Blacksmiths

The concept of using a blacksmith as a main character in a story has appealed to me for a long time, but I've had difficulty finding a context that allows that to make an interesting story. I've tried several times, and I never get very far. I just can't seem to make it entertaining. It works well enough as a hobby or side characteristic, but as a main character, I don't know where to take them that makes good story telling.

I like writing romances, and a blacksmith does well for that. Well, technically speaking it's more of a silversmith that works well for that, and I know those are two separate professions, but to be honest I don't much care. I figure if a blacksmith wants to take a swing at making jewelry for the sake of romance, he can damn well do so. The point is, they can make stuff. What lady doesn't like it when their man makes them stuff? Ones who don't have or want men, I know. Shut up.

I'm primarily a fantasy writer, and you would think that would lend it's hand well to blacksmithing. And it does. Just not really as a main character, or at least not for me. I guess a blacksmith is just lacking in action. Blacksmithing requires a lot of surprisingly precise, but monotonous action. And you can write that, but it's incessantly difficult to write that well and make someone want to read it. You could have a chapter easily that talks about the roaring flames, the pounding of the hammer, and quenching the metal in oils and letting them burn away. Folding the metal over, melting and hammering it together, making it take shape slowly over time and going from a simple sheet of metal into a helmet, shield, or sword. A single chapter of that would be fascinating. But a chapter a story does not make.

Blacksmiths work great as side characters. They can provide insight for a warrior, both in how to use their equipment and how to break the equipment of their opponent. A blacksmith can see the weaknesses in metal, and either strengthen or exploit them. You could easily make a blacksmith a guide for a main character, or an advisor of some sort, and many have, and they are great characters.

But making a blacksmith into a main character is very hard. They're strong, and they have incredible accuracy, and the sort of resistance you get from being so close to a fire all day long and making mistakes is incredible. But could they fight? Do they have the kind of control to wield the weapons that they make? How would they react to seeing a man come charging at them full speed, covered in armor and armed? Would they stand their ground, or turn tail and run?

And better yet, why would anyone pick a fight with a blacksmith in the first place? Because they ripped you off? Maybe, but if they're the only one around, do you want to take that chance? You may need their help again some day, and they may not be so willing to help after that? And they're imposing creatures, no doubt about that.

These are the problems I have with writing blacksmiths as main characters. I want to, I really do. The concept fascinates me. But I just can't find a story in which to do so.