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'''Théoden''' was the seventeenth [[List of Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]], and last of the Second Line.
{{rohirrim infobox
| name=Théoden
| image=[[File:Michael Kaluta - Theoden Espies the Serpent Banner.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Theoden Espies the Serpent Banner" by [[Michael Kaluta]]
| pronun=
| othernames=''Ednew'', [[Horsemaster]]
| titles=[[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]]
| position=
| location=[[Rohan]]
| affiliation=
| language=[[Rohirric]], [[Westron]], [[Sindarin]]
| birth={{TA|2948}}
| birthlocation=[[Gondor]]<ref name="Mark"/>
| rule={{TA|2980}} - {{TA|3019|n}}
| death=[[15 March]] {{TA|3019}}
| deathlocation=[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]
| age=71
| notablefor=
| house=[[House of Eorl]]
| parentage=[[Thengel]] & [[Morwen Steelsheen|Morwen]]
| siblings=[[Théodwyn]], three unnamed sisters<ref name="Mark"/><ref group="note">Under [[Thengel]] in [[Appendix A]] it states: "She bore him three children in Gondor, of whom Théoden, the second, was his only son. [...] Morwen bore him two more daughters in Rohan"</ref>
| spouse=[[Elfhild]]
| children=[[Théodred]]
| gender=Male
| height=Tall
| hair=Long, thick, braided white hair<ref name="Hall"/>
| eyes=Blue<ref name="Hall"/>
| clothing=
| weapons=[[Herugrim]]
| steed=[[Snowmane]]
}}
{{quote|Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day's rising<br>he rode singing in the sun, sword unsheathing.<br>Hope he rekindled, and in hope ended;<br>over death, over dread, over doom lifted<br>out of loss, out of life, unto long glory.|[[Gléowine]]<ref name=partings>{{RK|VI6}}</ref>}}
'''Théoden''' ([[Third Age]] 2948 – March 15, 3019, aged 71 years) was the seventeenth [[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]], ruling for 39 years, from {{TA|2980}} until his death. He was the last of the Second Line.<ref name="Mark">{{App|Mark}}</ref>


Théoden was the oldest son of [[Thengel]], and became [[monarch|king]] after the death of his father in [[Third Age|T.A.]] 2980. Théoden spoke [[Sindarin]] and [[Westron]] rather than [[Rohirric]], and in his youth spent time in [[Gondor]].
==History==


His sister [[Théodwyn]] lived with him in [[Edoras]], and after she and her husband both died he adopted her children [[Éomer]] and [[Éowyn]] as his own. He had a son, [[Théodred]], whose mother [[Elfhild]] died in [[childbirth]].  In one of Tolkien's early drafts, Théoden also had a daughter by the name of Idis, but she was eventually removed when her character was eclipsed by that of Éowyn.
===Early Life===


By the time of the [[War of the Ring]], Théoden had been king for nearly 30 years, and was getting old and tired. He was increasingly misled by his chief advisor [[Gríma Wormtongue|Gríma]] (or ''Wormtongue'' as most others in the [[Rohan|Mark]] called him), who was secretly in the employ of [[Saruman|Saruman the White]]; Gríma may even have been [[poison]]ing his [[lord]]. He also had a [[minstrel]] called Gleowine.
Théoden was the only son of [[Thengel]], and became king after the death of his father in {{TA|2980}}. Théoden spoke [[Sindarin]] and [[Westron]] rather than [[Rohirric]], for he had been born in [[Gondor]] and spent his youth there.


In the last years before the War of the Ring, Théoden let his rule slip out of his hands, and Gríma became increasingly powerful. Rohan was troubled again by [[Orcs]] and [[Dunlendings]], who operated under the will of Saruman, ruling from [[Isengard]].
Théoden loved his sister [[Théodwyn]] most of all.  After she and her husband both died he adopted her children [[Éomer]] and [[Éowyn]] as his own.  He had a son, [[Théodred]], whose mother [[Elfhild]] died in childbirth.<ref name="Mark"/>


When Théodred was mortally wounded at a [[Battles of the Fords of Isen|battle at the Fords of Isen]] with the Orcs of Saruman, his nephew Éomer became his heir. Éomer was out of favour with Wormtongue, however, and was eventually arrested.  
In {{TA|3014}} Théoden's health began to fail.  This may have been due to natural causes (he was sixty-six) or it may have been induced or increased by subtle poisons administered by [[Gríma]].  Gríma (or ''Wormtongue'' as most others in the [[Riddermark|Mark]] called him), was secretly in the employ of [[Saruman|Saruman the White]].<ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref>


When [[Gandalf|Gandalf the White]] and [[Aragorn]] appeared before him, Théoden initially rebuffed Gandalf's advice to ride out against Saruman, but after being healed by the [[Wizards|wizard]], he restored his nephew, took up his [[Herugrim|sword]], and led the [[Rohirrim|Riders of Rohan]] into [[Battle of the Hornburg|battle at Helm's Deep]]. After this he became known as '''Théoden Ednew''', the Renewed, because he had thrown off the yoke of Saruman.
===War of the Ring===
As the war approached Théoden was increasingly misled by his chief adviser Gríma.  In the last years before the War of the Ring, Théoden let his rule slip out of his hands completely, and Gríma became increasingly powerful. Rohan was troubled again by [[Orcs]] and [[Dunlendings]], who operated under the will of Saruman, ruling from [[Isengard]]. On Gríma's orders Éomer had been arrested and imprisoned after Éomer's foray to destroy the Orcs that had crossed Rohan.<ref name="Hall">{{TT|III6}}</ref>


He led the Rohirrim to the aid of Gondor at the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]. In that battle he challenged the [[Witch-King of Angmar|Witch-King]] of the Nine [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]], and died when his horse [[Snowmane]] fell upon him after being frightened by the Ringwraith's [[fell beast]]. He was immediately avenged by Éowyn and the [[Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]], both of whom had ridden to war in secret.
When [[Gandalf]] and [[Aragorn]] appeared before him, the [[Wizards|Wizard]] healed the king.  He then restored his nephew, took up his [[Herugrim|sword]], and led the [[Rohirrim|Riders of Rohan]] to the [[Fords of Isen]].  


In Tolkien's fictional [[etymology]], the name ''Théoden'' is a translation of the original Rohirric '''''Tûrac''''', an old word for King, showing influence from the [[Elvish]] stem ''tur-'' ("power/mastery"), also present in [[Turgon]] and related names. The name is probably taken from the [[Old English language|Anglo-Saxon]] word "þeoden", meaning "lord". It is related to the [[Old Norse]] word ''þjóðann'', meaning "[[leader]] of the people" (i.e. "King"). Théoden's [[sword]] was called ''Herugrim''.
On their way, they got news that the border was lost and he retreated into [[Battle of the Hornburg|battle at Helm's Deep]]. After this he became known as '''Théoden Ednew''', the Renewed,<ref name="Mark"/> because he had thrown off the yoke of Saruman.
 
After the battle he visited [[Isengard]] where he witnessed as [[Gandalf]] deposed Saruman from [[Wizards|their order]]. On their way back to Rohan, they stopped by the [[Helm's Deep]], where he noticed that the lonely [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] of their company, [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] felt out of place, and offered to ride with him for the rest of the journey. The hobbit was delighted, as he felt useless among the Riders and offered Théoden his sword in service of Rohan.<ref>{{RK|V2}}</ref>
 
[[Aragorn]] left the Rohirrim's company for [[Dunharrow]], and Théoden and the Riders took a safer path to Edoras. Near the outer hills of Rohan, Théoden dismissed Éomer's urge not to go to the war, and with the remaining Riders he rode to the Hold at Dunharrow, where his people took shelter.<ref name=muster>{{RK|V3}}</ref>
 
===Fulfilling the Oath of Eorl===
[[File:Paula DiSante - The Red Arrow.JPG|thumb|[[Paula DiSante]] - ''The Red Arrow'']]
After reuniting with Éowyn and while resting, a [[Gondorian]] named [[Hirgon]] entered his tent, bringing the [[Red Arrow]] from [[Denethor]] II. Théoden responded to him that 6000 Riders would reach [[Minas Tirith]] in the week. Indeed they set off the next morning ([[the Dawnless Day]]); before leaving he ordered his squire, Meriadoc, to stay behind at Edoras.<ref name=muster/>
 
On their way to Minas Tirith, Théoden's forces were alerted to a host of Orcs upon the road from the city moving towards them. A leader of the [[Woses]], [[Ghân-buri-Ghân]], offered to lead the Rohirrim by secret paths through the [[Drúadan Forest]] so they could avoid the Orcs. Taking the forgotten road down [[Stonewain Valley]] the riders of Rohan were able to come to the [[Pelennor Fields]] undetected.
[[File:Abe Papakhian - The Ride of the Rohirrim.jpg|thumb|[[Abe Papakhian]] - ''The Ride of the Rohirrim'']]
To his dismay, they found Hirgon dead and understood that the Gondorians were unaware of their arrival; Minas Tirith [[Siege of Gondor|was being destroyed]]. Théoden was reinvigorated by a sudden great flash of light from the city. He ordered to charge as [[the Darkness]] was fading. He led the Rohirrim to the aid of Gondor at the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]. In that battle he challenged the [[Black Serpent]] of the [[Haradrim]], and slew him and his standard-bearer.  <ref>{{RK|V5}}</ref>
[[File:Angus McBride - Eowyn against Witch-king.gif|thumb|left|[[Angus McBride]] - ''Eowyn against Witch-king'']]
The [[Witch-king|Lord of the Nazgûl]] attacked him, and he was mortally wounded when his horse [[Snowmane]] fell upon him after being frightened by the Ringwraith's [[Fell beasts|Fell beast]].
 
He was immediately avenged by Éowyn and the [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]], both of whom had ridden to war in secret.  He claimed to Merry at his death on the field that he was satisfied, for he had felled the Black Serpent.<ref>{{RK|V6}}</ref>
 
==Legacy==
After Théoden's death his body remained in the [[Hallows]] of Minas Tirith while [[Snowmane]] was buried where they fell.
 
His nephew Éomer succeeded him as King of Rohan. In [[July]] he returned to Minas Tirith and brought Théoden's body back to [[Edoras]]. On [[10 August]] the funeral of Théoden took place. [[Gléowine]] composed a poem for him and other Kings of the line of [[Eorl]].<ref name=partings/>
 
==Etymology==
The [[Old English]] word ''[[Wiktionary:þeoden|þeoden]]'', means "lord, king", and contains the element ''þeod'' "people" (''[[éothéod]]'' "horse-people"). It is related to the Old Norse word ''þjóðann'', meaning "Leader of the People" (i.e. "King").{{fact}}
 
In Tolkien's fictional etymology, the name ''Théoden'' is an Old English translation of the original [[Rohirric]] ''Tûrac'', an old word for King.<ref name="PM">{{PM|Languages}}</ref>
 
==Other versions==
In one of Tolkien's early drafts, Théoden also had a daughter by the name of [[Idis]], but she was eventually removed when her character was eclipsed by that of Éowyn.
 
==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | FEN | | | | | | | | | | | | |FEN=[[Fengel]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2870|n}} - {{TA|2953|n}}''</small>}}
{{familytree | | | |,|-|-|-|(| | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | DAU | | THE |y| MOR | | | | | | | | |DAU=''two daughters''<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|THE=[[Thengel]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2905|n}} - {{TA|2980|n}}''</small>|MOR=[[Morwen Steelsheen]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2922|n}}''</small>}}
{{familytree | | | | | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree | ELF |y| THE | | DAU | | THW |y| EOM | | |ELF=[[Elfhild]]<br/><small>''d. {{TA|2978|n}}''</small>|THE='''THÉODEN'''<br/><small>''{{TA|2948|n}} - {{TA|3019|n}}''†</small>|DAU=''three daughters''<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|THW=[[Théodwyn]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2963|n}} - {{TA|3002|n}}''</small>|EOM=[[Éomund]]<br/><small>''d. {{TA|3002|n}}''†</small>}}
{{familytree | | | |!| | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|(| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | THE | | LOT |y| EOM | | EOW |y| FAR |THE=[[Théodred]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2978|n}} - {{TA|3019|n}}''†</small>|LOT=[[Lothíriel]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2999|n}}''</small>|EOM=[[Éomer]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2991|n}} - {{FoA|63}}''</small>|EOW=[[Éowyn]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2995|n}}''</small>|FAR=[[Faramir]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2983|n}} - {{FoA|82}}''</small>}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | |}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | ELF | | | | | | ELB | | |ELF=[[Elfwine]]<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|ELB=[[Elboron]]<br/><small>''unknown''</small>}}
{{familytree/end}}


==Portrayal in adaptations==
==Portrayal in adaptations==
In [[Ralph Bakshi]]'s 1978 animated version of ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|The Lord of the Rings]]'', the voice of Théoden was provided by Philip Stone. Théoden also appears in [[Rankin/Bass]]'s attempt to complete the story left unfinished by Bakshi in their television adaptation of ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|The Return of the King]]'', but does not speak; his death is narrated by [[John Huston]] as Gandalf.
<center><gallery>
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Théoden.JPG|<center><small>[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]</center></small>
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Théoden.png|<center><small>[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]</center></small>
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers - Théoden.jpeg|<center><small>[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]</center></small>
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Théoden.jpg|<center><small>''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Riders of Rohan]]''</center></small>
</gallery></center>


In the 1981 [[BBC Radio 4]] [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|version of ''The Lord of the Rings'']] , Théoden's death is described in [[song]] rather than dramatised conventionally, which tends to lessen its impact. In this adaption he is voiced by [[Jack May]] of ''[[The Archers]]'' fame.
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Valentine Dyall]] voiced the part of Théoden.


[[Peter Jackson]]'s film ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (film)|The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'' (2002) deviates from Tolkien's story by having Théoden (played by [[Bernard Hill]]) actually [[demonic possession|possessed]] by Saruman rather than simply deceived by Gríma. He then goes to [[Helm's Deep]] to take his people to safety rather than to make a stand against the enemy.  In Jackson's ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (film)|The Return of the King]]'' ([[2003 in film|2003]]), Théoden is aware of Éowyn's presence at his death, whereas in the book he says his farewells to Merry and does not know that Éowyn is also there.
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:The voice of Théoden was provided by [[Philip Stone]].  


'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Erik Bauersfeld]] provided the voice of Théoden.


'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:Théoden is voiced by [[Don Messick]], though he speaks very little. His death is narrated by [[John Huston]] as Gandalf.
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
Theoden played by [[Jack May]] appears much earlier in the narrative than in the book, allowing Gandalf to borrow a horse on his escape from Isengard.
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''
:This film deviates from Tolkien's story by having Théoden (played by [[Bernard Hill]]) actually possessed by Saruman rather than simply deceived by Gríma. He then goes to [[Helm's Deep]] to take his people to safety rather than to make a stand against the enemy.
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''
:Théoden at first refuses to come to the aid of Gondor saying that Gondor did not come to the aid of Rohan at the [[Battle of the Hornburg]]. His death is placed after the coming of the [[Haradrim]], and is depicted differently; he is not crushed by [[Snowmane]], but wounded by the [[Fell beasts|fell beast]]. In general, his personality is changed from a "kindly old man" to that of a callous and somewhat obstinate character, though he has several tender moments at the grave of his son and near Éowyn.
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''
:Théoden is a hero in the Rohan faction. He is voiced by [[Phil Proctor]].
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''
:Théoden is a hero in the Men faction. He is voiced by [[Phil Proctor]].
'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''
:Théoden is voiced by [[Brian George]].
==Titles==
{{seq-start}}
{{seq-head
| race=rohirrim
| house=House of Eorl
| born={{TA|2948}}
| died={{TA|3019}}
}}
{{seq
| prev=[[Thengel]]
| list=17th [[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]]
| dates={{TA|2980}} – {{TA|3019|n}}
| next=[[Éomer]]
}}
{{seq-end}}
== See Also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Théoden|Images of Théoden]]
{{references|Notes}}
{{rohankings}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Theoden}}
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Masculine names]]
[[Category:Old English names]]
[[Category:Rohirrim]]
[[Category:Rohirrim]]
[[Category:Men]]
[[Category:Rulers of Rohan]]
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
 
[[de:Théoden]]
[[fi:Théoden]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/hommes_du_nord/rohirrim/theoden]]

Revision as of 13:42, 15 April 2018

Théoden
Rohir
Michael Kaluta - Theoden Espies the Serpent Banner.jpg
"Theoden Espies the Serpent Banner" by Michael Kaluta
Biographical Information
Other namesEdnew, Horsemaster
TitlesKing of Rohan
LocationRohan
LanguageRohirric, Westron, Sindarin
BirthT.A. 2948
Gondor[1]
RuleT.A. 2980 - 3019
Death15 March T.A. 3019 (aged 71)
Battle of the Pelennor Fields
Family
HouseHouse of Eorl
ParentageThengel & Morwen
SiblingsThéodwyn, three unnamed sisters[1][note 1]
SpouseElfhild
ChildrenThéodred
Physical Description
GenderMale
HeightTall
Hair colorLong, thick, braided white hair[2]
Eye colorBlue[2]
WeaponryHerugrim
SteedSnowmane
GalleryImages of Théoden
"Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day's rising
he rode singing in the sun, sword unsheathing.
Hope he rekindled, and in hope ended;
over death, over dread, over doom lifted
out of loss, out of life, unto long glory.
"
Gléowine[3]

Théoden (Third Age 2948 – March 15, 3019, aged 71 years) was the seventeenth King of Rohan, ruling for 39 years, from T.A. 2980 until his death. He was the last of the Second Line.[1]

History

Early Life

Théoden was the only son of Thengel, and became king after the death of his father in T.A. 2980. Théoden spoke Sindarin and Westron rather than Rohirric, for he had been born in Gondor and spent his youth there.

Théoden loved his sister Théodwyn most of all. After she and her husband both died he adopted her children Éomer and Éowyn as his own. He had a son, Théodred, whose mother Elfhild died in childbirth.[1]

In T.A. 3014 Théoden's health began to fail. This may have been due to natural causes (he was sixty-six) or it may have been induced or increased by subtle poisons administered by Gríma. Gríma (or Wormtongue as most others in the Mark called him), was secretly in the employ of Saruman the White.[4]

War of the Ring

As the war approached Théoden was increasingly misled by his chief adviser Gríma. In the last years before the War of the Ring, Théoden let his rule slip out of his hands completely, and Gríma became increasingly powerful. Rohan was troubled again by Orcs and Dunlendings, who operated under the will of Saruman, ruling from Isengard. On Gríma's orders Éomer had been arrested and imprisoned after Éomer's foray to destroy the Orcs that had crossed Rohan.[2]

When Gandalf and Aragorn appeared before him, the Wizard healed the king. He then restored his nephew, took up his sword, and led the Riders of Rohan to the Fords of Isen.

On their way, they got news that the border was lost and he retreated into battle at Helm's Deep. After this he became known as Théoden Ednew, the Renewed,[1] because he had thrown off the yoke of Saruman.

After the battle he visited Isengard where he witnessed as Gandalf deposed Saruman from their order. On their way back to Rohan, they stopped by the Helm's Deep, where he noticed that the lonely Hobbit of their company, Meriadoc Brandybuck felt out of place, and offered to ride with him for the rest of the journey. The hobbit was delighted, as he felt useless among the Riders and offered Théoden his sword in service of Rohan.[5]

Aragorn left the Rohirrim's company for Dunharrow, and Théoden and the Riders took a safer path to Edoras. Near the outer hills of Rohan, Théoden dismissed Éomer's urge not to go to the war, and with the remaining Riders he rode to the Hold at Dunharrow, where his people took shelter.[6]

Fulfilling the Oath of Eorl

Paula DiSante - The Red Arrow

After reuniting with Éowyn and while resting, a Gondorian named Hirgon entered his tent, bringing the Red Arrow from Denethor II. Théoden responded to him that 6000 Riders would reach Minas Tirith in the week. Indeed they set off the next morning (the Dawnless Day); before leaving he ordered his squire, Meriadoc, to stay behind at Edoras.[6]

On their way to Minas Tirith, Théoden's forces were alerted to a host of Orcs upon the road from the city moving towards them. A leader of the Woses, Ghân-buri-Ghân, offered to lead the Rohirrim by secret paths through the Drúadan Forest so they could avoid the Orcs. Taking the forgotten road down Stonewain Valley the riders of Rohan were able to come to the Pelennor Fields undetected.

Abe Papakhian - The Ride of the Rohirrim

To his dismay, they found Hirgon dead and understood that the Gondorians were unaware of their arrival; Minas Tirith was being destroyed. Théoden was reinvigorated by a sudden great flash of light from the city. He ordered to charge as the Darkness was fading. He led the Rohirrim to the aid of Gondor at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. In that battle he challenged the Black Serpent of the Haradrim, and slew him and his standard-bearer. [7]

Angus McBride - Eowyn against Witch-king

The Lord of the Nazgûl attacked him, and he was mortally wounded when his horse Snowmane fell upon him after being frightened by the Ringwraith's Fell beast.

He was immediately avenged by Éowyn and the Hobbit Meriadoc Brandybuck, both of whom had ridden to war in secret. He claimed to Merry at his death on the field that he was satisfied, for he had felled the Black Serpent.[8]

Legacy

After Théoden's death his body remained in the Hallows of Minas Tirith while Snowmane was buried where they fell.

His nephew Éomer succeeded him as King of Rohan. In July he returned to Minas Tirith and brought Théoden's body back to Edoras. On 10 August the funeral of Théoden took place. Gléowine composed a poem for him and other Kings of the line of Eorl.[3]

Etymology

The Old English word þeoden, means "lord, king", and contains the element þeod "people" (éothéod "horse-people"). It is related to the Old Norse word þjóðann, meaning "Leader of the People" (i.e. "King").[source?]

In Tolkien's fictional etymology, the name Théoden is an Old English translation of the original Rohirric Tûrac, an old word for King.[9]

Other versions

In one of Tolkien's early drafts, Théoden also had a daughter by the name of Idis, but she was eventually removed when her character was eclipsed by that of Éowyn.

Genealogy

 
 
 
 
 
 
Fengel
2870 - 2953
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
two daughters
unknown
 
Thengel
2905 - 2980
 
Morwen Steelsheen
b. 2922
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Elfhild
d. 2978
 
THÉODEN
2948 - 3019
 
three daughters
unknown
 
Théodwyn
2963 - 3002
 
Éomund
d. 3002
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Théodred
2978 - 3019
 
Lothíriel
b. 2999
 
Éomer
2991 - Fo.A. 63
 
Éowyn
b. 2995
 
Faramir
2983 - Fo.A. 82
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Elfwine
unknown
 
 
 
 
 
Elboron
unknown
 
 


Portrayal in adaptations

1955: The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series):

Valentine Dyall voiced the part of Théoden.

1978: The Lord of the Rings (1978 film):

The voice of Théoden was provided by Philip Stone.

1979: The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series):

Erik Bauersfeld provided the voice of Théoden.

1980: The Return of the King (1980 film):

Théoden is voiced by Don Messick, though he speaks very little. His death is narrated by John Huston as Gandalf.

1981: The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series): Theoden played by Jack May appears much earlier in the narrative than in the book, allowing Gandalf to borrow a horse on his escape from Isengard.

2002: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers:

This film deviates from Tolkien's story by having Théoden (played by Bernard Hill) actually possessed by Saruman rather than simply deceived by Gríma. He then goes to Helm's Deep to take his people to safety rather than to make a stand against the enemy.

2003: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King:

Théoden at first refuses to come to the aid of Gondor saying that Gondor did not come to the aid of Rohan at the Battle of the Hornburg. His death is placed after the coming of the Haradrim, and is depicted differently; he is not crushed by Snowmane, but wounded by the fell beast. In general, his personality is changed from a "kindly old man" to that of a callous and somewhat obstinate character, though he has several tender moments at the grave of his son and near Éowyn.

2004: The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth:

Théoden is a hero in the Rohan faction. He is voiced by Phil Proctor.

2006: The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II:

Théoden is a hero in the Men faction. He is voiced by Phil Proctor.

2009: The Lord of the Rings: Conquest:

Théoden is voiced by Brian George.

Titles

Théoden
House of Eorl
Born: T.A. 2948 Died: T.A. 3019
Preceded by:
Thengel
17th King of Rohan
T.A. 29803019
Followed by:
Éomer


See Also

Notes

  1. Under Thengel in Appendix A it states: "She bore him three children in Gondor, of whom Théoden, the second, was his only son. [...] Morwen bore him two more daughters in Rohan"

References

Kings of Rohan
First Line: Eorl the Young (T.A. 2510 - 2545) · Brego (2545 - 2570) · Aldor the Old (2570 - 2645) · Fréa (2645 - 2659) · Fréawine (2659 - 2680) · Goldwine (2680 - 2699) · Déor (2699 - 2718) · Gram (2718 - 2741) · Helm Hammerhand (2741 - 2759)
Second Line: Fréaláf Hildeson (2759 - 2798) · Brytta Léofa (2798 - 2842) · Walda (2842 - 2851) · Folca the Hunter (2851 - 2864) · Folcwine (2864 - 2903) · Fengel (2903 - 2953) · Thengel (2953 - 2980) · Théoden Ednew (2980 - 3019)
Third Line: Éomer Éadig (T.A. 3019 - Fo.A. 63) · Elfwine the Fair (63 - unknown)