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2016

The Lord of the Rings

Théoden is a central character in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, specifically in The Two Towers and The Return of the King. He is the King of Rohan, a land of horsemen located to the north of Gondor.

At the start of his significant appearance in the narrative, Théoden is an old and weakened king, mentally and physically corrupted by Gríma Wormtongue, his advisor. Wormtongue is secretly in the service of Saruman, who uses his influence to weaken Rohan and ultimately destroy it.

Gandalf the White arrives and restores Théoden to his former strength and clarity of mind. With his kingly vigor renewed, Théoden leads the Rohirrim into battle, first at Helm's Deep, and then at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. He answers Gondor's call for aid, fulfilling the ancient alliance between the two kingdoms.

Théoden is a valiant warrior and a strong leader. He tragically falls during the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, slain by the Witch-king of Angmar while defending his niece, Éowyn. He is remembered as a noble and courageous king who helped turn the tide against Sauron's forces.