Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy is jam-packed with iconic warriors and heroes like Frodo, Gandalf the Grey, and the Ranger and true King of Arnor and Gondor himself, Aragorn. However, there are plenty of other overlooked figures in the movies, games, and books that played an integral part in defeating Sauron, despite their continued lack of recognition.

While these characters may not dominate the cinematic spotlight, their bravery and courage on and beyond the battlefield easily make them the greatest forgotten heroes of Middle-Earth. Whether through magic, swordmanship, or pure valiancy, these unsung few all drove Sauron and his forces of darkness to defeat one way or another, serving their part in preserving and defending Tolkien’s realm.

Too long have their names gone uncelebrated, as their contributions shed light on just how great an effort was required to topple the vast war machine of the Dark Lord before he could attain ultimate power through the One Ring. Without them, the grand narrative of Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy may have taken a far bleaker turn.

Radagast The Brown

Here we have Radagast The Brown, the curious wizard who first appeared in 2012’s The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Though some might initially write him off as an eccentric forest-dweller, Radagast is far wiser than his appearance lets on, and is in fact one of the first figures in Middle-Earth to recognize and warn about the return of Sauron.

Furthermore, Radagast is one of the kindest and most authentic characters in the entirety of The Lord of the Rings saga, devoting his existence to looking after the plants and animals of Middle-Earth whilst avoiding the politics of Men and Elves in favor of a peaceful life. When his help is needed, however, Radagast is never one to shy away.

Despite his numerous eccentricities (including the inexplicable layers of bird poop fixed in his hair and beard), Radagast’s recognition of the growing armies of darkness in Middle-Earth made way for Gandalf’s vigilance towards the One Ring and the rise of Sauron, who may have continued to build his forces quietly if not for the interference of the whimsical Brown Wizard.

King Théoden

One figure that’s often overlooked despite his crucial role at the Battle of Helm’s Deep is King Théoden, the ruler of Rohan. In The Two Towers, Théoden is initially a husk of a leader through the sinister hand of Grima Wormtongue. Once Gandalf frees his mind, however, he becomes a valuable ally of the Fellowship in their quest to defeat Sauron.

At Helm’s Deep, Théoden—along with Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli—leads his troops in defending Rohan from the armies of Orcs and Uruk-hai, successfully protecting the fortified gorge despite the swarms of overwhelming beasts. Then, despite defeat seeming all but inevitable, Théoden stands tall, refusing to retreat nor surrender. Luckily, Gandalf and his reinforcements arrive deus ex machina style, sealing Rohan’s victory.

However, Théoden’s finest hour came during the standoff at Pelennor Fields in The Return of the King, where in spite of Sauron’s armies, he delivers an awe-inspiring speech that rallies his troops against the dark forces. Despite later losing his life in combat, Théoden finds peace after seeing the face of his niece Éowyn—just as he did following Wormtongue’s spell.

Haldir

Another character whose name is rarely brought up is Haldir of Lothlórien, an Elf who also distinguished himself at the Battle of Helm’s Deep in The Two Towers. Though initially standoffish towards the affairs of Men, Haldir steps up and defends the fortress as valiantly as the rest of them, ultimately laying down his life for the people of Rohan.

What’s so moving about Haldir’s sacrifice is its role in the greater history of Elves in Middle-Earth, who—despite recognizing that their age is coming to its end—choose to honor the union they once held with Men millennia ago. Haldir acts as the voice of this sentiment, saying, “Long ago we fought and died together. We come to honor that allegiance.”

What’s interesting about Haldir is the expanded role Peter Jackson and the rest of The Lord of the Rings team built for him in the initial trilogy. Despite playing a smaller part in Tolkien’s novels in which he spoke little English (aka “Westron”), his inflated role in the films helps strengthen the alliance between Men and Elves against Sauron.

Faramir

One of the most vital soldiers in the war against Mordor is Faramir, the younger brother of Boromir and son to Denethor II, the grieving Steward of Gondor whose despair and psychosis leads him to nearly immolate his only surviving son before the intervention of Gandalf and Pippin, ensuring Faramir’s place at Aragorn’s coronation in The Return of the King.

Flashing back to The Two Towers, Faramir initially captures Frodo and Sam with the intent of taking them and the One Ring back to Minas Tirith in an effort to impress his father and bring power back to Gondor. However, once Faramir eventually realizes the Ring’s temptation, he releases them both, placing them on the course that ultimately defeats Sauron.

What’s so striking about Faramir is the humility he embodies in contrast to Boromir, whose lust for power leads to the break-up of the Fellowship. Though his role in The Two Towers is often overlooked in favor of Frodo and the “Three Hunters” (aka Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli), his restraint paved the way for the destruction of the One Ring.

To find this self-discipline among Men in the world of The Lord of the Rings is rare. Indeed, even a figure as powerful as Gandalf the Grey, a supremely powerful wizard of the Istari Order, feared the temptation the Ring posed. For such strength to be found in the race of Men—let alone the brother of Boromir—is astonishing.

Éowyn

Lastly, the humble shieldmaiden of Rohan and niece of King Théoden might have at first appeared untested in battle, but her grace in defeating the Witch-king and several other foes in Sauron’s armies demonstrates her proficiency as a warrior. Plus, her prowess with a sword rivals even that of Aragorn, making Éowyn a skilled ᴀsset to the forces of Rohan.

Furthermore, Éowyn’s romance and eventual marriage with Faramir stands as an emblem of life rebuilt after the ruthless War of the Ring. Though she briefly sought after Aragorn in The Two Towers, her embrace of the injured captain in the Houses of Healing (as seen in the Extended Edition) is one of the finest emotional arcs in the entire trilogy.

Beyond the battlefield and romantic endeavors, however, lies a deep sense of loss that Éowyn takes on with stride. With her father slain by Orcs, her mother ᴅᴇᴀᴅ of grief, and both her cousin Théodred and uncle Théoden both killed in the War of the Ring, it’s nearly beyond belief the strength she possesses and her ability to keep moving.

Finally, Éowyn’s role as a confident female warrior in The Lord of the Rings serves to highlight one of the weaker aspects of Tolkien’s novels—their limited portrayal of women. That’s not to say that there aren’t plenty of strong female characters throughout The Lord of the Rings adaptations—instead, her presence is a steadfast reminder of all of Middle-Earth’s unsung heroes.