Warning: Major spoilers for The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim ahead
Set in the epic universe created by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim introduces audiences to a harrowing chapter in Rohan’s storied history. Taking place approximately 200 years before the events of The Lord of the Rings, this feature film details the intense conflict between Helm Hammerhand of Rohan and Wulf of the West-March, leader of the Dunlendings, ultimately culminating in the legendary siege of Helm’s Deep.
While the film adopts an anime-inspired art style, it intertwines elements familiar to fans of Peter Jackson’s acclaimed trilogy. One of the most striking contrasts, however, lies in the grim fates of its central characters. Unlike the fortunate members of the Fellowship of the Ring who survived the War of the Ring, The War of the Rohirrim showcases the brutal deaths of numerous key characters, with seven significant fatalities occurring throughout its narrative arc. This tragedy propels the storyline and underscores the dramatic stakes involved.
1. Rub
The West-March Leader’s Fatal Dispute with Helm
Lord Freca was the contentious local lord from Rohan’s West-March. His audacity to propose a marriage alliance between his son Wulf and Princess Hèra ignited tensions with Helm Hammerhand. Helm, distrusting Freca’s motives and deeming him unworthy, not only rejected the proposal but insulted Freca publicly. This mutual disdain ultimately led to a brutal confrontation between the two leaders.
In a notorious showdown witnessed by their retainers, Helm’s strength proved overwhelming; a single powerful punch felled Freca, resulting in his instant death. This brutal act not only eliminated Freca but also ignited Wulf’s unquenchable thirst for revenge, which became a pivotal catalyst for the ensuing war.
2. Lord Thorne
Betrayal from Within: The Downfall of Lord Thorne
Lord Thorne, a member of Helm’s council, initially advocated for peace amidst the escalating conflict. However, it soon became evident that his ambitions ran deeper as he plotted to seize control of Rohan. Aligning himself with Wulf, Thorne dismantled Helm’s defense by withdrawing his forces, ultimately betraying the king he once served.
During a violent raid at Edoras, Thorne attempted to assassinate the unsuspecting Hèra. Karma caught up swiftly, as a miscalculated move led him to face her retribution; he fell victim to his own treachery, impaled by the pitchfork Hèra wielded in self-defense, cementing his betrayal with a fatal consequence.
3. Haleth
Helm’s Eldest: A Hero’s Sacrifice
As Rohan faced the overwhelming force of Wulf’s Dunlendings, Helm’s eldest son Haleth emerged as a formidable defender of Edoras. During a critical moment, he engaged in battle against a towering mûmakil. With remarkable courage, Haleth slew the beast, but his victory was short-lived. A distant arrow from Wulf brought his noble quest to a tragic end.
Haleth’s death represented not only a personal loss for Helm but also symbolized the crumbling defenses of his kingdom, propelling his family to flee towards the Hornburg amidst the chaos of war.
4. Brothers
Helm’s Youngest: A Life Cut Short
Helm’s youngest son, Hama, portrayed as gentle yet courageous, faced a tragic fate during the chaos of war. Despite his affinity for music and companionship with his aged horse, he was caught off guard during the family’s harrowing escape to the Hornburg. Ultimately, Hama was captured by Wulf’s forces.
In a grim twist, Wulf sought to devastate Helm further by executing Hama in front of his father, a malicious act that led to Hama’s cruel demise and reinforced the emotional weight of the conflict on Helm.
5. Helm Hammerhand
The Tragic End of a Resilient Monarch
As the conflict reached its peak, Helm Hammerhand, consumed by grief over the loss of his sons, transformed into a relentless avenger. Using secret tunnels to elude his enemies, he executed numerous Dunlendings with unparalleled ferocity. The circumstances surrounding his death added a somber layer of tragedy to his legacy, as he was found frozen, still standing in defiance of the very fortress he defended fervently.
His indomitable spirit and tragic end would transform Helm’s Deep into a symbol of resilience, forever honoring his legacy as the mighty king of Rohan.
6. Targg
The Downfall of Wulf’s General
General Targg, once loyal to Freca, found himself under Wulf’s command following Freca’s death. A voice of reason throughout the tumultuous events, Targg’s counsel often went unheeded by the reckless Wulf. His loyalty ultimately became his undoing.
During the decisive confrontation between Hèra and Wulf, Targg witnessed the betrayal of his code. When Wulf disregarded his promise to honor Hèra’s challenge, Targg refused to comply with the siege’s orders and paid the ultimate price for his principles, demonstrating the tragic consequences of misplaced loyalty.
7. Wulf
The Downfall of the Dunlending Leader
Driven by blind rage, Wulf foolishly accepted Hèra’s challenge to single combat, underestimating her resolve. Their encounter echoed their childhood rivalry, ultimately resulting in Wulf’s defeat. Despite his desperation, he made one final attempt against Hèra but was thwarted by her valor and the assistance of Olwyn.
In a climactic confrontation, Hèra dispatched Wulf, sealing the fate of the Dunlendings as their leader fell to the courageous shieldmaiden of Rohan. His demise not only signified the end of a brutal campaign but also the resilience of Rohan’s spirit.
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