
The devices also apparently contain large quantities of some brown fluid, which is seen to leak out when one is destroyed at Weybridge. A mechanical system which mimics the motions of muscles, and a number of sliding bearings are also mentioned as being integral to fighting machine technology. The Narrator discusses the fighting machines emitting a luminous green smoke from joints. Later on, they are said to have moved in something like a large covered dish, which is probably the hood of a fighting machine, and some components of the vehicle itself not yet set up in a fully erect form.Ī Fighting machine drew by H. When the Martians first arrive at earth, they erect a device which functions like a heat ray to defend themselves. The assembly process of the fighting machines is somewhat uncertain. A number of later works assert that this is impossible.Ī ccording to one instance in the book, the machine gives off a howl that is given as "Aloo!" However, this should not be confused with "Ulla", a sound given off by the Martians themselves. The tripods in the original book could be destroyed by human weapons, usually artillery, although losses were usually heavier for the humans than the Martians. On the back of each tripod is what looks like a metal fishing basket, which it uses to hold humans that it captures with its tentacles. The novel never shows tripod legs being used to injure anyone directly, although this is a common occurrence in later works. This steam is capable of breaking glass, and would surely cause a nasty burn, but is not shown in use as a weapon. The body apparently contains a jet, which can fire pressurized steam in order to dissipate black smoke. The Martian tripod also is composed of a segment known as the "body", for which there are few details. The tripod as a whole appears as if it is made from a substance similar to aluminum. Whether "brazen" here refers to the hood being made of a brass-like substance or its attitude is uncertain. The head is described as a "brazen" hood that holds the Martian pilot. Tentacles were also used in the novel to pick up people, throw them at objects, and even rip up small trees, indicating a high degree of strength and precision. The tentacles are also able to hold a Magnetic Acceleration Cannon. The fighting-machines are assembled in the Martian pits by handling-machines before activation and each tripod possesses an unspecified number of tentacles, one of which can retract into the tripod when its primary weapon, the Heat-Ray, is not in use. 2.11 The War of the Worlds (TV Miniseries).

