The legendary world of J.R.R. Tolkien is expanding once again, and this time, swords, shields, and tragic heroism take center stage in The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. Set 183 years before Frodo set out to destroy the One Ring, this anime epic is based on the appendices in the books, diving deep into the history of Rohan and Helm’s Deep. Directed by Kenji Kamiyama (Akira, 009 Re: Cyborg) this movie promises to be both heart-wrenching and action-packed. Whether you’re a Tolkien fan or a newcomer, these are the eight characters to watch out for before stepping into the theater.

1. Helm Hammerhand

Voiced by the Brian Cox of Succession, King Helm Hammerhand isn’t just famous for the fortress that bears his name — he’s an absolute powerhouse. Grim, stoic, and undeniably strong (his punch is basically a lethal weapon), Helm is a man who’ll do whatever it takes to protect his kingdom and his family. But beneath the tall, muscular frame and battlefield prowess lies a man deeply driven by love for his children — and it’s this love that could also become his tragic downfall. Helm’s descent into madness after loss and betrayal is at the heart of the story, making him one of the most fascinating — and flawed — leaders of Middle-earth.

2. Héra

If you thought Éowyn was Rohan’s only badass shieldmaiden, meet Héra (voiced by Gaia Wise of A Walk in the Woods). A princess of Rohan with the wild heart of a true rider, she defies societal expectations with her bravery, honesty, and independence. Héra isn’t content to be confined by her title — she thrives in the open plains, living for the thrill of freedom. But when Wulf, her childhood friend-turned-enemy, comes for vengeance, she must channel the strength of her ancestors to lead her people. Wise beyond her years and fiercely loyal, Héra is a character who could easily join the ranks of Tolkien’s iconic heroines.

3. Haleth

The dependable firstborn son of Helm, Haleth is a chip off the ol’ block. Like his father, Haleth is strong, courageous, and unwavering in his duty. He idolizes Helm and mirrors his fiery warrior spirit. But as war looms, will Haleth rise to the occasion—or will his hotheadedness get the better of him? His arc as a son and fighter captures the burden of legacy handed down within Rohan’s royal lineage.

4. Háma

If you thought Rohan was all muscle and no heart, then Háma will change your mind. As the younger son of Helm, Háma is soft-spoken, sensitive, and artistic — basically, the polar opposite of his brother, Haleth. He plays the lyre, sings, and prefers reading to warring, but don’t mistake him for weak. When his family and Rohan are threatened, Háma rises with quiet strength.

5. Wulf

Every great story needs a complex villain, and Wulf delivers. Once a childhood friend of Héra, Wulf’s obsession with her spirals after her rejection of his marriage proposal. Over time, that heartbreak festers into something darker, especially when compounded by his father’s death and Helm’s scorn. Consumed by vengeance, Wulf leads an all-out siege on the fortress of Helm’s Deep, determined to destroy Rohan and claim Héra. His transformation from a spurned suitor to a ruthless Dunlending lord promises a chilling portrayal of obsession gone horribly wrong.

6. Olwyn

Every hero needs a trusted ally, and for Héra, that’s Olwyn. Once a shieldmaiden herself, Olwyn serves as Héra’s companion and lady’s maid—but make no mistake, she’s no background character. Steadfast, wise, and fiercely protective, Olwyn has Héra’s back, both on and off the battlefield. Her past as a shieldmaiden adds depth to her scenes, and her no-nonsense wisdom makes her a character audiences will root for.

7. Freca

Shades of grey abound in The War of the Rohirrim, and Freca is a prime example. A stubborn lord of the West March with Dunlending blood and the father of Wulf, Freca is a figure of derision in Helm’s court. His heritage is viewed with suspicion, and his brashness doesn’t exactly win him allies. But beneath his acts of defiance lies a cunning mastermind with a dangerous plot to reshape Rohan’s power structure — until tragedy sets events in motion that will change the kingdom forever.

8. Éowyn

Yes, that Éowyn, with Miranda Otto reprising her role in Peter Jackson’s trilogy. Though she doesn’t play an active role in the events of The War of the Rohirrim, Éowyn narrates the tale, weaving a timeless connection between Tolkien’s original trilogy and this prequel. Her voice reminds us that the brave deeds of Helm, Héra, and the Rohirrim echo through Middle-earth’s history, shaping the culture that would defend Rohan centuries later.

Mark your calendars for December 11, 2024, when Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim comes to cinemas nationwide.