Helm's Deep: The War of the Rohirrim - A New Animated Lord of the Rings Movie

Lord of the Rings fans are in for a treat in 2024, with not one but two Middle-earth adventures on the horizon. "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" returns for a second season on Prime Video, and a brand new animated movie, "The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim", hits cinemas in December. A first trailer for the film has recently been released, giving us a tantalising glimpse into this new chapter in Tolkien's world.

But how exactly does "The War of the Rohirrim" fit into the vast timeline of Middle-earth? Will we encounter familiar faces from the beloved films? Let's delve into this exciting addition to the Lord of the Rings saga.

Helm Hammerhand and His Family: A Story of War and Rebellion

Set 183 years before the events of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and thousands of years after "The Rings of Power", "The War of the Rohirrim" takes place during a period of relative peace in Middle-earth. However, the peace is precarious. Sauron, the Dark Lord, is quietly rebuilding his power and seeking the One Ring, although it remains hidden in the clutches of Gollum in the Misty Mountains.

The film centres on Helm Hammerhand (voiced by Brian Cox), the legendary king of Rohan, and his family. Helm, famed for his unmatched strength and skill in combat, is facing a different kind of enemy – his own kind. The story revolves around a conflict with the Dunlendings, a race of men who, much like the Wildlings of "Game of Thrones", pose a significant threat to the stability of Rohan.

Tolkien’s original appendices provide background on Helm and his sons, Háma and Haleth, but the film focuses on a lesser-known character: Helm's daughter, Hèra (Gaia Wise). Unlike Tolkien's typical female characters, Hèra is a strong-willed rebel, taking it upon herself to defend her kingdom from the looming threat of war.

Producer Philippa Boyens explains: "In the appendices, where the story is drawn from, we get these interestingly drawn male characters, and then we get this young female character who is never named — and that was really interesting to me. We know Helm has a daughter, and we know that she was central to the conflict that happened. But myself, and especially screenwriter Phoebe Gittins, were drawn to her. We could feel the weight of being that unnamed daughter, which immediately piqued our interest: Who was she? How did she live?"

A Human Conflict with Unconventional Villains

"The War of the Rohirrim" stands apart from other Lord of the Rings films by focusing on a conflict between human factions. There's no looming Dark Lord orchestrating events, although Sauron's influence in the shadows can't be completely ruled out. The film features a unique human villain: Freca, a Dunland noble (Shaun Dooley), who seeks to marry Hèra to his son, Wulf (Luke Pasqualino).

When Freca's ambition for the throne of Rohan is revealed, Helm rejects the marriage, leading to a confrontation that ends with Helm fatally striking Freca. Driven by grief and vengeance, Wulf declares war on Rohan, uniting his Dunland people with mercenaries from the Easterlings and Hardrim.

Wulf's motivations, however, are far more nuanced than the typical villains we encounter in Tolkien's world. He is a son mourning the loss of his father, making him a more complex and sympathetic character. Hèra's quest for peace may rely more on appealing to Wulf's humanity than defeating him in battle.

Familiar Faces and Iconic Locations

While "The War of the Rohirrim" is set long before the events of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, it does feature a key connection to the future of Rohan. Miranda Otto reprises her role as Éowyn, narrating the film as a legend passed down through generations of Rohirrim.

The film also features the return of a pivotal location from "The Two Towers": Helm's Deep. This iconic fortress will be explored in detail, revealing the origin of its name and its importance in Rohan's history.

Creatures of Middle-earth: A Glimpse of the Unseen

The film may focus on human conflict, but it doesn't shy away from the fantastical creatures of Middle-earth. The trailer showcases glimpses of the mighty eagles, their involvement hinting at a deeper, more sinister aspect to the conflict.

Giant Mûmakil, elephant-like war beasts used by the Haradrim, also appear, adding to the spectacle of the battle. The trailer also reveals a terrifying tentacled creature, similar to the Watcher in the Water from "The Fellowship of the Ring", adding another layer of danger to the world.

A Glimpse of the Past, A Bridge to the Future

While familiar faces from the Lord of the Rings trilogy are unlikely to appear, "The War of the Rohirrim" offers the possibility of cameos from other iconic characters. Gandalf, the Grey Pilgrim, is known to be active during this era, and his presence could add a fascinating element to the film.

While McKellen has expressed reservations about reprising his role in live-action, animation could offer a new avenue for his involvement. Saruman, too, could be included, as he is known to have taken up residence in Isengard around this time.

"The War of the Rohirrim" promises a new and exciting chapter in the Lord of the Rings saga, offering fans a glimpse into a forgotten era of Middle-earth, while simultaneously connecting to the beloved events of the films. With a compelling story, stunning visuals, and a captivating cast, this animated adventure is sure to leave a lasting impression on fans of Tolkien's world.