Théoden's Decision

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Théoden's Decision
Scene from
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King - Théoden.png
Scene number15 (theatrical)
20 (extended)
Event Rohan readies itself to aid Gondor
Characters Théoden, Aragorn, Éowyn, Merry, Legolas, Gimli, Éomer, Gamling
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The Fall of Osgiliath

Théoden's Decision is the fifteenth scene of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and the twentieth scene of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (extended edition). It was extended in the latter edition.

Synopsis[edit | edit source]

Aragorn sees the lit beacon and rushes to the Golden Hall where Théoden is, shouting "The beacons are lit! Gondor calls for aid!" After a long moment, Théoden decides that Rohan will answer the call and ride to Gondor's aid.[note 1] The Rohirrim get ready to leave; Théoden gives orders to Éomer and Gamling to bring riders from across Rohan to Dunharrow, where the army will be assembled.

Éowyn readies her horse. Aragorn is surprised by this, but she claims "it is tradition for the women of the court to farewell the men". He sees her hidden sword but she covers it back up and tells him "You have given us hope".

Merry offers his service to Théoden, who gladly accepts. "You shall be Meriadoc, esquire of Rohan," Théoden says, much to Merry's delight.

Meanwhile, Legolas and Gimli ready themselves to leave. Gimli scoffs at the horsemen and wishes for an army of dwarves. However, Legolas suggests that war may be approaching the lands of the dwarves too.

Théoden watches his men gravely.

So ... It is before the walls of Minas Tirith that the doom of our time will be decided.
Théoden

Éomer rallies the men of Rohan, and they all depart from Edoras, with Merry in amongst them.

Notes[edit source]

  1. In the scene The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, "The Palantír", when Gandalf told Théoden to be ready to ride to Gondor if called upon, Théoden suggested he may not go, saying "Why should we ride to the aid of those who did not come to ours? What do we owe Gondor?"