Théoden
invites his guests to take refreshment with him before they ride out. While
outside heralds cry and horns blow, Théoden, Eomer, Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas
sit to eat, while Eowyn, the king’s niece, waits upon the king. ‘The others
were silent while Théoden questioned Gandalf concerning Saruman.’
Gandalf
can’t say when Saruman’s treachery began; at first he was not evil, and a
friend of Rohan. But as his heart grew colder, he began plotting its ruin. With
Wormtongue placed in the court it was easy. In fact, if Eomer had not disobeyed
orders and gone after the Orcs, Saruman would have a great prize, ‘not indeed
that prize which Saruman desires above all else’, but members of his company
who know a great secret hope that he dares not even speak of fully now.
Théoden
comments that he indeed owes much to Eomer and his rambunctious ways. ‘Faithful
heart may have froward tongue.’ Gandalf matches his proverb: ‘… to crooked eyes
truth may wear a wry face.’
The
king admits that he also owes much to Gandalf. What gift will he take for his
help? He reserves only his sword, which he will need in battle. Gandalf asks
for Shadowfax, who had only leant to him before. But now he will need to take
the horse into battle. Théoden freely grants it, praising the horse: ‘In him
one of the mighty steeds of old has returned.’
He
also offers the others helms and armor from his armory, since they will need
them for the coming conflict. Aragorn and Legolas get shining mail and round shields
set with small gems. Gimli already has his dwarf-armor, but he takes a helm and
a small shield that bears the White Horse, the emblem of the House of Eorl,
which was made for Théoden himself when he was a boy. Gimli thanks the king;
indeed, he would rather bear a horse than be borne by one.
As
they finish, Eowyn comes forth bearing a cup of wine and offers it to the king,
with the words ‘Ferthu Théoden hal!’ He drinks, then she gives it to the
others. When she comes to Aragorn she pauses, eyes shining. Her hands are
trembling as she hails the warrior. Aragorn hails her back, but is troubled by
her reaction, and cannot smile back.
They
all go down to the hall doors. Outside are all the lords or chiefs who live
nearby, along with the guards and heralds. Before them all he declares Eomer as
his heir, since his son Theodred is dead. Since he and Eomer must ride forth,
he asks them who they would have rule until they return. Hama leads the people with
nominating Eowyn, as a member of the House of Eorl. Theoden agrees, and gives
her a corselet of mail and a sword as a sign of her leadership. She will lead
the people to the refuge of Dunharrow until the battle is over. There, even if
the Riders fall, she can long hold off the enemy.
Gimli
and Legolas watch the army prepare to leave. Gimli complains about having to
ride a horse into battle and says that Men certainly take a long time to get
into action. Eomer comes up to him, leading his horse, and begs him to put
aside their quarrel about Galadriel, and ride with him on his horse, Firefoot.
Gimli agrees if Legolas can ride by his side. Eomer agrees gladly and says that
with Aragorn on their other side none shall stand before them.
Gandalf
calls to Shadowfax from down from the ford, and he comes running gladly to the
wizard. Theoden confirms his gift of the horse before all men and declares
Gandalf to be a lord of the Mark and always welcome as long as their people
last.
Gandalf
jumps onto Shadowfax, casts aside his hat and grey cloak. Wearing no helmet or
mail, his snowy hair flows free, and his white robes shine dazzling in the sun.
‘Behold
the White Rider!’ cried Aragorn.’ The army takes up the cry ‘Our King and the
White Rider! … Forth the Eorlingas! The trumpets sound, spears are clashed on
shields, the king raises his hand and ‘the last host of the Rohirrim’ rides
into the West.
‘Far
over the plain Eowyn saw the glitter of their spears, as she stood still, alone
before the doors of the silent house.’
Bits
and Bobs
Well,
first a few translations: ‘Eowyn’ means ‘joy of horses’; Theodred means ‘the
people’s counsel’; Dunharrow means ‘the heathen fane on the hillside’; Ferthu
Theoden hal means ‘May you go forth in good health, Theoden!’ And the word froward
means ‘contrary’.
For
a while Eowyn was at first considered as Aragorn’s ultimate mate, a drawing
together of Gondor and Rohan into closer unity. That element was later changed,
with Arwen Elrond’s daughter taking that place, and the story of Eowyn taking a
different turn. This seems to have been quite a habit of Tolkien’s, to never abandon
an idea but to rework it in the narrative.
Théoden’s
horse, by the way, is named Snowmane. There’ll be more about him in The
Return of the King.
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