The Mystery of the Bigger Rohan Army: An Analysis

The Lord of the Rings, when adapted for the big screen by Peter Jackson, presents intriguing discrepancies in the portrayal of armies. One of the most notable is the impression that Rohan's army often appears larger than Gondor’s, despite the fact that Rohan is explicitly described as a lesser kingdom. Let's unravel the reasons behind this enigmatic visual discrepancy.

1. Cinematic Focus: Visual Impact Over Accuracy

The films prioritize dramatic visuals and storytelling over strict adherence to the source material. This approach can sometimes lead to exaggerated portrayals of armies. For instance, during the Ride of the Rohirrim at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, the sweeping shots of charging horses and riders create a powerful visual impact. This can give the impression of a larger force than the numbers might suggest in the books. Victory is Belonging to the Greater (2020) highlights how directors like Peter Jackson often emphasize cinematic flair over exact detail to captivate audiences.

2. Cavalry vs. Infantry: The Scale of Impression

Rohan is known more for its cavalry, which can appear more imposing and dynamic on screen compared to infantry. The differences in scale and movement can make cavalry units seem more numerous and impactful. Considering that cavalry units often charge with a sense of urgency and power, the visual effect can significantly amplify the perception of their numbers, even if they are not as numerically large as Gondor's infantry.

3. Narrative Emphasis: Amplifying the Ally's Role

The filmmakers chose to amplify the presence of Rohan in the battle narrative to emphasize their bravery and significance. Rohan serves as a crucial ally to Gondor, and the increased portrayal of their forces underscores the importance of this alliance in the fight against Sauron. By making Rohan's contribution seem more significant, the films enhance the sense of unity and hope against a common enemy, which is a crucial theme in the story.

4. Gondor's Weakened State: Historical Context

By the time of the War of the Ring, Gondor is depicted as being in a weakened state. The city of Minas Tirith is under siege, and much of Gondor's forces have been depleted or demoralized. This contrast can make Rohan's forces seem larger and more robust in comparison. In some scenes, the depleted and demoralized nature of Gondor's forces can be outweighed by the well-prepared and eager Rohan cavalry.

5. Artistic License: Creative Dramaturgy

Ultimately, the filmmakers took creative liberties to enhance the drama and spectacle of the battles. This sometimes involved exaggerating the size of armies or the scale of events for cinematic effect. For example, the Battle of the Pelennor Fields is a cinematic masterpiece, with the entire Rohirrim cavalry charging through the battlefield. Such grand visual scenes are often crafted to move and inspire the audience, sometimes at the expense of historical or novel accuracy.

Conclusion

While the books portray Gondor as a vast kingdom significantly larger than Rohan, the film adaptations prioritize the visual storytelling and thematic elements of hope and unity against a common enemy. This can lead to discrepancies in the portrayal of armies, making Rohan's forces appear larger and more significant. The key to understanding these discrepancies lies in examining the intentions of the filmmakers, the nature of visual storytelling, and the specific battle scenes in the films.

The Lord of the Rings films are a testament to the power of visual and thematic storytelling in filmmaking. While the books provide a rich, detailed narrative, the films often adapt and enhance this narrative to create a cinematic experience that resonates with a broader audience. Whether Rohan's army appears larger or not, the core themes of hope, unity, and the fight against an evil force remain central to the films and the source material alike.