The Oldest Beings in Middle-earth: Who's Still Around in The War of the Rohirrim?

Gandalf: A Wandering Presence

As the Maia who has wandered Middle-earth for over 2,000 years, Gandalf's presence during The War of the Rohirrim is undeniable. His exploration of the realm brought him to Rohan, where he observed the Long Winter and the Hobbits of the Shire.

Gandalf Smoking Pipe Beside Bilbo In Battle Of The Five Armies (1)

The Long Winter, a significant event during this time, marked Gandalf's discovery of the Hobbits, and his admiration for their resilience and unity.

Gandalf in Lord of the Rings The Two Towers

Galadriel: An Ageless Ruler

At over 8,000 years old, Galadriel is one of the oldest Elves in Middle-earth during The War of the Rohirrim. Holding dominion in Lothlórien, she remained distant from Rohan's conflicts at this point in history.

Cate Blanchett holding a water urn as Galadriel in The Lord of the Rings.

Despite her lack of involvement, the Riders of Rohan regarded Galadriel as a formidable figure, a detail that may find its way into the upcoming adaptation.

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Elrond: A Timeless Leader

Leading Rivendell at this time, Elrond, one of the oldest Elves, would have been about 6,237 years old during The War of the Rohirrim. His influence, however, had little to do with the conflicts of Rohan and the Dunlendings.

Elrond-The-Hobbit-confronting-Sauron

Arwen: A Young Presence

At approximately 2,518 years old, Arwen, one of the youngest Elves, likely moved between Rivendell and Lothlórien during the Long Winter. Her whereabouts during Rohan's war remain uncertain, but her recent loss of her mother adds a poignant layer to her story.

Arwen holding a sword in Lord of the Rings.

Legolas: A Distant Elf

Legolas, at about 2,671 years old during The War of the Rohirrim, would have been in Mirkwood during the Long Winter. However, his presence in Rohan during this significant conflict is unlikely, considering his absence in the original adaptation of The Hobbit.

Legolas in Rivendell

Sauron: An Ominous Force

Although not likely to appear in the upcoming movie, Sauron's influence continues to grow during The War of the Rohirrim. His dark presence casts a shadow over the conflicts of Middle-earth, laying the roots for the Kingdoms of Men's struggles.

Custom image of Halbrand with Sauron in the background from The Lord of the Rings The Rings of Power season 1

Saruman: A Watchful Observer

Existing since before the creation of the universe, Saruman, like Gandalf and Sauron, is a timeless figure. Although aware of the deadly feud of Helm Hammerhand, he remained uninvolved, as the events likely fell below his concern.

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Thorin: A Young Dwarf

The youngest of the Dwarves present, Thorin Oakenshield, at about 12 years old during The War of the Rohirrim, lived blissfully in the Lonely Mountain, unaware of the impending events that would later shape his destiny.

Thorin holding the sword Orcist in The Hobbit.

Smeagol: A Tormented Soul

Born in TA 2430, Smeagol, also known as Gollum, was about 330 years old during The War of the Rohirrim. Hiding with the One Ring during the Long Winter, his existence was tormented, and his focus was far removed from the conflicts of Rohan.

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