Trebuchet

A computer-rendered model of a trebuchet.

Locke and Boone using the trebuchet.

The trebuchet shortly before it crumbles.

History

• A trebuchet is a medieveal siege weapon, and was possibly invented in China.

• Unlike a traditional catapult, a trabuchet is based on a series of counterweights and hinges. It gains force when the weight swings down and propels the arm on the opposite end upward, slinging the object into the air.

Relevence to "Lost"

• Locke and Boone build and used a trebuchet in an attempt to break the glass on the door of the hatch in "Deus Ex Machina". It fails to have any noticable impact; but splits in apart, wounding Locke's leg.

• Boone did not know how a trebuchet differed from a regular catapult, admitting he probably couldn't even spell it.

• It is possible that this trebuchet is related to Mouse Trap, which appeared in Locke's flashback in the episode. As an employee at a toy store, Locke demonstrated a mastery of the game, which is probably meant to be a parallel for his knowledge of this creation.

• Locke and Boone's trebuchet is different from a regular one. Medieval trebuchets shoot things forward, their's had a simple placement modification to swing down. Instead of flinging an object into the air, their trebuchet moved a sharp object downward.

• Locke says their trebuchet could deliver "a half ton of force."

External Links

• Trebuchet entry on Wikipedia
• Plans for Trebuchet construction

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