10 Connections Between War of the Rohirrim and Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings Films

This article contains spoilers for The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim.

Exploring the Connections in The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim pays homage to Peter Jackson’s iconic trilogy in several compelling ways. This animated film unfolds the epic conflict between the Rohirrim and Dunlending during the Third Age of Rohan, approximately 200 years prior to the events of Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings. Helmed by director Kenji Kamiyama, this marks Warner Bros.’ inaugural animated contribution to the LotR franchise and its first official anime film addition overall. While it opts for animation over live-action, the movie makes frequent nods to the legendary cinematic saga.

With a recent theatrical release, The War of the Rohirrim invites fans of Middle-earth to discover an in-depth narrative centering on the Rohirrim, offering an array of Easter eggs and tributes to its predecessors. Indeed, this film owes its existence to the triumphant legacy the previous films established in the fantasy genre—Peter Jackson’s renowned trilogy set a foundation that resonates throughout this new venture.

10 The War of the Rohirrim Soundtrack

The Soundtrack Evokes the Power of The Lord of the Rings

The powerful soundtrack of The War of the Rohirrim serves as a poignant reminder of the first Lord of the Rings trilogy, successfully igniting nostalgia among audiences. Stephen Gallagher, who lent his musical expertise to The Hobbit, has crafted a score that elegantly weaves in themes from Howard Shore’s original compositions. This connection enhances the film, imbuing it with a deep sense of familiarity and emotional resonance.

Gallagher describes the opening sequence as a representation of the broader narrative landscape, stating, “this is not just War of the Rohirrim; it is The Lord of the Rings.” The film begins with a captivating “Overture,” featuring haunting brass and delicate percussion, elegantly transitioning into Shore’s legendary “Prologue: One Ring to Rule Them All” theme, thereby establishing its place within a grand saga.

9 The War of the Rohirrim Cast

Callbacks to The Lord of the Rings’ Original Cast

The War of the Rohirrim opens with narration from Miranda Otto as Éowyn, artfully bridging the gap between the new film and the original trilogy. While her introduction is understated, it sets a tone of continuity for longtime fans. Additionally, other notable voice actors from the original series make brief but impactful appearances, allowing the film’s original storytelling to take center stage.

Christopher Lee’s return as Saruman spreads a spectral aura over the film, utilizing established audio from The Lord of the Rings. Yet, perhaps the most clever homage arises from the casting of two Orcs on a quest for rings, voiced by Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan, known as Pippin and Merry. This delightful nuance serves as a humorous nod to their characters from the original trilogy.

8 The War of the Rohirrim Dialogue

Echoes of Jackson’s Script in Dialogue

The dialogue within The War of the Rohirrim captures the essence of Peter Jackson’s adaptation, infusing the Rohirrim with values of honor and legacy that remain relatable today. Characters articulate their thoughts with a rich, archaic style that resonates with Tolkien’s medieval-inspired themes while still being easily comprehensible to modern viewers.

The film frequently references the Eorlingas, a term rooted in King Eorl the Young’s legacy, directly connected to the narrative presented in Tolkien’s “The House of Eorl” from Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings. The battle cry “Forth Eorlingas”arises multiple times, anchoring the film to the overarching lore of Tolkien’s universe.

7 The War of the Rohirrim Shots

Aesthetic Respects to Jackson’s Vision

The spirits of Jackson’s films pervade The War of the Rohirrim, as the animation is adorned with visually striking scenes reminiscent of pivotal moments in the trilogy. One notable shot showcases a sweeping panorama of Rohan, blending animation with CGI to create a breathtaking homage to the original films.

MTwelve years separate The Two Towers from The War of the Rohirrim. Yet, the film harnesses nostalgia by invoking memories of visually stunning sequences from Jackson’s work, especially during battle scenes that echo iconic moments such as the charge of the Rohirrim at Helm’s Deep.

6 The War of the Rohirrim Locations

Historical Locations Reinvented

The War of the Rohirrim immerses viewers in the historical landscape of Rohan, revisiting essential locales from The Lord of the Rings. The film masterfully introduces Edoras, Rohan’s main settlement and royal residence. Key scenes occur within Meduseld, which serves as the center of Rohirric political life, emphasizing the setting’s cultural significance.

J.R.R. Tolkien’s knowledge of Anglo-Saxon influenced this realm’s rich nomenclature—Meduseld translates as “mead hall” in this language. The portrayal of Helm’s Deep, closely modeled after its previous cinematic incarnation, further cements the film’s geographical ties to its revered predecessors.

5 Emblems of Rohan in The War of the Rohirrim

Symbolism Echoes Rohan’s Legacy in LotR

The visual symbolism in The War of the Rohirrim draws extensively from Peter Jackson’s films, bringing new dimensions to familiar elements. Highlights include the horn of Helm Hammerhand, a tribute to a notable scene from The Two Towers where it heralded the call to battle.

As the film culminates in Fréaláf Hildeson’s ascent to the throne post-war, decorative elements prominently feature white flowers resembling the Simbelmynë from The Lord of the Rings. These flowers adorned Rohirrim graves, emphasizing the emotional continuity between the films.

4 Rohan’s Rivalry with Gondor in The War of the Rohirrim

Exploring the Deep-Rooted Themes of Rivalry

While Rohan and Gondor share a unified stance in The Lord of the Rings, The War of the Rohirrim explores their strained historical relations. The film reflects on how these two vital realms of Men evolved over time, shedding light on their complex past.

Set 187 years before the main events of The Lord of the Rings, the story reveals Helm Hammerhand’s reluctance to solicit Gondor’s assistance—mirroring Denethor’s infamous hesitation to unite forces during critical moments in Jackson’s narrative. This thematic resonance strengthens the portrayal of human fallibility amidst conflict.

3 The War of the Rohirrim Monsters

Revisiting Tolkien’s Classic Creatures

The War of the Rohirrim resurrects enchanting creatures from Tolkien’s imagination, many of which made their mark in the original trilogy. Iconic adversaries like Orcs make an appearance in indulgent sequences, while creatures such as the Great Eagles reappear—although their presence strays from the movie’s direct source material.

The animated format breathes new life into legendary entities, including the Mûmakil and the Watcher in the Water. Other familiar scenes, like the Eagles’ timely rescues of key characters throughout The Lord of the Rings, carry through even in this newer story.

2 The War of the Rohirrim Characters

Returning Iconic Characters

The War of the Rohirrim surprises audiences with animated appearances of beloved characters from The Lord of the Rings. Christopher Lee’s portrayal of Saruman remains faithful to Tolkien’s narrative while authentically reflecting his likeness. Sauron and Gandalf subtly feature in the background, contributing to the film’s historical richness.

Significantly, the dialogue alludes to Sauron’s design in a scene featuring Orcs, highlighting the ongoing tension with the Dark Lord even at this point in the timeline. Themes surrounding shield maidens reference essential elements of Rohan’s fight for agency seen in Tolkien’s original works.

1 The Looming Threat of the War of the Ring

Foreshadowing Future Conflicts

As the narrative closes, a significant moment arises involving Saruman, who garners trust issues from Fréaláf. This moment foreshadows the increasing tensions between the Wizard and the Rohirrim, which unfurl in The Lord of the Rings. Additionally, Orcs questioning Mordor’s intentions further connects the dots, highlighting Sauron’s relentless pursuit of the One Ring during this time.

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