If you liked this, I made a similar, 18-minute long video essay about why Boromir is the best character in the Fellowship. It's available exclusively to my supporters on Patreon: www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-98045040 UPDATE: To address an occasionally recurring theme in the comments - when I say at the end of the video that 'it's a shame Éomer becomes King instead and Éowyn shacks up with Faramir,' this was meant as a bit of a joke (which I think most people understood from my tone of voice). Éomer of course goes on to become a great leader of Rohan as Théoden's original successor, and Éowyn plays her role in Gondor. My comment was about the fact that Théoden expected both he and Éomer would die at the Pelennor Fields, but Théoden had made peace with that because he knew Rohan would be in the safe hands of Éowyn (people rightly debate whether she is the best leader for Rohan but that doesn't matter. What matters is that THEODEN believes she is, and says as much explicitly). So my comment was not a suggestion that Éomer would be a worse leader than Éowyn, it was about the fact that this final, comforting thought at the moment of Théoden's death (that Éowyn would succeed him), a thought that helped give him his final peace, didn't actually end up happening (even though he would also have been proud of Éomer to become King). Thanks everyone for watching, and for debating Tolkien in the comments (my favourite kind of debate!) The response to the video has been beautiful.
"Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day’s rising, he rode singing in the sun, sword unsheathing. Hope he rekindled, and in hope ended; over death, over dread, over doom lifted out of loss, out of life, unto long glory."
An actor playing a warrior king coming up with that sword/spear pre-battle salute has to be one of the greatest examples of Understood The Assignment EVER.
@@Bazookatone1 He saw too many hopeless charges onto death, for nothing. The great charge of his novel was hopeless and onto death, but it was not for nothing. And, as by a miracle, many lived, and they had victory and hope renewed, and it meant much. It was the revenge fantasy of one who saw the opposite until he got sick of it.
It's literally "heavy lies the crown" init? "Who am I Gamling?" There's so many lines and phrases from the books and film trilogy that I remember to this day, especially from the film because of how much weight they had, especially Bernard Hill when he went all serious and grumbly. "And we will meet them on the battlefield all the same" -goosebumps- man.
@@kenlo2410 he's the sort of person who would probably sue me so I won't name him. And I may be wrong. But the movie was about professional fighting in ancient Rome.
At 10:50, It is fair to say Théoden is actually in the right here. Aragorn criticises Théoden for not outwardly acknowledging the dire situation they're in, but Théoden rightly points out he is doing this for the morale of his men (and himself). Aragorn learns this lesson - which you can see later when he criticises Legolas for saying everyone is going to die in front of the men & when he tells the boy "this is a good sword" when we know it probably isn't. Aragorn may be older, but Théoden has more experience of being a king. Whilst he is a good influence on Théoden he is also learning from him what it takes to be a good king.
Agreed, I do think Aragorn learns this from Theoden in that moment. Up until the point where Theoden snaps, I think Aragorn thought Theoden genuinely believed what he was saying about the safety of Helm's Deep, and was totally naive to the danger they were in. Theoden snapping at Aragorn showed him that Theoden is fully aware of the threat they're under, but that he is making the best of an impossible situation. They learn a lot from each other over the course of The Two Towers, and it's reflected in the much more trusting relationship they have in Return of the King.
Yeah there's a funny parallel here. Now Aragorn is the one projecting false confidence and Legolas is trying to get through to him. Difference is, Legolas is discreet enough to speak in Sindarin. Then Aragorn's emotions get the better of him and he snaps in Westron (English), making everybody understand what the conversation had been about - oops 😛
@@fristi61 what about when Aragorn leaves for the Paths of the Dead and people are scared. He could have given them a heads up, he was on a mission, not abandoning them. Then Theoden says they cannot win... "... but we will meet them in battle nonetheless!"
As a child, Aragorn was always my favourite character in the films, but as an adult, Theoden is my king. Tolkien comparing him to Oromë is hands down my favourite moment in all of fantasy.
And when he blows his horn with such gusto that it literally bursts to pieces, tosses it aside, and rides to his death. It’s so intense and epic that it’s almost comical. Tolkien had such a gift for these moments. It reminds me of Fingolfin belligerently banging on Morgoth’s door talking trash (actually wait…just realized that’s another moment where a rider is compared to Oromë, complete with horn blowing and impending death)
"I go now to my fathers, in whose mighty company I shall not now feel ashamed" - I think this line resonates with most men more than any other in LOTR. I suspect Tolkien saw this theme a lot during his time in war.
I took my mom to see the Two Towers. I knew King Theoden was going to find out his son died. It was gut wrenching to watch the King bury his son. My mom and I lost my older brother a few years before the movie was made. The speech the King makes about the flowers covering the graves of his ancestors, well we both began to weep. No parent should ever bury their child. It was a line delivered with so much pain and heartache. I am so grateful to Peter Jackson and the incomparable Bernard Hill for honesty and raw emotions brought to the screen. God bless and rest in peace, mighty King Theoden aka Bernard Hill.
The "No parent should have to bury their child" line was even put in by Bernard Hill. A woman which had lost her daughter in a terrorist attack said that to him in a conversation about one of his roles. It moved him so deeply he wanted to use it later for this movie, imo his very human performance did it justice.
I love that line "No parent should have to bury their child", because it is full of compassion. Even in this moment of anguish, Theoden puts his pain into the context of all parents who suffer the same. It is extremely selfless and shows what a great man he is.
Theoden and boromir are my favorite characters. They simultaneously represent weakness and strength. In the end, they both use love and courage to overcome their inner demons.
My favorite character from Fellowship was Everard Proudfoot, brilliantly portrayed by Noel Appleby. That character, with his brief time on screen, completely demonstrated what it means to be a Hobbit in Middle Earth. Exceptional. Genius.
That final "DEAAAATH" where he raises the note just that tiny bit invokes so much passion and is one of the most shiver-inducing battle cries of all time.
“Bernard’s bromance with Viggo could be a whole video” yes please lol Jokes aside, what a profoundly beautiful essay and dedication to a wonderful actor and performance. Thank you❤
I teared up throughout the whole video. What a loss. :( Many people overlook how much character work The Two Towers did and only remember it for its action parts which is why they don't care for it so much. The entire Rohan story thread is among my favorites in the movies, and that's in no small part due to Bernard Hill's portrayal of Theoden.
Rohan has always been my favourite of the LOTR storylines. As you say, there is so much character work done in those scenes with Theoden and Eowyn especially, but also Merry and Aragorn. The filmmakers didn't need to put that level of effort into fleshing out those supporting characters given how pressured they were to condense the books into three movies, but the fact that they did and still made it work is just one of many, many reasons these films are as good as they are.
I’ve heard that the line “no parent should have to bury their child” was also Bernard’s addition, after he had a conversation with a woman on a plan who had lost a child. ❤️⚔️🐎
Might be a Mandela effect, but I'm pretty sure he says it, or something very similar, to Aragorn in the books while they are visiting the burial mounds covered wit Simbelmynë flowers
This line was indeed added by Bernard Hill because he had heard it in that conversation. He talks about it on the Two Towers commentary track for the related scene.
i would add Silmarillion to that exclusive list. But Silmarillion as a film could never give any justice to Tolkiens source material, because its Tolkiens superb LANGUAGE skills who carries the story forwards and plants images and emotions into our mind in a way no visual technology can. Peter Jacksons work though is masterful,and God bless Bernard Hill.
I would argue the story of Jesus Christ is the greatest story ever told, but the Lord of the Rings is definitely a timeless classic that is exceptionally difficult as an author to surpass, or even stand on equal ground with.
'Arise, arise, Riders of Théoden! spear shall be shaken, shield shall be splintered, a sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises! Ride now, ride now, ride! Ride for ruin and the world's ending! Death! Death! Death! Forth Eorlingas!'
@@heathercontois4501 Not quite. It isn't a violin, it's a called a Hardanger fiddle - a Norwegian instrument with eight or nine strings. Four of them are strung and played like a violin, while the "understrings" or "sympathetic strings" resonate under the influence of the other four. That's what gives it that breathy, droning sound. A really good decision on Howard Shore's part, to make it the signature sound of The Rohirrim.
In the last Blackadder series' last episode there was a charge out of the trenches. It faded into the poppy fields of Flanders. The Simbelmyne is Tolkien's poppy, it still grows on the battlefields of the Somme.
@@voiceover2191 I heard that they only did one take. The actors were too scared to do a second. The whole series made fun of the war. But it ended with Reality catching up with them. Masterful.
The scene just before the start of the Ride where Theoden grimaces and wheels Snowmane to the right will forever give me goosebumps. It's such a moment of redemption, so brilliantly acted with nothing more than a tightening of his lips, a grimace and a "gah" beneath his breath. The eyes tell you everything. The transition from fear to resolve, the culmination of Theoden's entire character arc, faced with a sight that would have had the Two Towers Theoden quail in despair, with a simple change in his eyes, his facial expression, wrenching Snowmane to the right, Hill communicates so beautifully that THIS Theoden is different. This Theoden sees his death and says "f**k it, we go anyway, we go for honour, we go for duty, we go for brotherhood".What a superb actor who so perfectly captured the essence of his character and in doing so captured the essence of LOTR. RIP Bernhard Hill.
@@jasonmcwatts1684 It serves another purpose as a kind of inverted mirror to the scene where Denethor first sees the forces arrayed against the city. The initial reactions are very similar - shock, disbelief, horror, fear. While Denethor crumbles in utter despair however, Théoden composes himself, galvanises his warriors with an inspiring speech, and gets sht *_done_* as he rides to glory. There's another moment, later in the battle (I'm sure you know the one I'm talking about) where Théoden first sees the oliphaunts. The look on his face is almost annoyed, like, "Oh fk, what now?" Once again however, he rallies his troops, forms them up, and charges straight at the threat. The message is pretty clear - if you give in, if you surrender to fear and despair, you've already lost. If you get back up, you can still make a difference. Boromir has one of those moments at the end of "Fellowship..." too. After trying to take the ring from Frodo, he *_knows_* that he's lost. He's already convinced that he has damned his own soul, but when his friends are threatened, he shakes it off, gets back up, and makes his end *_count._*
@@PentexProductions yes FOTR got 13 noms only 1 for acting (McKellen), TT 6 noms none for acting; ROTK 11 noms, won all...but none for acting! Rather ridiculous. IMHO at a minimum McKellen, Viggo, Elijah, Sean Astin, Sean Bean, Cate Blanchett, Miranda Otto, Sir Christopher and Bernard ALL deserves Oscars. And Gollum 😀. Lurtz deserved an Orcscar!
@@nhmooytis7058 There was a really strong push for Andy Serkis to get Best Supporting Actor, but the rules at the time said he was ineligible because he had been "digitised" into Gollum, otherwise he probably would have won it.
I already liked Theoden as a character while reading the books many years ago. If I remember he was really old & frail there. Bernhard Hill's portrayal was even better imo. A man past his prime, maybe not as fast & strong as before, but still capable to ride & fight, and with the wisdom of many years, many struggles & battles. More a leader than a warrior, but that's exactly what Rohan needed at that time. No Superman like Aragorn or Legolas, just a mortal man full of self doubt, but who makes the right decisions at the right time. This makes him so relatable & sympathetic. Thank you for this wonderful video. Thank you Bernhard Hill for your great performance! I once met him at a convention, such a nice, down to earth guy. I have an autograph from him, which I will always cherish. R.I.P. King Theoden!
Fantastic you met the man in person. He has always been among my favourite characters, and it's always a delight to hear that the actor behind the character is a good person.
„After him thundered the knights of his house, but he was ever before them!“ That line always gives me goosebumps. Theoden did not only ride with his men, he truly lead them into battle. I was lucky enough to meet Bernard Hill at a convention in Germany in 2004. He was such a kind person who took time to meet and talk to the fans, cracking jokes with everyone. His performance made me truly admire Theoden.
The first time I really noticed Bernard Hill as an actor was an evening many years ago I watched two different movies back to back and I didn't realize until I looked them up afterwards that he was in both of them. *That* is the signature of a really great actor.
10:47: That conversation between Theoden and Aragorn at Helm's Deep: you say, "We see the façade drop", but I looked at it differently: Aragorn's pessimism would make Theoden's men lose courage and a leader cannot allow this to happen. An army that believes the battle is lost even before it has started is useless, and Theoden knows this. For me, Theoden gives Aragorn a lesson in leadership here.
I agree on that point, and probably phrased it imperfectly in the video. As I mentioned in another comment, I think Aragorn genuinely believed Theoden's comments and thought the king was naive to the danger they were in. It's only when Theoden snaps that Aragorn sees that he's fully aware of the danger, and is only holding it together because they're out of options. Aragorn does learn from this, as we see later on when he gives some words of encouragement to the boy, or shuts down Legolas when the elf also suggests that the fight is futile. Theoden is many things - and one of them is a good leader who knows what's best for his people.
While i agree that Theoden just tried to keep up morale in helms deep in that instant, i also have to point out that the ride of the rohirrim actually shows that the statement that _an army that believes the battle is lost even before it has started it useless and Theoden knows this_ is not entirely correct. Remember the part (also shown in this video) when Aragorn leaves the muster and then in the talk with his men Theoden admits that they "can't win, but meet them in battle notheless". So here you have the "battle is already lost" sentiment, but they still go there and give it all they can. People who have nothing to loose, or let's better say no hope of making it out alive, are among the most fearinducing and hard fighting opponents humanity has produced in real life too.
It's interesting as I do believe also that Theodon is more pleading with Aragorn to support him to uphold courage and hope when Aragorn seems scpetic to say the least. It mirrors perfectly the scene between Aragorn and Legolas, when the latter despairs while everyone is putting on their armour and Aragorn is the one spurring on Legolas to keep hope. I think that scene was after the Theoden/Aragorn scene, maybe it prompted Aragorn to respond to Legolas in that fashion?
Tolkiens' reading of Riders of Rohan coming to the Aid of Minas Tirith is, I'd boldly claim, one of the best audio recordings of any story there is. Even without the context of LOTR either in book or film.. You can easily hear and see what's going on. It's simply magical.
Theoden is very much a secondary character but if there’s one line that always makes me tear up after dozens rewatch or even just thinking about it it’s “And Rohan will answer” There’s so much emotion in that one line and Hill delivers with such gravity that whenever I binge the extended trilogy (which is about once a year) that is the moment I most look forward to.
The only scene in cinema history where I cry, regardless of how many times I have seen it before, is the moment before his death when he speaks to Eowyn. They were simply amazing, and I felt as I was there with them. RIP Mr HIll!
“No child should bury their son cuts right into my heart.” My Supervisor lost his child in a car accident and the grief it brings to a parent is insurmountable. More so now that I am older I reflect upon the viewing. Hill nailed that scene.
That one gets me, too. But a few minutes later when Karl Urban's Eomer finds Eowyn on the battlefield hits me like few movie scenes ever have - no matter how many times I watch it. The casting in these films is simply beyond perfect... although I feel a bit badly for Viggo that his big battle speech had to follow Bernard's and he simply had no chance of living up! lol
As a child that was raised and told to never be good enough, the moment when saruman said to theoden "u are the lesser son of greater sires"...i felt that. And ofc great performance of Bernhard Hill. The way how he avoided eyecontact with saruman and this sadness in his eyes when one sentence of saruman pushed him back into his insecurities. Still remembering his final words when he finally knew himself, without anyone reassuring him, that he is and always was "good enough".
"No parent should have to bury their child" I remember as a ten or 11 year old watching that for the first time and thinking, "man I genuinely feel sorry for him, like he's gone and lost his own son". Bernard Hill brings (sorry, brought*) some really good emotion into his character, seeing the little snipits of him in this vid talking behind the scenes about wanting the emotion of the character to show through, I understand it's because he really embodies his characters. Respects their story and immerses himself into their "lives" and wanting to represent them and portray them as accurately or life like as he can. Watching lord of the rings I always saw Bernard as Theoden, instead of an actor playing Theoden, felt like you were watching something real with how, well, "raw" he made it feel. No actor reciting lines, but someone bringing across the full feeling of the character in body language, tone of voice and the look in the eyes. Viggo was one of the only other actors who did that in LOTR for me, and I forget his name but whoever played Elrond and Agent Smith, all good actors who can bring their characters to life. You got the feeling they took it seriously, properly cared, and if you're gonna care about any book to film adaptation it's the one fantasy story to trounce them all. All I'm saying is I've seen many fantasy or fiction films with many many actors playing their parts, they were all actors doing a job to pay the rent, in this film. Bernard Hill played such a convincing king role that I'd swear he had real life past experience leading knights into battle. All I'm saying is I'd follow him to whatever end. edit: Hail the victorious dead.
Oh my god the intro. A tribute to a king like I have never seen. Thank you Pentex. Hail Theoden (Bernard Hill), King of Rohan, Lord of the Mark, Father of Horsemen. You were a King worthy of your sires, may Eorl and all your fathers greet you with honour. Rohan as far as we know still stands, if not in name, then by your legacy. Also I would like to point out that as Theoden lay dying, he ordered his knights to raise his banner above Eomer and hailed him as king.
14:13... in the movie when aragorn shows up after he sees the beacons... there's a good 3 to 4 secs of silence... and in that moment we see a internal monologue on theoden's face... and then he responds... "and rohan will answer"...this was all Bernard Hill's acting carrying this moment... you need to understand how powerful that silence can be...
Absolutely love Bernard portrayal of Theoden. Could you imagine riding to the aid of those that failed you in your most dire hour. You gather your forces and it’s only half of what you’d hoped for. You’ve ridden for days with little rest, but there is still the desperate hope of your forces that the enemies numbers are exaggerated. You crest the hill and instead of relief you’re greeted with crushing fear. You can see it so clearly in Bernard eyes even tho he’s just looking on to an empty field in real life. He then clenches his teeth’s “fine! But we will die on our own terms!”. Always brings a tear to my eye and especially after Bernard passed away. Rest in peace my king❤
I was so deeply saddened to learn that the distinguished actor who portrayed one of my favorite roles in the greatest film trilogy ever made, Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings, has passed away. Bernard Hill, who gave such richness to King Théoden, Lord of Rohan, died on May 5, 2024, and great cinema is diminished for it. Hill (aged 79) brought warmth, strength, nobility, vulnerability, and subtle wisdom to his roles that made his performances relatable and endearing. And of all his exceptional performances, I shall always remember him as Theoden King, in utmost appreciation. And thank you for making this wonderful and worthy tribute to his finest performance! “At last, I go now to the halls of my fathers, in whose mighty company I shall not be ashamed.” 💐
Bernard Hill said in an interview that he'd slip down to see what was happening in Wētā Workshop whenever he could. On one visit, he saw the rows of Rohan spears stacked up, ready to be distributed to Rohirrim extras, and thought "these are MY soldiers, who will ride to their deaths alongside me" and thus the front-line sword-spear battle ritual was born in his mind. The humble respect a major star like Bernard had for both the production crew and the extras faithfully acting beside him inspired one of the greatest scenes and performances in film history.
One my favorite extended scenes in the trilogy: Merry: Please, sir. I have a sword. Please accept it. I offer you my services, Theoden King. Theoden: And gladly, I accept it. You shall be Merriadoc, Esquire of Rohan. I can’t really explain why it’s one of my favorite scenes, though.
It's the sincerity of Merry pledging his sword to fight for what he believes in, and Theoden accepting it because he can see what it means for Merry to make that pledge. I love that scene too, such a great moment.
@@MediumRareOpinions There's also leading up to the battle a huge difference between Theodan and Denethor and how they treated their respective hobbits. Theodan tried to keep Merry away from the fighting because he wanted him to live. Denethor picked up Pippin and threw him out of the pyre room where he was going to burn himself and his son alive and told him to go die in whatever matter Pippin saw fit.
My favorite character from my favorite piece of literature and film. Bernards portrayal of Theoden had so much depth and was relatable on so many levels. From a king who had been made an emasculated and feeble joke by Saruman to a man ashamed of the king he had become and bitter from the lack of support from his allies to acceptance and extraordinary bravery in the face of overwhelming odds against him at helms deep - to this legendary king coming to the aid of those who did not offer it to him, even if it meant down laying down his own life. I mean it was a character arc we all got behind. Whether you had been disaponted in life or were fighting your own demons. Bernard made Theoden a hero to aspire to.
On first watching, while i was about eight years old, i "liked" the Characters of Boromir and Theoden "the least"... i didn't understand. Now these two characters shatter me to pieces. Whole LotR love ❤ Forever the greatest story ever told. My "religion". Everyone who participated in any way to that is a legend in my red book.
When I was a kid watching return of the king in the cinema, I thought that the charge was awesome and epic. It was something to behold. I watch it now as a man and it almost always brings me to tears. It's easy to make a character fearless and invulnerable. Writing a character with true courage is another thing entirely.
I started to appreciate Theoden with time, after growing up and having the capacity to understand his character fully, and yes, it is Bernard Hill's brilliant acting paired with Tolkien's perfect character writing. In particular, the scene where he mourns the death of his son. At first, Theoden talks with very long, formal sentences, fit for a king making a speech for large audience. He's composed, sad but firm, once again having to appear as this confident and strong public figure. Only after Gandalf's comment he switches to being a father who's just lost his child, with a much more straightforward and simple language, and an overwhelming emotion of loss. Emotion so suffocating that he doesn't yell, cry or do any theatrics. It's a phenomenal and very accurate portrayal of this kind of emotion, and one of the most memorable moments for me. Though, in most if not all scenes that give Theoden time to shine, he absolutely does. Great video.
Theoden King, is my favorite character from the movies. You can feel and see the internal struggle, the doubt, and yet at the hour where he is needed most, his courage, his resolve, is unshaken.
The sun shone brightly on his helm. His sword glittered cold in his hand. The grass was green at the feet of his steed. At his back rode all the warriors of his land And before Mundburg he was slain. Theoden King!
Also also, the Maori actors performed a haka in honor of the two Kings among them, Bernard Hill and Viggo Mortensen. It was amazing. Also also also, I can never watch and hear Theoden lament for his son without crying myself. I don't think any parent can. It was so real, it hurts. The man can act!
There is something about a noble demeanor that seems to transcend culture and political systems. It's easy to see why monarchy was the norm for most of human history across all human cultures, when some people just have that magnetic quality about them.
@@mikemcghin5394 not sure what you are asking, but the haka can be found in the Extended Edition for the return of the king, all the extras in the so-called Appendices. Don't know if it's on UA-cam or not, but you can try the search engine...I've noticed a bit of the Appendices content showing up from time to time.
The way they incorporated Tolkien is very clever. Often they would take lines from other characters and contexts and give it to another for the movie so it still felt Tolkienian, even if it wasn't a verbatim quote (a great example being some of Tom Bombadil's lines to Old Man Willow being given to Treebeard).
Yep. But sometimes they got shuffled and were made better(in my opinion) For instance, "DEATH!" was a line given to Eomer. I think it had much more gravitas given to Theoden.
Thank you for this reminder of how awesome Bernie was. Not used enough as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic he certainly nailed this role. Same age as my own dad (still here). I will miss him. "I go to my fathers who's in mighty company I shall not now feel ashamed."
He's one of many characters that portrays masculinity perfectly. He's a leader, not a boss. He's confident but still seeks council. He's firm but still shows love. He's the kind of man any man should strive to be
I can't explain to you how good that intro is, I must listen to Tolkien's narration of the ride of the rohirrim at least once a week and seeing the two entwined gave me goosebumps
Many thanks for this depiction of Theoden. He was always my favorite Character in the LOTR, because of hist internal struggle, wich makes him - in my opinion - to a much greater hero.
The greatest films that I have ever had the pleasure of watching!! The direction, the cinematography, the sound track, the adherence to the books and most importantly the actors investment in the characters and plot!!! I can only hope that I see there likes again!! Thank you so much❤!!
This is certainly one of the best tributes to both Bernard Hill and Theoden. His performance has set a standard that can never be matched. His resolve to do his duty and his rallying speech to his riders before the Battle of the Pelennore Field still makes my heart beat faster and swell in my chest. Rest in peace, Good King.
Dude, that editing with the last scene hailing the victorious dead just hit straight in the feels. It has been said before and will be said again and again, but damn, the casting of these movies was just perfect...
LOve it, again thanks for bringing so many wonderful memories flooding back, I was in a personal form of heaven at every point that I was shooting the role of Gamling, especially as it was pretty much always alongside Bernard. The entire main cast were such wonderful people to work with & be in the company of, with Bernard a shining beacon
A worthy tribute to a wonderful actor and a powerful performance! Bernard Hill embodied Theoden King in such a beautiful way, showcasing all the fear, doubt, sorrow, resolve and courage of the character. I'm not ashamed to say I wept several times watching this, in grief for the loss of this wonderful man and for the character he brought to life so well, with all that entails. RIP Bernard and hail Theoden King!
The Two Towers has always been my favourite movie of the trilogy, because I love the Rohan-plotline so much. Theodén is easily one of my favourite LotR-characters and Bernard Hill played him marvellously. He will be missed - rest in peace, Bernard Hill.
Ever since I first saw him in "Boys from the Blackstuff", I've been a big fan of Bernard Hill. "Yosser" Hughes, "I'm desperate, father." Priest, "Call me, Dan." "Yosser" Hughes, "I'm desperate, Dan."
Rather liked Joe in Shirley Valentine. A pretty brave part for any actor to take, way back then. "What friggin' dog?" If you don't know the context, you obviously haven't yet seen the film ...
I am moved to tears! this video holds so much of why I love the Lord of the Rings, Rohan, Theoden, Bernard Hill... You put it into words. I was 13 when The Two Towers was in cinemas and even back then I loved Theoden for his warmth, strength, courage and vulerability at the same time. Such a great hero. one of the best there ever was on screen. Thanks to Bernard Hill. Rest in Piece, my king.
Bernard Hill became famous in the UK for playing a character called Yosser Hughes in a TV series called Boys from the Black Stuff. It was a profoundly moving performance and perfectly right for its time in history. It was this that led to Peter Jackson casting him in LotR. As soon as I saw he had been added to the cast I was totally confident he would deliver but for him to have been instrumental in creating what is now arguably the greatest moment in film history takes him to the level of greatness.
"... but we will meet them in battle nonetheless" What resolve and courage! And Bernard's delivery of that line will never fail to make me cry. "He was strong in life. His spirit will find the way to the halls of your fathers." Godspeed Bernard
He was such a great actor. His portrayal of Theoden was one of the finest performances I've ever seen. No other actor could have played that role so well nor would have been just so right for it. He will be truly missed. RIP Bernard Hill.
In Eowyn and Faramir’s defense, stewardship over Ithilien was no small task. It bordered Mordor and there were still enemies prowling there. Reclaiming the King’s lands would take the leadership of both the Captain and the Lady of Rohan.
Yeah and it takes more than one person to stabilize a situation. Having people the kings can count on to be their arms and legs is important. Honestly being the king is sometimes the slower job.
I can’t believe I’ve just seen this but fantastic video. That pelenor fields speech and charge just moves me to tears every single time regardless of what I’m doing. Thank you for this and of course RIP Mr. Hill.
Excellent video! Teared up a few times from the memories. I wish Bernard had been given more lines at the confrontation with Saruman..."what will you say of your torches in Westfold and the children that lie dead there? And they hewed Háma's body before the gates of the Hornburg, after he was dead. When you hang from a gibbet at your window for the sport of your own crows, I will have peace with you and Orthanc."
If you liked this, I made a similar, 18-minute long video essay about why Boromir is the best character in the Fellowship. It's available exclusively to my supporters on Patreon: www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-98045040
UPDATE: To address an occasionally recurring theme in the comments - when I say at the end of the video that 'it's a shame Éomer becomes King instead and Éowyn shacks up with Faramir,' this was meant as a bit of a joke (which I think most people understood from my tone of voice).
Éomer of course goes on to become a great leader of Rohan as Théoden's original successor, and Éowyn plays her role in Gondor. My comment was about the fact that Théoden expected both he and Éomer would die at the Pelennor Fields, but Théoden had made peace with that because he knew Rohan would be in the safe hands of Éowyn (people rightly debate whether she is the best leader for Rohan but that doesn't matter. What matters is that THEODEN believes she is, and says as much explicitly).
So my comment was not a suggestion that Éomer would be a worse leader than Éowyn, it was about the fact that this final, comforting thought at the moment of Théoden's death (that Éowyn would succeed him), a thought that helped give him his final peace, didn't actually end up happening (even though he would also have been proud of Éomer to become King).
Thanks everyone for watching, and for debating Tolkien in the comments (my favourite kind of debate!) The response to the video has been beautiful.
RIP Bernard Hill who died this year
Did UA-cam demonetise it because of this??
Hello! Have you watched the latest video on Jesse Tribble's channel?
This was beautiful
And Rohan will answer!
"I go now to my fathers, in whose mighty company I shall not now feel ashamed"
His own words are the best tribute.
Wow. I forgot about this passage. I needed this so thank you.
Here's the quote from Tolkein:
“My body is broken. I go to my fathers. And even in their mighty company I shall not now be ashamed.”
"Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day’s rising,
he rode singing in the sun, sword unsheathing.
Hope he rekindled, and in hope ended;
over death, over dread, over doom lifted
out of loss, out of life, unto long glory."
If we love and respect our parents, we all hope to make them proud one day. It can be very painful if we fail them. His speech gets me everytime.
His dying words are the best in the book!
An actor playing a warrior king coming up with that sword/spear pre-battle salute has to be one of the greatest examples of Understood The Assignment EVER.
that the director recognised it as a great idea and went with it was also brilliant
@@MrSphandor 💯
I genuinely think if Tolkien had been there the day they filmed it, he would have puffed on his pipe and just nodded.
Hell yeah!
@@Bazookatone1 He saw too many hopeless charges onto death, for nothing. The great charge of his novel was hopeless and onto death, but it was not for nothing. And, as by a miracle, many lived, and they had victory and hope renewed, and it meant much. It was the revenge fantasy of one who saw the opposite until he got sick of it.
That scene when Theodon is being dressed in his armour. He portrays the full
Weight of kingship without even referencing it. Brilliant actor.
The armor portrays it. It is the emblem of the weight of leadership in trying times. So much is said apart from dialogue.
It's literally "heavy lies the crown" init? "Who am I Gamling?"
There's so many lines and phrases from the books and film trilogy that I remember to this day, especially from the film because of how much weight they had, especially Bernard Hill when he went all serious and grumbly. "And we will meet them on the battlefield all the same" -goosebumps- man.
Contrast this to another actor in another movie (not LOTR) who insisted his armour be made from aluminium so it would be lighter.
@@JaneNewAuthor whats the name of that actor if i may ask?
@@kenlo2410 he's the sort of person who would probably sue me so I won't name him. And I may be wrong.
But the movie was about professional fighting in ancient Rome.
At 10:50, It is fair to say Théoden is actually in the right here.
Aragorn criticises Théoden for not outwardly acknowledging the dire situation they're in, but Théoden rightly points out he is doing this for the morale of his men (and himself). Aragorn learns this lesson - which you can see later when he criticises Legolas for saying everyone is going to die in front of the men & when he tells the boy "this is a good sword" when we know it probably isn't.
Aragorn may be older, but Théoden has more experience of being a king. Whilst he is a good influence on Théoden he is also learning from him what it takes to be a good king.
Agreed, I do think Aragorn learns this from Theoden in that moment. Up until the point where Theoden snaps, I think Aragorn thought Theoden genuinely believed what he was saying about the safety of Helm's Deep, and was totally naive to the danger they were in. Theoden snapping at Aragorn showed him that Theoden is fully aware of the threat they're under, but that he is making the best of an impossible situation. They learn a lot from each other over the course of The Two Towers, and it's reflected in the much more trusting relationship they have in Return of the King.
Yeah there's a funny parallel here. Now Aragorn is the one projecting false confidence and Legolas is trying to get through to him.
Difference is, Legolas is discreet enough to speak in Sindarin. Then Aragorn's emotions get the better of him and he snaps in Westron (English), making everybody understand what the conversation had been about - oops 😛
Ah, I wrote a comment saying the same thing about Théoden before reading this comment 😄
@@fristi61 what about when Aragorn leaves for the Paths of the Dead and people are scared. He could have given them a heads up, he was on a mission, not abandoning them.
Then Theoden says they cannot win...
"... but we will meet them in battle nonetheless!"
That's a really great analysis! I never quite thought of it this way before.
As a child, Aragorn was always my favourite character in the films, but as an adult, Theoden is my king. Tolkien comparing him to Oromë is hands down my favourite moment in all of fantasy.
Same here
And when he blows his horn with such gusto that it literally bursts to pieces, tosses it aside, and rides to his death. It’s so intense and epic that it’s almost comical. Tolkien had such a gift for these moments. It reminds me of Fingolfin belligerently banging on Morgoth’s door talking trash (actually wait…just realized that’s another moment where a rider is compared to Oromë, complete with horn blowing and impending death)
“Again, it’s like poetry…it rhymes.”
- Some Guy
@@LAK_770 I mean Fingolfin and Theoden have a similar spirit
That's rad.
A most fitting and worthy tribute to a great actor.
"I go now to my fathers, in whose mighty company I shall not now feel ashamed"
RIP Bernard Hill
I thought the same when I heard he had passed.
Napoleon Hill would be proud.
"I go now to my fathers, in whose mighty company I shall not now feel ashamed" - I think this line resonates with most men more than any other in LOTR. I suspect Tolkien saw this theme a lot during his time in war.
fuck man, got me crying already
@@squoblat Exactly. My favorite line in the movie.
I took my mom to see the Two Towers. I knew King Theoden was going to find out his son died. It was gut wrenching to watch the King bury his son. My mom and I lost my older brother a few years before the movie was made. The speech the King makes about the flowers covering the graves of his ancestors, well we both began to weep. No parent should ever bury their child. It was a line delivered with so much pain and heartache. I am so grateful to Peter Jackson and the incomparable Bernard Hill for honesty and raw emotions brought to the screen. God bless and rest in peace, mighty King Theoden aka Bernard Hill.
Beautifully written and i am sorry for your loss 🙏❤️
The "No parent should have to bury their child" line was even put in by Bernard Hill. A woman which had lost her daughter in a terrorist attack said that to him in a conversation about one of his roles. It moved him so deeply he wanted to use it later for this movie, imo his very human performance did it justice.
I love that line "No parent should have to bury their child", because it is full of compassion. Even in this moment of anguish, Theoden puts his pain into the context of all parents who suffer the same. It is extremely selfless and shows what a great man he is.
'Let the horn of Helm Hammer- Hand sound in the deep one last time.'
Gimli: YYYYYYEEEEERRRRRSSSS!!!!
@@PentexProductions I thought about putting the full quote down but then thought against it.
The full quote does lose some of it's emotional weight when written down.
Fell deeds awake;
Now for Wrath,
Now for ruin,
And the world's ending!!!
Forth, Eorlingas!!!
Forth Eorlingas!!!
Theoden and boromir are my favorite characters. They simultaneously represent weakness and strength. In the end, they both use love and courage to overcome their inner demons.
The flawed characters are always the most interesting
@@PentexProductions both 2 of the msot human characters in the story, I agree.
It's the HUMAN way.
My favorite character from Fellowship was Everard Proudfoot, brilliantly portrayed by Noel Appleby. That character, with his brief time on screen, completely demonstrated what it means to be a Hobbit in Middle Earth. Exceptional. Genius.
@@PentexProductionsNothing like redemption. Great tribute.
Whenever I think of the definitive fantasy king, I can never not imagine Bernard Hill. RIP.
That final "DEAAAATH" where he raises the note just that tiny bit invokes so much passion and is one of the most shiver-inducing battle cries of all time.
The way he amps up the pitch and timbre is chilling.
he was incredible. RIP
FORTH EORLINGAS!
Makes me cry every time that last DEAAAATH! and at the end of Helms Deep when he cries Forth Eorlingas! God that gives me goosebumps
The man touched on something primal with that for sure.
“Bernard’s bromance with Viggo could be a whole video” yes please lol
Jokes aside, what a profoundly beautiful essay and dedication to a wonderful actor and performance. Thank you❤
Philippa Boyens described the two as an " unholy union " lol
Yes, please!
These films just keep getting better as they, and we, age.
Literally, I grew up with these films and I remember rewatching as a teen and the scene where he buries his son clicked for me 😢
finer than the finest elven wine
I heard Hollywooland is planning to remake LotR
@@kohtalainenalias at least we will always have the original trillogy when they fuck it up
@@seanmcfarlane9911 perhaps new LotR make has diversity hires and minorities represented in orcs as well. And Frodo is also non binary :D
I teared up throughout the whole video. What a loss. :(
Many people overlook how much character work The Two Towers did and only remember it for its action parts which is why they don't care for it so much.
The entire Rohan story thread is among my favorites in the movies, and that's in no small part due to Bernard Hill's portrayal of Theoden.
Me too.
Rohan has always been my favourite of the LOTR storylines. As you say, there is so much character work done in those scenes with Theoden and Eowyn especially, but also Merry and Aragorn. The filmmakers didn't need to put that level of effort into fleshing out those supporting characters given how pressured they were to condense the books into three movies, but the fact that they did and still made it work is just one of many, many reasons these films are as good as they are.
I feel exactly the same
The Two Towers has always been my favorite of the trilogy.
I’ve heard that the line “no parent should have to bury their child” was also Bernard’s addition, after he had a conversation with a woman on a plan who had lost a child.
❤️⚔️🐎
I firmly believe in the axiom that no child should ever have to bury their parent.
Might be a Mandela effect, but I'm pretty sure he says it, or something very similar, to Aragorn in the books while they are visiting the burial mounds covered wit Simbelmynë flowers
@@Malephex I've checked just in case and the whole scene seems to be an addition by Peter Jackson. Granted, a good addition.
@@destroyerinazuma96given that Peter Jackson doesn't reference it, it's possible the line really was an ad lib from Bernard Hill
This line was indeed added by Bernard Hill because he had heard it in that conversation. He talks about it on the Two Towers commentary track for the related scene.
The Lord of the Rings is the greatest story ever told and will never be surpassed.
however hard they're trying and failing recently with that abomination lol
With all the woke garbage made today, we can at least always go back and re-watch the extended trilogy whenever we want :)
i would add Silmarillion to that exclusive list. But Silmarillion as a film could never give any justice to Tolkiens source material, because its Tolkiens superb LANGUAGE skills who carries the story forwards and plants images and emotions into our mind in a way no visual technology can. Peter Jacksons work though is masterful,and God bless Bernard Hill.
Honestly One Piece has too many good characters to not be my #1. LOTR trilogy easily holds best movies though
I would argue the story of Jesus Christ is the greatest story ever told, but the Lord of the Rings is definitely a timeless classic that is exceptionally difficult as an author to surpass, or even stand on equal ground with.
'Arise, arise, Riders of Théoden!
spear shall be shaken, shield shall be splintered,
a sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises!
Ride now, ride now, ride! Ride for ruin and the world's ending!
Death! Death! Death!
Forth Eorlingas!'
And the violin used as the charge instrument while the rest build up around it....perfection.
never not reading it in Hill's voice.
@@heathercontois4501
Not quite. It isn't a violin, it's a called a Hardanger fiddle - a Norwegian instrument with eight or nine strings. Four of them are strung and played like a violin, while the "understrings" or "sympathetic strings" resonate under the influence of the other four. That's what gives it that breathy, droning sound.
A really good decision on Howard Shore's part, to make it the signature sound of The Rohirrim.
@@stickiedmin6508 As a violinist, and Howard Shore LOTR nerd, i love that you knew this
@@emanuelosorio9610 Howard fuckin' Shore, MVP
How can I miss a person I never met?
Hail Bernard Hill, our Theoden King! ⚘️👑❤️
The same way he makes us grieve for a character we've never met as he buries Theodred.
OMG. "Hail the victorious dead!" and cut to the Simbelmyne... Chef's kiss. 😔
Don't say chef's kiss, you poof!
In the last Blackadder series' last episode there was a charge out of the trenches. It faded into the poppy fields of Flanders. The Simbelmyne is Tolkien's poppy, it still grows on the battlefields of the Somme.
@@xhagast That was very interesting as the whole series is insane blackest of comedies but the final episode turns deadly serious, I liked that.
@@voiceover2191 I heard that they only did one take. The actors were too scared to do a second. The whole series made fun of the war. But it ended with Reality catching up with them. Masterful.
🍺 Hail the Victorious Dead!
“My body is broken. I go to my fathers. And even in their mighty company I shall not now be ashamed.”
The "now" being the single all-important word, that turns an otherwise prideful statement into a peaceful one.
I think every great king was just a good actor
The scene just before the start of the Ride where Theoden grimaces and wheels Snowmane to the right will forever give me goosebumps. It's such a moment of redemption, so brilliantly acted with nothing more than a tightening of his lips, a grimace and a "gah" beneath his breath. The eyes tell you everything. The transition from fear to resolve, the culmination of Theoden's entire character arc, faced with a sight that would have had the Two Towers Theoden quail in despair, with a simple change in his eyes, his facial expression, wrenching Snowmane to the right, Hill communicates so beautifully that THIS Theoden is different. This Theoden sees his death and says "f**k it, we go anyway, we go for honour, we go for duty, we go for brotherhood".What a superb actor who so perfectly captured the essence of his character and in doing so captured the essence of LOTR. RIP Bernhard Hill.
"but we shall meet them in battle nonetheless...."
@@jasonmcwatts1684
It serves another purpose as a kind of inverted mirror to the scene where Denethor first sees the forces arrayed against the city.
The initial reactions are very similar - shock, disbelief, horror, fear.
While Denethor crumbles in utter despair however, Théoden composes himself, galvanises his warriors with an inspiring speech, and gets sht *_done_* as he rides to glory.
There's another moment, later in the battle (I'm sure you know the one I'm talking about) where Théoden first sees the oliphaunts. The look on his face is almost annoyed, like, "Oh fk, what now?" Once again however, he rallies his troops, forms them up, and charges straight at the threat.
The message is pretty clear - if you give in, if you surrender to fear and despair, you've already lost. If you get back up, you can still make a difference.
Boromir has one of those moments at the end of "Fellowship..." too. After trying to take the ring from Frodo, he *_knows_* that he's lost. He's already convinced that he has damned his own soul, but when his friends are threatened, he shakes it off, gets back up, and makes his end *_count._*
And then he does it AGAIN upon seeing the line of Mumakil. I'm not sure the word "epic" even covers it
Bernard Hill deserved a Best Supporting Actor for his terrific performance as King Theoden!
It's astonishing how few acting nominations the trilogy got, despite absolutely romping home in the technicals.
@@PentexProductions yes FOTR got 13 noms only 1 for acting (McKellen), TT 6 noms none for acting; ROTK 11 noms, won all...but none for acting! Rather ridiculous. IMHO at a minimum McKellen, Viggo, Elijah, Sean Astin, Sean Bean, Cate Blanchett, Miranda Otto, Sir Christopher and Bernard ALL deserves Oscars. And Gollum 😀. Lurtz deserved an Orcscar!
@@nhmooytis7058 There was a really strong push for Andy Serkis to get Best Supporting Actor, but the rules at the time said he was ineligible because he had been "digitised" into Gollum, otherwise he probably would have won it.
@@nevilleneville6518 do they allow it now or is there a different award to recognize it?
Everyone knows the Oscars is a Hollywood mafia scheme. They have their chosen ones.
My favorite thing about The Lord of the Rings...besides everything, is that it feels like history, not just a story. Legendary indeed.
which was exactly Tolkien's wish.
I already liked Theoden as a character while reading the books many years ago. If I remember he was really old & frail there. Bernhard Hill's portrayal was even better imo. A man past his prime, maybe not as fast & strong as before, but still capable to ride & fight, and with the wisdom of many years, many struggles & battles. More a leader than a warrior, but that's exactly what Rohan needed at that time. No Superman like Aragorn or Legolas, just a mortal man full of self doubt, but who makes the right decisions at the right time. This makes him so relatable & sympathetic.
Thank you for this wonderful video. Thank you Bernhard Hill for your great performance!
I once met him at a convention, such a nice, down to earth guy. I have an autograph from him, which I will always cherish. R.I.P. King Theoden!
Fantastic you met the man in person. He has always been among my favourite characters, and it's always a delight to hear that the actor behind the character is a good person.
„After him thundered the knights of his house, but he was ever before them!“ That line always gives me goosebumps. Theoden did not only ride with his men, he truly lead them into battle.
I was lucky enough to meet Bernard Hill at a convention in Germany in 2004. He was such a kind person who took time to meet and talk to the fans, cracking jokes with everyone. His performance made me truly admire Theoden.
He didn't just lead them - they literally couldn't keep up . . .
The first time I really noticed Bernard Hill as an actor was an evening many years ago I watched two different movies back to back and I didn't realize until I looked them up afterwards that he was in both of them. *That* is the signature of a really great actor.
In similar vein, I have always complimented his skill by commenting that the same man played Yosser Hughes and King Theoden.
Just like Karl Urban
I can still remember sitting in the back row and hearing absolutely nothing in the theatre as this man roared his lines. A memory i wont forget.
OMg, thanks for the comedic relief I was sobbing too hard ahahaha
10:47: That conversation between Theoden and Aragorn at Helm's Deep: you say, "We see the façade drop", but I looked at it differently: Aragorn's pessimism would make Theoden's men lose courage and a leader cannot allow this to happen. An army that believes the battle is lost even before it has started is useless, and Theoden knows this. For me, Theoden gives Aragorn a lesson in leadership here.
I agree on that point, and probably phrased it imperfectly in the video. As I mentioned in another comment, I think Aragorn genuinely believed Theoden's comments and thought the king was naive to the danger they were in. It's only when Theoden snaps that Aragorn sees that he's fully aware of the danger, and is only holding it together because they're out of options. Aragorn does learn from this, as we see later on when he gives some words of encouragement to the boy, or shuts down Legolas when the elf also suggests that the fight is futile. Theoden is many things - and one of them is a good leader who knows what's best for his people.
@@PentexProductions Thanks for your response and for taking the trouble to add closed captions to the video.
I make sure to caption all my videos as accurately as possible. Glad you appreciate it!
While i agree that Theoden just tried to keep up morale in helms deep in that instant, i also have to point out that the ride of the rohirrim actually shows that the statement that _an army that believes the battle is lost even before it has started it useless and Theoden knows this_ is not entirely correct. Remember the part (also shown in this video) when Aragorn leaves the muster and then in the talk with his men Theoden admits that they "can't win, but meet them in battle notheless".
So here you have the "battle is already lost" sentiment, but they still go there and give it all they can.
People who have nothing to loose, or let's better say no hope of making it out alive, are among the most fearinducing and hard fighting opponents humanity has produced in real life too.
It's interesting as I do believe also that Theodon is more pleading with Aragorn to support him to uphold courage and hope when Aragorn seems scpetic to say the least. It mirrors perfectly the scene between Aragorn and Legolas, when the latter despairs while everyone is putting on their armour and Aragorn is the one spurring on Legolas to keep hope. I think that scene was after the Theoden/Aragorn scene, maybe it prompted Aragorn to respond to Legolas in that fashion?
Tolkiens' reading of Riders of Rohan coming to the Aid of Minas Tirith is, I'd boldly claim, one of the best audio recordings of any story there is. Even without the context of LOTR either in book or film.. You can easily hear and see what's going on. It's simply magical.
The cadence when Ride Now Ride Now Ride Now is magnificent. You can see the Snowmane building up speed in your minds eye
If only he'd recorded the whole book😢
My local library had that on cassette and I remember listening to it over and over when I was a kid. It has always given me chills.
That’s Tolkien? OMG
Theoden is very much a secondary character but if there’s one line that always makes me tear up after dozens rewatch or even just thinking about it it’s
“And Rohan will answer”
There’s so much emotion in that one line and Hill delivers with such gravity that whenever I binge the extended trilogy (which is about once a year) that is the moment I most look forward to.
There is nothing secondary about Theoden
The only scene in cinema history where I cry, regardless of how many times I have seen it before, is the moment before his death when he speaks to Eowyn. They were simply amazing, and I felt as I was there with them. RIP Mr HIll!
“No child should bury their son cuts right into my heart.” My Supervisor lost his child in a car accident and the grief it brings to a parent is insurmountable. More so now that I am older I reflect upon the viewing. Hill nailed that scene.
@@generoberts9151 Yes, that line was heartbreaking ;(
That one gets me, too. But a few minutes later when Karl Urban's Eomer finds Eowyn on the battlefield hits me like few movie scenes ever have - no matter how many times I watch it. The casting in these films is simply beyond perfect... although I feel a bit badly for Viggo that his big battle speech had to follow Bernard's and he simply had no chance of living up! lol
@@jdweberg Oh yes, Karl's acting is wonderful! Pure, raw emotion!
As a child that was raised and told to never be good enough, the moment when saruman said to theoden "u are the lesser son of greater sires"...i felt that. And ofc great performance of Bernhard Hill. The way how he avoided eyecontact with saruman and this sadness in his eyes when one sentence of saruman pushed him back into his insecurities. Still remembering his final words when he finally knew himself, without anyone reassuring him, that he is and always was "good enough".
Less than a minute in, and I'm having to pause so I can wipe away the tears.
Edit: FORTH ÉORLINGAS!
FORTH!
Less than a minute in I had to go watch the whole trilogy and then came back and found your gem of a coment
I always tear up at this scene.
Hearing Tolkien's voice alongside Hill's is chilling
Me too! What is it about this movie that continually brings tears, even after dozens of watches?
"No parent should have to bury their child"
I remember as a ten or 11 year old watching that for the first time and thinking, "man I genuinely feel sorry for him, like he's gone and lost his own son".
Bernard Hill brings (sorry, brought*) some really good emotion into his character, seeing the little snipits of him in this vid talking behind the scenes about wanting the emotion of the character to show through, I understand it's because he really embodies his characters. Respects their story and immerses himself into their "lives" and wanting to represent them and portray them as accurately or life like as he can. Watching lord of the rings I always saw Bernard as Theoden, instead of an actor playing Theoden, felt like you were watching something real with how, well, "raw" he made it feel.
No actor reciting lines, but someone bringing across the full feeling of the character in body language, tone of voice and the look in the eyes. Viggo was one of the only other actors who did that in LOTR for me, and I forget his name but whoever played Elrond and Agent Smith, all good actors who can bring their characters to life. You got the feeling they took it seriously, properly cared, and if you're gonna care about any book to film adaptation it's the one fantasy story to trounce them all.
All I'm saying is I've seen many fantasy or fiction films with many many actors playing their parts, they were all actors doing a job to pay the rent, in this film. Bernard Hill played such a convincing king role that I'd swear he had real life past experience leading knights into battle. All I'm saying is I'd follow him to whatever end.
edit: Hail the victorious dead.
Hugo Weaving is the name you misplaced. And yes, those were some powerful moments.
Oh my god the intro. A tribute to a king like I have never seen. Thank you Pentex.
Hail Theoden (Bernard Hill), King of Rohan, Lord of the Mark, Father of Horsemen.
You were a King worthy of your sires, may Eorl and all your fathers greet you with honour.
Rohan as far as we know still stands, if not in name, then by your legacy.
Also I would like to point out that as Theoden lay dying, he ordered his knights to raise his banner above Eomer and hailed him as king.
The intro was a lot of fun to make - it felt like a fitting way to acknowledge that scene.
Wow, I got a little emotional reading this. 🥲
14:13... in the movie when aragorn shows up after he sees the beacons... there's a good 3 to 4 secs of silence... and in that moment we see a internal monologue on theoden's face... and then he responds... "and rohan will answer"...this was all Bernard Hill's acting carrying this moment... you need to understand how powerful that silence can be...
Absolutely love Bernard portrayal of Theoden. Could you imagine riding to the aid of those that failed you in your most dire hour. You gather your forces and it’s only half of what you’d hoped for. You’ve ridden for days with little rest, but there is still the desperate hope of your forces that the enemies numbers are exaggerated. You crest the hill and instead of relief you’re greeted with crushing fear. You can see it so clearly in Bernard eyes even tho he’s just looking on to an empty field in real life. He then clenches his teeth’s “fine! But we will die on our own terms!”. Always brings a tear to my eye and especially after Bernard passed away. Rest in peace my king❤
I was so deeply saddened to learn that the distinguished actor who portrayed one of my favorite roles in the greatest film trilogy ever made, Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings, has passed away. Bernard Hill, who gave such richness to King Théoden, Lord of Rohan, died on May 5, 2024, and great cinema is diminished for it. Hill (aged 79) brought warmth, strength, nobility, vulnerability, and subtle wisdom to his roles that made his performances relatable and endearing. And of all his exceptional performances, I shall always remember him as Theoden King, in utmost appreciation. And thank you for making this wonderful and worthy tribute to his finest performance!
“At last, I go now to the halls of my fathers, in whose mighty company I shall not be ashamed.” 💐
Bernard Hill said in an interview that he'd slip down to see what was happening in Wētā Workshop whenever he could. On one visit, he saw the rows of Rohan spears stacked up, ready to be distributed to Rohirrim extras, and thought "these are MY soldiers, who will ride to their deaths alongside me" and thus the front-line sword-spear battle ritual was born in his mind. The humble respect a major star like Bernard had for both the production crew and the extras faithfully acting beside him inspired one of the greatest scenes and performances in film history.
Beautiful tribute to a wonderful character and an amazing actor.
One my favorite extended scenes in the trilogy:
Merry: Please, sir. I have a sword. Please accept it. I offer you my services, Theoden King.
Theoden: And gladly, I accept it. You shall be Merriadoc, Esquire of Rohan.
I can’t really explain why it’s one of my favorite scenes, though.
It's the sincerity of Merry pledging his sword to fight for what he believes in, and Theoden accepting it because he can see what it means for Merry to make that pledge. I love that scene too, such a great moment.
I particularly like the contrast between that scene and Denathors demeanour towards Pippin when pledging his service.
@@MediumRareOpinions There's also leading up to the battle a huge difference between Theodan and Denethor and how they treated their respective hobbits. Theodan tried to keep Merry away from the fighting because he wanted him to live. Denethor picked up Pippin and threw him out of the pyre room where he was going to burn himself and his son alive and told him to go die in whatever matter Pippin saw fit.
His voice just had so much warmth and musicality. He sang his lines. Only a few actors pull that off.
Yeah it's almost shakespearean.
My favorite character from my favorite piece of literature and film.
Bernards portrayal of Theoden had so much depth and was relatable on so many levels. From a king who had been made an emasculated and feeble joke by Saruman to a man ashamed of the king he had become and bitter from the lack of support from his allies to acceptance and extraordinary bravery in the face of overwhelming odds against him at helms deep - to this legendary king coming to the aid of those who did not offer it to him, even if it meant down laying down his own life. I mean it was a character arc we all got behind. Whether you had been disaponted in life or were fighting your own demons. Bernard made Theoden a hero to aspire to.
On first watching, while i was about eight years old, i "liked" the Characters of Boromir and Theoden "the least"... i didn't understand. Now these two characters shatter me to pieces.
Whole LotR love ❤
Forever the greatest story ever told. My "religion".
Everyone who participated in any way to that is a legend in my red book.
When I was a kid watching return of the king in the cinema, I thought that the charge was awesome and epic. It was something to behold.
I watch it now as a man and it almost always brings me to tears. It's easy to make a character fearless and invulnerable. Writing a character with true courage is another thing entirely.
The "how did it come to this?" Scene gets me every time no matter how many times ive seen it. To see such a great man in a moment of doubt...oof
I started to appreciate Theoden with time, after growing up and having the capacity to understand his character fully, and yes, it is Bernard Hill's brilliant acting paired with Tolkien's perfect character writing. In particular, the scene where he mourns the death of his son.
At first, Theoden talks with very long, formal sentences, fit for a king making a speech for large audience. He's composed, sad but firm, once again having to appear as this confident and strong public figure. Only after Gandalf's comment he switches to being a father who's just lost his child, with a much more straightforward and simple language, and an overwhelming emotion of loss. Emotion so suffocating that he doesn't yell, cry or do any theatrics. It's a phenomenal and very accurate portrayal of this kind of emotion, and one of the most memorable moments for me.
Though, in most if not all scenes that give Theoden time to shine, he absolutely does. Great video.
Theoden King, is my favorite character from the movies. You can feel and see the internal struggle, the doubt, and yet at the hour where he is needed most, his courage, his resolve, is unshaken.
The sun shone brightly on his helm.
His sword glittered cold in his hand.
The grass was green at the feet of his steed.
At his back rode all the warriors of his land
And before Mundburg he was slain.
Theoden King!
Also also, the Maori actors performed a haka in honor of the two Kings among them, Bernard Hill and Viggo Mortensen. It was amazing.
Also also also, I can never watch and hear Theoden lament for his son without crying myself. I don't think any parent can. It was so real, it hurts. The man can act!
I'm not a father and that scene moves me...what an actor
Stop saying also
There is something about a noble demeanor that seems to transcend culture and political systems. It's easy to see why monarchy was the norm for most of human history across all human cultures, when some people just have that magnetic quality about them.
Where is that one
@@mikemcghin5394 not sure what you are asking, but the haka can be found in the Extended Edition for the return of the king, all the extras in the so-called Appendices. Don't know if it's on UA-cam or not, but you can try the search engine...I've noticed a bit of the Appendices content showing up from time to time.
All the best dialogue from the film version of LOTR is verbatim from the Tolkein. Peter Jackson captured this perfectly.
Almost all of it. But that "ride out with me" moment gives me chills, too, it perfectly fits the film characterisation of Theoden Pentex described
The way they incorporated Tolkien is very clever. Often they would take lines from other characters and contexts and give it to another for the movie so it still felt Tolkienian, even if it wasn't a verbatim quote (a great example being some of Tom Bombadil's lines to Old Man Willow being given to Treebeard).
Yelling Death wasnt in book but it awesome
Yep. But sometimes they got shuffled and were made better(in my opinion) For instance, "DEATH!" was a line given to Eomer. I think it had much more gravitas given to Theoden.
@@craigblankenship7790 It was (sorta). The line was given to Eomer after realizing Eowyn looked to be dying/dead.
Rest in Peace Bernard, and thank you for your portrayal of Theoden. To call it outstanding does not do it justice.
Thank you for this reminder of how awesome Bernie was. Not used enough as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic he certainly nailed this role. Same age as my own dad (still here). I will miss him. "I go to my fathers who's in mighty company I shall not now feel ashamed."
Everything came together in these films to make something very special.
Thank you Mr Hill, your work and passion will be remembered.
This is what an Adaptation is. You preserve the Essence, Kept what worked and ADD more that can make it better.
Thank you very much. It was beautiful to watch. Rest in Peace Bernard Hill, Théoden, King of Rohan! Hail the victorious dead!
The kind of man we should all aspire to be.
Collected. Brave. Fearless. Inspiring. Compassionate. Theoden was a king, and Bernard made him so.
I felt that final thank you from you.
We know how much these movies mean to us. But reminders like this really let you sit back and realize how truly brilliant they were.
This scene never fails to give me chills. And often, tears.
I can not express how much I loved this video. Such a great, in-depth view of one of the greatest characters in literature.
Theoden has one of the best arcs in the the books, which was translated well into the film, and acted brilliantly by Bernard Hill.
Love that you included footage from Mt Sunday. So glad to find this in my recommended, now need to binge more of your videos.
Thanks, it felt appropriate. Check out my full Edoras video if you haven't already - you might enjoy it.
What a beautiful presentation. Thank you for honoring this great actor in one of the greatest movies of all time…and my favorite work of literature.
That man never fails to bring me to tears in raw emotion. He stole every damn scene.
He's one of many characters that portrays masculinity perfectly. He's a leader, not a boss. He's confident but still seeks council. He's firm but still shows love. He's the kind of man any man should strive to be
I can't explain to you how good that intro is, I must listen to Tolkien's narration of the ride of the rohirrim at least once a week and seeing the two entwined gave me goosebumps
Many thanks for this depiction of Theoden. He was always my favorite Character in the LOTR, because of hist internal struggle, wich makes him - in my opinion - to a much greater hero.
The greatest films that I have ever had the pleasure of watching!! The direction, the cinematography, the sound track, the adherence to the books and most importantly the actors investment in the characters and plot!!! I can only hope that I see there likes again!! Thank you so much❤!!
This is certainly one of the best tributes to both Bernard Hill and Theoden. His performance has set a standard that can never be matched. His resolve to do his duty and his rallying speech to his riders before the Battle of the Pelennore Field still makes my heart beat faster and swell in my chest. Rest in peace, Good King.
Dude, that editing with the last scene hailing the victorious dead just hit straight in the feels.
It has been said before and will be said again and again, but damn, the casting of these movies was just perfect...
wow not how i expected hear about his death. may he rest in peace. what a legendary performance by him in lotr
Boromir and Theoden have always been my two favorite characters. Men full of doubt, and when push comes to shove they show their inner true strength.
LOve it, again thanks for bringing so many wonderful memories flooding back, I was in a personal form of heaven at every point that I was shooting the role of Gamling, especially as it was pretty much always alongside Bernard. The entire main cast were such wonderful people to work with & be in the company of, with Bernard a shining beacon
RIP "Sir" Bernard Hill.
This is one of the most important videos for fantasy, in all of youtube.
This video brought tears to my eyes, what beautiful homage to Bernard Hill. RIP
A worthy tribute to a wonderful actor and a powerful performance! Bernard Hill embodied Theoden King in such a beautiful way, showcasing all the fear, doubt, sorrow, resolve and courage of the character. I'm not ashamed to say I wept several times watching this, in grief for the loss of this wonderful man and for the character he brought to life so well, with all that entails.
RIP Bernard and hail Theoden King!
The Two Towers has always been my favourite movie of the trilogy, because I love the Rohan-plotline so much. Theodén is easily one of my favourite LotR-characters and Bernard Hill played him marvellously. He will be missed - rest in peace, Bernard Hill.
You couldn't have made a more beautiful and worthy tribute to this wonderful mand and actor. Thank you.
Ever since I first saw him in "Boys from the Blackstuff", I've been a big fan of Bernard Hill.
"Yosser" Hughes, "I'm desperate, father."
Priest, "Call me, Dan."
"Yosser" Hughes, "I'm desperate, Dan."
Rather liked Joe in Shirley Valentine. A pretty brave part for any actor to take, way back then.
"What friggin' dog?"
If you don't know the context, you obviously haven't yet seen the film ...
I am moved to tears! this video holds so much of why I love the Lord of the Rings, Rohan, Theoden, Bernard Hill...
You put it into words. I was 13 when The Two Towers was in cinemas and even back then I loved Theoden for his warmth, strength, courage and vulerability at the same time.
Such a great hero. one of the best there ever was on screen. Thanks to Bernard Hill. Rest in Piece, my king.
Bernard Hill became famous in the UK for playing a character called Yosser Hughes in a TV series called Boys from the Black Stuff. It was a profoundly moving performance and perfectly right for its time in history. It was this that led to Peter Jackson casting him in LotR. As soon as I saw he had been added to the cast I was totally confident he would deliver but for him to have been instrumental in creating what is now arguably the greatest moment in film history takes him to the level of greatness.
"I go now to my fathers, in whose mighty company I shall not now feel ashamed"
Rest in piece Bernard Hill
Just for the record, Theoden is 71 when he rides to victory at the Pelennor Fields.
He made me roll my eyes at the character one minute & then feel comforted by his warmth & love another minute
"... but we will meet them in battle nonetheless"
What resolve and courage! And Bernard's delivery of that line will never fail to make me cry.
"He was strong in life. His spirit will find the way to the halls of your fathers."
Godspeed Bernard
I could never put into words why Theoden was such a compelling character so I'm very grateful for your perfect explanation
My strong impression watching the films was that nearly every line of Hill/Theoden was poetry, and profoundly conveyed.
He was such a great actor. His portrayal of Theoden was one of the finest performances I've ever seen. No other actor could have played that role so well nor would have been just so right for it. He will be truly missed. RIP Bernard Hill.
This might be my favourite of all your videos mate, and your content is some of the best on this platform. Amazing work man!
Hail the victorious dead!
Thanks so much
What a beautiful, tender, and thorough tribute to this great actor who played this role wonderfully. Thank you xx
In Eowyn and Faramir’s defense, stewardship over Ithilien was no small task. It bordered Mordor and there were still enemies prowling there. Reclaiming the King’s lands would take the leadership of both the Captain and the Lady of Rohan.
Yeah and it takes more than one person to stabilize a situation. Having people the kings can count on to be their arms and legs is important. Honestly being the king is sometimes the slower job.
@@mmay9082
Small correction - you meant to say, "The Shield Maiden Of Rohan," surely?
@@stickiedmin6508She is called The White Lady of Rohan
I can’t believe I’ve just seen this but fantastic video. That pelenor fields speech and charge just moves me to tears every single time regardless of what I’m doing.
Thank you for this and of course RIP Mr. Hill.
T he Rohirrim and Theoden (and Eomer and Eoyn) are some of my favorite characters and Bernard Hill nailed it.
Excellent video! Teared up a few times from the memories. I wish Bernard had been given more lines at the confrontation with Saruman..."what will you say of your torches in Westfold and the children that lie dead there? And they hewed Háma's body before the gates of the Hornburg, after he was dead. When you hang from a gibbet at your window for the sport of your own crows, I will have peace with you and Orthanc."
When i first watched rotk i rememberer tearing up to theoden' s speech so hard till this day it still hits me
I never thought about this. He was Théoden so hard, I never even thought about it. All those LOTR scenes and quotes literally got me in goose bumps.
Totally not holding back tears while on my lunch break because of this amazing tribute 😭❤