Ending Explained for Lord Of The Rings: War Of The Rohirrim – Héra’s Fate and Future Implications

Contains SPOILERS for The Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim

The animated film The Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim culminates in a gripping battle, setting the stage for a new beginning for Rohan. This film not only connects to Peter Jackson’s cinematic adaptations but also represents a fresh artistic direction with its anime style, directed by Kenji Kamiyama. Positioned nearly 300 years prior to the events of the War of the Ring, this film enriches the lore surrounding Rohan that audiences recognized in The Two Towers.

In a bitter winter siege at the Hornburg, Helm Hammerhand makes a desperate stand. Armed only with his fists, he bravely fights against Wulf’s forces until succumbing to the cold. Despite these desperate circumstances, the Rohirrim, under the leadership of Héra, ultimately repel Wulf’s invading Dunlendings. The tale concludes with Héra triumphing over Wulf and the selection of Fréaláf Hildeson as the new king of Rohan.

Héra’s Strategy to Overcome Wulf & Their Final Confrontation

Héra Diverts Wulf with a Duel to Buy Time for Reinforcements

Héra’s victory over Wulf stems from her deep understanding of her adversary and the precarious state of his forces. As Wulf’s troops face starvation, his grip on their loyalty weakens. Recognizing that Wulf’s attention is fixed on her, Héra gambles on a distraction strategy. She boldly rides out to confront him on the siege tower’s bridge, challenging him to single combat while her people take refuge through a secret passage.

Despite the counsel of General Targg, Wulf agrees to the duel, ultimately falling before Héra. Meanwhile, she has cleverly signaled for aid from a giant eagle residing in the mountain nearby, who brings Helm Hammerhand’s crown to Fréaláf. Assuming the mantle of leadership, Fréaláf commands his warriors to assist in the defense of Rohan. Together, they vanquish Wulf’s forces, securing their victory.

Héra’s Journey at the Conclusion of War of the Rohirrim

Héra Embarks on New Adventures with Gandalf

Gandalf the Grey from the 1977 animated The Hobbit appears in the Shire

With Fréaláf’s ascension to the throne, Héra’s role as leader concludes. She receives a mysterious letter, summoning her to assist with matters concerning Sauron’s looming threat. This correspondence is from Gandalf, whose mission on Middle-earth centers around battling Sauron. Earlier in the narrative, hints are dropped about orc activity related to the search for the rings, foreshadowing tumultuous times ahead.

Explaining Saruman’s Appearance & Acquisition of Isengard

Christopher Lee’s Voice Returns for a Saruman Cameo

Saruman’s brief emergence in War of the Rohirrim carries significant consequences for the narrative established in The Two Towers. Leveraging audio recordings of the illustrious Christopher Lee from The Hobbit films, the late actor provides a haunting final performance as the notorious wizard. Saruman arrives at Rohan, being granted the fortress of Isengard, previously held by Wulf—a strategic stronghold he subsequently turns into his base of operations in The Lord of the Rings.

Fréaláf’s apprehensive demeanor is evident as the White Wizard, with his deceitful charm, offers assistance to Rohan. This moment ominously hints at Saruman’s future betrayal during the quest for the One Ring, heralding the creation of an Uruk-hai army to invade Rohan. This nuance is reflected in the Appendices of The Return of the King, specifically under “The House of Eorl,”detailing Saruman’s insidious arrival and the facade of friendship he constructs with Rohan.

It was at the crowning of Fréaláf that Saruman appeared, bringing gifts, and speaking great praise of the valour of the Rohirrim. All thought him a welcome guest. Soon after he took up his abode in Isengard. For this, Beren, Steward of Gondor, gave him leave, for Gondor still claimed Isengard as a fortress of its realm, and not part of Rohan. Beren also gave into Saruman’s keeping the keys of Orthanc. That tower no enemy had been able to harm or to enter.

In this way Saruman began to behave as a lord of Men; for at first he held Isengard as a lieutenant of the Steward and warden of the tower. But Fréaláf was as glad as Beren to have this so, and to know that Isengard was in the hands of a strong friend. A friend he long seemed, and maybe in the beginning he was one in truth. Though afterwards there was little doubt in men’s minds that Saruman went to Isengard in hope to find the Stone still there, and with the purpose of building up a power of his own. Certainly after the last White Council (2953) his designs towards Rohan, though he hid them, were evil. He then took Isengard for his own and began to make it a place of guarded strength and fear, as though to rival the Barad-dûr. His friends appendix a 1401 and servants he drew then from all who hated Gondor and Rohan, whether Men or other creatures more evil.

Assessing the Fidelity of War of the Rohirrim to Tolkien’s Lore

Héra’s Minimal Existence in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Works

J.R.R Tolkien book covers including The Silmarillion, The Hobbit, and The Fellowship of the Ring — Custom image by Yailin Chacon

The narrative of War of the Rohirrim is derived from the appendices of The Return of the King, albeit with several significant additions not present in Tolkien’s text. One key plot point, the confrontation between Helm and Freca, is faithfully adapted from the appendices, referencing the fatal blow Helm delivers to Freca. This provokes the ensuing conflict with Wulf, culminating in Helm’s death as depicted in the film. However, subsequent victory is attributed solely to Fréaláf.

The most prominent modification in the film is the character of Héra. While it’s acknowledged that Helm has a daughter, she remains unnamed in Tolkien’s writings. The movie’s introduction of shield-maidens is an imaginative creation inspired by characterizations seen in the series, particularly Éowyn. Héra’s leadership of the Rohirrim during their hardship is a narrative crafted exclusively for this adaptation, highlighting why her legacy has been overlooked in the “history books.”

Potential for a Sequel & Gandalf’s Future Involvement

A Follow-Up Could Chronicle Héra’s Journey with Gandalf

Héra with her sword drawn and a determined expression in War of the Rohirrim

Unpacking the Themes of War of the Rohirrim

Spotlighting a Forgotten Hero of Middle-earth

Héra and Helm in The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim.

War of the Rohirrim is fundamentally a narrative about an overlooked champion in the expansive lore of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. Notably, the film is narrated by Éowyn, voiced by Miranda Otto, who resonates deeply with Héra’s journey as a fellow warrior descended from Rohan’s nobility, yearning to defend her homeland. Just as director Kamiyama endeavors to illuminate this “forgotten tale,”Éowyn embodies the quest to reveal stories of powerful women etched within the realm.

Similar to The Lord of the Rings, War of the Rohirrim emphasizes the values of courage, honor, and loyalty amidst the chaos of battle. However, it also critically examines the often overshadowed contributions of women to historical narratives. In Kamiyama’s portrayal, iconic figures such as Helm Hammerhand and his legacy eclipse Héra’s pivotal role—one that, while vital to victory, remains uncelebrated in the annals of history.

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