The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim

This tale is set nearly 200 years before Frodo Baggins took the perilous journey to destroy the One Ring and saved Middle Earth.

Our story takes place in the kingdom of Rohan. The King Helm has arranged a marriage for his only daughter, Hera, to marry one of the lord’s (Lord Freca) sons, Wulf. But Hera is vehemently opposed to this arranged marriage and refuses to marry him.

After a heated argument between King Helm and Lord Freca the two decide to take their arguments to the streets. During a brief physical confrontation, King Helm accidentally kills Lord Frieca with one punch. Fricka’s son, Wolf, goes from being calm and collected to extremely angry and bent on vengeance. “I will make you suffer, King Helm. I will come for you and your whole family.”

King Helm banishes Wolf from the Kingdom of Rohan, under penalty of death if he returns.

Years pass, but Hera has never forgotten Wulf. In fact, Hera has searched far and wide for him, but to no avail. Wulf, as it turns out, is now High Lord of the Dunlendings. His nation is made up of hunters, ravagers and survivors. His general kidnaps Hera while she is out in the forest.

Hera overhears a conversation between the general and Wulf. They plan on carrying out a surprise attack on Rohan. Wulf knows full well this will lead to a full on war and allow him to kill King Helm and rule Rohan. Upon hearing this, Hera escapes and warns her father of the impending attack.

Thus begins the intense, brutal war between the Dunlendings and King Helm’s personal soldiers, the Rohirrim. Let the battle commence!

The Lord of the Rings has always been one of my all time favorite fantasy novels and films. The incredibly intense, yet fascinating writing by J.R.R. Tolkien has so many mysteries to it that, nearly a hundred years later, his Lord of the Rings series have been dissected and analyzed by scholars, teachers, and even Christian allegorists for decades, the latter having studied the various ways in which Christianity and Christian theology is truthfully and respectfully integrated into the stories.

It’s no secret that J.R.R. Tolkien was, at one time or another, an incredible fan of C.S. Lewis (the writer of The Chronicles of Narnia books, which they themselves have less than subtle but still effective portrayals of Christian theology and Christians themselves). However, Tolkien really asked his readers to dig deep to find all the hidden Christian messaging that is scattered throughout his books. For example, Frodo Baggins carrying the One Ring (a ring that is a heavy physical and spiritual burden) to Mount Doom in Mordor (where the Ring can be destroyed) can be compared to Jesus carrying the sins of the world to saving us from Death by his death and resurrection.

“War of the Rohirrim” is based on one of the stories in the appendices of The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. There are Christian references in the book. Did these make their way into the film? Well yes, yes it does.

“War of the Rohirrim” contains themes of hope, loyalty, vengeance, choice, and heroism. Now you could argue “the world promotes these ideals as well doesn’t it?” Not as effectively and certainly not with Christians or Christianity as the vessel for these messages.”

The overall quality of this film is really, really strong. While I was hesitant about the anime-like characters and layout of the film, I did grow to appreciate it. I can, honestly understand why the director and filmmakers went in this particular direction. It’s more cost effective than hiring hundreds of actors to physically portray the characters. It’s also more cost effective than having to go out, scout filming locations, set up cameras, lights, the whole nine yards. Additionally, for the fans, there are some really, really good “easter eggs” throughout the film (in fact there are over a dozen, including some special guests and strong connections to “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” films.

What IS problematic about the “War of the Rohirrim” is that though this film is animated, it is NOT as easy to watch as “The Lord of the Rings” film trilogy. Just because the film is animated does NOT mean this film is for children. The violence, when it occurs, is intense, terrifying and hard to swallow (there’s one scene where viewers witness humans and animals without eyeballs and with their deceased bodies rotting away and being eaten by flies). Characters stab and kill each other by a variety of means. Heed the PG-13 warning!

Content of concern

VIOLENCE: There is a fight with punches resulting in a man’s death. A kidnapping occurs. Many die in battles, including people, horses, orcs and war elephants. Many bodies are seen on the battlefields, men and a horse. Decomposed bodies are shown. There are impalements by swords, spears and a pitchfork. A troll’s eye is stabbed, and his head is repeatedly hit with a rock. A hand is severed with the bloody result shown. Arrows pierce a head and a throat. A throat is cut. A man is decapitated.

There is a fatal fall into fire, and also a death by freezing. Choking. Canniblism is indicated. A man kills an elephant with ax blows to its head. An elepant is eaten by a huge octopus-like creature.

LANGUAGE: One instance of “d*mn” and one of someone saying he will be “d*mned” before he would be defeated by a ghost;” that’s it.

SEX: There is no sex, and no real romance. Hera makes it clear that she will not marry.

SPIRITUAL: Someone prays. A character named Manwë has power to control birds (eagles) and winds to use as his servants. It is mentioned that someone may have become a wraith.

Lessons

Wulf’s judgment is clouded throughout the entirety of the film. He is consumed by thoughts of vengeance against King Helm. He places hundreds of his citizens in danger by going to war with Rohan for an unjust cause.

I believe it was Aunt May in the Spider-Man films that said it best: “Revenge is like a poison; it can take you over and before you know it can turn you into something ugly.”

Indeed, vengeance only leads to hate and hate is sin. Hate, as the Apostle John stated, is committing murder in your heart.

“Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” —1 John 3:15

As the Bible states, vengeance belongs to God. He is the ultimate judge and in the end he decides the fates of all those who sin against Him.

“May the LORD judge between you and me. And may the LORD avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you.” —1 Samuel 24:12

“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” —Leviticus 19:18

But God is just. He forgives our sins and as such we are asked to forgive others of their sins.

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” —Ephesians 4:32

Jesus said it best…

“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” —Matthew 6:14-15

Closing thoughts

“…War of the Rohirrim” is a fascinating look at how the entire concept of Middle Earth came to be, and serves as a very stern, but effective look at how vengeance only leads to hate and sin, and sin only leads to death. There are also some great talking points about hope, courage and staying true.

I personally had a blast while watching “War of the Rohirrim.” The tapestry of colors, characters and lush scenery really make, for those who are a fan of The Lord of the Rings, a magical adventure and a tribute and sincere thanks from Peter Jackson (who was involved in the creation of “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy as well as “War of the Rohirrim.” I shouted, I cried, I laughed, and I was glued to my seat.

Bear in mind, this film is NOT for young children, period. The violence is heavy throughout much of the film, some of it slightly graphic. It’s rated PG-13 for a reason. I recommend parents screen the film ahead of time before allowing their children to see it.

In essence, I give this film a solid rating of B+. It’s not perfect, but it is a love letter to the fans and a really good one at that. Ultimately, the choice is yours.

• Violence: Heavy
• Profane language: Minor
• Vulgar/Crude language: Minor
• Nudity: Minor
• Sex: None
• Alcohol: Minor
• Occult: None
• Wokeism: None

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