"ARMORED CHICKEN", 2005

published in Grifon fantasy magazine, issue No. 5, 2005

watercolor, 60 x 46 cm

In the deepest, darkest corner of Mordor dwells a creature that will make your blood freeze, Sauron's most powerful weapon. A beast so horrible that even Tolkien himself does not mention it... Yet, we know it exists...

The painting was made as homage to JOHN HOWE , one of my dearest role models, and his painting technique. The idea was to make an armor that's really uncommon, and when you take a better look you will find yourself asking - is it really necessary? Men had used many animals in battles - but mostly horses were armored. Clearly, you wouldn't expect a chicken to make any difference in a battle, armored or not. However, since fantasy is open to any idea and image that would be unacceptable in our "normal" world, I gave the Mordor's chicken a chance to see this world through its red hot, cruel eye.

p.s. Every experienced player of Munchkin will recognize a relative of the beast known as the "Large Angry Chicken" in this frightful creature.

"Chicken" is now owned by Sir John Howe.

Sir John Howe : "I am now the (very) proud owner of the Fell Fowl from Mordor, the Rooster of the Ruling Ring, the Lugbúrz Leghorn, the Chicken of the Black Gates , by Milivoj Ceran" . 15. jan 2006.