Theoden

**Théoden** was king of Rohan during the time of the Ring. He was the father of Théodred, the son of Thengol and Morwen, older brother of Théodwyn and their three sisters, and His mind was temporarily poisoned by Gríma Wormtongue's advice, a s well as from Saruman until Gandalf released him from the pain. After being threatened by Sauron, Théoden had moved his people for their sake to Helms Deep, which was a Rohan victory. Later, Théoden's ally, Denethor was attacked by Sauron and came to Gondor's aid. Théoden was later mortally wounded by a Fell beast and was avenged by Éowyn. The great king died on Pelennor Fields with his niece at his side.

Since his son was also dead, Éomer became the next King of Rohan.

## Biography

Théoden was born TA 2948 to Morwen Steelsheen and Thengel. He married a female human named Princess Elfhild and they have a son together named Théodred. However, Théoden's wife dies of childbirth. Also, his sister dies of a broken heart, and Théoden is left raising his niece and nephew alongside Théodred.
Théoden is initially outright possessed by Saruman, in a deviation from the books. While under Saruman's spell, Théoden appears extremely aged, with grey hair and glassy eyes, and is unwilling to defend Rohan from the Dunlendings and Uruk-hai pillaging the Westfold. After Théoden's son Théodred is killed by orcs, the new heir Éomer is banished by Wormtongue (on "orders" of the king) from Edoras; he takes with him some 2,000 Rohirrim riders.

Gandalf, Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas arrive in Edoras and Gandalf frees Théoden from Saruman's spell. The king recovers his sanity and a healthy appearance, and banishes Gríma (though originally desiring to execute the spy). Théoden mourns his son and decides that the best way to defend his people is to evacuate Edoras to Helm's Deep, a decision Gandalf criticizes.

Théoden seems unsure as to whether his countrymen can fend off Saruman's hordes. Before the Battle of the Hornburg, he poetically expresses his belief that the world of men is soon to be destroyed. As the Uruk-hai overwhelm the fortress, he seems resigned to his fate; when he "rides out" with Aragorn on a final suicide charge, it is more so in order to die with honor than to actually defeat the Uruk-hai. However, Gandalf arrives during their charge and liberates Helm's Deep. The victors ride to Isengard to challenge Saruman, only to find the Ents have already defeated his forces and sealed him in his tower. Saruman attempts to persuade Théoden to make peace with him, but the king rejects him. Seeing Gríma atop Orthanc, he offers to grant him clemency, but as the former man of Rohan wavers, Saruman strikes him down. In revenge, Gríma stabs his master in the back before being felled by Legolas' arrow.

Théoden has become more confident in himself and his people. He boldly declares that Rohan will answer Gondor's call for aid once the Beacons of Minas Tirith are lit, and he assembles an army of 6,000 riders to liberate Gondor from Mordor's armies. Though he does not believe that his men can actually defeat Sauron, he inspires the Rohirrim to ride to Gondor's aid for the sake of honor.

At the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, Théoden leads the Rohirrim in their charge against the orcish armies. The Rohirrim largely defeat the orcs only to face a greater challenge in Harad's Mumakil cavalry. Théoden's riders appear well on the way to victory when the Witch-king of Angmar arrives and throws Théoden from his steed. The king is crushed beneath his horse, and is about to be eaten by the Witch-King's Fellbeast when Éowyn intervenes. Théoden lives long enough to witness his niece kill the Witch-King before succumbing to his injuries.