Required Reading: The War of the Rohirrim Prep

Opening December 13, 2024 the film The Lord of Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is the latest cinematic adventure set in J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy world of Middle Earth. The story follows Helm Hammerhand, his daughter Hera, and the people of Rohan in their fight to protect themselves from the warring Dunlending people. Casual Lord of the Rings (LOTR) fans will surely recognize the setting and people of Rohan. However, this new foray into the tales and history of Middle Earth is set 183 years before the LOTR trilogy making it unknown beyond only the most diehard Tolkien fans. Thankfully, the Rare Book Collection at Joyner Library has covered everyone, helping to fill in the gaps in the history of Middle Earth.

Figure 1 from Orcrist #no. 3 (1970)

Given that the events in the new film are outlined in Appendix A of the LOTR trilogy, picking up a copy of The Return of the King or an edition that includes all 3 parts is a good place to start. Located in the James H. and Virginia Schlobin Literature of the Fantastic Collection a curious reader can find both, including the 1965 first-editions in hardcover and paperback of the trilogy in three parts. For readers interested in delving beyond the plot to learn more about the people of Rohan and the Dunlendings, The Peoples of Middle Earth (1996) and The Treason of Isengard (1989) written by J.R.R. Tolkien and edited by Christopher Tolkien are a must. Both books comprise the larger The History of Middle Earth and The History of the Lord of the Rings series, edited by Christopher Tolkien. And when all the names, places, and legends begin to run together leaving the reader possibly disoriented and confused, picking up The Tolkien Companion by J.E.A. Tyler is a lifesaver.

Figure 2 from Orcrist #no. 3 (1970)

Looking for something more fun, and less heady? Check out the Orcrist! Back in 1968, three years after LOTR was initially published, a group of Tolkien fans at the University of Wisconsin huddled together, forming the J.R.R. Tolkien Society. Creating their own publication paying homage to Tolkien, his philosophy, and the world of Middle Earth, the students wrote poems, reflections, musical accompaniment, satires, and interpretations of his work, all published in their bulletin. Featured in Orcrist #3 (1970) are sketches that will help readers prepare visually for what will be portrayed on screen in the new film. The cover features a major setting in the new film, The Hornberg in Helm’s Deep (Figure 2), and page 3 depicts the “Warriors of Middle-Earth”(Figure 1), including a Rider of Rohan and a Dunlanding [sic] soldier. Both illustrations are sketches by artist Tim Kirk.

Figure 3, Orcrist #4, 1969-1970

Left wanting more? The Rare Book Collection and general circulating collections of Joyner Library have any curious reader covered. Just start by searching the catalog here: https://librarycatalog.ecu.edu/.   

References: 

• The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. https://www.lotrthewaroftherohirrim.com/synopsis/  
• University of Wisconsin J.R.R. Tolkien Society. (1969-1970). Orcrist, (4), 7. Note: Also issue as Tolkien Journal 4(3) whole 13. 
• University of Wisconsin J.R.R. Tolkien Society. (1970). Orcrist, (3), cover-3. Note: Also issue as Tolkien Journal 4(1) whole 11.