Théoden

Many of J.R.R. Tolkien’s major works, such as The Silmarillion and The Lord of the Rings have been criticized for their absence of major female characters, in addition to the stereotypical nature of those females. This essay discusses that these assumptions are erroneous, the female characters in Tolkien’s works are independent, resilient, and imperative to the central plots of each novel. J.R.R. Tolkien’s characters Lúthien, Galadriel, Arwen, and Éowyn are good examples of strong females.…

horses as evident from their first appearance in which Tolkien writes, “ With astonishing speed and skill they checked their steeds, wheeled, and came charging round” (Tolkien, “The Riders of Rohan”). Not to mention that one of the main reasons King Théoden is not pleased at Gandalf's arrival in Rohan is the fact that he took the Lord of Horses, Shadowfax (Tolkien, “The King of the Golden Hall”). Interestingly, it is the Wild Man, the people at the bottom of the…

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, the Riders of Rohan, or Rohirrim, are horse loving Men who live on the plains of Middle-earth. The Rohirrim’s initial respect for the land contrasts their later ambivalent and destructive use of it, therefore reinforcing the need for both biblical utilitarian and morally intrinsic perspectives when forming a sustainable community. While The Riders of Rohan use and protect the land at first in an agrarian-based society, they grow indifferent to both…

1. Context "The world has changed. I feel it in the water. I feel it in the earth. I smell it in the air. Much that once was is lost, for none now live that remember it", says Lady Galadriel. The future of all living things rests in the fate of the One Ring, created by the powerful witch-king Sauron. In this ring he poured his cruelty, his malice, and will to dominate all life. After his defeat in battle, and following a series of events, the Ring had been passed through a variety of owners…

The nature of heroism lies within the individual’s ability to overcome evil’s power and domination over the wills of others, rising above it using love, hope, and compassion along with the light that is born within them to guide them in the fight against evil. As Gandalf enters Minas Tirith, the fall of Gondor and the fall of men are intertwined together (736), but Pippin looks into Faramir and sees the nobility that lies within him knowing there is still a spark left in the race of men (750).…

characteristics of Icelandic heroes in general. To go unflinchingly to their doom with full foreknowledge of it was the only way of proving themselves superior to it. They defied their fate by accepting it” (qtd. In Tolkien’s Cauldron). In much the same way, the characters of Tolkien’s book accept the fate that has been bequeathed to them despite the apparent doom which they would deem unavoidable. Tolkien seemed to be drawn into writing about the same romanticized notions as that of Beowulf;…

At an early age, I began my journey through the vast Tolkien universe of Middle-Earth. My mom encouraged me to read when I was a kid. I took quickly to books because of my love of stories starting from the fairy tales my parents read to me as a child. After reading the Narnia series, Magic Treehouse series, and other fantasy adventure series, my mom got me a recording of The Hobbit: There and Back Again. In second grade, I recall coming home after school and instead of going and playing with…

Good vs. Evil which is Right? Which is Wrong? What defines good and evil? What makes one good or evil? Is Sauron really Evil just because he is the dark lord? It is perceived that in order to be good there needs to be a of display high morals. It is also believed by a vast amount of people that to be "evil" is to be bad, but the definition of evil is considered to be of lack of morals. In many wars, "good" and "evil" are just perspective propaganda. During war it is easier to fight the enemy if…

company attempt to track down Merry and Pippin when Gandalf appears to them, now as Gandalf the White for he has now become the chief of wizards, surpassing Saruman, who is working with the Orcs to steal the the Ring and use it for evil. After freeing Theoden, the current king of Rohan, from magic used to compel him to Saruman’s will, the group wages war against the Orcs. Gandalf goes to seek help from Treebeard in their war against the Orcs. The protagonists win and Gandalf strips Saruman of…

Did you know The Lord of the Rings was originally published in 1973? This timeless fantasy tale is Tolkien’s most popular book series. In the beginning of the second part of The Lord of the Rings (The Two Towers), Aragorn finds an injured Boromir who professes his intent to steal the ring and then dies from fatal injuries orcs inflicted. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli then seek to find the absent Merry and Pippin who were apprehended by orcs. On their trek, they stumble upon the mighty Riders of…