A race of plainsmen, the people of Rohan were known to many as the Rohirrim. Situated to the north of Gondor, their ally, the lands of Rohan were a thoroughfare for travelers between north and south, east and west. Consequently, the soldiers of Rohan, all trained riders, maintained vigilant patrols on their land in such dangerous times as those preceding the War of the Ring. The Rohirrim bore tall, noble helms, bright mail and long lances of ash.