Warner Bros. has just unveiled the first full trailer for The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, marking a bold step into the anime medium, a domain the franchise hasn’t explored since 1978. While the trailer is packed with familiar elements, such as the iconic locations of Helm’s Deep and Rohan, as well as creatures like the majestic eagles and the massive Mûmakil (often referred to as “Oliphaunts” by some characters), it also promises new perspectives and a fresh take on the world of Middle-earth.
Mûmakil or Oliphaunts: What’s in a Name?
The Mûmakil, colossal elephant-like creatures, were famously featured in The Return of the King. In the Haradwaith region, south of Gondor and Mordor, the Haradrim people tamed these beasts to use as war machines. Their immense size, which made them larger than a house according to Frodo and Sam, allowed the Haradrim to build war towers on their backs. These towers provided a secure vantage point for archers, as the Mûmakil’s thick hides were nearly impervious to enemy arrows. In battle, the Mûmakil were terrifying, crushing enemy soldiers and scaring off mounted foes with ease.
In Gondor, these beasts were known as Mûmakil, but Frodo and Sam coined the term “Oliphaunts” during their journey to destroy the One Ring. Over the years, the Mûmakil have been depicted in various ways, from the prehistoric-inspired creatures in Peter Jackson’s films to the red-eyed mammoths in the Rankin-Bass animated versions. In War of the Rohirrim, the Mûmakil appear to draw inspiration from Jackson’s design but with notable differences, such as four equally prominent tusks, and some may even have metal reinforcements for battle.
How Did the Mûmakil Reach Rohan?
The presence of Mûmakil in the trailer raises significant questions about their journey northward, as these creatures are not native to Gondor, let alone Rohan. War of the Rohirrim centers on Hèra Hammerhand, daughter of Helm Hammerhand, King of Rohan. As she struggles to defend her kingdom against Wulf, her former friend turned leader of the Dunlendings, the Mûmakil emerge as formidable opponents. The trailer hints at multiple encounters between Hèra and these beasts, from a Mûmak crashing through a fortress wall to one chasing her through a forest, only to be devoured by a lake monster reminiscent of the Watcher in the Water.
Given Rohan’s northern location, far from Harad, the Mûmakil’s appearance suggests they traveled across great distances, possibly brought by Wulf in his quest for vengeance. Another possibility is that Saruman the White, a character known for his manipulative schemes, might have orchestrated their arrival. However, the trailer’s lack of Southron warriors leaves the Mûmakil’s true origin and purpose shrouded in mystery.
What Role Will the Mûmakil Play in the Film?
Regardless of how they arrived, the Mûmakil are set to play a significant role in War of the Rohirrim. In Middle-earth, these creatures are fearsome war machines, capable of overwhelming armies. Director Kenji Kamiyama, known for his work on action-heavy anime like Ghost in the Shell and Blade Runner: Black Lotus, is expected to bring intense, action-packed sequences to the film, similar to the epic scenes in Peter Jackson’s trilogy.
The trailer teases the scale of the battles to come, with one Mûmak smashing through a massive wall and another chasing Hèra through the forest, its damaged tusks hinting at previous encounters. Despite the various scenes, it’s possible that only one Mûmak features in the film, appearing in different sequences as it pursues Hèra. The trailer even suggests a grim fate for this creature, as it is seen struggling in the grip of a lake monster, implying it may meet a tragic end.
As The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim approaches, the return of the Mûmakil adds a layer of epic drama to the story, promising fans a thrilling exploration of Middle-earth through a new and exciting lens.