gondors armies vs. rohans

[Boromir88]

This is a good point. I guess my reasoning for this is the fact that Aragorn was the rightful King and ruler of Gondor, as where Gandalf wasn't.

Very true, and within the movies I think this works. Denethor is portrayed a lot worse and it seems like nobody cares that Gandalf smacks around the Steward, maybe they were just tired of the man...

An important point though that has been discussed before, as seen in Arvedui's claim and Aragorn's decisions, that it takes more than "right" to become King. One must have the support of the people, in which it seemed Aragorn did. The movies I think show this a little differently, that they were just tired of Denethor and wanted the true King. Where the books deal with it in a bit different way, Aragorn must prove himself to the people, (being victorious at the Morannon) to get the support of Gondor.

[Lolidir]

You are right when you say that the way that things are portrayed is different between the books and movie.

Actually i think its covered pretty nicely in Aragorn's decisions from what I read. In the movie they leave out that whole part with Imrahil and the House of Healing. I think that part really helped gain the respect and trust of the people. Through that whole time between the battle at Pelennor Fields and the time when they march on the Black Gate Aragorn refuses to enter the city as the king. He is recognized as the Captain of the Dunedain of Arnor for the time being and remains in a tent outside the city. So when they (Aragorn, Gandalf, Imrahil, Eomer) lead the armies against the Black Gate and they are victorious, and he is finally revealed to them as Aragorn, the rightful king, they realize that this guy that they trusted in battle, as a result of his skill, is going to be their king. So by the time he actually take the thrown the people know that he can be a leader because of how he lead them to victory over Sauron, and then they are more willing to accept him.

I asked and we can continue to compare this to the books as long as it doesnt turn into just a book discussion.

[Imrahil]

It did seem that Rohan's army was vastly superior in size and skill than that of Gondor...Maybe PJ made it that way to emphasize that the power and grandeur of Gondor had slipped from what it had been.

I agree.
Well i like Rohan a lot better than gondor though but its seems strange that Rohans army should outnumber Gondors.
But i believe the Rohirrim are one of the most skilled armies in middle earth.
well thats my opinion though.

[Beanamir of Gondor]

Denethor is portrayed a lot worse

Yes, Movie!Denethor was kind of messed up. I've posted this on another thread, too, I don't remember which, but that conception of the Rohirrim being much more powerful than the Gondorians (in the movie) might be due to the fact that their leaders were such foils on one another. Theoden was rather heroic, and led his calvary fantastically on the Pelennor, where PJ had the Steward of Gondor screaming, "Abandon your posts! Flee for your lives!" However entertaining that may have been, it did nothing for the audience's confidence in the Gondorian army.

[Gil-Galad]

well Gondor should be the most skilled because of its heritage, most traditional at that fact, Rohan maybe pretty strong...

[Tuor of Gondolin]

I believe the movie Rohannic military superiority is just PJ's change.
In the books somewhere I think one of the hobbits, upon reaching Gondor, is struck by how much more impresive Gondorian warriors are in comparison to Rohannic.

And I believe the bulk of the army of the west that went to Mordor was
comprised of Gondorians, with (500 mounted and 500 infantry Rohan fighters).

[Saurreg]

Originally Posted by Gil-Galad

well Gondor should be the most skilled because of its heritage, most traditional at that fact,

Agreed. The movie could have depicted the typical Gondorian man-at-arms to be a skillful swordsman dispatching many foes with fluid yet powerful hacks, slashes and thrusts before being overwhelmed by superior numbers of the enemies - have them all end up as pin cushions before being cut down by orcish marauders.