Birth: 2948 of the Third Age
Death: March 15, 3019 Race: Men Culture: Rohirrim Hair Color: Blond; then white Eye Color: Blue Skin Color: White Father: King Thengel Mother: Morwen of Lossarnach Siblings: Theodwyn and three unnamed sisters Spouse: Elfhild Children: 1 son - Theodred Residence: Meduseld in Edoras, Rohan |
Biography
Theoden was a mighty King of Rohan who ruled over his country during the War of the Ring in the Third Age. He was courageous and warlike, and cared about his people more than anything. He adored his sister Theodwyn and his niese Eowyn, both of whom he shared his traits with. He was strong and was able to fight off Saruman and defeat Isengard, only to fall in battle side by side with Gondor against the vast forces of Mordor, which he would not live to see defeated.
Theoden was born in Gondor in 2948 of the Third Age. His father was the prince of Rohan, Thengel. His mother was a Gondorian woman of Lossarnach by the name of Morwen Steelsheen. Theoden had an older sister and three younger sisters, of whom he loved Theodwyn the most. They shared similar courageous traits.
In 2953, Theoden's grandfather King Fengel died, giving Thengel the title of King. The family moved to Edoras in Rohan, where Thengel ruled from Meduseld, the Golden Hall of the King.
As Theoden grew into manhood, he was married to Elfhild. In 2978, she gave birth to their son Theodred. However, Elfhild died in childbirth, leaving only Theoden to raise his new born son.
Thengel died in 2980, leaving the throne of Rohan to Theoden. The thirty-two year old man was popular amongst his people. He was well known for his skill, kindness, and willingness to be King.
Theoden was indeed a strong King - for he was skilled with a blade as well as on horseback. In fact, his emblem was a white horse on a green field. Theoden bore the sword Herugrim, which was said to have come from ancient times.
Theoden was in charge of the Marshal of the Mark as King. The First Marshal of the Mark was Eomund of the Eastfold, who married Theoden's sister Theodwyn. In 3002, Eomund was killed by Orcs and Theodwyn grew sick and perished. Her two young children, Eowyn and Eomer, came to live with Theoden. The King was proud to take in his younger sister's children, though he was saddened by her death. The children reminded him of their beloved mother.
Theodred was made Second Marshal of the Mark, while Eomer was made Third Marshal of the Mark. Hama was both the Captain of Theoden's Household as well as the King's doorward. Elfhelm was leader of the garrison of Edoras. Grima Wormtongue was made the King's counsellor, who looked after the King as he aged.
While the people of Rohan were known to lead long lives, Theoden began ailing quite abruptly after sixty-six years of age in 3014. He appeared to be withering away. What many of the people of Rohan did not know was that he was in fact under the spell of a Wizard called Saruman, who was using Grima Wormtongue to manipulate the King's mind. The wizard wished to seize control of Rohan, ultimately on behalf of the great enemy Sauron.
As the years passed, Saruman's grip on Theoden increased. Grima was to give Theoden ill advice in order to weaken his mind. Grima virtually ruled Rohan, though he always pretended to respect the King. Eomer realized something was wrong and disrespected Grima, but almost never did he disobey Theoden's orders, whether or not they were influenced by Grima.
On September 19, 3018, the wizard Gandalf arrived at Edoras. Grima angrily refused to let him speak before the King. Theoden intercepted and allowed Gandalf to visit him on September 20. However, under the influence of Grima, he dismissed Gandalf after the wizard warned that Saruman was ready to attack. Theoden told him to take any horse and go. When in the stables, Gandalf chose Shadowfax the mearas. This greatly annoyed Theoden due to the fact that the mearas were traditionally only ridden by royalty.
Saruman and the Rohirrim began warring across Rohan. Saruman frequently sent Orcs across the borders of Rohan and Isengard in order to claim power over the Rohirrim. He thought that it was time for Rohan to fall. In February, Theodred took command of Rohan's forces.
Saruman feared Theodred. He had the blood of a King, making Saruman fear that he could rise above Isengard. He sent out a force to kill him on February 15, causing the First Battle of the Fords of Isen. Theodred was killed that day.
Erkenbrand rode to tell Theoden the devastating news, but the King's mind was being poisoned, so he did not listen. Erkenbrand then sent word on February 27 asking Theoden to send Eomer fully armed with a force from Edoras to defend the outer borders near Isengard and the Gap of Rohan, which had fallen to Saruman. Theoden denied this request due to Grima's advice.
Though Eomer did not ride to the defense, he did manage to pick up information about the whereabouts of the Orcs. He asked if he could ride to break up communication and travel between Isengard and the East, for he worried that Saruman was allied with Sauron. Though Theoden, with the help of Grima, denied him the right, Eomer slew the Orcs anyway. He was then imprisoned by Grima for betraying the King.
On March 2, 3019, Gandalf returned to Edoras with Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli. This time, he was allowed entrance, but he was forced to be unarmed. Grima did not want Gandalf to challenge him using his new white staff which he was given when his old self died and he was reborn as Gandalf the White.
Gandalf did manage to get into the Golden Hall with his staff, and before the King he freed him from Saruman's spell. Gandalf then revealed himself as Gandalf the White. Theoden stood tall again, with no cane or walker. He looked years younger - for his hair had turned blond again, and many of the wrinkles in his face had worn away. After smelling the fresh air outside, Theoden returned to the Golden Hall.
Eomer bowed before the King, who agreed to free him from his cell. Theoden wielded Herugrim again, the ancient sword. He then agreed with Gandalf, who thought it best to confront Saruman in war. Though seventy years old, Theoden wished to lead the Rohirrim forces in battle himself.
Theoden then looked down at Grima and pondered. He knew this man was an evil agent of Saruman, but he did not know what to do with him. Theoden knew Grima was disloyal, but he gave him a choice anyway. He questioned if Grima wanted to leave Edoras immediately or fight for Rohan against Saruman. Grima took off in a flash, not wanting to ever support the people of Rohan, whom he hated so passionately.
Theoden soon came to realize his son was missing, only to learn of his tragic death. A funeral ceremony was held for Theodred, and Theoden wished that it was he himself who had died, not his young and brave son.
Theoden announced that every man and lad must soon be armed and ready to fight. He granted Eomer the title of The King's Heir, meaning he led the men in the armies. Eowyn led the women and children to safety in Dunharrow.
Theoden granted Gandalf the horse Shadowfax and Gimli a shield of the Rohirrim to accompany the dwarf's axe. He then summoned over one thousand Riders of Rohan to ride across the riddermark to war. They would meet their enemies at the fortress of Helm's Deep.
Grasping Herugrim, Theoden rode the horse Snowmane. On the way to war, Ceorl encountered the large company and gave them ill news of the Second Battle of the Fords of Isen. It had been lost to enemy forces, and Erkenbrand was also going to Helm's Deep to avoid greater defeat from Saruman. After hearing this ill news, Gandalf suddenly realized he had an urgent errand to run, so he left left. He promised to return. Theoden continued on to the Deeping-coomb and to Helm's Deep. As they rode, Theoden noticed distant villages and farms burning as a massive dark force approached. He realized that Saruman's army was on the move already.
The riders soon reached Helm's Deep. Erkenbrand had not arrived quite yet. Theoden ordered the members of his house to join him in the Hornburg, which was the inner layer of the fortress. The Deeping-wall was the outer layer, and this was where Eomer positioned his men.
On March 3, Theoden knew Saruman's army was approaching. That night, as rain poured upon the fortress, it was attacked. Approximately ten thousand Orcs and Uruk-hai were on the offense against only one thousand Rohirrim on defense.
Deep into the night, Orcs were still breaching the wall of Helm's Deep. They eventually used some kind of bomb-like device to explode the rock and burst through the walls, slaughtering as they went. Theoden could not bare to simply watch from a safe peak - he felt a desire to take action.
On March 4, Theoden led a company of several riders including Aragorn to ride out of the Hornburg and the down the Causeway. Snowmane trampled Orcs while Theoden stabbed them using Herugrim. The tides had finally turned for the battle, and from then on the Rohirrim were the front-runners. Gandalf arrived at dawn with Erkenbrand and they killed many Orcs, eventually surrounding Saruman's forces completely. When Gandalf realized that the trees in the background were in fact Huorns sent by Treebeard, he let the remainder of the Orcs run into the forest to be devoured. The Battle of Helm's Deep was won.
Despite this victory, many important men died including the doorward Hama, who had been killed before the battle and then hewed in front of the Hornburg.
Theoden summoned an Eohere and rode to Dunharrow. He then met up with Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli, and they all rode to Isengard to confront Saruman. As they travelled, Theoden met his first Ent.
In Isengard, Saruman attempted to put a spell on Theoden to make him agree to peace. Theoden was not fooled. He yelled that they could not and would never have peace until Saruman hung himself at the window with a gibbet. Gandalf then broke the staff of Saruman and locked the evil wizard in his tower, Orthanc, with Grima.
Theoden met his first two Hobbits, Merry Brandybuck and Pippin Took, at the gates of Isengard. When the company returned to Edoras, Merry bowed before Theoden, offering his sword. Theoden gladly accepted, making Merry his esquire. He gave him the pony Stybba and they rode again to Dunharrow after Gandalf and Pippin left for Minas Tirith.
The messenger Hirgon from Gondor arrived at Dunharrow with the Red Arrow, a weapon symbolizing an alliance between Gondor and Rohan. This meant that Gondor called for aid in battle. After not much thought, Theoden concluded that Rohan would answer the call of war. He then requested for a full muster of the Rohirrim, forming and Eohere of six thousand strong riders.
Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli set out for the Paths of the Dead for additional support. Meanwhile, Theoden dismissed Merry from his services and told Eowyn that she could take care of the people while he was gone. Both of the people he intended to leave behind were determined to fight, so they secretly rode a horse and accompanied the army.
The Rohirrim force passed through Druadan Forest, which was inhabited by a group of Aboriginal people known as the Druedain, or Woses. Their people were led by Ghan-buri-Ghan, who agreed to lead the Rohirrim to a secret passage through the forest and to battle.
They reached Rammas Echor on March 15. Theoden made a grand arrival which surprised the forces of Mordor. He held up Herugrim, telling the riders to "arise!" He sounded the charge and rode onto the fields for death and glory.
His first move on the battle field was to challenge the Haradrim who rode on Mumakil. Though the chieftain of the Mumakil was tall and strong, Theoden managed to slay him, causing the entire force of Harad to withdraw to an extent.
After this victory, the Witch-King, mounted upon his Fell Beast, confronted Theoden. The Witch-King was Sauron's deadliest servant. Theoden stood firmly with his sword, but was crushed by Snowmane, who had been pierced by an arrow. Just as the Fell Beast was about to feast on Theoden's flesh, Eowyn intercepted and chopped off the Beast's head, soon to kill the Witch-King himself. Theoden began dying as she did this, for his body was broken. Though she had promised to stay behind, Theoden was not disappointed with her. He smiled into her eyes, his last word being her very name.
After the Battle of Pelennor Fields was eventually won by the forces of Gondor and Rohan, Theoden's dead body was brought inside Minas Tirith and laid near the Tower of Ecthelion. It was closely guarded and honored with Theoden's colors within his emblem, which were green and white. He lay beneath a golden blanket with his sword and shield.
Theoden's body was later taken to a tomb in the Hallows until after the War of the Ring. It was later put into a coffin. King Aragorn offered to leave him in a tomb in Minas Tirith, where he would be greatly honored, but Eomer chose to bring him back to Rohan.
A funeral was held for Theoden in Rohan and a glorious feast was held in his honor in Meduseld. The King was buried in Edoras. Eomer became King of Rohan.
Theoden was born in Gondor in 2948 of the Third Age. His father was the prince of Rohan, Thengel. His mother was a Gondorian woman of Lossarnach by the name of Morwen Steelsheen. Theoden had an older sister and three younger sisters, of whom he loved Theodwyn the most. They shared similar courageous traits.
In 2953, Theoden's grandfather King Fengel died, giving Thengel the title of King. The family moved to Edoras in Rohan, where Thengel ruled from Meduseld, the Golden Hall of the King.
As Theoden grew into manhood, he was married to Elfhild. In 2978, she gave birth to their son Theodred. However, Elfhild died in childbirth, leaving only Theoden to raise his new born son.
Thengel died in 2980, leaving the throne of Rohan to Theoden. The thirty-two year old man was popular amongst his people. He was well known for his skill, kindness, and willingness to be King.
Theoden was indeed a strong King - for he was skilled with a blade as well as on horseback. In fact, his emblem was a white horse on a green field. Theoden bore the sword Herugrim, which was said to have come from ancient times.
Theoden was in charge of the Marshal of the Mark as King. The First Marshal of the Mark was Eomund of the Eastfold, who married Theoden's sister Theodwyn. In 3002, Eomund was killed by Orcs and Theodwyn grew sick and perished. Her two young children, Eowyn and Eomer, came to live with Theoden. The King was proud to take in his younger sister's children, though he was saddened by her death. The children reminded him of their beloved mother.
Theodred was made Second Marshal of the Mark, while Eomer was made Third Marshal of the Mark. Hama was both the Captain of Theoden's Household as well as the King's doorward. Elfhelm was leader of the garrison of Edoras. Grima Wormtongue was made the King's counsellor, who looked after the King as he aged.
While the people of Rohan were known to lead long lives, Theoden began ailing quite abruptly after sixty-six years of age in 3014. He appeared to be withering away. What many of the people of Rohan did not know was that he was in fact under the spell of a Wizard called Saruman, who was using Grima Wormtongue to manipulate the King's mind. The wizard wished to seize control of Rohan, ultimately on behalf of the great enemy Sauron.
As the years passed, Saruman's grip on Theoden increased. Grima was to give Theoden ill advice in order to weaken his mind. Grima virtually ruled Rohan, though he always pretended to respect the King. Eomer realized something was wrong and disrespected Grima, but almost never did he disobey Theoden's orders, whether or not they were influenced by Grima.
On September 19, 3018, the wizard Gandalf arrived at Edoras. Grima angrily refused to let him speak before the King. Theoden intercepted and allowed Gandalf to visit him on September 20. However, under the influence of Grima, he dismissed Gandalf after the wizard warned that Saruman was ready to attack. Theoden told him to take any horse and go. When in the stables, Gandalf chose Shadowfax the mearas. This greatly annoyed Theoden due to the fact that the mearas were traditionally only ridden by royalty.
Saruman and the Rohirrim began warring across Rohan. Saruman frequently sent Orcs across the borders of Rohan and Isengard in order to claim power over the Rohirrim. He thought that it was time for Rohan to fall. In February, Theodred took command of Rohan's forces.
Saruman feared Theodred. He had the blood of a King, making Saruman fear that he could rise above Isengard. He sent out a force to kill him on February 15, causing the First Battle of the Fords of Isen. Theodred was killed that day.
Erkenbrand rode to tell Theoden the devastating news, but the King's mind was being poisoned, so he did not listen. Erkenbrand then sent word on February 27 asking Theoden to send Eomer fully armed with a force from Edoras to defend the outer borders near Isengard and the Gap of Rohan, which had fallen to Saruman. Theoden denied this request due to Grima's advice.
Though Eomer did not ride to the defense, he did manage to pick up information about the whereabouts of the Orcs. He asked if he could ride to break up communication and travel between Isengard and the East, for he worried that Saruman was allied with Sauron. Though Theoden, with the help of Grima, denied him the right, Eomer slew the Orcs anyway. He was then imprisoned by Grima for betraying the King.
On March 2, 3019, Gandalf returned to Edoras with Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli. This time, he was allowed entrance, but he was forced to be unarmed. Grima did not want Gandalf to challenge him using his new white staff which he was given when his old self died and he was reborn as Gandalf the White.
Gandalf did manage to get into the Golden Hall with his staff, and before the King he freed him from Saruman's spell. Gandalf then revealed himself as Gandalf the White. Theoden stood tall again, with no cane or walker. He looked years younger - for his hair had turned blond again, and many of the wrinkles in his face had worn away. After smelling the fresh air outside, Theoden returned to the Golden Hall.
Eomer bowed before the King, who agreed to free him from his cell. Theoden wielded Herugrim again, the ancient sword. He then agreed with Gandalf, who thought it best to confront Saruman in war. Though seventy years old, Theoden wished to lead the Rohirrim forces in battle himself.
Theoden then looked down at Grima and pondered. He knew this man was an evil agent of Saruman, but he did not know what to do with him. Theoden knew Grima was disloyal, but he gave him a choice anyway. He questioned if Grima wanted to leave Edoras immediately or fight for Rohan against Saruman. Grima took off in a flash, not wanting to ever support the people of Rohan, whom he hated so passionately.
Theoden soon came to realize his son was missing, only to learn of his tragic death. A funeral ceremony was held for Theodred, and Theoden wished that it was he himself who had died, not his young and brave son.
Theoden announced that every man and lad must soon be armed and ready to fight. He granted Eomer the title of The King's Heir, meaning he led the men in the armies. Eowyn led the women and children to safety in Dunharrow.
Theoden granted Gandalf the horse Shadowfax and Gimli a shield of the Rohirrim to accompany the dwarf's axe. He then summoned over one thousand Riders of Rohan to ride across the riddermark to war. They would meet their enemies at the fortress of Helm's Deep.
Grasping Herugrim, Theoden rode the horse Snowmane. On the way to war, Ceorl encountered the large company and gave them ill news of the Second Battle of the Fords of Isen. It had been lost to enemy forces, and Erkenbrand was also going to Helm's Deep to avoid greater defeat from Saruman. After hearing this ill news, Gandalf suddenly realized he had an urgent errand to run, so he left left. He promised to return. Theoden continued on to the Deeping-coomb and to Helm's Deep. As they rode, Theoden noticed distant villages and farms burning as a massive dark force approached. He realized that Saruman's army was on the move already.
The riders soon reached Helm's Deep. Erkenbrand had not arrived quite yet. Theoden ordered the members of his house to join him in the Hornburg, which was the inner layer of the fortress. The Deeping-wall was the outer layer, and this was where Eomer positioned his men.
On March 3, Theoden knew Saruman's army was approaching. That night, as rain poured upon the fortress, it was attacked. Approximately ten thousand Orcs and Uruk-hai were on the offense against only one thousand Rohirrim on defense.
Deep into the night, Orcs were still breaching the wall of Helm's Deep. They eventually used some kind of bomb-like device to explode the rock and burst through the walls, slaughtering as they went. Theoden could not bare to simply watch from a safe peak - he felt a desire to take action.
On March 4, Theoden led a company of several riders including Aragorn to ride out of the Hornburg and the down the Causeway. Snowmane trampled Orcs while Theoden stabbed them using Herugrim. The tides had finally turned for the battle, and from then on the Rohirrim were the front-runners. Gandalf arrived at dawn with Erkenbrand and they killed many Orcs, eventually surrounding Saruman's forces completely. When Gandalf realized that the trees in the background were in fact Huorns sent by Treebeard, he let the remainder of the Orcs run into the forest to be devoured. The Battle of Helm's Deep was won.
Despite this victory, many important men died including the doorward Hama, who had been killed before the battle and then hewed in front of the Hornburg.
Theoden summoned an Eohere and rode to Dunharrow. He then met up with Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli, and they all rode to Isengard to confront Saruman. As they travelled, Theoden met his first Ent.
In Isengard, Saruman attempted to put a spell on Theoden to make him agree to peace. Theoden was not fooled. He yelled that they could not and would never have peace until Saruman hung himself at the window with a gibbet. Gandalf then broke the staff of Saruman and locked the evil wizard in his tower, Orthanc, with Grima.
Theoden met his first two Hobbits, Merry Brandybuck and Pippin Took, at the gates of Isengard. When the company returned to Edoras, Merry bowed before Theoden, offering his sword. Theoden gladly accepted, making Merry his esquire. He gave him the pony Stybba and they rode again to Dunharrow after Gandalf and Pippin left for Minas Tirith.
The messenger Hirgon from Gondor arrived at Dunharrow with the Red Arrow, a weapon symbolizing an alliance between Gondor and Rohan. This meant that Gondor called for aid in battle. After not much thought, Theoden concluded that Rohan would answer the call of war. He then requested for a full muster of the Rohirrim, forming and Eohere of six thousand strong riders.
Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli set out for the Paths of the Dead for additional support. Meanwhile, Theoden dismissed Merry from his services and told Eowyn that she could take care of the people while he was gone. Both of the people he intended to leave behind were determined to fight, so they secretly rode a horse and accompanied the army.
The Rohirrim force passed through Druadan Forest, which was inhabited by a group of Aboriginal people known as the Druedain, or Woses. Their people were led by Ghan-buri-Ghan, who agreed to lead the Rohirrim to a secret passage through the forest and to battle.
They reached Rammas Echor on March 15. Theoden made a grand arrival which surprised the forces of Mordor. He held up Herugrim, telling the riders to "arise!" He sounded the charge and rode onto the fields for death and glory.
His first move on the battle field was to challenge the Haradrim who rode on Mumakil. Though the chieftain of the Mumakil was tall and strong, Theoden managed to slay him, causing the entire force of Harad to withdraw to an extent.
After this victory, the Witch-King, mounted upon his Fell Beast, confronted Theoden. The Witch-King was Sauron's deadliest servant. Theoden stood firmly with his sword, but was crushed by Snowmane, who had been pierced by an arrow. Just as the Fell Beast was about to feast on Theoden's flesh, Eowyn intercepted and chopped off the Beast's head, soon to kill the Witch-King himself. Theoden began dying as she did this, for his body was broken. Though she had promised to stay behind, Theoden was not disappointed with her. He smiled into her eyes, his last word being her very name.
After the Battle of Pelennor Fields was eventually won by the forces of Gondor and Rohan, Theoden's dead body was brought inside Minas Tirith and laid near the Tower of Ecthelion. It was closely guarded and honored with Theoden's colors within his emblem, which were green and white. He lay beneath a golden blanket with his sword and shield.
Theoden's body was later taken to a tomb in the Hallows until after the War of the Ring. It was later put into a coffin. King Aragorn offered to leave him in a tomb in Minas Tirith, where he would be greatly honored, but Eomer chose to bring him back to Rohan.
A funeral was held for Theoden in Rohan and a glorious feast was held in his honor in Meduseld. The King was buried in Edoras. Eomer became King of Rohan.
References
The Lord of the Rings:
The Two Towers: "The King of the Golden Hall," pages 120-123 and passim; "Helm's Deep," passim; "The Road to Isengard;" "The Voice of Saruman," pages 185-186
The Return of the King: "Muster of Rohan," passim; "The Ride of the Rohirrim," page 110-113; "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields," pages 124 and passim; "The Steward and the King," page 247; "Many Partings"
The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A: "The House of Eorl;" "The Kings of the Mark," passim
The Unfinished Tales: "The Battles of the Fords of Isen"
The Two Towers: "The King of the Golden Hall," pages 120-123 and passim; "Helm's Deep," passim; "The Road to Isengard;" "The Voice of Saruman," pages 185-186
The Return of the King: "Muster of Rohan," passim; "The Ride of the Rohirrim," page 110-113; "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields," pages 124 and passim; "The Steward and the King," page 247; "Many Partings"
The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A: "The House of Eorl;" "The Kings of the Mark," passim
The Unfinished Tales: "The Battles of the Fords of Isen"
Timeline
2948 of the Third Age
Theoden was born to Thengel and Morwen in Lossarnach, Gondor.
2953
The family moved to Rohan at the death of Theoden's grandfather Fengel, for Thengel was now King.
2963
Theodwyn, Theoden's younger sister, was born. Theoden grew to love her.
2970s
Theoden married Elfhild.
2978
Elfhild died in childbirth with a son named Theodred.
2980
Thengel died, leaving Theoden to be King.
3002
When Theodwyn and her husband Eomund died, Theoden happily took their children, Eomer and Eowyn, into his care.
3014
Grima became Theoden's counsellor. He was secretly an agent of Saruman and made the King weak by poisoning his mind.
3018
September 19: Gandalf visited Minas Tirith. Grima ordered Theoden to not allow him in.
September 20: Theoden finally let Gandalf into Edoras, but stubbornly refused to listen to any word concerning Saruman and his plans to attack Rohan. He ordered Gandalf to "take any horse and go."
3019
February 25: Saruman challenged Theodred in the First Battle of the Fords of Isen. Theodred died.
February 27: Theoden didn't much care about his son's death, being in his current state of health. Erkenbrand called for more riders, but Theoden refused. Eomer asked if he could slay a band of Orcs but was refused permission. He did it anyway and was imprisoned.
March 2: Gandalf returned to Edoras with Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli. He released Theoden from his spell and they set out for war with Saruman. Ceorl brought ill news of the Second Battle of the Fords of Isen.
March 3: Theoden decided to retreat to Helm's Deep, where his force was attacked in the Battle of Helm's Deep.
March 4: After the Battle of Helm's Deep was won, Theoden departed with Gandalf to Isengard.
March 5: Theoden and Gandalf reached Isengard where Saruman lay imprisoned. Saruman tried to convince Theoden to make peace with him, but Theoden turned down this offer. He soon met Merry and Pippin.
March 6: Theoden led his people to Dunharrow and Merry became his esquire.
March 9: At Dunharrow, the Red Arrow was brought before Theoden. Gondor called for aid.
March 10: Theoden made a final desicion to aid Gondor and mustered the Rohirrim.
March 13: Theoden was met by Aborigines in Druedan Forest including Ghan-buri-Ghan, who led the Rohirrim to war.
March 14: The Rohirrim led by Ghan-buri-Ghan reached the Grey Wood.
March 15: Theoden and his army reached Pelennor Fields. The King led the army to war with the Orcs and Haradrim, most of whom they slew. Theoden was then killed by the Witch-King, who was soon killed by Eowyn and Merry.
July 22: Funeral of Theoden. The King's body was brought from Minas Tirith to Edoras. Eomer became King.
August 10: Second funeral of Theoden. He was buried in the soil of Edoras.
Names & Meanings
Theoden:
Theoden means "king" in Old English. It is derived from ðeoden, which is the direct translation.
King:
Theoden was the King of Rohan, also known as Lord of the Mark. As King, Theoden was also the First Marshal of the Mark.
Thengling:
Thengling means "son of Thengel." He was called this on the Pelennor.
Ednew:
Theoden was called Theoden Ednew, meaning "renewed." It is derived from the Old English ed-nîwe. Theoden was called this after being freed from Saruman's hold over him.
The Renowned:
Theoden was called The Renowned after his death on Pelennor Fields.
Gallery:
Image Credits:
Bernard Hill played Theoden in the New Line Cinema film version of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy directed by Peter Jackson.
In the bottom left-hand corner of the gallery is a painting of Theoden aging with Eowyn by Angelo Montanini. On the bottom right is a painting of Theoden at war by artist Michael Kaluta.
In the bottom left-hand corner of the gallery is a painting of Theoden aging with Eowyn by Angelo Montanini. On the bottom right is a painting of Theoden at war by artist Michael Kaluta.
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