AnimatedAdaptation, he throws it at a wooden chair, shattering the chair to splinters, just to demonstrate what will happen to his slaves if they don't obey him. He later uses it to attempt a stealth kill on Matthias, though he fails. Subverted in that he's a DirtyCoward, and never uses his weapon in direct combat with anyone, instead running away when the heroes prepare to fight him.
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* In ''VideoGame/FarCryPrimal'', Takkar uses bolas as his WeaponOfChoice.
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* In ''VideoGame/FarCryPrimal'', Takkar uses bolas as his WeaponOfChoice.weapon of choice.
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* ''WesternAnimation/ClassOfTheTitans'': Downplayed. Bolas are initially the WeaponOfChoice of [[TheLancer Atalanta]] the hunter, however, they more often than not only manage to temporarily inconvenience the monsters they face a fact she herself acknowledges midway through the first season, leading to her ditching them in favour of a wrist-mounted energy crossbow.
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* ''WesternAnimation/ClassOfTheTitans'': Downplayed. Bolas are initially the WeaponOfChoice weapon of choice of [[TheLancer Atalanta]] the hunter, however, they more often than not only manage to temporarily inconvenience the monsters they face a fact she herself acknowledges midway through the first season, leading to her ditching them in favour of a wrist-mounted energy crossbow.
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Weapon Of Choice is now a disambiguation page. Examples that don't fit the tropes listed on the disambig will be removed.
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* In ''ComicBook/AstroCity'', Bravo, the KidSidekick of the [[WhipitGood whip-wielding]] el Hombre, used bolas as his WeaponOfChoice.
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* In ''ComicBook/AstroCity'', Bravo, the KidSidekick of the [[WhipitGood whip-wielding]] el Hombre, used bolas as his WeaponOfChoice.[[WeaponSpecialization weapon of choice]].
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Weapon Of Choice is disambiguated.
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Usually found as the WeaponOfChoice in warriors and fighters who personify YouWillNotEvadeMe, as a counter-escape tool.
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Usually found as the WeaponOfChoice in [[WeaponBasedCharacterization used to characterise]] warriors and fighters who personify YouWillNotEvadeMe, as a counter-escape tool.
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* ''WesternAnimation/TheLegendOfKorra'': Bolas are standard gear for the Equalists in the first season. Bending (usually) requires elaborate movements, so restricting those movements will quickly neutralize a bender.
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* ''Anime/DoraemonNobitasNewDinosaur'' have the Time Patrol using futuristic, electrical bolas to [[spoiler: restrain Nobita]] when he tries using the Stop Watch to reverse the extinction of dinosaurs.
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Knife Nut isn't a trope anymore.
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* Along with [[KnifeNut the facón]], bolas are the trademark weapon of the {{Gaucho}}.
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* Along with [[KnifeNut the facón]], facón, bolas are the trademark weapon of the {{Gaucho}}.
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* ''VideoGame/OddworldStrangersWrath'' has Bolamites, which are spiders that, when fired from Stranger's crossbow, [[AllWebbedUp wrap enemies up in webbing]] [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin like a Bola]].
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* ''VideoGame/StrangersWrath'' has Bolamites, which are spiders that, when fired from Stranger's crossbow, [[AllWebbedUp wrap enemies up in webbing]] [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin like a Bola]].
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* ''WesternAnimation/{{Arcane}}'': Enforcers operating in [[ShiningCity topside Piltover]] throw orbs that break open to reveal three ropes that entangle around the target. [[RabidCop Enforcers]] going down into the {{Undercity}} don't bother with such non-lethal tools.
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See also KnowsTheRopes for use of the lasso, the {{Western}} equivalent of the bolas.
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SisterTrope to BattleBoomerang. See also KnowsTheRopes for use of the lasso, the {{Western}} equivalent of the bolas.
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* ''Literature/ChroniclesOfAncientDarkness'': In ''Viper's Daughter'', the Narwal Clan gives Torak "slingstones", which function like a bolas. He uses them to [[spoiler:take down Naiginn at the end of the book]].
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* Along with [[KnifeNut the facón]], the bolas is the trademark weapon of the {{Gaucho}}.
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* Along with [[KnifeNut the facón]], the bolas is are the trademark weapon of the {{Gaucho}}.
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In RealLife, the bolas is a tool of hunters and herdsmen, with only occasional use in actual warfare. However, in fiction, probably because it looks so spectacular in action, the bolas is often used used as a combat weapon to take down foes, especially in visual media.
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In RealLife, the bolas is a tool of hunters and herdsmen, with only occasional use in actual warfare. However, in fiction, probably because it looks so spectacular in action, the bolas is often used used as a combat weapon to take down foes, especially in visual media.
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In ''Film/ReturnOfTheJedi'', makeshift bolas made of stones and ropes are among the primitive weapons used by the Ewoks. They're mostly used for incapacitating the Empire's ground troops during the Battle of Endor, with at least one random Ewok accidentally tangling himself with an ill-timed swing.
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* In ''Film/ReturnOfTheJedi'', makeshift bolas made of stones and ropes are among the primitive weapons used by the Ewoks. They're mostly used for incapacitating the Empire's ground troops during the Battle of Endor, with at least one random Ewok accidentally tangling himself with an ill-timed swing.
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[[folder:Toys]]
* In the ''WesternAnimation/COPS1988'' toy line, sundown's major weapon is a bola-launching backpack.
[[/folder]]
* In the ''WesternAnimation/COPS1988'' toy line, sundown's major weapon is a bola-launching backpack.
[[/folder]]
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* In the ''Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries'' episode "Amok Time," the Vulcan weapon ahn-woon, consisting of a leather strip with weights at each end, is used to entangle the legs of a competitor in a Kal-if-fee battle.
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* In the ''Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries'' episode "Amok Time," "[[Recap/StarTrekS2E1AmokTime Amok Time]]", the Vulcan weapon ahn-woon, consisting of a leather strip with weights at each end, is used to entangle the legs of a competitor in a Kal-if-fee battle.
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* In the ''Series/GameOfThrones'' episode "You Win or You Die," Rakharo uses a weapon akin to bolas to apprehend a wine merchant who attempts to poison Daenerys Targaryen.
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* In the ''Series/GameOfThrones'' episode "You "[[Recap/GameOfThronesS1E7YouWinOrYouDie You Win or You Die," Die]]", Rakharo uses a weapon akin to bolas to apprehend a wine merchant who attempts to poison Daenerys Targaryen.
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[[quoteright:350:[[ComicBook/{{Nightwing}} https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/nitwing_bolas_4.jpg]]]]
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[[folder:Film -- Animated]]
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-->'''Gobber:''' You can't lift a hammer, you can't swing an axe, you can't even throw one of these!
-->'''Hiccup:''' Okay, but ''this'' will throw it for me!
-->'''Hiccup:''' Okay, but ''this'' will throw it for me!
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-->'''Gobber:''' You can't lift a hammer, you can't swing an axe, you can't even throw one of these!
-->'''Hiccup:'''these!\\
'''Hiccup:''' Okay, but ''this'' will throw it for me!
-->'''Hiccup:'''
'''Hiccup:''' Okay, but ''this'' will throw it for me!
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[[folder:Film -- Live Action]]
* In ''Film/TheAdventuresOfSherlockHolmes1939'', bolas are used as a murder weapon by Prof. Moriarty's henchman.
* In ''Film/TheAdventuresOfSherlockHolmes1939'', bolas are used as a murder weapon by Prof. Moriarty's henchman.
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* In
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[[/folder]]
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----
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Created from YKTTW
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A bolas is a type of throwing weapon made of weights on the ends of interconnected cords, used to capture animals by entangling their legs. This is the traditional tool of the {{Gaucho}}, although versions of it have existed since pre-Columbian times.
In RealLife, the bolas is a tool of hunters and herdsmen, with only occasional use in actual warfare. However, in fiction, probably because it looks so spectacular in action, the bolas is often used used as a combat weapon to take down foes, especially in visual media.
Usually found as the WeaponOfChoice in warriors and fighters who personify YouWillNotEvadeMe, as a counter-escape tool.
One advantage of the bolas is that allows for the capture of people without doing permanent harm to them, making it the perfect weapon for someone looking to BringItBackAlive.
Often extends into RockBeatsLaser territory when the bolas, which is stone age technology, is capable of taking down someone armed with [[MoreDakka a fully automatic firearm]] or even an EnergyWeapon.
See also KnowsTheRopes for use of the lasso, the {{Western}} equivalent of the bolas.
----
!!Examples:
[[foldercontrol]]
[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
* ''Anime/DigimonFrontier'': [=MetalKabuterimon=]'s "Bolo Thunder" attack creates a lightning bolt in the form of bolas.
* Bolas are Jinpei's primary weapon in the original series of ''Anime/ScienceNinjaTeamGatchaman''.
** Also applies to Keyops in the Americanized version ''Anime/BattleOfThePlanets''.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Comic Books]]
* In ''ComicBook/AstroCity'', Bravo, the KidSidekick of the [[WhipitGood whip-wielding]] el Hombre, used bolas as his WeaponOfChoice.
* ''Franchise/{{Batman}}'':
** Bolas are an often used weapon in Batman's utility belt in order to ensnare enemies for capture.
** El Gaucho, the 'Batman of Argentina', uses a bolas as his primary weapon.
* ''ComicBook/GreenArrow'''s quiver of {{Trick Arrow}}s includes a bolas arrow. In fact, a bolas arrow was the very first TrickArrow ever used by GA: in ''More Fun Comics'' #77 ("Doom over Gayland", 1942).
* ''ComicBook/{{Hawkeye}}'', like Green Arrow, often uses a bola arrow that releases a string of weighted cords that wraps around a moving object to take it down.
* ''ComicBook/WonderGirl'': Yara Flor, the third Wonder Girl, wields the Golden Bolas, instead of a lasso like the previous Wonder Girls.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Film -- Animated]]
* In ''WesternAnimation/HowToTrainYourDragon'', Hiccup builds a crossbow-like bola-throwing device in order to take down a dragon. Prior to Hiccup unveiling his crossbow, Gobber chides Hiccup for trying to join the other Vikings in defending the village from the attacking dragons, citing Hiccup's inability to wield hammers, axes, or even throw a bola, the bola in question being grabbed by another Viking and immediately used to capture one of the dragons mid-flight.
-->'''Gobber:''' You can't lift a hammer, you can't swing an axe, you can't even throw one of these!
-->'''Hiccup:''' Okay, but ''this'' will throw it for me!
* ''WesternAnimation/SaludosAmigos'': In the ''El Gaucho Goofy'' segment, Goofy demonstrates how ''not'' to be badass with a bolas. American {{cowboy}} Goofy gets taken from Texas to the Argentinian pampas by the Narrator to learn the ways of the native {{gaucho}}. As part of this process, Goofy learns how to use the bolas to capture a rhea. After the bird is captured, the sequence is shown in slow motion to capture the "grace and beauty" of the action. But, the slow motion only reveals Goofy's clumsiness as he gets himself, his horse, and the bird tangled up together in the bolas.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Film -- Live Action]]
* In ''Film/TheAdventuresOfSherlockHolmes1939'', bolas are used as a murder weapon by Prof. Moriarty's henchman.
* In ''Film/{{Avatar}}'', while Neytiri leads him back to hometree for the first time, Jake Sully is tripped with a bola thrown by the Na'vi hunters.
* ''Film/EscapeFromLA'': During Snake's attack on Cuervo Jones's parade, Cuervo manages to take him down with an expertly thrown bolas that knocks Snake off the top of a moving truck.
* In ''Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy'', Peter Quill uses a pair of energy bolas when he is attacked by Gamora, who attempts to steal the Orb from him. Quill quickly takes out a pair of energy bolas and throws them at Gamora, briefly incapacitating her.
* In ''Film/TheHobbitAnUnexpectedJourney'', Dori uses a set of metal bolas as a battle weapon.
* In ''Film/KangarooJack'', Jessie helps Charlie and Louis construct their own aboriginal-style bolas and then trains them to throw and catch things with them. They fail to catch the kangaroo with the bolas, but in the end, Charlie uses his bolas to snag his nemesis, Frankie, and successfully foils his escape from Australian authorities.
* In SpaghettiWestern ''Film/TheMercenary'', the protagonist is knocked down in mid-run by two men on either side of him who simultaneously throw their bolas under his feet.
* In ''Film/{{Moonraker}}'', Film/JamesBond checks in with Q at an [=MI6=] base in Brazil where several weapons are being tested for near-future use. One of these is a bolas modified with balls that, once wrapped around a test dummy, explode on impact.
In ''Film/ReturnOfTheJedi'', makeshift bolas made of stones and ropes are among the primitive weapons used by the Ewoks. They're mostly used for incapacitating the Empire's ground troops during the Battle of Endor, with at least one random Ewok accidentally tangling himself with an ill-timed swing.
* In ''Film/RomancingTheStone'', Joan's sister Elaine is intentionally incapacitated by bolas thrown by an apparently playing child. The boy then abducts Elaine, recklessly driving her red Shelby Cobra away, setting the plot in motion.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Literature]]
* ''Literature/{{Mattimeo}}'': Slagar the Cruel, TheHeavy of the book, uses a bolas as his WeaponOfChoice. He uses it both to attack and to intimidate. In the AnimatedAdaptation, he throws it at a wooden chair, shattering the chair to splinters, just to demonstrate what will happen to his slaves if they don't obey him. He later uses it to attempt a stealth kill on Matthias, though he fails. Subverted in that he's a DirtyCoward, and never uses his weapon in direct combat with anyone, instead running away when the heroes prepare to fight him.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
* In the ''Series/GameOfThrones'' episode "You Win or You Die," Rakharo uses a weapon akin to bolas to apprehend a wine merchant who attempts to poison Daenerys Targaryen.
* ''Series/HawaiiFiveO'': In "Though the Heavens Fall", a vigilante group use bolas to capture the criminals.
* In the ''Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries'' episode "Amok Time," the Vulcan weapon ahn-woon, consisting of a leather strip with weights at each end, is used to entangle the legs of a competitor in a Kal-if-fee battle.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Tabletop Games]]
* In ''TabletopGame/{{Deadlands}}'', the Gaucho archetype carries a bolas, and is shown using it in the character portrait.
* ''TabletopGame/WarhammerFantasyRoleplay'': Bolas are specialist weapons, dealing minimal damage but rendering ensnared targets unable to take any action but try to escape. Most [[CharacterClassSystem Careers]] that offer the necessary training either work with animals (like Horse Masters) or capture live humans (like Slavers and Witch Hunters).
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Video Games]]
* Bolas are the second gadget Catwoman receives in ''VideoGame/BatmanArkhamCity''. They can be thrown at enemies to stun them and are Catwoman's equivalent to Batarangs.
* The Arbalest class from ''VideoGame/DarkestDungeon'' has a skill called "Bola" which fires one from their crossbow. This hits the front two ranks of the enemy formation for reduced damage but can push them backwards, disrupting the enemy group's formation.
* In ''VideoGame/DeathStranding'', the majority of the weapons you get are [[NoHarmRequirement non-lethal]] (because dead bodies, unless they're properly disposed of, attract violent ghosts and trigger huge explosions). One of those non-lethal weapons is a crossbow-looking gun that shoots bolas, for quickly incapacitating human enemies by entangling them. And if you ''headshot'' someone with a bola, it'll knock them unconscious.
* ''Videogame/DiabloIII'': The Demon Hunter can choose to have their bows shoot bolas instead of arrows, which explode shortly after hitting their target.
* Bolas are one of the weapons that Seedlings can use in ''VideoGame/EverOasis''. They have a long range and deal magical damage.
* In ''VideoGame/FarCryPrimal'', Takkar uses bolas as his WeaponOfChoice.
* In ''VideoGame/JurassicPark2TheChaosContinues'', the bola is one of the weapons available for the player character to use.
* Rengar, a champion in a computer game ''VideoGame/LeagueOfLegends'' utilizes bola strike as one of his skills, to ensnare enemy champions.
* In ''VideoGame/NeverAlone'', Nuna uses a bola to help her and the arctic fox traverse to break ice and activate spirits to help solve the puzzles found in the game.
* The ''VideoGame/SeriousSam'' series has the Kleer {{mook}} class, which uses a pair of bolas as their ranged attack, throwing them at their enemy in a straight line.
* In ''VideoGame/{{Smite}}'', the Mayan God of the Moon, Xbalanque uses bolas as his weapon of choice.
* ''VideoGame/StrangersWrath'' has Bolamites, which are spiders that, when fired from Stranger's crossbow, [[AllWebbedUp wrap enemies up in webbing]] [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin like a Bola]].
* ''VideoGame/Tak2TheStaffOfDreams'': Tak is given some magical Bolas after the Mind Reading Juju ties the three magical stones that he had Tak collect. He can use them to grapple onto enemies and totems, bind his enemies and remove their shields. And then there's the stuff he can do when infusing his Juju powers into them.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Western Animation]]
* In ''WesternAnimation/BatmanTheAnimatedSeries'', bolas are one of Batman's many weapons in his war on crime. In some instances the bolas attach to a rope or line, permitting Batman to reel in the criminal after he has caught them, often leaving the criminal hanging from a height so the police can apprehend them with ease.
* ''WesternAnimation/Ben10Omniverse'': One of the [[SwissArmyWeapon many]] functions of Rook's Proto-Tool is to fire a set of energy-bolas (which proves useful in catching fleeing criminals).
* Hawgtie, one of the bad guys in ''WesternAnimation/BraveStarr'', is a [[PigMan humanoid pig]] dressed in a Union Army uniform who uses bolas to capture or bind his victims.
* ''WesternAnimation/ClassOfTheTitans'': Downplayed. Bolas are initially the WeaponOfChoice of [[TheLancer Atalanta]] the hunter, however, they more often than not only manage to temporarily inconvenience the monsters they face a fact she herself acknowledges midway through the first season, leading to her ditching them in favour of a wrist-mounted energy crossbow.
* ''WesternAnimation/DiGataDefenders'': Adam has a spell called "Black Bolas" which creates [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin black bolas to restrain the enemy]].
* ''WesternAnimation/GIJoeSigma6'': Spirit fights with a pair of hatchets which he can combine into a bolas like weapon.
* ''WesternAnimation/HeManAndTheMastersOfTheUniverse1983'': He-Man keeps a pair of bolas, [[DoesThisRemindYouOfAnything tucked inside his shorts]].
* ''WesternAnimation/MiraculousLadybug'': Juleka's Miraculous form, Purple Tigress uses a Bolas.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Real Life]]
* In real life, these were more or less the trademark weapon of the Inca.
* Along with [[KnifeNut the facón]], the bolas is the trademark weapon of the {{Gaucho}}.
* [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolas_spider Bolas spiders]] use "bolas" made of sticky webbing to capture their prey (they aren't thrown like bolas, but used more like grappling hooks to snatch flying prey).
[[/folder]]
In RealLife, the bolas is a tool of hunters and herdsmen, with only occasional use in actual warfare. However, in fiction, probably because it looks so spectacular in action, the bolas is often used used as a combat weapon to take down foes, especially in visual media.
Usually found as the WeaponOfChoice in warriors and fighters who personify YouWillNotEvadeMe, as a counter-escape tool.
One advantage of the bolas is that allows for the capture of people without doing permanent harm to them, making it the perfect weapon for someone looking to BringItBackAlive.
Often extends into RockBeatsLaser territory when the bolas, which is stone age technology, is capable of taking down someone armed with [[MoreDakka a fully automatic firearm]] or even an EnergyWeapon.
See also KnowsTheRopes for use of the lasso, the {{Western}} equivalent of the bolas.
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!!Examples:
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[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
* ''Anime/DigimonFrontier'': [=MetalKabuterimon=]'s "Bolo Thunder" attack creates a lightning bolt in the form of bolas.
* Bolas are Jinpei's primary weapon in the original series of ''Anime/ScienceNinjaTeamGatchaman''.
** Also applies to Keyops in the Americanized version ''Anime/BattleOfThePlanets''.
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[[folder:Comic Books]]
* In ''ComicBook/AstroCity'', Bravo, the KidSidekick of the [[WhipitGood whip-wielding]] el Hombre, used bolas as his WeaponOfChoice.
* ''Franchise/{{Batman}}'':
** Bolas are an often used weapon in Batman's utility belt in order to ensnare enemies for capture.
** El Gaucho, the 'Batman of Argentina', uses a bolas as his primary weapon.
* ''ComicBook/GreenArrow'''s quiver of {{Trick Arrow}}s includes a bolas arrow. In fact, a bolas arrow was the very first TrickArrow ever used by GA: in ''More Fun Comics'' #77 ("Doom over Gayland", 1942).
* ''ComicBook/{{Hawkeye}}'', like Green Arrow, often uses a bola arrow that releases a string of weighted cords that wraps around a moving object to take it down.
* ''ComicBook/WonderGirl'': Yara Flor, the third Wonder Girl, wields the Golden Bolas, instead of a lasso like the previous Wonder Girls.
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[[folder:Film -- Animated]]
* In ''WesternAnimation/HowToTrainYourDragon'', Hiccup builds a crossbow-like bola-throwing device in order to take down a dragon. Prior to Hiccup unveiling his crossbow, Gobber chides Hiccup for trying to join the other Vikings in defending the village from the attacking dragons, citing Hiccup's inability to wield hammers, axes, or even throw a bola, the bola in question being grabbed by another Viking and immediately used to capture one of the dragons mid-flight.
-->'''Gobber:''' You can't lift a hammer, you can't swing an axe, you can't even throw one of these!
-->'''Hiccup:''' Okay, but ''this'' will throw it for me!
* ''WesternAnimation/SaludosAmigos'': In the ''El Gaucho Goofy'' segment, Goofy demonstrates how ''not'' to be badass with a bolas. American {{cowboy}} Goofy gets taken from Texas to the Argentinian pampas by the Narrator to learn the ways of the native {{gaucho}}. As part of this process, Goofy learns how to use the bolas to capture a rhea. After the bird is captured, the sequence is shown in slow motion to capture the "grace and beauty" of the action. But, the slow motion only reveals Goofy's clumsiness as he gets himself, his horse, and the bird tangled up together in the bolas.
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[[folder:Film -- Live Action]]
* In ''Film/TheAdventuresOfSherlockHolmes1939'', bolas are used as a murder weapon by Prof. Moriarty's henchman.
* In ''Film/{{Avatar}}'', while Neytiri leads him back to hometree for the first time, Jake Sully is tripped with a bola thrown by the Na'vi hunters.
* ''Film/EscapeFromLA'': During Snake's attack on Cuervo Jones's parade, Cuervo manages to take him down with an expertly thrown bolas that knocks Snake off the top of a moving truck.
* In ''Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy'', Peter Quill uses a pair of energy bolas when he is attacked by Gamora, who attempts to steal the Orb from him. Quill quickly takes out a pair of energy bolas and throws them at Gamora, briefly incapacitating her.
* In ''Film/TheHobbitAnUnexpectedJourney'', Dori uses a set of metal bolas as a battle weapon.
* In ''Film/KangarooJack'', Jessie helps Charlie and Louis construct their own aboriginal-style bolas and then trains them to throw and catch things with them. They fail to catch the kangaroo with the bolas, but in the end, Charlie uses his bolas to snag his nemesis, Frankie, and successfully foils his escape from Australian authorities.
* In SpaghettiWestern ''Film/TheMercenary'', the protagonist is knocked down in mid-run by two men on either side of him who simultaneously throw their bolas under his feet.
* In ''Film/{{Moonraker}}'', Film/JamesBond checks in with Q at an [=MI6=] base in Brazil where several weapons are being tested for near-future use. One of these is a bolas modified with balls that, once wrapped around a test dummy, explode on impact.
In ''Film/ReturnOfTheJedi'', makeshift bolas made of stones and ropes are among the primitive weapons used by the Ewoks. They're mostly used for incapacitating the Empire's ground troops during the Battle of Endor, with at least one random Ewok accidentally tangling himself with an ill-timed swing.
* In ''Film/RomancingTheStone'', Joan's sister Elaine is intentionally incapacitated by bolas thrown by an apparently playing child. The boy then abducts Elaine, recklessly driving her red Shelby Cobra away, setting the plot in motion.
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[[folder:Literature]]
* ''Literature/{{Mattimeo}}'': Slagar the Cruel, TheHeavy of the book, uses a bolas as his WeaponOfChoice. He uses it both to attack and to intimidate. In the AnimatedAdaptation, he throws it at a wooden chair, shattering the chair to splinters, just to demonstrate what will happen to his slaves if they don't obey him. He later uses it to attempt a stealth kill on Matthias, though he fails. Subverted in that he's a DirtyCoward, and never uses his weapon in direct combat with anyone, instead running away when the heroes prepare to fight him.
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[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
* In the ''Series/GameOfThrones'' episode "You Win or You Die," Rakharo uses a weapon akin to bolas to apprehend a wine merchant who attempts to poison Daenerys Targaryen.
* ''Series/HawaiiFiveO'': In "Though the Heavens Fall", a vigilante group use bolas to capture the criminals.
* In the ''Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries'' episode "Amok Time," the Vulcan weapon ahn-woon, consisting of a leather strip with weights at each end, is used to entangle the legs of a competitor in a Kal-if-fee battle.
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[[folder:Tabletop Games]]
* In ''TabletopGame/{{Deadlands}}'', the Gaucho archetype carries a bolas, and is shown using it in the character portrait.
* ''TabletopGame/WarhammerFantasyRoleplay'': Bolas are specialist weapons, dealing minimal damage but rendering ensnared targets unable to take any action but try to escape. Most [[CharacterClassSystem Careers]] that offer the necessary training either work with animals (like Horse Masters) or capture live humans (like Slavers and Witch Hunters).
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[[folder:Video Games]]
* Bolas are the second gadget Catwoman receives in ''VideoGame/BatmanArkhamCity''. They can be thrown at enemies to stun them and are Catwoman's equivalent to Batarangs.
* The Arbalest class from ''VideoGame/DarkestDungeon'' has a skill called "Bola" which fires one from their crossbow. This hits the front two ranks of the enemy formation for reduced damage but can push them backwards, disrupting the enemy group's formation.
* In ''VideoGame/DeathStranding'', the majority of the weapons you get are [[NoHarmRequirement non-lethal]] (because dead bodies, unless they're properly disposed of, attract violent ghosts and trigger huge explosions). One of those non-lethal weapons is a crossbow-looking gun that shoots bolas, for quickly incapacitating human enemies by entangling them. And if you ''headshot'' someone with a bola, it'll knock them unconscious.
* ''Videogame/DiabloIII'': The Demon Hunter can choose to have their bows shoot bolas instead of arrows, which explode shortly after hitting their target.
* Bolas are one of the weapons that Seedlings can use in ''VideoGame/EverOasis''. They have a long range and deal magical damage.
* In ''VideoGame/FarCryPrimal'', Takkar uses bolas as his WeaponOfChoice.
* In ''VideoGame/JurassicPark2TheChaosContinues'', the bola is one of the weapons available for the player character to use.
* Rengar, a champion in a computer game ''VideoGame/LeagueOfLegends'' utilizes bola strike as one of his skills, to ensnare enemy champions.
* In ''VideoGame/NeverAlone'', Nuna uses a bola to help her and the arctic fox traverse to break ice and activate spirits to help solve the puzzles found in the game.
* The ''VideoGame/SeriousSam'' series has the Kleer {{mook}} class, which uses a pair of bolas as their ranged attack, throwing them at their enemy in a straight line.
* In ''VideoGame/{{Smite}}'', the Mayan God of the Moon, Xbalanque uses bolas as his weapon of choice.
* ''VideoGame/StrangersWrath'' has Bolamites, which are spiders that, when fired from Stranger's crossbow, [[AllWebbedUp wrap enemies up in webbing]] [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin like a Bola]].
* ''VideoGame/Tak2TheStaffOfDreams'': Tak is given some magical Bolas after the Mind Reading Juju ties the three magical stones that he had Tak collect. He can use them to grapple onto enemies and totems, bind his enemies and remove their shields. And then there's the stuff he can do when infusing his Juju powers into them.
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[[folder:Western Animation]]
* In ''WesternAnimation/BatmanTheAnimatedSeries'', bolas are one of Batman's many weapons in his war on crime. In some instances the bolas attach to a rope or line, permitting Batman to reel in the criminal after he has caught them, often leaving the criminal hanging from a height so the police can apprehend them with ease.
* ''WesternAnimation/Ben10Omniverse'': One of the [[SwissArmyWeapon many]] functions of Rook's Proto-Tool is to fire a set of energy-bolas (which proves useful in catching fleeing criminals).
* Hawgtie, one of the bad guys in ''WesternAnimation/BraveStarr'', is a [[PigMan humanoid pig]] dressed in a Union Army uniform who uses bolas to capture or bind his victims.
* ''WesternAnimation/ClassOfTheTitans'': Downplayed. Bolas are initially the WeaponOfChoice of [[TheLancer Atalanta]] the hunter, however, they more often than not only manage to temporarily inconvenience the monsters they face a fact she herself acknowledges midway through the first season, leading to her ditching them in favour of a wrist-mounted energy crossbow.
* ''WesternAnimation/DiGataDefenders'': Adam has a spell called "Black Bolas" which creates [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin black bolas to restrain the enemy]].
* ''WesternAnimation/GIJoeSigma6'': Spirit fights with a pair of hatchets which he can combine into a bolas like weapon.
* ''WesternAnimation/HeManAndTheMastersOfTheUniverse1983'': He-Man keeps a pair of bolas, [[DoesThisRemindYouOfAnything tucked inside his shorts]].
* ''WesternAnimation/MiraculousLadybug'': Juleka's Miraculous form, Purple Tigress uses a Bolas.
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[[folder:Real Life]]
* In real life, these were more or less the trademark weapon of the Inca.
* Along with [[KnifeNut the facón]], the bolas is the trademark weapon of the {{Gaucho}}.
* [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolas_spider Bolas spiders]] use "bolas" made of sticky webbing to capture their prey (they aren't thrown like bolas, but used more like grappling hooks to snatch flying prey).
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