Summary
The trailer for the upcoming 2024 projectThe Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrimpromises fans an action-packed return to Middle-earth, simultaneously introducing an array of previously unseen characters alongside an iconic monster not seen sinceThe Fellowship of the Ring. Set200 years before the events of Peter Jackson’s original trilogy,War of the Rohirrimwill not have the same grandeur or scale as the main story. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t showcase some spectacular creatures, both new and old.
The War of the Rohirrim’s trailerrevealed a number of important plot points from the movie. Not only will the story be narrated by Miranda Otto’s Éowyn, providing a clear connection to the main trilogy, but it will concern the internal politics of Rohan that led to the kingdom franchise fans are already familiar with. Amid a power struggle between elderly monarch Helm Hammerhand and the Dunlendings,the story follows rebellious princess Hera who sets out on a quest to protect her people. This mission sees her journey beyond Rohan’s borders, coming into contact with all manner of strange and dangerous creatures.
The War Of The Rohirrim Brings Back The Watcher In The Water
It Was First Seen In The Fellowship Of The Ring
The War of the Rohirrimfeatures a range ofMiddle-earth’s most impressive creatures, from oliphaunts to the great eagles of the Misty Mountains. However,perhaps the most surprising return is the deadly Watcher in the Water, first seen inThe Fellowship of the Ring, 23 years ago. When it was originally encountered, the Watcher inhabited a fetid lake outside the gates of Moria. After Merry and Pippin disturbed the water by throwing rocks, the creature emerged, nearly killing Frodo and collapsing the mines' doors on top of the Fellowship.
This time, the octopus-like creature uses its tentacles to snatch an oliphaunt from the bank as it pursues Hera.
The Watcher inThe War of the Rohirrimseems slightly different, but no less dangerous. This time, the octopus-like creature uses its tentacles to snatch an oliphaunt from the bank as it pursues Hera. Though the circumstances of its arrival are different,there is no doubt it is the same animal, with an aerial shot revealing its distinctive mouth. As such,The War of the Rohirrimmarks a return for the Watcher after two decades away from the limelight.
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Is War Of The Rohirrim’s Watcher In The Water The Same Monster From LOTR?
There Are Some Important Differences
On one level, the Watcher fromWar of the Rohirrimmay be the same as the one fromThe Fellowship of the Ring. For one thing, the creature has never been seen in any other part of Middle-earth, so it may be one of a kind. Another compelling piece of evidence is that Hera’s journey in the animated 2024 sees her travel to and presumably beyond the Misty Mountains.This mission could well take her past the Watcher’s pool, potentially bringing her into contact with the monster, and perhaps even the Dwarves of Moria.
However, there is greater evidence that this is actually a totally new Watcher created specifically for the film. For one thing,War of the Rohirrim’s Watcher is inhabiting a much more green and verdant lake, surrounded by lush vegetation – a far cry from the dank pool near Moria. Another detail is that this Watcher seems to have a tree growing out of its head as a means of camouflage – a clear distinction from the original. As a result,The War of the Rohirrimmay well be introducing new details about this fascinating creature that first appeared 23 years ago.
