This may be my nerdiest article yet, but I have no regrets. The Lord of the Rings movies have been my all time favorite trilogy since the fifth grade. Now that I'm older, my love for it has only grown. Here are my top 12 favorite characters:

12. Uruk hai

I know they're technically evil and also really gross, but can you fault me for wanting a villain that's at least somewhat of a challenge? The battle of Helms Deep wasn't a picnic. Then again, neither was the siege of Gondor, but orcs don't have anything on the purebreds of Isengard.

11. Eomer and the Riders of Rohan

When Eomer was banished during Rohan's darkest hour he took with him a group of some 2,000 riders. Yet his loyalty to his uncle the king and his people never faltered. Rohan is everything. The helmet with the horsetail is just icing on the cake.

10. Theoden

Theoden: survivor of witchcraft, King of Rohan, and a pretty good rider. Leading a broken country to victory isn't that easy. Props to you, man. You're pretty cool, even though you get killed by the nazgul.

9. Arwen

Yass, queen. Her beauty, kindness and grace surpasses all, but few can forget her strength in battle when the need arises. *cue the river scene*

She gives a new meaning to the term slay.

8. Legolas

Let's be real, he's the only reason some girls got into LOTR to begin with. Everyone's woodland elf fantasy cannot be denied. I don't really think I need to explain why he's on the list, do I? I mean, he single-handedly brought down an oliphant during the battle for Gondor.

And few can forget the legendary YouTube sensation...

Nuff said.

7. Faramir

Constantly living in the shadow of his older brother, Boromir, his desire to help his people triumphs above all. His selflessness and desire to do good above all else, even if that means losing the approval of others, is what wins him this spot.

6. Treebeard and the Ents

"What's so great about a bunch of trees?" you may ask. For the answer to this, I must turn to sassy Treebeard.

Everyone knows it's all about the shepherds of the forest. Also, last march of the Ents has got to be my favorite part in The Two Towers.

*ugly crying at the majesty of it all*

5. Samwise Gamgee

Oh, Sam. What would Middle Earth have done without you? I know the answer to that question and it's PERISH IN THE FLAMES OF MORDOR AND ISENGARD. Even though that almost happened to you after the ring was destroyed, the point is that the freedom of middle earth never would've been possible without you. Because to be honest Frodo in the movies is kind of a punk.

Frodo would've literally been so dead so many times if it wasn't for his amazing best friend. Props to you, Samwise.

4. Merry and Pippin

The best of friends saved for this spot. I don't care what anyone says, Merry and Pippin will always be the first hobbits in my heart. Their comedic relief is consistent all the way through, yet when it comes to helping their friends, their courage never falters.

Here's to you guys.

3. Eowyn

Valor, strength, honor and, above all, the desire to do all she can for her people and her friends. She's exhibits more power and raw tenacity than most of the characters in the trilogy.

What a woman. She's on tonight and her blade skills don't lie.

Even though she's an orphan who dealt with the death of many of her family members and her brother's banishment, there's not time to be sad. She's got stuff to do. Like vanquish the witch king, leader of Sauron's armies. You're welcome, Middle Earth.

Tell me she's not one of the best characters in the entire trilogy. I dare you.

2. Aragorn

It's not easy being the heir of Isildur. Aragorn travels through many dangers, toils and snares, yet always finds his way back home. In short:

1. Gandalf the White

Yet the reason why he claims the number one spot is the fact that his character stands as an allegory for Christ's love and His sacrifice on the cross. He passed through fire and death, rising again as a renewed, all-powerful, all-knowing wizard, battling with his companions until the end.

So that's it. I wish I could say I wrote this without getting distracted by a million LOTR videos on YouTube, but I can't because that would be lying. But hey, not all who wander are lost.