Théoden is the King of Rohan and a major character in The Two Towers and The Return of the King. He is the uncle of Éowyn and Éomer and father of Théodred.
Background[]
Personality[]
Book Appearances[]
The Two Towers (book)[]
The Return of the King (book)[]
In the book, Théoden grows quite fond of Merry when he is separated from Pippin and accepts him as a Esquire of Rohan. However, he refuses to let Merry in battle due to his small size despite his bravery. However, unbeknownst to him, his niece and Merry sneak into battle. Théoden was saved by Éowyn and Merry, who also both kill the Witch-king of Angmar (who had mortally wounded Théoden personally). A dying Théoden apologized to the way he treated Merry earlier.
Upon Théoden's death, Éomer succeeded his uncle as king. The Deceased King is given a proper burial as Éomer dubs Merry as a Knight of Rohan.
The Lord of the Rings film series[]
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers[]
Theoden was under the influence of his one-time friend, Saruman and Grima Wormtongue. Unlike the books, Theoden is actually poisoned by Saruman's magic rather than being under just the influence of Grima Wormtongue. He supposedly banished Eomer, the only surviving heir, but in reality, was Wormtongue's himself. When Gandalf, Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas arrived, Gandalf as the whtie wizard rescued Theoden from Saruman's control. He learns of his son's death and is sad to have to bury his own son. Seeing Saruman's oncoming attack, Théoden takes his remaining people to Helm's Deep.
After the attack on the Wargs, Theoden has Eowyn guide the women, children, and the wounded to Helm's Deep, where he takes a final stand, following Aragorn, who was thought to be dead, into battle. Eomer returns to help his uncle and their forces, followed by Gandalf.
The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King[]
Theoden then accompanies the Fellowship to Isengard as the fellowship is reunited with their missing companions Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took. During a confrontation with Saruman, he attempts to use his soft-speaking, enchanting voice with Théoden talking to have peace and council like the ould days. However, Théoden is unswayed and retorts that they will have peace when the war is over and infuriates the White Wizardwhen placed in his own giblets and letting the crows attack him.
Trivia[]
- Unlike the book, Théoden has a conversation with Éowyn instead of Merry, most likely done for emotional reasons.
[]
Series  | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|