This is wonderful and continuation would be most welcome. You started with a great character. I appreciate the back and forth between text and movie. Even Tolkien left room for enhancement of his great themes. Theoden is one of the most human characters in the book and that was well portrayed in the movie. Bravery is not the absence of doubt and fear but the mastery of it.
Great piece Dan. You can see in my restack that this is sparking a lot of thoughts in me 🤔 … if you don’t object I’d love to write my own essay about Theoden, mostly as an elaboration but also a bit of a response, since I don’t like how Theoden is turned into a sort-of opponent for Gandalf/Aragorn.
Nonetheless I loved this read. Thank you so much for it. A bit of Theoden in my morning is better for my spirit than a cup of coffee.
One aspect I found myself enjoying when I reread the books last year was how the relationship between Théoden and Éomer is handled there vs the movies. In the books, that relationship is more defining of each of their characters. Théoden is old and weary, back bent by age, and tired after many years of rule. He seeks one last chance to do right and redeem himself for the mistake of trusting Grima and unknowingly letting Saruman's influence into his House, but he also knows he's likely going to die in either the battle for Helms Deep or, later on, in Pelennor Fields. He accepts this fact, though, because he knows he's needed there. He's experienced and wise, he's learned much from his rule and from battles fought in his youth.
Éomer, on the other hand, isn't quite so sure. While he's experienced in war, aware of and adheres to his duty, and shows great courage, he fears for the longevity of Rohan while Théoden King is under the influence of Grima and fears that he's not worthy when the time comes for him to take up the crown upon Théoden's death. However, his courage and honorable adherence to duty and his fellow man win out, and he matures into a strong leader for his people.
Théoden in the films showcases both of these aspects. He's younger than he is in the books, so while he is experienced and wise, he still harbors the more serious doubts the books gave to Éomer. In these troubled times, he questions whether he's fit to rule and doesn't wish to bring further suffering to his people. But he still rises up, finds his courage, and come the Battle of Pelennor Fields, becomes the Théoden we recognize in Tolkien's work. Jackson's decision to approach Théoden in this way helped to further cement him as my favorite character in the story, though I do find it unfortunate that it comes at the cost of Éomer's own story.
Regardless, this was a wonderful exploration of a character that I'm deeply fond of, and I look forward to reading your future dives into the various characters of Middle Earth.
Thanks very much for such kind and detailed feedback 🙏
I haven’t read the books for a few years now but doing these articles is not only showing me the differences between book and screen, but also making me want to go back and read the whole thing again as soon as possible. I’m working on the next one now so we’ll see how that comes along 👍🏼
Funny you mentioned that, as I was thinking the same thing. I have my copy on the desk next to me now, flicking through it for the next character I’m doing, and it just makes me want to read the whole thing again 🤔😁
Right , let’s finish the Dune round up, read LOTR, watch all the extended versions of the movies, and it’ll probably be time for Dune Part 3 to come out 😆
I randomly reread just the start "Concerning Hobbits" last year whilst we were reading Dune because I simply had to experience some rich, interesting prose as a pallete cleanser to Frank's, hmm, subpar prose.
Love this! Jokien with Tolkien might love it, too! You are going to do all the characters from Middle Earth! Theoden in the movie was well portrayed I thought. It has been a long time since I read LotR, so these posts are a welcome refresher! Who are you planning on covering next?
Fantastic article. I couldn't agree more on Howard Shore's music and the Ride of The Rohirrim. I saw all three movies in impressionable childhood. That scene, more than any other (except maybe Frodo leaving Middle Earth) has permanently-reserved seating in my mind. I get goosebumps every time I hear the score.
I also like your point about Theoden being an expression of Tolkein's own thoughts. I never thought of that before, but he's exactly that - a man tired of war, full of regret for what's been lost, but still able to hope when it's needed.
Yeah, even just rewatching Ride of the Rohirrim for this article gave me goosebumps. Great example of cinematography and score working in perfect harmony 👍🏼
This is wonderful and continuation would be most welcome. You started with a great character. I appreciate the back and forth between text and movie. Even Tolkien left room for enhancement of his great themes. Theoden is one of the most human characters in the book and that was well portrayed in the movie. Bravery is not the absence of doubt and fear but the mastery of it.
Thanks very much Jason 🙏
Great piece Dan. You can see in my restack that this is sparking a lot of thoughts in me 🤔 … if you don’t object I’d love to write my own essay about Theoden, mostly as an elaboration but also a bit of a response, since I don’t like how Theoden is turned into a sort-of opponent for Gandalf/Aragorn.
Nonetheless I loved this read. Thank you so much for it. A bit of Theoden in my morning is better for my spirit than a cup of coffee.
Thanks very much Eric. Glad you enjoyed it 🙏
I’d love to read your thoughts on this great character. Looking forward to it 👍🏼
One aspect I found myself enjoying when I reread the books last year was how the relationship between Théoden and Éomer is handled there vs the movies. In the books, that relationship is more defining of each of their characters. Théoden is old and weary, back bent by age, and tired after many years of rule. He seeks one last chance to do right and redeem himself for the mistake of trusting Grima and unknowingly letting Saruman's influence into his House, but he also knows he's likely going to die in either the battle for Helms Deep or, later on, in Pelennor Fields. He accepts this fact, though, because he knows he's needed there. He's experienced and wise, he's learned much from his rule and from battles fought in his youth.
Éomer, on the other hand, isn't quite so sure. While he's experienced in war, aware of and adheres to his duty, and shows great courage, he fears for the longevity of Rohan while Théoden King is under the influence of Grima and fears that he's not worthy when the time comes for him to take up the crown upon Théoden's death. However, his courage and honorable adherence to duty and his fellow man win out, and he matures into a strong leader for his people.
Théoden in the films showcases both of these aspects. He's younger than he is in the books, so while he is experienced and wise, he still harbors the more serious doubts the books gave to Éomer. In these troubled times, he questions whether he's fit to rule and doesn't wish to bring further suffering to his people. But he still rises up, finds his courage, and come the Battle of Pelennor Fields, becomes the Théoden we recognize in Tolkien's work. Jackson's decision to approach Théoden in this way helped to further cement him as my favorite character in the story, though I do find it unfortunate that it comes at the cost of Éomer's own story.
Regardless, this was a wonderful exploration of a character that I'm deeply fond of, and I look forward to reading your future dives into the various characters of Middle Earth.
Thanks very much for such kind and detailed feedback 🙏
I haven’t read the books for a few years now but doing these articles is not only showing me the differences between book and screen, but also making me want to go back and read the whole thing again as soon as possible. I’m working on the next one now so we’ll see how that comes along 👍🏼
What a great idea for a series of essays, Dan. I really really enjoyed this and the depth and comparison you went into.
Please do more!
(And hmm, perhaps it could be time for a LotR reread ... 🤔)
Thanks Nathan. I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙏
Funny you mentioned that, as I was thinking the same thing. I have my copy on the desk next to me now, flicking through it for the next character I’m doing, and it just makes me want to read the whole thing again 🤔😁
Right , let’s finish the Dune round up, read LOTR, watch all the extended versions of the movies, and it’ll probably be time for Dune Part 3 to come out 😆
😆😆 so true!
I randomly reread just the start "Concerning Hobbits" last year whilst we were reading Dune because I simply had to experience some rich, interesting prose as a pallete cleanser to Frank's, hmm, subpar prose.
I’ve not read another book since I finished Dune. It may have put me off reading for life! 😁
😬😬😢😂
This is wonderful. I absolutely love Theoden as a character and would love to read more.
Thanks very much Bridget 🙏
I also did one on Boromir so hope you enjoy that too 👍🏼🙂
Love this! Jokien with Tolkien might love it, too! You are going to do all the characters from Middle Earth! Theoden in the movie was well portrayed I thought. It has been a long time since I read LotR, so these posts are a welcome refresher! Who are you planning on covering next?
Thanks very much, Alexander 🙏
Boromir next. Just finished it today. Up on Saturday 👍🏼
Awesome job, Dan - I love this!
Thanks very much J.Q. Glad you enjoyed it 🙏
Fantastic article. I couldn't agree more on Howard Shore's music and the Ride of The Rohirrim. I saw all three movies in impressionable childhood. That scene, more than any other (except maybe Frodo leaving Middle Earth) has permanently-reserved seating in my mind. I get goosebumps every time I hear the score.
I also like your point about Theoden being an expression of Tolkein's own thoughts. I never thought of that before, but he's exactly that - a man tired of war, full of regret for what's been lost, but still able to hope when it's needed.
Thanks very much Sam. I’m glad you liked it 🙏
Yeah, even just rewatching Ride of the Rohirrim for this article gave me goosebumps. Great example of cinematography and score working in perfect harmony 👍🏼