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* ''VideoGame/CastleCrashers'': The church that the wedding-battle takes place in has hammers instead of crosses in its iconography, overlapping with the {{Bowdlerize}} trope.
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Crosswicking Battle For Wesnoth example.
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* ''VideoGame/BattleForWesnoth'': Healer units tend to have impact weapons like staves (White Mages, Elvish Shamans and Druids, Mermaid Priestesses and Diviners, the Saurian Augur lines) and in one case flails (Mages of Light).
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Aversions by themselves aren't notable.
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* Averted in the Christian Bible, as there is no instance of divine blunt weaponry.
** St. Peter was mentioned using a sword in the Garden of Gethsemane to defend Jesus from arrest.
** Jesus himself used a whip when clearing the Temple market.
** Angels are only depicted wielding swords. Notably, a Flaming Sword is held by the angelic guardian of Eden.
** St. Peter was mentioned using a sword in the Garden of Gethsemane to defend Jesus from arrest.
** Jesus himself used a whip when clearing the Temple market.
** Angels are only depicted wielding swords. Notably, a Flaming Sword is held by the angelic guardian of Eden.
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** The card "Hammers of Moradin" show a trio of dwarves, one of them holding a hammer. The card is classified a Dwarf Cleric creature.
** "Banisher Cleric" is a woman clad in armour carrying a mace-like weapon with luminous aura. Also a Human Cleric.
** "Banisher Cleric" is a woman clad in armour carrying a mace-like weapon with luminous aura. Also a Human Cleric.
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** The card "Hammers of Moradin" show shows a trio of dwarves, one of them holding a hammer. The card is classified as a Dwarf Cleric creature.
** "Banisher Cleric" is a woman clad in armour carrying a mace-like weapon with a luminous aura. Also a Human Cleric.
** "Banisher Cleric" is a woman clad in armour carrying a mace-like weapon with a luminous aura. Also a Human Cleric.
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** In gameplay, Clerics, Oracles, and Inquisitors and Shamans (First Edition only) are only proficient with "simple weapons", of which maces are generally considered one of the better melee choices. However, Clerics and Inquisitors also receive proficiency with their PatronGod's favored weapon, which may be superior to a mace.
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** In gameplay, Clerics, Oracles, and Inquisitors and Shamans (First Edition only) are only proficient with "simple weapons", of which maces are generally considered one of the better melee choices. However, Clerics and Inquisitors also receive proficiency with their PatronGod's favored weapon, which may be superior to a mace.
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** The main choice of weapon of Lorgar Aurelian, and his legion the Word Bearers, is that of a mace. The Word Bearers, both pre and post Chaos Corruption, are the most religiously fanatical members of either side. Pre Literature/HorusHeresy, Lorgar viewed his father, The Emperor, [[LikeAGodToMe as a god]] and worshiped him as such, while spreading what would eventually become the modern day Imperial Cult. Now Lorgar and his World Bearers worship [[ReligionOfEvil Chaos Undivided]].
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** The main choice of weapon of Lorgar Aurelian, and his legion the Word Bearers, is that of a mace. The Word Bearers, both pre pre- and post Chaos post-Chaos Corruption, are the most religiously fanatical members of either side. Pre Literature/HorusHeresy, Lorgar viewed his father, The Emperor, [[LikeAGodToMe as a god]] and worshiped him as such, while spreading what would eventually become the modern day modern-day Imperial Cult. Now Lorgar and his World Bearers worship [[ReligionOfEvil Chaos Undivided]].
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* ''VideoGame/DarkDeity'': Hammers are favored weapons of choice for the Cleric and two of its promoted classes, Inquisitor/Crusader and Guardian/Paladin. The only non-Cleric classes that wields hammers is the promoted classes of the Adept, Reverie and Astral Seeker.
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* ''VideoGame/DarkDeity'': Hammers are the favored weapons of choice for the Cleric and two of its promoted classes, Inquisitor/Crusader and Guardian/Paladin. The only non-Cleric classes that wields wield hammers is are the promoted classes of the Adept, Reverie Reverie, and Astral Seeker.
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* ''VideoGame/TheElderScrollsIIIMorrowind'': Both major religions factions, the Imperial Cult, and the Tribunal Temple have the "Blunt Weapon" skill (which includes maces, staves, and hammers) as their only weapon-based favored skills. This means that being good with a mace is a way to rise up in their ranks.
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* ''VideoGame/TheElderScrollsIIIMorrowind'': Both major religions religious factions, the Imperial Cult, and the Tribunal Temple have the "Blunt Weapon" skill (which includes maces, staves, and hammers) as their only weapon-based favored skills. This means that being good with a mace is a way to rise up in their ranks.
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* ''VideoGame/MedievalTotalWar'': The Norse War Clerics are a heavy calvary unit that can be recruited whilst playing as Denmark if you construct the correct buildings. They are comprised of [[ChurchMilitant radical Bishops who rally together in "righteous anger"]]. They likewise are all armed with a heavy mace, being one of the few calvary units in the game to carry blunt weapons.
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* ''VideoGame/MedievalTotalWar'': The Norse War Clerics are a heavy calvary cavalry unit that can be recruited whilst playing as Denmark if you construct the correct buildings. They are comprised of [[ChurchMilitant radical Bishops who rally together in "righteous anger"]]. They likewise are all armed with a heavy mace, being one of the few calvary cavalry units in the game to carry blunt weapons.
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* ''VideoGame/RuneScape'': Priest robes (prayer bonus), best mace you can find (prayer bonus), hunt giants/dragons (their bones give more prayer xp). You can take a lot less damage (Protect from x prayers) while dealing a lot more damage (Fortify Strength/Attack/etc.) And, the Monks of Zamorak, too.
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* ''VideoGame/RuneScape'': Priest robes (prayer bonus), best mace you can find (prayer bonus), hunt giants/dragons (their bones give more prayer xp).XP). You can take a lot less damage (Protect from x prayers) while dealing a lot more damage (Fortify Strength/Attack/etc.) And, the Monks of Zamorak, too.
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* Averted in the Christian Bible,
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* Averted in the Christian Bible, as there is no instance of divine blunt weaponry.
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* Averted in the Christian Bible,
** St. Peter was mentioned using a sword in the Garden of Gethsemane to defend Jesus from arrest.
** Jesus himself used a whip when clearing the Temple market.
** Angels are only depicted wielding swords. Notably, a Flaming Sword is held by the angelic guardian of Eden.
** St. Peter was mentioned using a sword in the Garden of Gethsemane to defend Jesus from arrest.
** Jesus himself used a whip when clearing the Temple market.
** Angels are only depicted wielding swords. Notably, a Flaming Sword is held by the angelic guardian of Eden.
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* ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick'': Durkon, the Order's cleric, primarily uses a warhammer. [[spoiler:After he comes BackFromTheDead for real, he upgrades this to a Hammer of Thunderbolts, a magic item bestowed upon him by Thor, his god.]]
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* ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick'': Durkon, the Order's cleric, being a worshipper of Thor, primarily uses a warhammer. [[spoiler:After he comes BackFromTheDead for real, he upgrades this to a Hammer of Thunderbolts, a magic item bestowed upon him by Thor, his god.Thor.]]
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* ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire'': The drowned men, the priestly followers of Aeron Greyjoy, arm themselves with cudgels made of driftwood as a sign of devotion to their god.
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* ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire'': ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire'':
** Thedrowned men, Drowned Men, the priestly followers of Aeron Greyjoy, arm themselves with cudgels made of driftwood as a sign of devotion to their god.god.
** The Poor Fellows are an order of warriors sworn to the Faith of the Seven. Most of them are peasants and use whatever arms they can find, primarily axes and cudgels.
** The
** The Poor Fellows are an order of warriors sworn to the Faith of the Seven. Most of them are peasants and use whatever arms they can find, primarily axes and cudgels.
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** "Banisher Cleric" is a woman clad in armour carrying a mace-like weapon with luminous aura. Also a Human Cleric.
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** "War Oracle" is a woman clad in golden armour and carrying a mace with a shiny head. The card is a Human Cleric creature.
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* ''VideoGame/{{Darkstone}}'': Zigzagged with the Monk class's weapons. Their signature weapons are hammers and maces, but another one of their signature weapons is the halberd.
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* ''TabletopGame/MagicTheGathering'': The White colour, in the 5-colour chromatic arrangement, runs the gamut from knight templars and fundamentalists, but also to people dedicated to order:
** The card "Hammers of Moradin" show a trio of dwarves, one of them holding a hammer. The card is classified a Dwarf Cleric creature.
** The card "Hammers of Moradin" show a trio of dwarves, one of them holding a hammer. The card is classified a Dwarf Cleric creature.
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* ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire'': The drowned men, the priestly followers of Aeron Greyjoy, arm themselves with cudgels made of driftwood as a sign of devotion to their god.
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* ''TabletopGame/HolyLands'': Clerics are forbidden to use any weapon that "has the primary function of drawing blood" -- wording that acknowledges the objection that people hit with blunt objects often ''do'' bleed.
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* ''TabletopGame/HolyLands'': ''TabletopGame/HolyLands'':
** Clerics are forbidden to use any weapon that "has the primary function of drawing blood" -- wording that acknowledges the objection that people hit with blunt objects often ''do''bleed.bleed.
** In a variant, [[HermitGuru Nazarites]] can defend themselves using a walking stick or utility knife, but are not allowed to wield anything designed as a weapon.
** Clerics are forbidden to use any weapon that "has the primary function of drawing blood" -- wording that acknowledges the objection that people hit with blunt objects often ''do''
** In a variant, [[HermitGuru Nazarites]] can defend themselves using a walking stick or utility knife, but are not allowed to wield anything designed as a weapon.
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* ''TabletopGame/HolyLands'': Clerics are forbidden to use any weapon that "has the primary function of drawing blood" -- wording that acknowledges the objection that people hit with blunt objects often ''do'' bleed.
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[[folder:Anime and Manga]]
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[[folder:Anime and & Manga]]
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[[folder:Art]]
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[[folder:Mythology and Religion]]
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* ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick:'' Durkon, the Order's cleric, primarily uses a warhammer. [[spoiler:After he comes BackFromTheDead for real, he upgrades this to a Hammer of Thunderbolts, a magic item bestowed upon him by Thor, his god.]]
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* ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick:'' ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick'': Durkon, the Order's cleric, primarily uses a warhammer. [[spoiler:After he comes BackFromTheDead for real, he upgrades this to a Hammer of Thunderbolts, a magic item bestowed upon him by Thor, his god.]]
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[[folder:Web Video]]
* ''{{WebVideo/Oxventure}}'': One of the members of the Oxventurer's Guild is Egbert the Dragonborn Paladin who first joins the party in the episode "A Spot Of Bother". In battle, Egbert fights using both a morning star and the Mace of Transfiguration.
* ''{{WebVideo/Oxventure}}'': One of the members of the Oxventurer's Guild is Egbert the Dragonborn Paladin who first joins the party in the episode "A Spot Of Bother". In battle, Egbert fights using both a morning star and the Mace of Transfiguration.
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[[folder:Web Video]]
Videos]]
*''{{WebVideo/Oxventure}}'': ''WebVideo/{{Oxventure}}'': One of the members of the Oxventurer's Guild is Egbert the Dragonborn Paladin who first joins the party in the episode "A Spot Of Bother". In battle, Egbert fights using both a morning star and the Mace of Transfiguration.
*
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* ''TabletopGame/Warhammer40000'':
** The standard weapon of the Chaplains of the Adeptus Astartes is called the Crozius Arcanum, a staff or mace typically with winged(and/or skulled) iconography. Crozius' are usually not bladed, but seeing as they're sheathed in the same matter-disrupting field as the Power Swords, that hardly matters.
** The standard weapon of the Chaplains of the Adeptus Astartes is called the Crozius Arcanum, a staff or mace typically with winged(and/or skulled) iconography. Crozius' are usually not bladed, but seeing as they're sheathed in the same matter-disrupting field as the Power Swords, that hardly matters.
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** A common weapon carried by the Imperium's Demon-hunting inquisitorial branch is the Demon Hammer, an energized hammer that is further sanctified and blessed for even more effectiveness against Warp entities. Indeed, the use of hammers is reflected in their name: the Ordo Mallaeus.
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* ''Literature/MalleusMaleficarum'': A medieval treatise on [[WitchHunt how to destroy witches]], is titled "The Hammer of the Witches" (in much the same sense as Edward I of England was called the "Hammer of the Scots"). While the hammer is metaphorical, the title alone is famous and influential. It remains so even in modern times through the book's inclusion in ''Theatre/TheCrucible''.
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* ''Literature/MalleusMaleficarum'': A medieval treatise on [[WitchHunt how to destroy witches]], is titled its Latin title translates to "The Hammer of the Witches" (in much the same sense as Edward I of England was called the "Hammer of the Scots"). While the hammer is metaphorical, the title alone is famous and influential. It remains so even in modern times through the book's inclusion in ''Theatre/TheCrucible''.
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* ''Literature/MalleusMaleficarum'': A medievial treatise on how to destroy witches, is titled "The Evildoer's Hammer". While the hammer is metaphorical, the title alone is famous and influential. It remains so even in modern times through the book's inclusion in The Crucible.
to:
* ''Literature/MalleusMaleficarum'': A medievial medieval treatise on [[WitchHunt how to destroy witches, witches]], is titled "The Evildoer's Hammer".Hammer of the Witches" (in much the same sense as Edward I of England was called the "Hammer of the Scots"). While the hammer is metaphorical, the title alone is famous and influential. It remains so even in modern times through the book's inclusion in The Crucible.''Theatre/TheCrucible''.
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Context needs to clarify this is a religious character to fit the trope
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** The [[WhiteMage Vestal]] wields a spiked mace, which she can use as a conduit for a HolyHandGrenade with Judgment or just whack her opponents with using Mace Bash. An entire subclass revolves around the implementation of the "Battle Vestal" strategy, AKA a frontline Vestal who primarily uses Mace Bash as opposed to her normal backline WhiteMage role.
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** The [[WhiteMage Vestal]] [[ChurchMilitant Warrior Nun]] Vestal wields a spiked mace, which she can use as a conduit for a HolyHandGrenade with Judgment or just whack her opponents with using Mace Bash. An entire subclass revolves around the implementation of the "Battle Vestal" strategy, AKA a frontline Vestal who primarily uses Mace Bash as opposed to her normal backline WhiteMage role.
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* In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasy'', white mages are able to equip hammers in the first game to use alongside their healing and holy-based powers, including righteous spells like [[HealingHands Cure]], [[TurnUndead Dia]], and [[HolyHandGrenade Holy]].
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* ''Franchise/FinalFantasy'':
** In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasy'', white mages are able to equip hammers in the first game to use alongside their healing and holy-based powers, including righteous spells like [[HealingHands Cure]], [[TurnUndead Dia]], and [[HolyHandGrenadeHoly]].Holy]].
** Minwu from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyII'' specializes in wielding maces in combat alongside a wide array of white magic.
** In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasy'', white mages are able to equip hammers in the first game to use alongside their healing and holy-based powers, including righteous spells like [[HealingHands Cure]], [[TurnUndead Dia]], and [[HolyHandGrenade
** Minwu from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyII'' specializes in wielding maces in combat alongside a wide array of white magic.
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!!Examples
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!!Examples:
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[[folder:Myth]]
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[[/folder]]
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* "Literature/MalleusMaleficarum": A medievial treatise on how to destroy witches, is titled "The Evildoer's Hammer". While the hammer is metaphorical, the title alone is famous and influential. It remains so even in modern times through the book's inclusion in The Crucible.
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* "Literature/MalleusMaleficarum": ''Literature/MalleusMaleficarum'': A medievial treatise on how to destroy witches, is titled "The Evildoer's Hammer". While the hammer is metaphorical, the title alone is famous and influential. It remains so even in modern times through the book's inclusion in The Crucible.
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* "Literature/MalleusMaleficarum": A medievial treatise on how to destroy witches, is titled "The Evildoer's Hammer". While the hammer is metaphorical, the title alone is famous and influential. It remains so even in modern times through the book's inclusion in The Crucible.
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* In ComicBook/MarvelComics, all the Kree Accusers wield a war-hammer called "Cosmic-Rod" as their main weapon.
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* In ComicBook/MarvelComics, Creator/MarvelComics, all the Kree Accusers wield a war-hammer called "Cosmic-Rod" as their main weapon.
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* ''VideoGame/DarkestDungeon'': The Warrior Nun "Vestal" class wields a spiked baton.
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* ''VideoGame/DarkestDungeon'': ''VideoGame/DarkestDungeon'':
** TheWarrior Nun "Vestal" class [[WhiteMage Vestal]] wields a spiked baton.mace, which she can use as a conduit for a HolyHandGrenade with Judgment or just whack her opponents with using Mace Bash. An entire subclass revolves around the implementation of the "Battle Vestal" strategy, AKA a frontline Vestal who primarily uses Mace Bash as opposed to her normal backline WhiteMage role.
** [[KnightTemplar The Fanatic]] from ''The Crimson Court'' wields a massive hammer which he will gleefully use to drive stakes into the flesh of your party members afflicted with the Crimson Curse, complimenting his overall dogmatic aesthetic.
** The
** [[KnightTemplar The Fanatic]] from ''The Crimson Court'' wields a massive hammer which he will gleefully use to drive stakes into the flesh of your party members afflicted with the Crimson Curse, complimenting his overall dogmatic aesthetic.
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Missing part of my example.
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* ''VideoGame/EternalDarkness'': In the chapter "Heresy!", Paul Luther, a Franciscan monk, is dispatched to Oublié Cathedral to investigate rumors of a relic. He can also find a mace at the start of the chapter and wield it to defeat the eldritch monsters infesting the cathedral.
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* ''VideoGame/EternalDarkness'': In the chapter "Heresy!", Paul Luther, a Franciscan monk, is dispatched to Oublié Cathedral to investigate rumors of a relic. He can also find a mace at the start of the chapter and wield it to defeat the eldritch monsters infesting the cathedral. To further hammer the point home, each of the playable characters has access to a melee weapon per chapter. In his chapter, Paul can still find a long-edged sword, but that is optional and missable. Thus, a mace is the melee weapon available to Paul Luther.
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As mentioned, a common trait of a ChurchMilitant, ReligiousBruiser, or WarriorMonk. A subtrope of CarryABigStick and WeaponBasedCharacterization. Should also be listed on the DropTheHammer disambiguation page.
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As mentioned, a common trait of a ChurchMilitant, ReligiousBruiser, or WarriorMonk. A subtrope of CarryABigStick and WeaponBasedCharacterization. Should also be listed on the DropTheHammer disambiguation page.
WeaponBasedCharacterization.
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Alternative title(s): HammerOfHolyWar, HammerOfTheHoly
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Created from YKTTW
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Alternative title(s): HammerOfHolyWar, HammerOfTheHoly
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[[quoteright:975:[[Series/GameOfThrones https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/faithmilitantsparrows.jpg]]]]
[[caption-width-right:975:They'll beat the fear of God into you.]]
->''"It's so ecclesiastical! And smitey!"''
--> -- '''Mink''', ''Webcomic/{{Darken}}''
There's a common belief that holy men were historically prohibited from "shedding blood" in battle, leading to {{Church Militant}}s opting for blunt weapons in an effort to [[ExactWords get around the taboo]]. The historical evidence for this is limited and appears to derive mostly from the depiction of a [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odo_of_Bayeux Norman bishop wielding a mace]] on Art/TheBayeuxTapestry; meanwhile, monastic warriors such as the Templars happily used bladed weapons in battle. The use of scepters, staves, and gavels in Christian religious ceremonies may have entrenched the association of such instruments with priests, however. Alternatively, since blunt weapons are generally cheaper and require less training than fancy swords or spears, it may have caught on due to monks' vows of poverty and as a way of distinguishing poor priests from wealthy knights.
Whatever the origins, the association stuck around, and today, religious warriors such as {{paladin}}s, war-priests, and others are typically depicted wielding blunt weapons. The use of appropriate metaphors such as being the "hammer of [the] God[s]," "crushing" the enemies of the faith, and "forging" righteousness usually follows. In some cases, the aforementioned "spilling blood" taboo may even be directly named as a justification. [[FridgeLogic Don't ask about the spikes]].
As mentioned, a common trait of a ChurchMilitant, ReligiousBruiser, or WarriorMonk. A subtrope of CarryABigStick and WeaponBasedCharacterization. Should also be listed on the DropTheHammer disambiguation page.
!!Examples
[[foldercontrol]]
[[folder:Anime and Manga]]
* ''Manga/DeliciousInDungeon'': The WhiteMagicianGirl Falin Touden uses a solid metal mace as a MagicStaff, and she's strong enough to wield it quite effectively as a weapon [[BewareTheNiceOnes if she needs to]].
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Art]]
* As mentioned in the description, Art/TheBayeuxTapestry's depiction of bishop Odo Bayeux wielding a mace appears to be at least the TropeCodifier.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Comic Books]]
* In ComicBook/MarvelComics, all the Kree Accusers wield a war-hammer called "Cosmic-Rod" as their main weapon.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Literature]]
* ''Literature/DiscipleOfTheHolySword'': Father Cesare is a kindly priest of the Holy Order and a retired member of the Army of the Holy Iron Chain, the most powerful fighting force on the continent. When he decides to return to the battlefield, he brings out his old morning star flail to smite his foes with blows powerful enough to shatter stone.
* ''Literature/PrincessesOfThePizzaParlor'': Carl Pas de l'Ours Solaire's religious symbol and weapon is the ShieldBash.
* ''Literature/TheReynardCycle'': The smith priests of Fenix the Firebird appear to engage in this. Besides the faith maintaining a monopoly on the production of the tools of war (weapons, armor, etc.), there are apparently "battle priests" present during the Battle of the Samara in The Baron of Maleperduys. Naturally, they wield war hammers.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
* ''Series/GameOfThrones'': The Faith Militant's Sparrows primarily wield spiked maces and hammers for combat.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Myth]]
* Myth/RobinHood's priest companion Friar Tuck is typically depicted fighting with a mace if he fights at all.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Tabletop Games]]
* ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'': In the original edition of the game, Clerics could only wield blunt weapons like maces and clubs. Even in later editions, they are typically depicted wielding maces in art, and maces are generally the starting weapon of new Cleric characters.
* ''TabletopGame/{{Pathfinder}}'':
** Followers of the [[OurDwarvesAreAllTheSame Dwarven God]] Torag use hammers as their choice of weapon. Seeing as how Torag is a smithing god, his choice of weapon is a warhammer, and his divine symbol is an iron hammer, it comes to no surprise that his followers would use hammers as well.
** In gameplay, Clerics, Oracles, and Inquisitors and Shamans (First Edition only) are only proficient with "simple weapons", of which maces are generally considered one of the better melee choices. However, Clerics and Inquisitors also receive proficiency with their PatronGod's favored weapon, which may be superior to a mace.
* ''TabletopGame/WarhammerFantasyBattle'':
** Sigmar, the patron god of the Empire of Man, is strongly associated with warhammers. When he was still a mortal, he wielded a Dwarf-made hammer called ''Ghal Maraz'', "Skull-Splitter", which still serves as the traditional weapon and symbol of office for the Emperors that came after him, and his warrior-priests typically go into battle wielding heavy hammers.
** Ulric, an old god of war, wolves, and winter who was Sigmar's own deity in his mortal days, is also associated with hammers. In particular, the Knights of the White Wolf, a templar cavalry order sworn to him, and the Teutogen Guard, the elite bodyguards of Ulric's high priest, are both traditionally equipped with two-handed warhammers.
** The main choice of weapon of Lorgar Aurelian, and his legion the Word Bearers, is that of a mace. The Word Bearers, both pre and post Chaos Corruption, are the most religiously fanatical members of either side. Pre Literature/HorusHeresy, Lorgar viewed his father, The Emperor, [[LikeAGodToMe as a god]] and worshiped him as such, while spreading what would eventually become the modern day Imperial Cult. Now Lorgar and his World Bearers worship [[ReligionOfEvil Chaos Undivided]].
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Video Games]]
* ''VideoGame/BaldursGateIII'': As with ''Dungeons & Dragons'' above, Clerics start the game with a mace, and a mace is depicted on their class icon. Specific weapons enforcing the mace-religion connection are the Blood of Lathander (taken from a monastery devoted to the sun god of the same name) and the Sacred Star (purchased from the keeper of the Stormshore Tabernacle, the main temple in Act III).
* ''VideoGame/DarkDeity'': Hammers are favored weapons of choice for the Cleric and two of its promoted classes, Inquisitor/Crusader and Guardian/Paladin. The only non-Cleric classes that wields hammers is the promoted classes of the Adept, Reverie and Astral Seeker.
* ''VideoGame/DarkestDungeon'': The Warrior Nun "Vestal" class wields a spiked baton.
* ''VideoGame/{{Diablo}}'':
** ''VideoGame/DiabloIII'': The Crusader class, introduced in the ''Reaper of Souls'' expansion, wields a large, heavy flail as their starting weapon.
** ''Videogame/DiabloII:'' The Paladin isn't strictly forced to use maces and hammers, but one of his most powerful skills (and one of the game's most infamous {{Game Breaker}}s) is Blessed Hammer, which summons a whirling maul of divine energy to spiral about striking every enemy surrounding you. It deals Magic damage (meaning almost nothing in the game resists it) with Undead taking extra harm from it, making it ideal for taking on the unholy hordes.
* ''VideoGame/TheElderScrollsIIIMorrowind'': Both major religions factions, the Imperial Cult, and the Tribunal Temple have the "Blunt Weapon" skill (which includes maces, staves, and hammers) as their only weapon-based favored skills. This means that being good with a mace is a way to rise up in their ranks.
* ''VideoGame/EternalDarkness'': In the chapter "Heresy!", Paul Luther, a Franciscan monk, is dispatched to Oublié Cathedral to investigate rumors of a relic. He can also find a mace at the start of the chapter and wield it to defeat the eldritch monsters infesting the cathedral.
* ''VideoGame/EverQuest'': Clerics are restricted to 1-hand and 2-hand blunt weaponry.
* In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasy'', white mages are able to equip hammers in the first game to use alongside their healing and holy-based powers, including righteous spells like [[HealingHands Cure]], [[TurnUndead Dia]], and [[HolyHandGrenade Holy]].
* The ''VideoGame/GoldBox'' games from SSI were among the first [=AD&D=]-based video games. They implemented the first-edition game rules, which included the rule that Clerics could only use blunt weapons: hammers, maces, flails. The only ranged weapon a Cleric could use was a sling-staff.
* ''VideoGame/{{Infernax}}'': Alcedor starts off wielding a mace coupled with a shield, and [[KarmaMeter should he take the path of virtue]], uses said mace to smite the demons terrorizing Upel for the good of its people.
* In ''VideoGame/LimbusCompany'', the N Corp Inquisition is a subdivision of N Corp who have taken the MegaCorp's disdain for prosthetics to cultish extremes, viewing their usage as a heresy that must be purged with their members even styling themselves after religious crusaders adorned with seals and scriptures. Hammers of varying sizes are wielded alongside giant nails and are often used as a follow-up attack to drive the nails further into their victims.
* ''VideoGame/LunarTheSilverStar'': Jessica de Alkirk is a priestess of Althena who uses a mace.
* In ''VideoGame/MapleStory'', paladins are the only Warrior-class adventurer with the ability to wield blunt weapons like hammers and maces while smiting their foes with holy powers. In addition, their signature attack, "Heaven's Hammer", causes an enormous hammer to slam into a wide area in front of the paladin.
* ''VideoGame/MedievalTotalWar'': The Norse War Clerics are a heavy calvary unit that can be recruited whilst playing as Denmark if you construct the correct buildings. They are comprised of [[ChurchMilitant radical Bishops who rally together in "righteous anger"]]. They likewise are all armed with a heavy mace, being one of the few calvary units in the game to carry blunt weapons.
* ''VideoGame/RagnarokOnline'': Acolytes and their associated {{Prestige Class}}es can wield maces, though Monks combine this with AllMonksKnowKungFu.
* ''VideoGame/ReturnToKrondor'': Late in the game, the party that travels to Haldon's Head includes Solon, a Priest of Ishap. He can only use maces and warhammers for weapons.
* ''VideoGame/RuneScape'': Priest robes (prayer bonus), best mace you can find (prayer bonus), hunt giants/dragons (their bones give more prayer xp). You can take a lot less damage (Protect from x prayers) while dealing a lot more damage (Fortify Strength/Attack/etc.) And, the Monks of Zamorak, too.
* ''VideoGame/SymphonyOfWar'': Acolytes and Paladins are warrior women from the Church of Donar who wield one-handed hammers in battle.
* ''VideoGame/VermintideII'': Victor Saltzpyre's Warrior Priest career replaces his normal weapon options with a flail and an array of {{Humongous Headed Hammer}}s -- regular, extra-large, {{Dual Wield|ing}}ed, or paired with a shield or [[ThrowTheBookAtThem blessed tome]]. The hammers are an emulation of his PatronGod Sigmar.
* ''VideoGame/WarcraftIII'': Paladin heroes are depicted wielding {{Humongous Headed Hammer}}s.
* ''VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft'': Paladins have several abilities that include "hammer" in the name or otherwise depict hammers -- Blessed Hammer, Hammer of the Righteous, and Judgement throwing a hammer, to name just a few.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Visual Novels]]
* ''VisualNovel/GyakutenKenji2'': Judge Justine Courtney is portrayed as a religious servant of the Goddess of Law. In keeping with this image, she wields a [[RetractableWeapon telescoping]] gavel which she frequently swings to assert her authority or emphasize her arguments.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Webcomics]]
* ''Webcomic/{{Darken}}'': As a ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons''-based setting, Mink the cleric gleefully uses a large warhammer when [[ReligionIsMagic her divine magic]] doesn't cut it, though "righteous" is a stretch, given her {{patron|God}} is the LawfulEvil[[invoked]] god of tyranny. {{Lampshade|Hanging}}d by Mink herself:
* ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick:'' Durkon, the Order's cleric, primarily uses a warhammer. [[spoiler:After he comes BackFromTheDead for real, he upgrades this to a Hammer of Thunderbolts, a magic item bestowed upon him by Thor, his god.]]
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Web Video]]
* ''{{WebVideo/Oxventure}}'': One of the members of the Oxventurer's Guild is Egbert the Dragonborn Paladin who first joins the party in the episode "A Spot Of Bother". In battle, Egbert fights using both a morning star and the Mace of Transfiguration.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Western Animation]]
* ''WesternAnimation/DragonAgeAbsolution'': Knight-Commander Tassia, the leader of the Imperial Templars, wields a large hammer.
[[/folder]]
----
[[quoteright:975:[[Series/GameOfThrones https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/faithmilitantsparrows.jpg]]]]
[[caption-width-right:975:They'll beat the fear of God into you.]]
->''"It's so ecclesiastical! And smitey!"''
--> -- '''Mink''', ''Webcomic/{{Darken}}''
There's a common belief that holy men were historically prohibited from "shedding blood" in battle, leading to {{Church Militant}}s opting for blunt weapons in an effort to [[ExactWords get around the taboo]]. The historical evidence for this is limited and appears to derive mostly from the depiction of a [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odo_of_Bayeux Norman bishop wielding a mace]] on Art/TheBayeuxTapestry; meanwhile, monastic warriors such as the Templars happily used bladed weapons in battle. The use of scepters, staves, and gavels in Christian religious ceremonies may have entrenched the association of such instruments with priests, however. Alternatively, since blunt weapons are generally cheaper and require less training than fancy swords or spears, it may have caught on due to monks' vows of poverty and as a way of distinguishing poor priests from wealthy knights.
Whatever the origins, the association stuck around, and today, religious warriors such as {{paladin}}s, war-priests, and others are typically depicted wielding blunt weapons. The use of appropriate metaphors such as being the "hammer of [the] God[s]," "crushing" the enemies of the faith, and "forging" righteousness usually follows. In some cases, the aforementioned "spilling blood" taboo may even be directly named as a justification. [[FridgeLogic Don't ask about the spikes]].
As mentioned, a common trait of a ChurchMilitant, ReligiousBruiser, or WarriorMonk. A subtrope of CarryABigStick and WeaponBasedCharacterization. Should also be listed on the DropTheHammer disambiguation page.
!!Examples
[[foldercontrol]]
[[folder:Anime and Manga]]
* ''Manga/DeliciousInDungeon'': The WhiteMagicianGirl Falin Touden uses a solid metal mace as a MagicStaff, and she's strong enough to wield it quite effectively as a weapon [[BewareTheNiceOnes if she needs to]].
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Art]]
* As mentioned in the description, Art/TheBayeuxTapestry's depiction of bishop Odo Bayeux wielding a mace appears to be at least the TropeCodifier.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Comic Books]]
* In ComicBook/MarvelComics, all the Kree Accusers wield a war-hammer called "Cosmic-Rod" as their main weapon.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Literature]]
* ''Literature/DiscipleOfTheHolySword'': Father Cesare is a kindly priest of the Holy Order and a retired member of the Army of the Holy Iron Chain, the most powerful fighting force on the continent. When he decides to return to the battlefield, he brings out his old morning star flail to smite his foes with blows powerful enough to shatter stone.
* ''Literature/PrincessesOfThePizzaParlor'': Carl Pas de l'Ours Solaire's religious symbol and weapon is the ShieldBash.
* ''Literature/TheReynardCycle'': The smith priests of Fenix the Firebird appear to engage in this. Besides the faith maintaining a monopoly on the production of the tools of war (weapons, armor, etc.), there are apparently "battle priests" present during the Battle of the Samara in The Baron of Maleperduys. Naturally, they wield war hammers.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
* ''Series/GameOfThrones'': The Faith Militant's Sparrows primarily wield spiked maces and hammers for combat.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Myth]]
* Myth/RobinHood's priest companion Friar Tuck is typically depicted fighting with a mace if he fights at all.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Tabletop Games]]
* ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'': In the original edition of the game, Clerics could only wield blunt weapons like maces and clubs. Even in later editions, they are typically depicted wielding maces in art, and maces are generally the starting weapon of new Cleric characters.
* ''TabletopGame/{{Pathfinder}}'':
** Followers of the [[OurDwarvesAreAllTheSame Dwarven God]] Torag use hammers as their choice of weapon. Seeing as how Torag is a smithing god, his choice of weapon is a warhammer, and his divine symbol is an iron hammer, it comes to no surprise that his followers would use hammers as well.
** In gameplay, Clerics, Oracles, and Inquisitors and Shamans (First Edition only) are only proficient with "simple weapons", of which maces are generally considered one of the better melee choices. However, Clerics and Inquisitors also receive proficiency with their PatronGod's favored weapon, which may be superior to a mace.
* ''TabletopGame/WarhammerFantasyBattle'':
** Sigmar, the patron god of the Empire of Man, is strongly associated with warhammers. When he was still a mortal, he wielded a Dwarf-made hammer called ''Ghal Maraz'', "Skull-Splitter", which still serves as the traditional weapon and symbol of office for the Emperors that came after him, and his warrior-priests typically go into battle wielding heavy hammers.
** Ulric, an old god of war, wolves, and winter who was Sigmar's own deity in his mortal days, is also associated with hammers. In particular, the Knights of the White Wolf, a templar cavalry order sworn to him, and the Teutogen Guard, the elite bodyguards of Ulric's high priest, are both traditionally equipped with two-handed warhammers.
** The main choice of weapon of Lorgar Aurelian, and his legion the Word Bearers, is that of a mace. The Word Bearers, both pre and post Chaos Corruption, are the most religiously fanatical members of either side. Pre Literature/HorusHeresy, Lorgar viewed his father, The Emperor, [[LikeAGodToMe as a god]] and worshiped him as such, while spreading what would eventually become the modern day Imperial Cult. Now Lorgar and his World Bearers worship [[ReligionOfEvil Chaos Undivided]].
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Video Games]]
* ''VideoGame/BaldursGateIII'': As with ''Dungeons & Dragons'' above, Clerics start the game with a mace, and a mace is depicted on their class icon. Specific weapons enforcing the mace-religion connection are the Blood of Lathander (taken from a monastery devoted to the sun god of the same name) and the Sacred Star (purchased from the keeper of the Stormshore Tabernacle, the main temple in Act III).
* ''VideoGame/DarkDeity'': Hammers are favored weapons of choice for the Cleric and two of its promoted classes, Inquisitor/Crusader and Guardian/Paladin. The only non-Cleric classes that wields hammers is the promoted classes of the Adept, Reverie and Astral Seeker.
* ''VideoGame/DarkestDungeon'': The Warrior Nun "Vestal" class wields a spiked baton.
* ''VideoGame/{{Diablo}}'':
** ''VideoGame/DiabloIII'': The Crusader class, introduced in the ''Reaper of Souls'' expansion, wields a large, heavy flail as their starting weapon.
** ''Videogame/DiabloII:'' The Paladin isn't strictly forced to use maces and hammers, but one of his most powerful skills (and one of the game's most infamous {{Game Breaker}}s) is Blessed Hammer, which summons a whirling maul of divine energy to spiral about striking every enemy surrounding you. It deals Magic damage (meaning almost nothing in the game resists it) with Undead taking extra harm from it, making it ideal for taking on the unholy hordes.
* ''VideoGame/TheElderScrollsIIIMorrowind'': Both major religions factions, the Imperial Cult, and the Tribunal Temple have the "Blunt Weapon" skill (which includes maces, staves, and hammers) as their only weapon-based favored skills. This means that being good with a mace is a way to rise up in their ranks.
* ''VideoGame/EternalDarkness'': In the chapter "Heresy!", Paul Luther, a Franciscan monk, is dispatched to Oublié Cathedral to investigate rumors of a relic. He can also find a mace at the start of the chapter and wield it to defeat the eldritch monsters infesting the cathedral.
* ''VideoGame/EverQuest'': Clerics are restricted to 1-hand and 2-hand blunt weaponry.
* In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasy'', white mages are able to equip hammers in the first game to use alongside their healing and holy-based powers, including righteous spells like [[HealingHands Cure]], [[TurnUndead Dia]], and [[HolyHandGrenade Holy]].
* The ''VideoGame/GoldBox'' games from SSI were among the first [=AD&D=]-based video games. They implemented the first-edition game rules, which included the rule that Clerics could only use blunt weapons: hammers, maces, flails. The only ranged weapon a Cleric could use was a sling-staff.
* ''VideoGame/{{Infernax}}'': Alcedor starts off wielding a mace coupled with a shield, and [[KarmaMeter should he take the path of virtue]], uses said mace to smite the demons terrorizing Upel for the good of its people.
* In ''VideoGame/LimbusCompany'', the N Corp Inquisition is a subdivision of N Corp who have taken the MegaCorp's disdain for prosthetics to cultish extremes, viewing their usage as a heresy that must be purged with their members even styling themselves after religious crusaders adorned with seals and scriptures. Hammers of varying sizes are wielded alongside giant nails and are often used as a follow-up attack to drive the nails further into their victims.
* ''VideoGame/LunarTheSilverStar'': Jessica de Alkirk is a priestess of Althena who uses a mace.
* In ''VideoGame/MapleStory'', paladins are the only Warrior-class adventurer with the ability to wield blunt weapons like hammers and maces while smiting their foes with holy powers. In addition, their signature attack, "Heaven's Hammer", causes an enormous hammer to slam into a wide area in front of the paladin.
* ''VideoGame/MedievalTotalWar'': The Norse War Clerics are a heavy calvary unit that can be recruited whilst playing as Denmark if you construct the correct buildings. They are comprised of [[ChurchMilitant radical Bishops who rally together in "righteous anger"]]. They likewise are all armed with a heavy mace, being one of the few calvary units in the game to carry blunt weapons.
* ''VideoGame/RagnarokOnline'': Acolytes and their associated {{Prestige Class}}es can wield maces, though Monks combine this with AllMonksKnowKungFu.
* ''VideoGame/ReturnToKrondor'': Late in the game, the party that travels to Haldon's Head includes Solon, a Priest of Ishap. He can only use maces and warhammers for weapons.
* ''VideoGame/RuneScape'': Priest robes (prayer bonus), best mace you can find (prayer bonus), hunt giants/dragons (their bones give more prayer xp). You can take a lot less damage (Protect from x prayers) while dealing a lot more damage (Fortify Strength/Attack/etc.) And, the Monks of Zamorak, too.
* ''VideoGame/SymphonyOfWar'': Acolytes and Paladins are warrior women from the Church of Donar who wield one-handed hammers in battle.
* ''VideoGame/VermintideII'': Victor Saltzpyre's Warrior Priest career replaces his normal weapon options with a flail and an array of {{Humongous Headed Hammer}}s -- regular, extra-large, {{Dual Wield|ing}}ed, or paired with a shield or [[ThrowTheBookAtThem blessed tome]]. The hammers are an emulation of his PatronGod Sigmar.
* ''VideoGame/WarcraftIII'': Paladin heroes are depicted wielding {{Humongous Headed Hammer}}s.
* ''VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft'': Paladins have several abilities that include "hammer" in the name or otherwise depict hammers -- Blessed Hammer, Hammer of the Righteous, and Judgement throwing a hammer, to name just a few.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Visual Novels]]
* ''VisualNovel/GyakutenKenji2'': Judge Justine Courtney is portrayed as a religious servant of the Goddess of Law. In keeping with this image, she wields a [[RetractableWeapon telescoping]] gavel which she frequently swings to assert her authority or emphasize her arguments.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Webcomics]]
* ''Webcomic/{{Darken}}'': As a ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons''-based setting, Mink the cleric gleefully uses a large warhammer when [[ReligionIsMagic her divine magic]] doesn't cut it, though "righteous" is a stretch, given her {{patron|God}} is the LawfulEvil[[invoked]] god of tyranny. {{Lampshade|Hanging}}d by Mink herself:
* ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick:'' Durkon, the Order's cleric, primarily uses a warhammer. [[spoiler:After he comes BackFromTheDead for real, he upgrades this to a Hammer of Thunderbolts, a magic item bestowed upon him by Thor, his god.]]
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Web Video]]
* ''{{WebVideo/Oxventure}}'': One of the members of the Oxventurer's Guild is Egbert the Dragonborn Paladin who first joins the party in the episode "A Spot Of Bother". In battle, Egbert fights using both a morning star and the Mace of Transfiguration.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Western Animation]]
* ''WesternAnimation/DragonAgeAbsolution'': Knight-Commander Tassia, the leader of the Imperial Templars, wields a large hammer.
[[/folder]]
