Playing integral parts in the military successes at the first and second battles for Minas Tirith as well as the Battle at Helm's Deep, the Riders of Rohan represent a reckless bravery and a staunch that serve as their defining virtues in Tolkien's moral structure. The Riders will not abandon a friend, nor will they fail to defend an ally. They have less interest however in the abstract of justice- trespassers on the lands of Rohan are never left alone, and judgements of the Rohirrim about people are often swift and difficult to correct, even when wrong, as shown by their lingering distrust of Gandalf due to his consistent bad tidings. Their bravery cannot however be faulted, as they lapse easily into the frenzy of battle, and become fell warriors indeed. Although they do not discount the consequences of this bravery, it is of a different sort than the considered valor of Gondor, more fey and more fatalistic: "Death! Ride, ride to ruin and the world's ending!" cries Éomer during the first battle at Minas Tirith.
