KEY BATTLES (WAR OF THE RING) Historians of the Third Age have often argued over the importance of the Rohirrim's contribution to the overthrow of Sauron. Many conclude that it was of little import, for no feat of arms or deed of men (even those of the heirs of Elendil or Eorl) had the potency to undo the Dark Lord's malicious and inexorable power.  For the most part the sages spoke true, for without the destruction of the One Ring, through the unquenchable valour of the Holbyta, all the courage and deeds of Men would have been for naught. And yet, had it not been for the true hearts of Eorl's kin, Gondor would surely have fallen.  And, with the vanquishing of that bitter foe, Sauron's eye would have turned at last to other matters; uncovering in time Gandalf's secret hope and  thwarting Frodo and Sam's desperate quest. Rohan's key contributions to the Allied cause during the War of the Ring were undoubtedly the breaking of Saruman's forces at Helm's Deep and their great ride to aid Gondor in her darkest hour. (The schematic maps presented below contain compasses which are linked to further maps in the sequence of each battle)

The Battle of Helm's Deep	The Battle of the Pelennor Fields