Birth: 2991 of the Third Age
Death: Year 63 of the Fourth Age Race: Men Culture: Rohirrim Height: 6 feet, 6 inches Hair Color: Blonde Eye Color: Brown or Hazel Skin Color: White Residences: Aldburg and Edoras, Rohan Father: Eomund Mother: Theodwyn Siblings: younger sister - Eowyn Spouse: Lothiriel Children: one son - Elfwine Sword: Guthwine Horse: Firefoot |
Biography
Eomer was a brave rider of Rohan who became a mighty King after he helped lead the Western forces to victory in the War of the Ring. Eomer was also of royal blood, for his uncle was King Theoden and his grandfather was King Thengel. Eomer was admired amongst his people for his courageous and caring traits that he shared with his sister Eowyn.
Eomer was born in 2991 of the Third Age. His father was Eomund and his mother was Theodwyn, sister of Theoden. The family of three lived in Rohan near its capital city, Edoras. In 2995, Eomer's younger sister Eowyn was born. Just seven years later, when Eomer was but eleven years old, Eomund was killed in an Orc pursuit. Theodwyn then fell ill and died herself. King Theoden offered to take the two orphaned children in to live with him and he raised Eomer as though he were his own son. Eomer and the prince Theodred became very brotherly towards one another.
As the years passed, Eomer became strong and skilled with a blade. These powerful qualities earned him the great title of Third Marshal of the Mark, meaning he led other riders of Rohan and members of an eored. His individual eored consisted of only about one hundred twenty riders. Eomer lived in Aldburg in the Folde and stored his riders near his home. Each day they roamed the borders of Rohan in search of evil Orcs coming to attack from Mordor.
Rohan had a growing threat from its enemies. At Edoras, Grima Wormtongue was appointed to be Theoden's counsellor, and by 3014 the King had began ailing quite young. What the King was unaware of was that Grima was an evil servant of the evil wizard Saruman, who had a desire to rule over Rohan. Grima attempted more than once to turn Eomer and Theodred against each other and to turn King Theoden against his beloved nephew. However, Eomer remained loyal to the King and never disobeyed him.
In the middle of 3017, Eomer encountered Boromir, who told him that he was in search of the sword that was broken in Imladris. The Wizard called Gandalf arrived at Edoras in September and informed Theoden that Saruman posed a threat to Rohan and may soon wage war, but the King was deeply under the influence of his evil counsellor and refused to listen.
Sure enough, Saruman began attacking Rohan relentlessly over the next two years. However, he saw danger in Eomer and Theodred and sent forth an army to slay them in February of 3019. In the First Battle of the Fords of Isen, Theodred was killed.
It soon came into Eomer's knowledge that a clan of Orcs had slipped passed the borders of Rohan. He feared an alliance between Sauron and Saruman. Naturally, Eomer sought permission from King Theoden to vanquish these Orcs, but Grima told the King to turn down this request. Eomer was aware that the real Theoden would have granted permission, so he set out to slaughter the Orcs on February 27.
On February 28, Eomer gathered his eored and rode to Rohan's border with Fangorn Forest. He had the Orc companies completely surrounded. They killed several of them before quickly retreating. Some of the Uruk-Hai, who mingled amongst the Orcs, realized what was going on and attacked Eomer's eored, but the Uruks were immediately killed. Eomer and his eored began to creep closer to the Orcs.
At dawn the next day, Eomer attacked the last camp of Orcs and Uruks. He and his riders slaughtered them all, including the leader Ugluk who attempted to escape into the forest. The eored burned the corpses of the Orcs and then piled the fifteen men and twelve horses who had fallen during the skirmish. They surrounded the dead Rohirrim and horses with fifteen spears.
When Eomer and his company rode back to Edoras, they met three very strange and suspicious beings: an Elf, a man, and a Dwarf. He ordered the three travelers to be surrounded and demanded to know their business in Rohan. He suspected them to be evil spies. The man told him that he was Aragorn, heir to the throne of Gondor. He explained to Eomer that they had come through Lothlorien, to which Eomer inquired if they were sorcerers working for the Lady of the Wood. This Lady was Galadriel, and Gimli the Dwarf was deeply offended to learn that Eomer would dare to insult her. Eomer and Gimli argued and nearly fought, the Elf Legolas stepping in to the aid of Gimli. Aragorn broke up the needless fighting and managed to assure a troubled Eomer that the three travelers were friends of Rohan and of Theoden. Eomer listened to their tales of traveling through Rivendell, Moria, and Lothlorien. They explained how they had lost Boromir and Gandalf and how Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took were kidnapped by the Orcs. Eomer was sure that he had accidentally killed Merry and Pippin when slaying the Orcs. He felt pity and mercy and decided to let Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli continue on despite the law against it. He gifted them with the horses Arod and Hasufel and bid them farewell.
Eomer returned to Edoras later that day. Grima imprisoned him in the dungeons for disobeying the King and breaking the law. Grima ordered that Eomer's weaponry be taken from him. His sword Guthwine was among these weapons. Hama came to rescue Eomer from prison soon after. Guthwine was returned to him and he offered the sword to the King. Theoden gladly returned it and named Eomer his heir.
Eomer was relieved to finally learn that Theoden was free of Grima's influence thanks to Gandalf. The King stood tall and proud as he once did. Eomer nearly slew Grima for his evil, but Theoden let him flee.
Theoden decided to lead the Rohirrim to battle that same day. Eomer rode mounted atop his horse Firefoot, which he now shared with Gimli. They met Ceorl on the way to war and he informed them that Saruman had defeated the Rohirrim in The Second Battle of the Fords of Isen. The Rohirrim retreated, suffering heavy casualties. Gandalf then realized that he had urgent matters to attend to, so he departed. The Rohirrim were to continue on to Helm's Deep in order to prepare for war.
On March 3, the armies of Rohan reached Helm's Deep. Eomer readied the defenses for battle. That night, ten thousand Orcs and Uruk-Hai from Isengard attacked in the Battle of Helm's Deep. Eomer stood next to Aragorn as the successfully defended, killing Orcs who attempted to ram down the gates. When two Orcs lept on top of Eomer in an effort to slay him, Gimli killed them, ultimately saving the life of Eomer.
On March 4, Eomer parted from Aragorn in order to retreat with his forces into the Deep. Erkenbrand led one thousand riders to defeat the attackers and finally the battle was won.
Eomer rode with King Theoden, Aragorn, and Gandalf to Isengard. There they met Saruman, who tried to fool Theoden into joining with him. Theoden was not fooled in the least, and harshly declined Saruman's offer. Gandalf then took action and removed Saruman's staff.
They soon returned to Helm's Deep. Aragorn left for the Paths of the Dead. Eomer worried greatly that Aragorn would die, but the man was sure this would not be his fate. Aragorn left with Legolas and Gimli.
Eomer rode with Theoden to Dunharrow to manage a full mustering of the Rohirrim. He was reunited with Eowyn and Merry Brandybuck. Hirgon, a messenger from Gondor, arrived with the Red Arrow, a symbol of an alliance that existed between Rohan and Gondor. Gondor called for aid in war. Theoden decided to answer the call of war and six thousand Rohirrim riders set out for Minas Tirith.
The company of riders rode through Druadan Forest, where they met native people known as the Woses. Their Chieftain, Ghan-buri-Ghan, agreed to lead the Rohirrim on a secret rout to Minas Tirith. This way they would be able to avoid the enemy forces.
The Rohirrim reached Gondor on March 15. At dawn, they reached the Pelennor Fields and charged at the enemy ranks. Eomer led the first eored and slew many foes. But Theoden was soon mortally wounded by the Witch-King and died. One of his last requests was that Eomer now be named King of Rohan.
Eomer was deeply saddened by his uncle's death, but he could not mourn for him now. He got back on his mount and led his forces straight onto the battle field. Unfortunately, it seemed to the Rohirrim that the Enemy was bound to achieve victory. Their forces were massive and included Orcs, Trolls, Easterlings, and Haradrim. On the Anduin River came the Corsairs, other warriors fighting for Sauron via black ships. But Eomer noticed the dark flags had been replaced with the flag of Gondor, meaning the Corsairs were defeated. Sure enough, Aragorn and the Grey Company emerged and slew orcs as they went. The tides of the battle began to turn in favor of Gondor and Rohan. Eomer and Aragorn were overjoyed to see one another as Eomer tossed his sword into the air and sang. Together, they had united the free peoples and now the battle was won.
Eomer realized in a panic that his beloved sister Eowyn may have fallen. She had, but she was not killed. Eomer brought his sister to the Houses of Healing where she was tended to by Aragorn.
Aragorn began curing Eowyn. He used crushed athelas leaves to medicate her and bathed her face and arms. Aragorn asked Eomer to call to his sister, for she loved him very dearly and would undoubtedly answer his call as he held her hand. Eowyn woke to see her brother's face. He smiled with pleasure. Eowyn requested that Eomer, King of Rohan, name Merry Brandybuck a Knight of Rohan.
On March 25, Eomer joined the Host of the West setting out for the Black Gate. They did not expect to defeat Sauron in battle but rather to distract his attention from Frodo and the One Ring. If the Ring were destroyed, Sauron would die.
At the Black Gate, war broke out in the Battle of Morannon. However, the Ring was successfully destroyed and Sauron was defeated.
Eomer was named King of Rohan due to his uncle's death. He became a great King and was respected amongst the Rohirrim.
On May 1, Eomer witnessed Aragorn being crowned High King of the reunited kingdom of Gondor and Arnor. Eomer did see Galadriel and Arwen and apologized to Gimli for speaking ill of Galadriel. Gimli accepted his apology.
Eomer and his sister returned to Edoras. During Theoden's funeral feast on August 10, Eomer announced that his sister was to marry Faramir, Steward of Gondor. Eomer bid farewell to Merry and honored the Hobbit on his departure.
In 3021, Eomer married Lothiriel of Gondor and they had a son named Elfwine. Elfwine became King of Rohan when Eomer died in the fall of year 63 of the Fourth Age.
Eomer was born in 2991 of the Third Age. His father was Eomund and his mother was Theodwyn, sister of Theoden. The family of three lived in Rohan near its capital city, Edoras. In 2995, Eomer's younger sister Eowyn was born. Just seven years later, when Eomer was but eleven years old, Eomund was killed in an Orc pursuit. Theodwyn then fell ill and died herself. King Theoden offered to take the two orphaned children in to live with him and he raised Eomer as though he were his own son. Eomer and the prince Theodred became very brotherly towards one another.
As the years passed, Eomer became strong and skilled with a blade. These powerful qualities earned him the great title of Third Marshal of the Mark, meaning he led other riders of Rohan and members of an eored. His individual eored consisted of only about one hundred twenty riders. Eomer lived in Aldburg in the Folde and stored his riders near his home. Each day they roamed the borders of Rohan in search of evil Orcs coming to attack from Mordor.
Rohan had a growing threat from its enemies. At Edoras, Grima Wormtongue was appointed to be Theoden's counsellor, and by 3014 the King had began ailing quite young. What the King was unaware of was that Grima was an evil servant of the evil wizard Saruman, who had a desire to rule over Rohan. Grima attempted more than once to turn Eomer and Theodred against each other and to turn King Theoden against his beloved nephew. However, Eomer remained loyal to the King and never disobeyed him.
In the middle of 3017, Eomer encountered Boromir, who told him that he was in search of the sword that was broken in Imladris. The Wizard called Gandalf arrived at Edoras in September and informed Theoden that Saruman posed a threat to Rohan and may soon wage war, but the King was deeply under the influence of his evil counsellor and refused to listen.
Sure enough, Saruman began attacking Rohan relentlessly over the next two years. However, he saw danger in Eomer and Theodred and sent forth an army to slay them in February of 3019. In the First Battle of the Fords of Isen, Theodred was killed.
It soon came into Eomer's knowledge that a clan of Orcs had slipped passed the borders of Rohan. He feared an alliance between Sauron and Saruman. Naturally, Eomer sought permission from King Theoden to vanquish these Orcs, but Grima told the King to turn down this request. Eomer was aware that the real Theoden would have granted permission, so he set out to slaughter the Orcs on February 27.
On February 28, Eomer gathered his eored and rode to Rohan's border with Fangorn Forest. He had the Orc companies completely surrounded. They killed several of them before quickly retreating. Some of the Uruk-Hai, who mingled amongst the Orcs, realized what was going on and attacked Eomer's eored, but the Uruks were immediately killed. Eomer and his eored began to creep closer to the Orcs.
At dawn the next day, Eomer attacked the last camp of Orcs and Uruks. He and his riders slaughtered them all, including the leader Ugluk who attempted to escape into the forest. The eored burned the corpses of the Orcs and then piled the fifteen men and twelve horses who had fallen during the skirmish. They surrounded the dead Rohirrim and horses with fifteen spears.
When Eomer and his company rode back to Edoras, they met three very strange and suspicious beings: an Elf, a man, and a Dwarf. He ordered the three travelers to be surrounded and demanded to know their business in Rohan. He suspected them to be evil spies. The man told him that he was Aragorn, heir to the throne of Gondor. He explained to Eomer that they had come through Lothlorien, to which Eomer inquired if they were sorcerers working for the Lady of the Wood. This Lady was Galadriel, and Gimli the Dwarf was deeply offended to learn that Eomer would dare to insult her. Eomer and Gimli argued and nearly fought, the Elf Legolas stepping in to the aid of Gimli. Aragorn broke up the needless fighting and managed to assure a troubled Eomer that the three travelers were friends of Rohan and of Theoden. Eomer listened to their tales of traveling through Rivendell, Moria, and Lothlorien. They explained how they had lost Boromir and Gandalf and how Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took were kidnapped by the Orcs. Eomer was sure that he had accidentally killed Merry and Pippin when slaying the Orcs. He felt pity and mercy and decided to let Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli continue on despite the law against it. He gifted them with the horses Arod and Hasufel and bid them farewell.
Eomer returned to Edoras later that day. Grima imprisoned him in the dungeons for disobeying the King and breaking the law. Grima ordered that Eomer's weaponry be taken from him. His sword Guthwine was among these weapons. Hama came to rescue Eomer from prison soon after. Guthwine was returned to him and he offered the sword to the King. Theoden gladly returned it and named Eomer his heir.
Eomer was relieved to finally learn that Theoden was free of Grima's influence thanks to Gandalf. The King stood tall and proud as he once did. Eomer nearly slew Grima for his evil, but Theoden let him flee.
Theoden decided to lead the Rohirrim to battle that same day. Eomer rode mounted atop his horse Firefoot, which he now shared with Gimli. They met Ceorl on the way to war and he informed them that Saruman had defeated the Rohirrim in The Second Battle of the Fords of Isen. The Rohirrim retreated, suffering heavy casualties. Gandalf then realized that he had urgent matters to attend to, so he departed. The Rohirrim were to continue on to Helm's Deep in order to prepare for war.
On March 3, the armies of Rohan reached Helm's Deep. Eomer readied the defenses for battle. That night, ten thousand Orcs and Uruk-Hai from Isengard attacked in the Battle of Helm's Deep. Eomer stood next to Aragorn as the successfully defended, killing Orcs who attempted to ram down the gates. When two Orcs lept on top of Eomer in an effort to slay him, Gimli killed them, ultimately saving the life of Eomer.
On March 4, Eomer parted from Aragorn in order to retreat with his forces into the Deep. Erkenbrand led one thousand riders to defeat the attackers and finally the battle was won.
Eomer rode with King Theoden, Aragorn, and Gandalf to Isengard. There they met Saruman, who tried to fool Theoden into joining with him. Theoden was not fooled in the least, and harshly declined Saruman's offer. Gandalf then took action and removed Saruman's staff.
They soon returned to Helm's Deep. Aragorn left for the Paths of the Dead. Eomer worried greatly that Aragorn would die, but the man was sure this would not be his fate. Aragorn left with Legolas and Gimli.
Eomer rode with Theoden to Dunharrow to manage a full mustering of the Rohirrim. He was reunited with Eowyn and Merry Brandybuck. Hirgon, a messenger from Gondor, arrived with the Red Arrow, a symbol of an alliance that existed between Rohan and Gondor. Gondor called for aid in war. Theoden decided to answer the call of war and six thousand Rohirrim riders set out for Minas Tirith.
The company of riders rode through Druadan Forest, where they met native people known as the Woses. Their Chieftain, Ghan-buri-Ghan, agreed to lead the Rohirrim on a secret rout to Minas Tirith. This way they would be able to avoid the enemy forces.
The Rohirrim reached Gondor on March 15. At dawn, they reached the Pelennor Fields and charged at the enemy ranks. Eomer led the first eored and slew many foes. But Theoden was soon mortally wounded by the Witch-King and died. One of his last requests was that Eomer now be named King of Rohan.
Eomer was deeply saddened by his uncle's death, but he could not mourn for him now. He got back on his mount and led his forces straight onto the battle field. Unfortunately, it seemed to the Rohirrim that the Enemy was bound to achieve victory. Their forces were massive and included Orcs, Trolls, Easterlings, and Haradrim. On the Anduin River came the Corsairs, other warriors fighting for Sauron via black ships. But Eomer noticed the dark flags had been replaced with the flag of Gondor, meaning the Corsairs were defeated. Sure enough, Aragorn and the Grey Company emerged and slew orcs as they went. The tides of the battle began to turn in favor of Gondor and Rohan. Eomer and Aragorn were overjoyed to see one another as Eomer tossed his sword into the air and sang. Together, they had united the free peoples and now the battle was won.
Eomer realized in a panic that his beloved sister Eowyn may have fallen. She had, but she was not killed. Eomer brought his sister to the Houses of Healing where she was tended to by Aragorn.
Aragorn began curing Eowyn. He used crushed athelas leaves to medicate her and bathed her face and arms. Aragorn asked Eomer to call to his sister, for she loved him very dearly and would undoubtedly answer his call as he held her hand. Eowyn woke to see her brother's face. He smiled with pleasure. Eowyn requested that Eomer, King of Rohan, name Merry Brandybuck a Knight of Rohan.
On March 25, Eomer joined the Host of the West setting out for the Black Gate. They did not expect to defeat Sauron in battle but rather to distract his attention from Frodo and the One Ring. If the Ring were destroyed, Sauron would die.
At the Black Gate, war broke out in the Battle of Morannon. However, the Ring was successfully destroyed and Sauron was defeated.
Eomer was named King of Rohan due to his uncle's death. He became a great King and was respected amongst the Rohirrim.
On May 1, Eomer witnessed Aragorn being crowned High King of the reunited kingdom of Gondor and Arnor. Eomer did see Galadriel and Arwen and apologized to Gimli for speaking ill of Galadriel. Gimli accepted his apology.
Eomer and his sister returned to Edoras. During Theoden's funeral feast on August 10, Eomer announced that his sister was to marry Faramir, Steward of Gondor. Eomer bid farewell to Merry and honored the Hobbit on his departure.
In 3021, Eomer married Lothiriel of Gondor and they had a son named Elfwine. Elfwine became King of Rohan when Eomer died in the fall of year 63 of the Fourth Age.
References
The Lord of the Rings:
The Two Towers: "The Uruk-hai;" "The Riders of Rohan," page 40; "The King of the Golden Hall;" "Helm's Deep," passim; "The Road to Isengard;" "The Voice of Saruman," page 185
The Return of the King: "The Palantír," passim; "The Passing of the Grey Company;" "The Muster of Rohan;" "The Ride of the Rohirrim;" "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields," pages 119-122; "The Houses of Healing;" "The Last Debate;" "The Black Gate Opens;" "The Field of Cormallen;" "The Steward and the King;" "Many Partings"
The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion by Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull, pages 229, 367
The Two Towers: "The Uruk-hai;" "The Riders of Rohan," page 40; "The King of the Golden Hall;" "Helm's Deep," passim; "The Road to Isengard;" "The Voice of Saruman," page 185
The Return of the King: "The Palantír," passim; "The Passing of the Grey Company;" "The Muster of Rohan;" "The Ride of the Rohirrim;" "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields," pages 119-122; "The Houses of Healing;" "The Last Debate;" "The Black Gate Opens;" "The Field of Cormallen;" "The Steward and the King;" "Many Partings"
The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion by Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull, pages 229, 367
Timeline:
Year 2991 of the Third Age
Eomer was born to Eomund and Theodwyn.
3002
Eomer and his sister, Eowyn, were orphaned. Their uncle, King Theoden, kindly took them into his care and raised them as though they were his own children.
3017
Eomer was named Third Marshal of the Mark by Theoden.
3018
September 20: Gandalf visited Theoden in order to warn him of the evil of Saruman. Theoden, who had fallen under the influence of Saruman through Wormtongue, told him to take any horse and go.
3019
February 25: First Battle of the Fords of Isen. Theoden's son Theodred was killed.
February 26: It came to Eomer's knowledge that Orcs were passing through Rohan and feared an alliance between Saruman and Sauron. Eomer asks the King for permission to pursue the Orcs, but Theoden
February 27: Despite the fact the Theoden did not give him permission, Eomer led his eored to ambush the Orcs in Rohan.
February 28: The eored ambushed the Orcs near the forest of Fangorn.
February 29: Eomer burned the dead Orcs and held a funeral for the Rohirrim who died in the pursuit.
February 30: Eomer met Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli and gave them two horses. He then returned to Edoras only to be imprisoned for disobeying the King's orders.
March 2: Eomer was released and learned that Theoden was released from Saruman's influence by Gandalf. Since Theodred died, Eomer was named the King's heir and they rode to war against Saruman's forces.
March 3: The armies of Rohan reached Helm's Deep only to be attacked by he forces of Saruman.
March 4: The Battle of Helm's Deep resulted in Rohan's victory.
March 5: Eomer, Theoden, Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli went to Isengard to confront Saruman.
March 6: Eomer and Theoden left for Dunharrow.
March 9: When Eomer and Theoden arrived in Dunharrow, Hirgon of Gondor requested Rohan's aid in war.
March 10: Eomer mustered the Rohirrim. They departed Dunharrow for Gondor.
March 13: The Rohirrim reached the Druadan Forest.
March 14: Ghan-buri-Ghan, chieftain of the Woses, led the Rohirrim beyond enemy forces.
March 15: The Rohirrim arrived at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. King Theoden was slain, so Eomer was named King of Rohan. The battle was won.
March 16: Eomer went to a debate in Minas Tirith in which the western commanders decided to march to the Black Gate led by Aragorn.
March 18: The Western Armies were led from Minas Tirith by Aragorn.
March 25: The Armies of the West battled Sauron's forces in the Battle of Morannon until Frodo destroyed the One Ring and Sauron fell, defeated.
April 8: Eomer attended the Western ceremony for their victory on the Field of Cormallen.
May 1: Eomer attended the crowning of King Aragorn.
May 8: Eomer and his sister Eowyn go back to Rohan to clean it of its hardships from the war.
July 18: Eomer returned to Minas Tirith to retrieve Theoden's body.
July 22: Theoden's body was escorted from Gondor to Rohan.
August 10: A funeral was held in Edoras for King Theoden.
3021
Eomer was married to Lothiriel of Gondor.
Year 63 of the Fourth Age:
Eomer died in fall and was succeeded as King by his son Elfwine.
Names & Meanings
Éomer:
Éomer is of Old English origin. It comes from eoh, which means "horse," and maére, which translates as "renowned." The name Éomer appears in the tale Beowulf.
Marshal of the Mark:
Éomer was the Third Marshal of the Mark. This was the highest military rank in Rohan. Theoden was the First Marshal, Theodred was the Second Marshal, and Eomer was the Third Marshal.
Sister-son:
As the son of King Theoden's sister Theodwyn, Eomer was called sister-son by his uncle.
King of Rohan/King of the Mark:
Eomer was named King of Rohan after his uncle's death, as he was his uncle's heir. Rohan was also called the Mark.
Éomer Éadig:
Eomer was called Éomer Éadig as king. Éadig is an Old English word meaning "blessed."
Gallery:
Image Credits
Karl Urban played Eomer in the New Line Cinema film trilogy of The Lord of the Rings directed by Peter Jackson.
The painting at the top right is of Eomer at war by artist Alan Lee.
The painting at the bottom is of Eomer riding to war with Aragorn and the Rohirrim, by artist Ted Nasmith.
The painting at the top right is of Eomer at war by artist Alan Lee.
The painting at the bottom is of Eomer riding to war with Aragorn and the Rohirrim, by artist Ted Nasmith.
Family Tree:
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