Lord Of The Rings: 10 Persistent Plot Holes FINALLY Debunked

The Claim: At the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, the Rohirrim achieve tactical surprise, but instead of charging they waste time blowing horns and shouting.

Once again, the book’s account is different: when the Rohirrim arrive on the field they do charge immediately. But since this is a ‘plot-hole’ that deals more with realism, let’s discuss realism.

What we see happen in the film is perfectly plausible. The Rohirrim were being asked to attack a force many times the size of the one they had only barely defeated days ago: you can see the fear on Eowyn’s face, and she is no coward. Théoden had to look his army’s morale, which explains the exhortation.

Also, historically cavalry forces could not charge on a whim. Their effectiveness relied on mass, which relied on being in – and holding – the proper formation, which relies on tight control from the officer leading the charge. Because of this cavalry charges started off slow and only kicked into high gear when they were about to make contact. And the blowing horns? Those are there for command and control, because shouted orders are difficult to hear.

So if you want a movie plot-hole, instead ask how the Orcs could change formation so quickly.