Post by Móreadhiel on Jan 16, 2007 14:02:06 GMT -5
Théodred Paris Howe Strewe as Theodred
in the New Line film
Son and heir of King Theoden of Rohan. Theodred was born in 2978. His mother Elfhild died giving birth to him. Theodred was an only child, but in 3002 his orphaned cousins Eomer and Eowyn came to live at Meduseld and they became like brother and sister to him.
In 3014, King Theoden began to fall under the influence of his counsellor Grima Wormtongue, who was secretly in the service of the Wizard Saruman. Grima tried to turn Theodred and Eomer against the King and against each other, but they remained loyal and steadfast. Saurman therefore decided that Theodred had to be eliminated because the King's son posed a threat to his plan to conquer Rohan.
Theodred was the Second Marshal of the Mark. He was stationed at Helm's Deep. He was responsible for the defense the western frontier and the Gap of Rohan, where Saruman dwelled in Isengard. After King Theoden became ill and ceased issuing orders, Theodred took it upon himself to assume command of Rohan's forces and organize the defenses. He realized that Saruman was planning to invade Rohan, so in February of 3019 he summoned reinforcements from Edoras led by Elfhelm.
Theodred's scouts had reported that troops were mustering at the gates of Isengard. On February 25, Theodred led his forces across the River Isen to meet them, but Saruman's army was larger than he expected, and Theodred was forced to retreat to the Fords of Isen.
At the First Battle of the Fords of Isen, Theodred and his eored manned a small island in the middle of the Fords, while Grimbold held the west bank and the main force of the Rohirrim crossed to the eastern shore. Saruman's forces attacked Theodred's position relentlessly, while elsewhere the Rohirrim were prevented from coming to his aid. It later became apparent that Saruman had given orders that the Theodred must be slain at all costs.
Grimbold managed to reach the island, but he was too late. Theodred was struck down by a huge assailant who appeared to be part-Man, part-Orc. Grimbold slew him and defended his fallen commander. Elfhelm's reinforcements finally arrived and defeated the attackers. The rest of Saruman's forces withdrew since their main objective of eliminating Theodred had been achieved.
Before he died, Theodred said to Grimbold and Elfhelm: "Let me lie here - to keep the Fords till Eomer comes!" (UT, p. 359) Theodred was buried with his fallen men on the island in the Fords of Isen. Their spears were planted in a circle around them, and Theodred's banner flew atop the burial mound.
King Theoden was left without an heir. He later named his nephew Eomer his successor, and when Theoden died at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, Eomer became King of Rohan.
Etymology:
The name Theodred is composed of the Old English words ðeod meaning "nation, people" and rædmeaning "advice, counsel, wisdom."
Genealogy:
For the family tree of Theodred see Eomer: Genealogy.
Sources:
The Two Towers: "The King of the Golden Hall," p. 117, 127; "Helm's Deep," p. 132; "The Road to Isengard," p. 156-57; "The Voice of Saruman," p. 185
Appendix A of LotR: "The House of Eorl," p. 351
Unfinished Tales: "The Battles of the Fords of Isen," p. 355-61, 364-65, 367-69
Old English Made Easy
in the New Line film
Son and heir of King Theoden of Rohan. Theodred was born in 2978. His mother Elfhild died giving birth to him. Theodred was an only child, but in 3002 his orphaned cousins Eomer and Eowyn came to live at Meduseld and they became like brother and sister to him.
In 3014, King Theoden began to fall under the influence of his counsellor Grima Wormtongue, who was secretly in the service of the Wizard Saruman. Grima tried to turn Theodred and Eomer against the King and against each other, but they remained loyal and steadfast. Saurman therefore decided that Theodred had to be eliminated because the King's son posed a threat to his plan to conquer Rohan.
Theodred was the Second Marshal of the Mark. He was stationed at Helm's Deep. He was responsible for the defense the western frontier and the Gap of Rohan, where Saruman dwelled in Isengard. After King Theoden became ill and ceased issuing orders, Theodred took it upon himself to assume command of Rohan's forces and organize the defenses. He realized that Saruman was planning to invade Rohan, so in February of 3019 he summoned reinforcements from Edoras led by Elfhelm.
Theodred's scouts had reported that troops were mustering at the gates of Isengard. On February 25, Theodred led his forces across the River Isen to meet them, but Saruman's army was larger than he expected, and Theodred was forced to retreat to the Fords of Isen.
At the First Battle of the Fords of Isen, Theodred and his eored manned a small island in the middle of the Fords, while Grimbold held the west bank and the main force of the Rohirrim crossed to the eastern shore. Saruman's forces attacked Theodred's position relentlessly, while elsewhere the Rohirrim were prevented from coming to his aid. It later became apparent that Saruman had given orders that the Theodred must be slain at all costs.
Grimbold managed to reach the island, but he was too late. Theodred was struck down by a huge assailant who appeared to be part-Man, part-Orc. Grimbold slew him and defended his fallen commander. Elfhelm's reinforcements finally arrived and defeated the attackers. The rest of Saruman's forces withdrew since their main objective of eliminating Theodred had been achieved.
Before he died, Theodred said to Grimbold and Elfhelm: "Let me lie here - to keep the Fords till Eomer comes!" (UT, p. 359) Theodred was buried with his fallen men on the island in the Fords of Isen. Their spears were planted in a circle around them, and Theodred's banner flew atop the burial mound.
King Theoden was left without an heir. He later named his nephew Eomer his successor, and when Theoden died at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, Eomer became King of Rohan.
Etymology:
The name Theodred is composed of the Old English words ðeod meaning "nation, people" and rædmeaning "advice, counsel, wisdom."
Genealogy:
For the family tree of Theodred see Eomer: Genealogy.
Sources:
The Two Towers: "The King of the Golden Hall," p. 117, 127; "Helm's Deep," p. 132; "The Road to Isengard," p. 156-57; "The Voice of Saruman," p. 185
Appendix A of LotR: "The House of Eorl," p. 351
Unfinished Tales: "The Battles of the Fords of Isen," p. 355-61, 364-65, 367-69
Old English Made Easy
