Tonight we remember those who gave their blood to defend this country. Hail the victorious dead.
We’ve lost another legend, everyone. RIP Bernard Hill.
Of all the lands of Middle-Earth, I’ve always found Rohan to be the most beautiful. Vast open fields, horses, and badass armor; what more could a fantasy nerd want? No wonder the Hobbits like it so much.
Here, in this land of horses, we meet one of Tolkien’s coolest characters: the last of the House of Eorl, Théoden Ednew.
While we do not meet Théoden until ‘The Two Towers,’ he is alluded to by Gandalf during the Council of Elrond in ‘Fellowship of the Ring.’ In the books, at least. As Gandalf recounts his escape from Saruman, he tells of his visit to Rohan, and to the king that ignored the wizard’s warning.
Once we finally meet the king himself, it becomes abundantly clear why that was the case. Théoden has been caught in Saruman’s spell, with Wormtongue hissing evil into his ear. His lands are falling to ruin, his people slaughtered, his son dead. Yet the king is too hypnotized to care. But with the help of Gandalf the White, the King of Rohan is set free.
Thus, his story truly begins.
The Wound: Simbelmyne
Simbelmyne. Ever has it grown on the tombs of my forebears. Now it shall cover the grave of my son. Alas, that these evil days should be mine. The young perish and the old linger. That I should live to see the last days of my house.
Théoden is a good king. He’s a strong, caring, and honorable leader. More than that, he’s a loving father and uncle. Even among the moral pillars that are Gandalf and Aragorn, he stands as one of the best men in Middle-Earth.
Imagine his pain, then, when he wakes from Saruman’s spell to find his lands burning, his family broken, and his son dead.
Heartbreak and despair are the key factors to Théoden’s arc. Sauron’s return has pushed Middle-Earth to the edge, and he’s looking out into the abyss. As far as Théoden can see it, the writing is on the wall; the end times have come.
Even so, he’s still the king. It’s his responsibility to lead, end of the world or no.
The Want: The Horse and the Rider
Where is the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing? They have passed like rain on the mountain, like wind in the meadow. The days have gone down in the West behind the hills into shadow. How did it come to this?
Like any good monarch, Théoden acts on behalf of his people. Everything he does, he does for their sake. If he cannot lead them to victory and glory, then he’ll do the next best thing and keep them alive. He wants his kingdom to stand in glory and peace. Even if he has to go against Gandalf’s wisdom to do it.
But the thing about the end of the world: it’s not an easy thing to face. Especially when it looks like an army of ten thousand screaming Uruk-hai. Théoden may be determined and proud, but he’s also a realistic man. The looming threat of death is not lost on him.
Even so, he’s determined to see Rohan through the darkness to come whether he lives or dies. This is why he entrusts his people to Eowyn; he knows full well that she has a warrior’s heart. Who better to be his heir in the final days?
Problem is, Théoden is knee-deep in despair. Fight as he may, he doesn’t believe mankind can win. Even more so because…
The Lie: We Are Alone
Gondor? Where was Gondor when the Westfold fell? Where was Gondor when our enemies closed in around us?! No, my Lord Aragorn. We are alone.
After being betrayed by Saruman and all but abandoned by Gondor, Théoden’s faith in others has been shaken down to nothing. He doesn’t even bother sending a rider to beseech aide. You need every man you’ve got when it’s every man for himself.
More than that, Théoden can often walk the line between being pragmatic and being petty. When the Elves come to his aid in Helm’s Deep, he treats them with honor and respect. But when the Fellowship ask him to lend his aide to Gondor, Théoden is reluctant to give it.
At the end of the day, Théoden is the king of Rohan. His responsibility is for his kingdom, not Aragorn. If the White Tree must burn, so be it. So long as the horses still ride.
But recall: harsh though he may be, Théoden is a good man. When Gondor does ask for aide, he hesitates only briefly. In the end, he knows what he must do. Thus, Théoden brought his armies to the fields of Minas Tirith.
Here, Théoden’s arc, as well as his life, would come to an end.
The Need: Ere the Sun Rises
Arise! Arise, Riders of Théoden! Spears shall be shaken, shields shall be splintered! A sword day… a red day… ere the sun rises!
In the Battle of Helm’s Deep, Théoden is nearly engulfed by his despair. If not for Aragorn’s wisdom and Gandalf’s timely rescue, the king would have given in and fallen to the Uruk-hai forces. When his forces ultimately claim victory and Rohan is saved, Théoden leaves despair behind for strength and determination.
Come the Battle of Minas Tirith, that newfound resolve is tested. On the ride to the battlefield, the odds are obvious. The Riders of Rohan ride now to their deaths, for none could stand against the armies of Mordor.
In spite of this, Théoden is still determined to fight. With the guidance of Aragorn and Gandalf, he comes to realize that he cannot escape Sauron. Better to do what is right and take the fight to the dark lord themselves, however hopeless the odds may be.
This is reflected in Théoden’s final speech. He fully acknowledges that the battle will be grim and bloody. But he encourages his men not to despair, but to hope. To push through the red day until the sun rose once again to dispel the darkness.
Thus Théoden rode into his final battle. An act of defiance against despair. An act of selflessness that brought men to stand together. In this moment, Théoden finally leads the Rohirrim in light and glory just as he always wanted.
But even glorious heroes can die on a battlefield.
Conclusion
My body is broken. You have to let me go. I go to my fathers, in whose mighty company I shall not now feel ashamed. Eowyn…
Théoden is a phenomenally well-written character in both book and film. He’s heroic enough to stand beside the Fellowship as a hero, yet stubborn enough to be antagonistic. Every one of his scenes is engaging, be it a heroic speech, a desperate argument, or a well-mannered conversation.
The late Bernard Hill played the character perfectly in the movies. He masterfully captured both the strong, kindly king and the despairing, defeated man. It was a performance for the ages, and any actor who might take up the character in the future has a high bar to reach indeed.
RIP, legend. Thanks for making my childhood that much cooler.
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