Éowyn’s Knowledge of Héra’s Tale in Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim Despite Common Forgetfulness

Warning! Spoilers for The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim ahead!

One of the intriguing mysteries surrounding The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is Éowyn’s assertion that Héra’s tale has no historical record. The film diverges from the overarching narrative focused on Helm Hammerhand by placing Héra, the Rohan king’s daughter, in the spotlight. Unlike Tolkien’s original works, where Helm’s daughter is merely unnamed and lacks heroic attributes, the animated feature reimagines her as a pivotal character who plays a vital role in defending Rohan against the Dunlendings.

Despite Héra’s significant contributions to Rohan, Éowyn reveals at the film’s outset that this brave princess is absent from the kingdom’s written history or songs. This absence can be attributed to the nature of Tolkien’s narrative style, which presents his works as “found manuscripts”needing translation, thereby leaving many characters, including Helm Hammerhand’s daughter, unnamed. While this offers The War of the Rohirrim a chance to explore creative storytelling, it raises questions about how Éowyn learned about Héra’s legendary feats. The film’s conclusion may provide vital insight into this connection.

The Ending of War of the Rohirrim Sheds Light on Gandalf’s Meeting with Héra

Héra’s Journey to Gandalf the Grey

Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf the Grey in The Lord of the Rings movies — Custom Image by Debanjana Chowdhury

In a pivotal moment at the close of The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, Héra embarks on a journey from Rohan to seek out Gandalf, the iconic wizard from the larger mythology of Middle-earth. Gandalf’s interest in her stems from her encounter with Orcs at Helm’s Deep, where he seeks information regarding Sauron’s hunt for the One Ring. However, it’s likely that Gandalf’s curiosity extended beyond just Héra’s skirmish with the Orcs; as a deeply inquisitive figure, he would have pressed her to share the entirety of her tale.

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim premiered in theaters on December 13, 2024, offering audiences a blend of action and lore filled with fresh character depth.

How Gandalf Preserved Héra’s Legacy for Éowyn

Gandalf’s Role in Keeping Héra’s Memory Alive

Éowyn in The Lord of the Rings trilogy next to Héra in The Lord of the Rings The War of the Rohirrim — Custom Image by Nick Bythrow

The connection between Gandalf and Héra elucidates how her story survived the passage of time despite being overlooked in Rohan’s historical accounts. Éowyn, sharing numerous similarities with her ancestor, may have been someone Gandalf thought would appreciate Héra’s narrative—especially after her own triumph over the Witch-king of Angmar during the Battle of Pelennor Fields. By recounting Héra’s story to Éowyn, Gandalf could ensure that the legacy of Helm Hammerhand’s daughter would not be lost.

The notion of Gandalf valuing the tale enough to impart it to a valiant warrior like Éowyn adds depth to both characters. This imaginative connection also enriches the narrative of The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, seamlessly weaving Héra’s influence into Tolkien’s broader mythos.

Ultimately, while Héra’s role in Helm Hammerhand’s legacy represents a creative expansion, the film beautifully maintains a cohesive relationship with Tolkien’s established world.

Source & Images