The Charge of the Rohirrim is the Most Epic Scene Ever Filmed
A second-by-second breakdown of the 4-minute sequence
There’s something about a cavalry charge that just gets the blood pumping.
It’s tempting to chalk it up to a modern fascination with an antiquated way of war, but they were waxing poetic about equestrian combat in the 1800s. People galloping toward certain danger and, perhaps, winning the day simply because they have the cajones to ride a horse full-speed at a freaking army is an undefeated premise.
It’s like driving a car 80 mph into a brick wall while not wearing a seatbelt. There’s only two possible outcomes: death, or heroically smashing through the wall.
In a trilogy full of powerful moments, the charge of the Rohirrim at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields has always stood near the very top. When all hope seems lost, the Rohirrim take the field and keep evil at bay, not with magic or fabled weapons but simply through reckless courage. It’s awe-inspiring. And a reminder to keep fighting even if the odds don’t appear to be in your favor. Deep down, bad guys and bullies are cowards; they run at the first sign of serious resistance.
I decided to break down this sequence, partly to discover its secrets, but more to marinate in its wonders.
For science, I first compared the theatrical and extended editions of the charge. The extended edition is only 6 seconds longer (4:02 vs 4:08). Even watching them back-to-back, nothing jumped out as obviously different. The extended cut probably just has more random horse porn. That both editions are nearly identical seems an acknowledgement of the scene’s flawless nature. Peter Jackson couldn’t cut anything.
The theatrical edition commits one of its most egregious sins here, cutting away during the charge’s climax to inform us Denethor has gone mad—like we needed that reminder—before returning for the final 16 seconds. The extended cut gives us the full monty, all at once, and we’re better for it.
Here’s the full scene, from the extended edition, for your reference and enjoyment.
All timestamps are from the extended edition.
Minas Tirith in flames
The gates have been breached. The Gondorians fall back behind successive defenses, but it’s only a holding action. The battle is lost. Hide your kids, hide your wife, and hide your husband ‘cause they raping everybody out here.
High in the city, Gandalf the White faces the Witch-king of Angmar. It’s no contest. Gandalf’s staff is shattered by sorcery and he’s thrown from his horse. You’ve never seen a more visceral example of impotence. HIMS should use it in their next commercial.
2:32:10: The Witch-king raises his sword for the killing blow. A war horn interrupts.
He immediately flies off. It’s almost like he recognizes that horn. Like he knows the orcs are in deep shit.
2:32:23: Incredibly, melted potato-face is the only orc who notices the blaring war horns.
The bar for advancement in Sauron’s army must be very low. Just have some situational awareness.
2:32:26: Potato-face steps toward the camera, giving us a closer look at his ugly mug. He resembles the cannibalistic offspring of five generations of albino orc incest.
The other orcs have finally turned toward the sound. They’ve clearly been trained to respond whenever Potato-face abruptly stops and wanders a few feet away.
The Rohirrim haven’t even appeared yet and we’ve already gotten two notable enemies to react.
2:32:28: With the light literally and metaphorically going down in the west, the Rohirrim crest a distant hill.
Is this convenient timing or a new strategy? At this point in the trilogy, they’re undefeated attacking an overwhelming force with the sun at their back. Imagine King Théoden on the other side of the hill, waiting for the perfect moment to appear. Even if it grants no strategic advantage, points for style.
A totally pedantic detail, but this is the timestamp I’m using for the start of the charge because it’s when the Rohirrim appear.
2:32:34: Still cresting.
2:32:40: STILL CRESTING.
12 seconds of horsemen emerging from behind a hill. That’s a very long time to show something that should be boring. Taylor Sheridan employs more horses than anyone working in Hollywood. He doesn’t do anything as patient, instead opting for quick cuts backed by country-rock. Different demo, sure, but at the end of the day it’s dudes riding horses. One is majestic, the other meh.
I tend to roll my eyes when cinephiles bemoan how streamers have eroded film as an art form, but when I look at this shot, they have a point. Often epic fantasy means dragons and elf-lords and, yes, titanic battles. But part of what makes this scene so incredible is how it builds.
2:32:41: Close-up look at the ranks of horsemen. There’s no sense of urgency, not even a hint of concern. From their body language they could be riding in a parade instead of facing an army many times their size.
2:32:45: Zoom in. Close enough to distinguish differences. To individualize the mass.
Let’s graft some personalities onto these five guys, from left to right:
Young dude in his first fight. His helmet is too big and his cloak covers his torso, as though he’s trying to hide.
The Donut That Rides. His armor looks fancier than the two right-most guys, and he has a horn around his neck. A seasoned vet called out of retirement, was very lucky his armor still fit.
Professional soldier. Wearing the nice armor and carrying a standard. Voted most likely to survive.
The old man. No helmet, just a chainmail cowl to go with his chainmail shirt. Squinting because of the cataracts. Definitely going to die, hopefully not from falling off his horse.
Regretting his life choices guy. Note how he leans on his spear, the way his helmet hangs forward. Militia, someone who went on a bender the night before. Just look at that handlebar mustache. He spins vinyl and smokes Marlboro Reds.
2:32:47: The Rohirrim halt on the ridge.
King Théoden separates from the pack, riding forward for a better look.
Apologies to Potato-face—apparently in Middle-earth, the best way to assess danger is to move a few feet away from your men and stare at some unknown detail.
Just realized that Théoden and Potato-face are unknowingly having a staring contest.
2:32:53: Théoden getting his first look at Minas Tirith.
Shock and horror.
I think he’s also disappointed at how soundly Gondor is getting beaten. Minas Tirith is an impressive fortress. Even against a massive force, they should’ve been able to hold out a little longer, a little better. Alas, Denethor.
Théoden probably imagined fighting alongside Gondor, not risking his forces in a suicidal attempt to lift a siege. Forget the Westfold—where was Gondor when orcs showed up on their own doorstep?
2:32:54: This left-to-right pan takes 4 seconds. The field is filthy with orcs. The film doesn’t give us an exact count, but it’s a helluva lot. We know the Rohirrim number about 6000. They’re outnumbered by magnitudes.
There are long odds, suicidal odds, and we-should-just-go-home odds. This is the latter. Turn the horses around. Game over, man.
2:32:59: Éowyn and Merry realizing they’re about to die.
The dude beside them is taking a nap. These Rohirrim, man. They have ice in their veins. I’m suddenly inspired to create a horse lord as my next D&D character.
2:33:12: Éomer getting his first look at the field. There’s definitely a split second reaction of “holy shit, that’s a lot of orcs.”
It’s been over a minute since the Rohirrim horns first reverberated across the battlefield. And they’re still arriving. Talk about build-up. The anticipation makes the actual charge so much sweeter.
This scene could be used as an example of foreplay.
2:33:16: Potato-face getting the orcs into a defensive position, pikes in front, archers in back. As someone who plays a lot of strategy games, it’s a solid plan.
Love the orc in the front row, first from the right. For some reason he screams Muppet to me. I think it’s the too-big helmet, and the way his eyes seem to stare through the slit.
Or it could be because he’s holding a giant letter ‘T.’
2:33:20: This orc is fired up! He groans like he’s hungry as he rushes forward. Not only is meat back on the menu, it’s gonna be fast food. Get in my belly!
I wish we’d gotten a scene where this orc squares off against The Donut That Rides. They could’ve fought over the last drumstick.
2:33:22: You don’t really notice until you’re pausing every few seconds to write about this scene, but the costume and makeup on the orcs is crazy good. They’re all distinct.
Man, what a great movie.
2:33:24: Théoden sets his chin with resolve and a little disgust—for Pete’s sake, Gondor—and rides back to his men with instructions.
There’s no hesitation, no question of what they’ll do. They could easily turn around. They’re on fracking horses! But, as we’ll touch on shortly, Théoden lives for this. He’s a death poet.
2:33:33: Nothing, just love this shot from the Rohirrim lines.
2:33:45: Théoden with the pregame speech.
Théoden: Arise, arise, Riders of Theoden! Spears shall be shaken, shields shall be splintered… a sword day, a red day, ere the sun rises!
See what I mean? Death poet. I once wrote a 10-minute article explaining why Théoden is the best Lord of the Rings character. It’s 99% because of stuff like this.
The soundtrack begins to swell, as though it can’t help but get hyped by Théoden’s words. Who can blame it? He’s the ultimate motivator.
2:34:01: The camera pulls back to give us a good look at why it took so long for the Rohirrim to fully crest that hill. They’re outnumbered, but they’re not nothing.
2:34:03: The Rohirrim lower their spears. It’s go time.
2:34:06: Orcs brace for the charge.
Imagine riding a horse at full speed into that.
2:34:17: Théoden clapping spears with his sword while galloping past.
If swords and spears are substitutes for a man’s virility, is this like high-fiving with penises?
2:34:22: Still clapping wood.
2:34:25: STILL CLAPPING.
2:34:28: STILL.
2:34:30: Théoden peels off, having christened a substantial portion of the front rank with the glory of his sword. It took roughly 13 seconds from start to finish. Say one thing for them, the Rohirrim really know how to draw out a moment.
Because he’s never met an apocalypse he didn’t want to test his mettle against, Théoden fires up the troops as only he can.
Théoden: “Ride now! Ride now! Ride! Ride for ruin and the world’s ending!”
Dude is dealing.
2:34:33: Théoden: “Death!”
I’ve never been in a situation like this, have never been in any true life-or-death scenario, unless you count the time I told my wife her microwave cake was disgusting, but I just can’t imagine shouting “death” as a war cry.
Are they yelling for the death of the enemy? Welcoming the possibility of their own? Both? Théoden is very fatalistic. I think the prospect of so much glorious carnage has gone to his head.
2:34:34: Ah, these guys again.
The young dude is fired up. Who can blame him? Yes, King Théoden—sign me up for some of that! “Death!”
Meanwhile, the old dude is clearly thinking this was a horrible idea.
2:34:36: Éowyn cannot believe she’s surrounded by so many people anxious to ride to their deaths. She could’ve saved them all a lot of trouble and just served some of her famous stew.
2:34:37: Théoden: “Death!”
He’s whipping them into a frothy lather, swinging his sword around his head like it’s a loincloth.
2:34:40: A final “death” call and response.
Look at these extras. The guy on the left looks like the kid from Mask, the Cher movie. The dude right of Théoden is orgasmic; all the wood slapping and death shouting really spoke to him. The poor bastard on the far right is on the front line without a helmet. I hope he’s enjoying these last few seconds of life.
2:34:40: In the end, Éowyn’s fear and doubt are swept away. None are equal to Théoden’s dark poetry. He’s the most powerful force in Middle-earth.
2:34:50: One last pan, showing the Rohirrim, enraptured and ensorcelled, ready to fling themselves upon Mordor blades, as the sun sets.
The moment is upon us. The music swells, urging us forward.
There’s nothing left to say. “Death” really says it all.
2:34:51: Théoden: “Forth Eorlingas!”
Okay, maybe there was one last thing to say.
2:34:54: The horns! They’re horning!
Maybe it’s because it’s the end of all this build-up, or maybe I missed my calling as a medieval horn-man, but I love this part so much. There’s something stirring about the sound of the horns, a promise of rescue, perhaps, or of reckoning.
The horns ushered in this moment, signaling to both Gondor and Mordor that the cavalry had arrived. And now they call the charge.
2:34:58: The horses are moving! The charge has begun!
I pegged the beginning of this scene to when the Rohirrim first started cresting the hill, back at 2:32:28. We’ve had exactly 2 and a half minutes of build-up. The anticipation is through the roof.
The guy second from the left is still grinning. It’s a crazed smile. He’s either high or aroused. I get it, I’m a little of both myself right now.
2:35:06: So many horses. A wall of horseflesh, bristling with spears. It would be so terrifying facing an army like this.
2:35:16: SO MANY HORSES.
Look at that white dot leading out front. Théoden is one crazy dude.
He’s probably still shouting “death.”
2:35:17: I don’t know why but the guy fourth from the left always cracks me up. He’s carrying the kind of axe you’d use to cut firewood. A pitchfork would’ve been a better choice given its reach. But as we’ll see, the weapons are just for looks.
At one point Gimli calls orcs a “rabble” but the Rohirrim are pretty motley themselves.
2:35:23: Waiting to fire. The only thing missing is an old orc who losses his grip and fires early. You can’t tell me Peter Jackson didn’t add that scene as a premature ejaculation joke.
2:35:28: Horses in a full gallop. Is there a more effective way of illustrating a breakneck pace than a close-up of horses running with teeth bared? It’s undefeated.
Between his long mane and the wicked-looking axe, this guy has strong Viking vibes. He’s my second-favorite extra. But more importantly—WHAT IS THE GUY BEHIND HIM DOING?
His eyes are completely covered. LMAO.
2:35:34: More galloping. Look at all those horses!
I read somewhere that this scene used about 250 extras and a lot of CGI to make it look like a massive force. Works pretty convincingly. Reminds me of Rogue One, where Cassian Andor says to “make 10 men feel like 100.” But like, bigger.
2:35:37: Potato-face gives the order to fire. The charge technically started about 30 seconds ago but we’re only now getting to our first bloodshed. The patience of this scene is unparalleled.
2:35:42: Horse and rider fall under the onslaught. The charge continues unabated.
2:35:45: Another volley, followed by a close-up on an orc who must be played by Peter Jackson’s nephew or something. Why is he singled out? So many orcs look much cooler.
I just realized he’s the other white orc. FFS, Peter.
2:35:46: I know it’s just CGI but man, these dudes falling to arrows is really well done. It’s hard to capture with a screen cap, but in motion it’s so visceral and violent.
The charge was heroic before, but racing into missile fire puts it on another level. The charge can’t be broken. It’s a force of nature, with a horrible gravity all its own.
2:35:55: Potato-face legit shocked that three volleys didn’t break the Rohirrim. He’s too used to fighting Gondor. Horse lords are made of sterner stuff.
2:35:58: The moment is nearly at hand. The charge has taken on spear-like dimensions, ready to cut deep into enemy lines.
While we’re here, it’s worth point out that Théoden’s original strategy—formed roughly 2 minutes ago—involved splitting his force into three.
Théoden: Éomer! Take your Eored down the left flank. Gamling! Follow the King’s banner down the center. Grimbold, take your company right after we pass the wall. Forth and fear no darkness!
This is one of the only camera shots distant enough to see what’s happening at a macro level. Where’s this flank Éomer is supposed to be taking? Everyone just formed up behind their king and charged with reckless malice.
Théoden’s poetry is a double-edged sword.
2:35:59: Éomer unnecessarily tossing his spear to himself—while galloping on a horse—is such a flex, on the level of Bucky’s knife flip, but even more excessive. Still awesome.
AND HOLY SHIT! Look to Éomer’s left—the hero that was promised! Rohan’s version of Daredevil, the blind dealer of death himself.
I have so many questions, starting with: How many other scenes is he in, unnoticed in the background? When Grima Wormtongue watched Éowyn from the shadows, was he watching Wormtongue from an even darker corner?
Btw, someone blindly riding a horse full speed into a wall of orcs is the logical outcome of spending too much time in Théoden’s presence. “Death!”
On the real: How did this happen? Did the cowl keep falling in the extra’s face and he just went with it? Did Peter Jackson think it was funny? (To be fair, it totally is.)
From here on I’ll be pausing every second looking for our hero.
2:36:02: This orc’s internal monologue: “Holy crap—is that guy blind?!”
2:36:03: This guy seems to be Potato-face’s number two. The charge hasn’t even hit home and he’s already breaking. He’s looking in all directions for an escape, but there’s none to be had.
Blind Justice is at hand, and his sword is thirsty.
2:36:04: The guy on the left was my favorite Rohirrim extra, but he’s since been demoted to second-favorite after I discovered blind-guy in the course of writing this.
This is what I love about this guy: The Rohirrim are charging toward the orcs at a full gallop, and at the last second this guy engages his horse’s nitro and blows through their ranks. He wants to be the first to spill orc blood.
Théoden’s poetry, man. I told you. Call your doctor if it lasts longer than 4 hours.
Meanwhile, the guy next to him is so chill, I assume he died of a heart attack during the charge. He’s a big boy, his heart couldn’t stand the bloodlust. But his body continues into battle. It’s what he would’ve wanted.
2:36:07: LMAO! This direct-to-camera reaction as the orc lines crumble is my new favorite thing from these movies. I’m now imagining this guy is named Dim Zalpbert and is a character on an orc sitcom called The Dungeon. He gives us one final reaction as his zany adventures come to an end.
The Rohirrim haven’t even killed anyone yet and they’ve already won. Théoden’s lyrics are the most powerful force in Middle-earth. There’s a reason the Balrog was hiding in Moria.
At the risk of extending the joke too far—there’s an argument to be made that Saurman bewitched Théoden to keep the Rohirrim from running roughshod over Middle-earth. Tolkien is pretty black-and-white with his characters so I’m stretching pretty far to make that assertion. But based on all empirical evidence, muzzling Théoden ensured Middle-earth’s safety.
2:36:08: Blurry because the horses are moving faster than the speed of light.
Props to these orcs for not bailing and instead staring their own deaths in the face. Or maybe they’re just confused about the assignment—the orc second from the right is holding an oar.
2:36:14: Utter chaos. I tried to get a decent pic but everything’s blurry.
The music briefly cuts out, giving way to a soundtrack of thundering horses, thudding bodies, screaming men. It peels back the implied heroism a traditional score imparts and lays bare the ugliness of the violence.
I think, all things considered, I’d rather get stabbed than run over by hundreds of horses.
2:36:19: Horses as battering rams. Who knew?
The Rohirrim aren’t even bothering with their weapons. They’ve found an exploit and are totally cheesing this fight.
2:36:24: The second rank is crumbling after seeing the first get completely annihilated by a wall of horses. “What can orcs do against such reckless hate?”
2:36:28: God bless Karl Urban. He doesn’t get a ton to do as Éomer, but this shot of him battle-mad and raging is easily his top moment (threatening to cutoff Gimli’s head is a distant second). He’s totally bought in.
I guess it’s easy to be fired up when Blind Justice, Rohan’s greatest warrior, is your wingman. Look at him—he’s not even holding a weapon. His hand is in the air as if to wave goodbye to all the souls departing horse-trampled bodies.
2:36:34: The cavalry cutting deep into the orc lines. They still have a long way to go based on this visual.
You have to wonder at what point their momentum completely dies out. Not to get all scientific—this is not the place for that—but the horses have to be losing speed with each successive orc they run over. That’s simple physics, right? Genuine question, I got a C in Conceptual Physics.
I’m picturing Théoden running out of gas halfway through and coming to a complete halt surrounded by orcs. And then they pull him out of the saddle and murder him. Seems logical to me.
It’s probably a good thing I didn’t write this story. It’d end a lot more tragically. But would also be funnier, so there’s that.
The film cuts from this triumphant moment to Denethor. It’s like farting in a quiet theater.
So that’s my thesis on this issue. There are lots of other epic scenes that might be considered—off the top of my head: the original Death Star trench run, the end of Endgame, the Moria fight in Fellowship, Darth Maul vs the Jedi, that time Superman and Batman bonded over their moms have the same first name—but the Rohirrim charge stands above the rest. It’s certainly more moving than everything I just listed.
Even if it’s actually kinda funny when you slow it way down and look at the extras.
This ended up being way longer than I expected. Who knew it was possible to wring 4000 words out of a 4-minute sequence?
If this ends up being popular, I’ll write about the next Rohirrim sequence, when Théoden’s one strategy—”death!”—runs into a wall.
I wanted to argue on behalf of Amon Hen but I can’t do it.
Spectacular work. And yes, very funny. 😆