Rohirrim

The Rohirrim, the Riders of Rohan, are a proud and warlike people of the Horse-lords who dwell in the green plains of the Mark, bound by an ancient oath of friendship to Gondor. They are a key military force in the War of the Ring, first defending their own land against Saruman and then riding to the relief of Minas Tirith, where their charge turns the tide of the battle. Their culture is defined by their mastery of horses, their love of song and legend, and their stern, independent spirit, embodied by their kings Théoden and Éomer.

Identity and Origins

The Rohirrim are a Northern people, descended from the Éothéod, who migrated south centuries before the War of the Ring. They were granted the land of Calenardhon by Cirion, Steward of Gondor, after Eorl the Young led them to victory at the Battle of the Field of Celebrant. In return, they swore the Oath of Eorl, a perpetual alliance to aid Gondor in times of need. They call themselves the Eorlingas and their land the Mark, or Riddermark. They are tall and fair-haired, with a deep love for horses, which are central to their way of life. Their speech is a Northern tongue, related to that of the ancient Edain, and they are known for their songs and tales of old heroes.

Culture and Society

The Rohirrim are a pastoral, warrior society. They live in scattered homesteads and in the Golden Hall of Meduseld at Edoras, the seat of their king. Their laws are strict, and they are governed by a king and marshals who command the éoreds, the mounted companies that form the core of their army. They are a hardy people, accustomed to hardship and war, and they value courage, loyalty, and honour above all. They are not given to book-learning but preserve their history through oral tradition and song. Their chief city is Edoras, and their strongholds include the Hornburg at Helm's Deep and the refuge of Dunharrow in the White Mountains.

Role in the War of the Ring

The Rohirrim are first drawn into the war when Saruman, from Isengard, launches an invasion of Rohan. King Théoden, initially weakened by the counsels of Gríma Wormtongue, is roused by Gandalf and leads his people to victory at the Battle of Helm's Deep. After this, they muster their full strength and ride south to answer the Red Arrow, the summons from Gondor. The Ride of the Rohirrim is a legendary feat of arms: they cross the Drúadan Forest with the aid of the Wild Men, and at dawn on the Pelennor Fields they charge into the besieging armies of Mordor, breaking the siege and turning the tide of the battle. In the battle, Théoden is slain, but his niece Éowyn, riding in disguise, kills the Witch-king of Angmar. Éomer succeeds Théoden as king and leads the Rohirrim in the final campaign against Mordor.

Key Figures

Théoden, son of Thengel, is the King of Rohan at the time of the War of the Ring. Initially a broken figure under the spell of Saruman, he is healed by Gandalf and becomes a heroic leader, dying in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. Éomer, his nephew, is the Third Marshal of the Mark and later becomes king. He is a fierce warrior and a loyal ally to Aragorn. Éowyn, Éomer's sister, is a shieldmaiden who defies her king's command to stay behind and rides to war in disguise, achieving the prophecy that no living man could kill the Witch-king. Other notable figures include Erkenbrand, lord of Westfold, who holds Helm's Deep, and Elfhelm, a Marshal who leads the éored that carries Merry to battle.

Relationship with Gondor

The alliance between Rohan and Gondor is ancient and sacred, based on the Oath of Eorl. The Rohirrim are the only people who answer Gondor's call for aid in its darkest hour. The bond is renewed after the war when Aragorn, as King Elessar, confirms Éomer's rule and grants him the lands of Rohan. The friendship is further sealed by the marriage of Éowyn to Faramir, Prince of Ithilien. The Rohirrim are a bulwark of the West, and their cavalry is unmatched in Middle-earth.

Legacy

The Rohirrim are remembered in song and legend as the Horse-lords who rode to the rescue of Gondor. Their charge on the Pelennor Fields is one of the most celebrated deeds of the War of the Ring. After the war, they enjoy a long peace under King Éomer, and their land flourishes. They remain a free and independent people, ever watchful against the return of evil.