The Untold Influence of Rohan in the Epic World of LOTR

Highlights

Rohan is a significant kingdom in the Lord of the Rings series, where major events like the Battle of Helm's Deep take place.

Rohan holds great significance in both the plot and themes of the story. The Fellowship relies on forming an alliance with Rohan to bolster their forces and combat Sauron's armies effectively.

Rohan serves as a representation of a purely human society untouched by Elvish influences. It portrays the resourcefulness and courage of humankind amidst a world dominated by mystical creatures. The unwavering loyalty and strong friendship between Rohan and Gondor emphasize the potential of united efforts in overcoming a shared adversary.

In the vast world of Middle-earth, the Lord of the Rings series traverses numerous regions, cities, and people groups. With its size and complexity, enthusiasts may struggle to keep track of it all. Yet, each of these places holds a rich cultural history. J.R.R. Tolkien meticulously crafted the lore surrounding his stories, infusing depth and significance into every detail, regardless of its direct relevance to the main plot.

Among these notable locations, Rohan emerges as a pivotal setting in the Lord of the Rings saga. Much of the story unfolds within this kingdom, featuring crucial events like the Battle of Helm's Deep. Additionally, important characters are introduced during the Rohan segment, including Théoden and Eowyn. Clearly, Rohan holds immense importance within the Lord of the Rings universe. But what precisely makes this place so significant?

Where Is Rohan In Middle-earth?

Rohan, located in the southwest of Middle-earth, is situated between the Misty Mountains and the White Mountains, north of Gondor. It stretches from the River Isen in the west to the East Wall of Rohan and the River Anduin in the east. To the north, it is bordered by Fangorn Forest. The capital, Edoras, is a hill fort town situated along the White Mountains. Other notable locations in Rohan include Aldburg, the capital of the Eastfold, the camp of Dunharrow, and the Hornberg, the fortress at the heart of Helm's Deep.

In comparison to its southern neighbor Gondor, Rohan is approximately one-third of its size. The terrain of Rohan mainly consists of grasslands and vast pastures, which is suitable for its predominantly agrarian society of herdsmen and farmers. The people of Rohan are renowned for their horses and cavalry, known as the Rohirrim. In terms of appearance and climate, the landscape of Rohan bears resemblance to the North American Great Plains.

Why Is Rohan So Important?

The land of Rohan holds great significance in The Lord of the Rings, both in terms of the plot and the underlying themes. For the Fellowship, forging an alliance with Rohan is crucial to strengthening their forces against Sauron's armies. The specific need is for Rohan to join forces with Gondor, in order to amass enough strength to combat the forces of evil. Historically, Rohan and Gondor had been long-standing allies. However, in the movie adaptation, their alliance begins to crumble, while in the books, the primary reason for their inability to provide aid to each other was a lack of resources, not a lack of willingness.

Additionally, Saruman's invasion of Rohan, though perhaps unnecessary, further highlights the importance of this land. While Gondor was meant to be Sauron's primary target, Saruman tries to seize Rohan to expand his own territory. However, his plans ultimately fail, with his army being defeated at Helm's Deep and Isengard being destroyed by the Ents. The presence of significant characters such as Eowyn and Théoden, who continue to influence the progress of the plot, make the journey into Rohan an essential part of the story.

The significance of Rohan in The Lord of the Rings goes beyond just its storyline. Unlike Gondor, which was influenced by the Elves through the Númenoreans, the Horse-Lords of Rohan represent a purely human culture. In a sense, they embody the everyman, serving as a bridge for the reader to connect with the story. Their way of life reflects a simpler and more humble existence, resembling that of Hobbits more than the Men of Gondor. Their acts of heroism are meant to inspire and showcase the resourcefulness and courage of ordinary humans in a world filled with immensely powerful magical beings.

The loyalty and friendship displayed in the alliance between Rohan and Gondor is truly inspiring, reminiscent of the unwavering support shared by Aragorn and Éomer on the battlefield. It embodies the strength of unity and collaboration in the face of a shared adversary. In contrast, the treachery of Saruman, who succumbs to Sauron's influence and betrays both the side of good and his former companions, emphasizes the importance of collective effort. Ultimately, his downfall is a result of his arrogance and inability to accomplish his goals alone. The moment when Gondor's beacons are ignited and Rohan responds to the call for aid serves as a powerful testament to the notion that certain causes are worth bridging tensions and strained relationships for.