Oliphaunts were huge, awe-inspiring beasts that resembled elephants. They were grey and had long trunks and tusks, big flapping ears and small red eyes.

Oliphaunts came from Harad, in the far south of Middle-earth. The Haradrim used Oliphaunts in battle and put houses and towers on their backs to carry the men.

Sam Gamgee hoped to see an Oliphaunt when he learned that armies of Men from the southern lands were going to Mordor and he recited an old fireside rhyme called 'Oliphaunt', which made Frodo laugh despite his troubles.

On March 7, TA 3019, Sam got his wish. In a battle between the Haradrim and the Rangers of Ithilien, an Oliphaunt broke loose and charged past where Sam stood. The great beast trampled men as it went and then ran off to an unknown fate.

The Haradrim also used Oliphaunts at the Battle of Pelennor Fields. During the siege of Minas Tirith, Oliphaunts pulled towers and engines and they carried war-towers on their backs. The horses of the Rohirrim feared to go near the huge beasts, and the Oliphaunts became rallying points for the Haradrim.

The thick hides of the Oliphaunts deflected arrows. The brothers Derufin and Duilin of the Blackroot Vale were trampled to death when they led their bowmen to shoot out the eyes of the great beasts.

Oliphaunts were also called Mûmak (singular) and Mûmakil (plural).

**Note : Additional information provided by passionelf and Melkortheconsumer.