Classic medieval weaponry are staples in Middle-earth, spanning from the very creation of the world to the last writings by J.R.R. Tolkien. Given the history of Arda, weapons aren't used for thousands of years — at least until the evil Vala Melkor makes it necessary for Elves, Men, and Dwarves to defend themselves. The variety in warfare has always come from magics and giant beasts bred by the enemy, but weapons are bound to evolve. And that may have happened during The Lord of the Rings, as Saruman created an explosive substance suspiciously close to gunpowder.
Source：https://www.cbr.com/saruman-gunpowder-blasting-fire-lotr/
