They couldn't have cast a better actor for the part of Theoden. Bernard Hill is absolutely magnificent in this role. He's exactly like I had imagined Theoden when I read the books.
I know it seems minor, because Theoden has so many epic moments, but I always felt his forgiveness of Grima and even trying to bring him back as a man of Rohan was the scene that solidified his character as a Great King.
It's an important moment, as well as his resistance to Saruman's voice and "peace offer". Straight from the books and one of the most memorable moments I remember reading, even before I saw the second and third film. I think Bernard did Théoden justice, especially the character's sense of humility and self-doubt.
Arise, arise, Riders of Theoden! Fell deeds awake: fire and slaughter! spear shall be shaken, shield be splintered, a sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises! Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor! With that he seized a great horn from Guthlaf his banner-bearer, and he blew such a blast upon it that it burst asunder. And straightway all the horns in the host were lifted up in music, and the blowing of the horns of Rohan in that hour was like a storm upon the plain and a thunder in the mountains. Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor! Suddenly the king cried to Snowmane and the horse sprang away. Behind him his banner blew in the wind, white horse upon a field of green, but he outpaced it. After him thundered the knights of his house, but he was ever before them. eomer rode there, the white horsetail on his helm floating in his speed, and the front of the first eored roared like a breaker foaming to the shore, but Theoden could not be overtaken. Fey he seemed, or the battle-fury of his fathers ran like new tire in his veins, and he was borne up on Snowmane like a god of old, even as Orome the Great in the battle of the Valar when the world was young. His golden shield was uncovered, and lo! it shone like an image of the Sun, and the grass flamed into green about the white feet of his steed. For morning came, morning and a wind from the sea; and the darkness was removed, and the hosts of Mordor wailed, and terror took them, and they fled, and died, and the hoofs of wrath rode over them. And then all the host of Rohan burst into song, and they sang as they slew, for the joy of battle was on them, and the sound of their singing that was fair and terrible came even to the City.
Out of all humans, Theodeon was the one, who was undoubtly sure about the end of mankind, that the downfall can not be stoped and still he threw all the forces he had into the the fight against sauron for the sake of men and his duty as a king. absolute legendary character. as a child at the age of 10-13 i loved Aragon for his coolness, Samwise for his endless friendship and Gimli for his pride. Now, i feel like i have grown with the movie and think that the burden and sorrow of Theoden and the wisdom of Gandalf are my favorite.
He was redeemed by his natural courage and resolution, and in the end he embodied and led the martial spirit of his people. Went out on a high note, you might say.
King Theoden is a king who always lead from the front, lead his men, his people. Even in the worst condition. He's truly an example of a great king who lead by example and courage. Long live Theoden King
Theoden is a very human character; his heroism is not bourne out of plot, but out of necessity, in spite of fate not because of it. And even in his most heroic moment, he always leans upon other men, as real heroes always do...
And he has sence of humor (or at least a bit of wit) in too dark situations (most of us would find a single bit of humor is such situations). He has the spirit of a noble and good-hearted warrior. I feel sorry for him live to those dark times.
I find saruman's insult to be funny: you're a lesser son of greater sires. Theoden actually believes this as well, he sees himself as lesser than his great forebearers, but in doing so he shows humility, compassion and a heart as strong as the horses revered by his people. Just by being this humble and wise king, he's managed to have the respect of all around him and the courage to face the dogs of mordor.
It's really something fantastic. It's strange, but somehow it just felt so much more adventurous than movies that come out nowadays. I miss the feeling too.
Theoden was always my fav character in LOTR events. You can find good, kind, wise, brave heroes which are Numenorians/Elves/Hobbits/Mayar etc. But Theoden is close to me because he is a human, a very simple human being like me or you, not blessed by Valar etc. Nevertheless, he IS the definition of EPIC character, and I would gladly follow into abyss led by such a leader and king, riding for ruin and the world's ending.
On learning of Bernard Hills death today, I have come back to watch him in his best role EVER. I GO TO MY FATHER'S. AND EVEN IN THEIR MIGHTY COMPANY I SHALL NOT NOW BE ASHAMED. Condolences and thoughts to his family.
Yeah me too. Whilst Aragorn was always the chosen one, destined to rule, born from an ancient bloodline, adorned with a legendary sword, Theodon was just a normal man in comparison. An ordinary king in extraordinary times.
To be honest, withdrawing to Helms deep was the best decision Theodin could have made. Given the number of men at Theodins disposal, even including the Elven allies and Eomers Rohirim, victory of the Urukhai army in the open field would have been impossible. This is especially true when you consider that the Urukhai were specifically designed by Sauroman to counter the main strength of Rohan, their cavalry. They were heavy infantry, armed with long pikes, perfectly suited for defeating a mounted army. Gandalfs suggestion to "ride out and meet them" would have led to inevitable defeat. Helms Deep is a fortress, the whole point of a fortress is to act as a force multiplier for outnumbered armies.
well it is Gandalf and knowing wizards they all have a trick up their sleeves. they could be another slope like the one on Helms Deep that they couldve used to blind the Uruk army with the sun
I could not agree more. Just goes to show, you don't always have to listen to the so called "experts". If you recall, even Aragon agreed with Theodin once they got to Helms Deep and was arguing with Legolas.
I would add, one thing Theodin should have done is have an escape plan for the women and children. If they could have made it through the tunnel through the mountain, let them start going out that way once it gets dark. Let out 4 or 5 at a time so they don't all get ambushed. And have some sort of secrete/secure rendezvous location picked out.
It be fair, Gandalf already had the foresight to know that Merry and Pippen getting lost in Fangorn was his Ace-in-the-hole. Remember, Rohan had to march closer to Isengard to get to helms deep and they still beat the Uru-Kai there with some time to spare, so either the Uru-Kai army are slow AF and was still near Isengard or they were marching to Edoras and turned around. Either way I would image Gandalf counseling Theoden to attack near the forest.
"Can we not take counsel together as we once did, my old friend? Can we not have peace, you and I?" "We shall have peace... We shall have peace when you answer for the burning of the Westfold, and the children that lie dead there! We shall have peace! When the lives of the soldiers who's bodies were hewn even as they lay dead against the gates of the Hornburg ARE AVENGED! When you hang from a gibbet for the sport of your own crows! We shall have peace." As great as that line is, Bernard Hill's perfect delivery makes it all the better.
In the book, the body "hewn even as it lay dead" was Hama, who was Captain of Theoden's personal bodyguard and likely a dear comrade. His loyalty to Theoden left him conflicted: he confiscated the Three Hunters' weapons when they arrived with Gandalf at Meduseld, but allowed Gandalf himself to keep his staff despite knowing it could be a dangerous tool (and in spite of specific instructions from the King through Wormtongue forbidding this). This helped pave the way for his liege's restoration by Gandalf, who used his staff to draw Saruman "as poison is drawn from a wound." In the film we see him perform a similar role; in addition to the above, he prevents Gamling (who was not present in the books here, his role being exchanged for Eomer's) from drawing his sword as the Hunters make short work of Grima's thugs. In the film Hama is killed by a warg rider; Aragorn speaks with his son, Halas, and tries to instill confidence in him although I tend to assume Halas met his father's fate in the movie continuity. I've always assumed at least part of Theoden's anger here is due to not just the death but discretion of the son of his friend and loyal soldier.
@@LordVader1094 I don't like Eomer's separation from Theoden during the Battle of Helm's Deep in the movie. I would have loved to see Erkenbrand and his red shield appear over the ridge line with 1000 footmen following him.
he may not have had a large role visually, but spiritually and narratively, Theoden was a pivotal character in restoring faith and strength in the hearts of those who had lost hope. Truly one of my fave characters in LOTR
Theo was a great king. Leading his army in certain death with honor and integrity. That kind of courage inspired greatness and demonstrate the importance of good leadership. Should i lived in that kind of world... That king would be my king any day. Hail the kings who were brave enough to protect their people like that. For me its epic.
Agreed. From the stranglehold that Saruman held on him, realising the death of his son, defeating Saruman's army at Helm's Deep, and against all odds, destroy the Orc-Army from Saurin himself, that was besieging Minas Tirith, taking the mighty Haradrim, head on, eventually to fall to the Nazgul of the Witch King of Angmar himself. It doesnt get more epic then that. From a puppeteered zombie, to a defensive leader, to the liberator of the free world(Minas Tirith would have fallen, had Rohan not arrived in the nick of time!). Theodon-King will be remembered as one of the greatest kings that ever lived.
I must say that the cast in the Two Towers was excellent, except Miranda Otto. They should've cast more radiant beauty. The description in the novel was so good, that I almost fell in love with Eowyn.
True but i think charging the mumakil head on was Not smart but then again on a Open field With archers on top i dont know a strategy which would be more effective for His cavalery
I have seen very few moments in cinema that make me cry. One is Theoden King rallying his men with the most inspiring speech I have EVER heard. The second is his death. I wish I could have been there to save him when I see this. G*dspeed, Theoden King. Your forebears welcome you with pride. We all cry with you, Eowyn.
The most Epic trilogy ever! There are at least 20 moments that give you goosebumps. Each character was written well, that's why you can have so many favourites.
As much as I love the movies, I wish there were more scenes between King Theoden and Merry! They had such beautiful friendship in the novels. Merry respected and admired him like a father figure.
It was an interesting relationship in the trilogy between Theoden, Merry, and Eowyn. The king seemed to see that the halfling and the woman both had the warrior spirit within them, but he never quite accepted that they could and should take part in the war. It was Tolkien who arranged for fate in the novel to put them at his side at his last defense, and to give them a great victory of their own, one no others on the field could have gained. It works extremely well in both media-just a great scene.
As a child I didn't quite grasp the severity of the situation when he saw the children being geared up to fight. As an adult, I look at that scene completely different. They were truly expecting to be annihilated and armed even young boys of around 14 or so to fight beside them. It's something small that doesn't take long to move to a new scene, but it holds a profound importance. It shows the severity in which they place this threat that even their young must be made to fight tooth and nail or die trying.
Tolkien who wrote the books was a professor of medieval history and an expert on Anglo Saxon history language and culture he was inspired by their stories and legends and even included Anglo Saxon poetry in his books it's been said that makes his epics two thousand years deep
I read the Hobbit/LOTR for the first time as a 13/14 yo and it gave me a LOVE of reading that's lasted ally life:)But even to this day when I reread Theoden Kings death I still shed tears at 47 lol...a Lesser Son of Great Sires that rose from the lowest depths of shame to the Greatest Glory...He Knew before he left Rohan his life would be forfeit but kept going...hope I have even a little of that courage when my time comes..a single Father of 3 girls and they're My Life...Parting from them will be Bitter beyond words:(
When he passes in the film, tears always come to my eyes. When I hear his magnificent speech as the battle commences,, I so want to ride alongside him and do him proud.
If I could have saved a single character from the books who died, I would have saved Theoden. Boromir was a close second but I believe his loyalty to his father Denethor was almost as deadly to him as the Ring (lust for power and the stewardship of Gondor). Theoden redeems himself and proves beyond measure that he was as great a King as his sires. His people loved him and Merry saw him as a father. A masterful performance
I disagree personally. I’d save Boromir. Boromir redeemed himself after what he did, but never got to see what he’d always dreamed of: Gondor restored. Theoden long saw himself as a failure and weak compared to his fathers, fearing he’d be ashamed in the afterlife because he’d done few to no great deeds, especially after being poisoned by Saruman and letting the enemy run all over him. But after Helm’s Deep and his eventual death on Pelennor Fields, he knew he’d won and proved himself worthy to stand amongst his fathers. “I go to my fathers. And even in their mighty company I shall not now be ashamed. I felled the black serpent.'" Theoden died at peace.
@@craygroup excellent point. However even Faramir cautioned that Boromir might have had trouble later on (having always desired the kingship) with his relationship with Aragorn. Frodo and Sam swear that Boromir both accepted and followed Aragorn but Frodo privately held the same doubts
So they ride up to a ridge, exhausted from many days riding, see an impossibly huge SEA of an evil army, it's a hopeless situation...so what do you do? Form up lines and charge right into the middle of it even though it is utterly hopeless. The Rohirrim is a cavalry, that's what they do. This was my favorite bit of King Theodin.
Wow, looking back at what a blessing it was to watch this and the other two in theatres. As a kid it was just so engrossing and to this day I haven’t seen a trilogy better than LOTR (that includes Star Wars).
pretty crazy that we’re in 2020 and these movies are still have some of the best scenes, dialogue, charges, characters, this movie will never be outdone or matched.
@@SpencerLemay pfffft 😒 I think I've read and heard this same comment just in slightly different words at least a hundred times before. Boring. Like the rest of the herd, I bet you hadn't even seen Batman Begins (and was barely aware of its existance at all) until after you saw TDK, and you were only drawn to watch TDK because of its biggest selling point at the time, which was the Heath Ledger hype surrounding its release.
@@eddielong8663 lol no I saw Batman Begins in theaters and I would say it was ok at best. I have seen it twice and feel zero motivation to watch it again. 3 was just stupid. Saw 2 at a friends house for something to do. Was pretty decent. P.S This is the most Reddit tier UA-cam comment I've seen in weeks. You actually are calling people who don't think much of the biggest movie of 2009 as being part of the herd mindset. Imagine being smug about liking TDKR.
Choose as you like the moment Aragorn became the King of Gondor, but I'm gonna say it's when Theoden said "Let this be the moment we draw swords together" it's almost like you can see Aragorn getting taller
God, that music that plays when Minas Tirith is introduced is so epic... and the way the camera pans as Gandalf rides to the top... it’s a beautiful combination of cinematography and music. It’s probably my favorite score/scene from these movies.
Each major scale scene was perfectly timed and scored to the right music (or vis versa). For me, it was the Lighting of the Beacons and the Charge of the Rohirrim at Minas Tirith...both epic and grand drama.
@@maggiesatterfield2402 the music played during the lighting of the beacons was spot on as well... that’s another great example of how well they matched music with cinematography in these movies.
I’m so grateful to have experienced these movies when they first came out in the theaters. They were of course epic and memorable at the time but as I’ve gotten older, the themes of LOTR have become increasingly important and relevant in my life and helped me through many dark times. Thanks for making this super cut of one of the greatest characters ever ❤
Nice compilation: Watching it made me realize how important the battle against the wolf riders was. It is there that Saruman threw away his cavalry screen and left his besieging force vulnerable to envelopment.
Im guessing that training a warg rider is much more complicated than training a horseman. It is a feral beast, and the rider is orc scum. So you need a particular type of orc, the intellectual/persona elite that can break the wolf and ride it proficently inn a cavalry role. "Scouting" party might likely have been all that several generations of orcs could provide.
@@Todesmorgen Throughout history, battles have been won, and lost, on slopes. Ironically both Napoleon, and Wellington, used reverse slopes to hide artillery, and massed infantry, at seperate battles (Austerlitz, and Waterloo, respectively), to their respective enemies detriment. But a massed cavalry charge, at full gallop, down a 60% slope ...? Ye Gods, no wonder the Orcs broke ranks. True, the pikes may stop a rank, or so, of horses, but the ones behind will just simply smash through, by sheer momentum alone. So, even if the Wolf Riders were there, if the above commentator is correct, sending such an elite force as a scouting party, was a huge mistake, especially when so many were simply cut down. Not having a 'heavy cavalry' on the wings, to counteract in a pincer movement, led to the inevitable envelopment ... As someone one said, in reference to his physics, "Newton was a right bastard* ..." ... [Edit: one can, also, equally say that about what Newton did to try and wipe Robert Hooke from history, but that is a serious bone of contention ...]
@@nigelft perhaps that is the true strength of Helms Deep. The wall was strong but it was located such that any besieging army is vulnerable to a reinforcing charge from the surrounding high ground.
He's even better in the books. The man wakes up after being healed by Gandalf and within ten minutes the man is ready to lead his men out to war with Saruman. He only retreats to helm's Deep because the main Rohirem army had already been beaten by the uruks and scattered. The man was 100% prepared for violence every moment of his life.
This is what happens when you take a magnificently written story and have a man that loves everything about it (that WANTS to produce a movie true to the source material) be in control. You can tell that Peter Jackson loved these stories and showed generations that they will as well.
Fast forward to 2023 where the withers have source material and the actor is forced to leave franchise simply because he's "too passionate" about the source material. We will never get a masterpiece like LOTR.
Now he’s gone to our Father,in who’s mighty company he shall not now feel ashamed 🙏🏼❤️ God love bless and keep him and may he send his Angels to ease the grief of his loved ones
Thank you Bernard Hill for those glorious moments: you were/are/forever will be a centerpiece in the reason why the Rohan arc to me stood out as the most magnificent in the already incredible trilogy ❤ Hail the Victorious Dead!! ✊🏻
They really should have done better justice to his call to battle before the charge and the charge itself. Tolkien's poetry and imagery at that moment was incredible.
I just noticed: Theoden only wears a crown when currupted by Sarumon, like he had to wear it to remind people he is the king. But when he is no longer in Sarumon's hold he no longer needed to wear a crown he showed he's a king
Let's take a moment to think of what a boring ass job it must be to be in charge of watching over the signal beacon on top of a mountain in the middle of nowhere.
Can you imagine how scary that would be for those orcs? When your enemies are men (which you obviously assume are scared of death) come towards your army charging and screaming DEATH!!
Great kings always have a certain feel to them, the loyalty, the strength, and their hearts just echo something special. Theoden really was a king for his people, dropping everything at a moments notice to go fight at Minas Tirith and leading the Ride of the Rohirrim. Theoden will go down in history as one of the greatest kings.
Fun Fact: The way that they pull off the transition from old Theoden to young Theoden was by taking the same shot 4 different times, each with a different layer of makeup.
I wish they paid tribute to Theodin at the end of the movie so how. Especially with how tight he got with Aragon. He was one of my favorite characters.
Bernard Hill, in one world he was an accomplished actor, however, in our world, our "Lord of the Rings" world, he will always be our King, our Theoden, King of Rohan, much loved and much missed to this day👑.
Actually, the guy that orchestrated the combat in LOTR was the same person that orchestrated the battles at the end of the GOT. He simply had less to work with in the GOT because the writing was trash and they blew more than 1/2 their budget for the entire season on their dragon fight.
My single favorite thing about Theoden. When Aragorn was talking about assisting Gondor Theoden dismissed the idea with a "when did they help us?" sort of line, but as soon as the beacons are actually lit and shit gets real, without a second thought Theoden jumps into action to help his allies. Totally defying the idea of man's selfishness in the series, arguably just as much as Aragorn did.
Thank u. Yes, in hindsight I would have added many more scenes including that one. There were just so many to choose from...and the ones I chose were also shortened by some editing. It also took dozens of tries to get a copyright approval after re-editing for weeks. Finally got one. Glad you enjoyed 🙂
Where now the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing? Where is the helm and the hauberk, and the bright hair flowing? Where is the hand on the harpstring, and the red fire glowing? Where is the spring and the harvest and the tall corn growing? They have passed like rain on the mountain, like a wind in the meadow; The days have gone down in the West behind the hills into shadow. Who shall gather the smoke of the dead wood burning, Or behold the flowing years from the Sea returning?
The extras interview cast and crew who talked about having to shoot all night every night for SIX WEEKS. It was really rough. They had t-shirts made up that said "I survived the battle of Helm's Deep"!
Forth and fear no darkness. RIP Bernard Hill, the most legendary King in cinematic history 👑
Rest in peace! To the king!
He goes now to the halls of his fathers, in whose mighty company he need not feel ashamed.
Had me in Tears today. RIP
Lepää rauhassa.
Hail the victorious dead!
In this trilogy, every frame is a wallpaper and every dialogue is a quote
And every comment you make for trilogy is goo :)
5:02 Can this be considered as a wallpaper?
@@shashisuman8302 WHY NOT
"my precious", gollum
"It only counts as one" ~Throwable dwarf
They couldn't have cast a better actor for the part of Theoden.
Bernard Hill is absolutely magnificent in this role.
He's exactly like I had imagined Theoden when I read the books.
I don’t think you can fault any of the casting in the films. But Bernard Hill was absolutely perfect in the role!
He was also cast as the Captain in 'The Titanic ' (with DiCaprio, Winslet, et al)
Gies a job ,I can do that!😆loved him as a yosser Hughes in boys from the black stuff!
I know it seems minor, because Theoden has so many epic moments, but I always felt his forgiveness of Grima and even trying to bring him back as a man of Rohan was the scene that solidified his character as a Great King.
2021
2021 Japan
I sincerely agree with you!!
Good one. I never thought of that.
It's an important moment, as well as his resistance to Saruman's voice and "peace offer". Straight from the books and one of the most memorable moments I remember reading, even before I saw the second and third film. I think Bernard did Théoden justice, especially the character's sense of humility and self-doubt.
He really needed every man of Rohan, and he knew it, and he cared deeply.
Rest in peace Bernard Hill. No one could have portrayed king theoden any better
i can do a much better job
It's difficult to imagine that these movies are almost 20 years old
Yes, but they are timeless.
I was just thinking that a few days ago... I remember loving them as a child and now as a grown man I realize that they're even better than I thought!
They frankly might just be the peak of film as a medium.
There are now Humanity World Heritage Cinematographic
Like a wine! Older and taste better.
The ride of Rohirrim always give me goosebumps no matter how many times and how many years I have watched
💙
Plus the music that plays. ohhhhhhhhhh
1000 rohirrim riders = 1 million noob Gondorian soldiers
Agree.. best scene ever made
Arise, arise, Riders of Theoden!
Fell deeds awake: fire and slaughter!
spear shall be shaken, shield be splintered,
a sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises!
Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor!
With that he seized a great horn from Guthlaf his banner-bearer, and he blew such a blast upon it that it burst asunder. And straightway all the horns in the host were lifted up in music, and the blowing of the horns of Rohan in that hour was like a storm upon the plain and a thunder in the mountains.
Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor!
Suddenly the king cried to Snowmane and the horse sprang away. Behind him his banner blew in the wind, white horse upon a field of green, but he outpaced it. After him thundered the knights of his house, but he was ever before them. eomer rode there, the white horsetail on his helm floating in his speed, and the front of the first eored roared like a breaker foaming to the shore, but Theoden could not be overtaken. Fey he seemed, or the battle-fury of his fathers ran like new tire in his veins, and he was borne up on Snowmane like a god of old, even as Orome the Great in the battle of the Valar when the world was young. His golden shield was uncovered, and lo! it shone like an image of the Sun, and the grass flamed into green about the white feet of his steed. For morning came, morning and a wind from the sea; and the darkness was removed, and the hosts of Mordor wailed, and terror took them, and they fled, and died, and the hoofs of wrath rode over them. And then all the host of Rohan burst into song, and they sang as they slew, for the joy of battle was on them, and the sound of their singing that was fair and terrible came even to the City.
“I go to my fathers. In whose mighty company, I shall not now feel ashamed.”
😢 😭
"I go to my fathers, in whose mighty company I shall not now feel ashamed." Rest in peace Bernard Hill, you will be forever remembered.
Out of all humans, Theodeon was the one, who was undoubtly sure about the end of mankind, that the downfall can not be stoped and still he threw all the forces he had into the the fight against sauron for the sake of men and his duty as a king. absolute legendary character.
as a child at the age of 10-13 i loved Aragon for his coolness, Samwise for his endless friendship and Gimli for his pride.
Now, i feel like i have grown with the movie and think that the burden and sorrow of Theoden and the wisdom of Gandalf are my favorite.
@@Niedfyr being stubborn helps often
yeah exact same! as i've re watched these Theoden has become my favourite, and god damn that speech outside of Gondor jesus best movie scene ever!
He was redeemed by his natural courage and resolution, and in the end he embodied and led the martial spirit of his people. Went out on a high note, you might say.
Honestly i can't choose they are all Perfect
@@austrianchad6673 Each to their own, everyone was perfect in the was he was.
King Theoden is a king who always lead from the front, lead his men, his people. Even in the worst condition.
He's truly an example of a great king who lead by example and courage.
Long live Theoden King
A true king indeed my friend.
So did Richard the Third.
" Let this be the hour when we draw swords together. Fell deeds awake. Now for wrath, now for ruin, and the red dawn. Forth, Eorlingas!" Rip King👑
Theoden is a very human character; his heroism is not bourne out of plot, but out of necessity, in spite of fate not because of it. And even in his most heroic moment, he always leans upon other men, as real heroes always do...
He kind of reminds me of queen Elizabeth. 2 old monarchs who want the best for their people redeeming themselves of their bad past
And he has sence of humor (or at least a bit of wit) in too dark situations (most of us would find a single bit of humor is such situations). He has the spirit of a noble and good-hearted warrior. I feel sorry for him live to those dark times.
I find saruman's insult to be funny: you're a lesser son of greater sires. Theoden actually believes this as well, he sees himself as lesser than his great forebearers, but in doing so he shows humility, compassion and a heart as strong as the horses revered by his people. Just by being this humble and wise king, he's managed to have the respect of all around him and the courage to face the dogs of mordor.
I miss lotr so much,the music,battles,characters.wheww,how i aged so fast.
It's really something fantastic. It's strange, but somehow it just felt so much more adventurous than movies that come out nowadays. I miss the feeling too.
Ea Airic
Yearly rewatches of LotR is what Xmas break is for
@@ozymandias7392 you got a great tradition my friend.
Bro go play ltro online,you wont regret it !
@@blackbear3913 Big agree! It's got a coupon right now that gets you a ton of content for free too
Theoden was always my fav character in LOTR events. You can find good, kind, wise, brave heroes which are Numenorians/Elves/Hobbits/Mayar etc. But Theoden is close to me because he is a human, a very simple human being like me or you, not blessed by Valar etc. Nevertheless, he IS the definition of EPIC character, and I would gladly follow into abyss led by such a leader and king, riding for ruin and the world's ending.
Cannot agree more
@MO MO We should try and become them :)
Yegor Michajlow weiter weiter ins verderben
Onward onward into destruction
@@jinlinxu5109
Yes, yes, and yes!
Edit: but not role-playing. As in learn from their bravery, decency with women. Etc.
On learning of Bernard Hills death today, I have come back to watch him in his best role EVER. I GO TO MY FATHER'S. AND EVEN IN THEIR MIGHTY COMPANY I SHALL NOT NOW BE ASHAMED. Condolences and thoughts to his family.
As a child i liked Aragorn, as an adult i like Theoden more.
As a vegan, I like the trees
Britainy Hill LOL
I always prefered Theoden... he has so many epic moments.
As a child Gandalf , as an adult Gandalf .
Yeah me too. Whilst Aragorn was always the chosen one, destined to rule, born from an ancient bloodline, adorned with a legendary sword, Theodon was just a normal man in comparison. An ordinary king in extraordinary times.
To be honest, withdrawing to Helms deep was the best decision Theodin could have made. Given the number of men at Theodins disposal, even including the Elven allies and Eomers Rohirim, victory of the Urukhai army in the open field would have been impossible. This is especially true when you consider that the Urukhai were specifically designed by Sauroman to counter the main strength of Rohan, their cavalry. They were heavy infantry, armed with long pikes, perfectly suited for defeating a mounted army. Gandalfs suggestion to "ride out and meet them" would have led to inevitable defeat. Helms Deep is a fortress, the whole point of a fortress is to act as a force multiplier for outnumbered armies.
well it is Gandalf and knowing wizards they all have a trick up their sleeves. they could be another slope like the one on Helms Deep that they couldve used to blind the Uruk army with the sun
I could not agree more. Just goes to show, you don't always have to listen to the so called "experts". If you recall, even Aragon agreed with Theodin once they got to Helms Deep and was arguing with Legolas.
I would add, one thing Theodin should have done is have an escape plan for the women and children. If they could have made it through the tunnel through the mountain, let them start going out that way once it gets dark. Let out 4 or 5 at a time so they don't all get ambushed. And have some sort of secrete/secure rendezvous location picked out.
It be fair, Gandalf already had the foresight to know that Merry and Pippen getting lost in Fangorn was his Ace-in-the-hole. Remember, Rohan had to march closer to Isengard to get to helms deep and they still beat the Uru-Kai there with some time to spare, so either the Uru-Kai army are slow AF and was still near Isengard or they were marching to Edoras and turned around. Either way I would image Gandalf counseling Theoden to attack near the forest.
it the books i think gandalf counciled him to go to helms deep
"Can we not take counsel together as we once did, my old friend? Can we not have peace, you and I?"
"We shall have peace... We shall have peace when you answer for the burning of the Westfold, and the children that lie dead there! We shall have peace! When the lives of the soldiers who's bodies were hewn even as they lay dead against the gates of the Hornburg ARE AVENGED! When you hang from a gibbet for the sport of your own crows! We shall have peace."
As great as that line is, Bernard Hill's perfect delivery makes it all the better.
"When you hang from a gibbet for the sport of your own crows!" is the best line.
@@PittsburghSonido gibbets and crows.... DOTARD!
This scene was not there in the movie...
@@victroiki7321 it's in The Return of the King Extended Edition. You can feel Théoden's anger when he says that too
In the book, the body "hewn even as it lay dead" was Hama, who was Captain of Theoden's personal bodyguard and likely a dear comrade. His loyalty to Theoden left him conflicted: he confiscated the Three Hunters' weapons when they arrived with Gandalf at Meduseld, but allowed Gandalf himself to keep his staff despite knowing it could be a dangerous tool (and in spite of specific instructions from the King through Wormtongue forbidding this). This helped pave the way for his liege's restoration by Gandalf, who used his staff to draw Saruman "as poison is drawn from a wound."
In the film we see him perform a similar role; in addition to the above, he prevents Gamling (who was not present in the books here, his role being exchanged for Eomer's) from drawing his sword as the Hunters make short work of Grima's thugs. In the film Hama is killed by a warg rider; Aragorn speaks with his son, Halas, and tries to instill confidence in him although I tend to assume Halas met his father's fate in the movie continuity.
I've always assumed at least part of Theoden's anger here is due to not just the death but discretion of the son of his friend and loyal soldier.
Eomer's magnificent line: "TO THE KING". the Rohirrim were incredible and noble .
no they are not. read the book.
@@TheSplifter but we r watching movie
@@TheSplifter What? Yes, they were incredible and noble in the book too. Have you even read it?
@@LordVader1094 I don't like Eomer's separation from Theoden during the Battle of Helm's Deep in the movie. I would have loved to see Erkenbrand and his red shield appear over the ridge line with 1000 footmen following him.
"A Sword Day. A Red Day. And Ere Sun Rises!!"
Gives me goosebumps every single time.
*ere the sun rises
RIDE NOW, RIDE NOW, RIDE FOR RUIN AND THE WORLD'S ENDING! DEATH! DEATH!! DEATH!!! FORTH EORLINGAS!!!!
he may not have had a large role visually, but spiritually and narratively, Theoden was a pivotal character in restoring faith and strength in the hearts of those who had lost hope. Truly one of my fave characters in LOTR
Theo was a great king. Leading his army in certain death with honor and integrity. That kind of courage inspired greatness and demonstrate the importance of good leadership. Should i lived in that kind of world... That king would be my king any day. Hail the kings who were brave enough to protect their people like that. For me its epic.
Agreed. From the stranglehold that Saruman held on him, realising the death of his son, defeating Saruman's army at Helm's Deep, and against all odds, destroy the Orc-Army from Saurin himself, that was besieging Minas Tirith, taking the mighty Haradrim, head on, eventually to fall to the Nazgul of the Witch King of Angmar himself. It doesnt get more epic then that. From a puppeteered zombie, to a defensive leader, to the liberator of the free world(Minas Tirith would have fallen, had Rohan not arrived in the nick of time!). Theodon-King will be remembered as one of the greatest kings that ever lived.
@@thegreenreaper6660 well said!
I must say that the cast in the Two Towers was excellent, except Miranda Otto. They should've cast more radiant beauty. The description in the novel was so good, that I almost fell in love with Eowyn.
He kind of reminds me of queen Elizabeth. 2 old monarchs who want the best for their people redeeming themselves of their bad past
True but i think charging the mumakil head on was Not smart but then again on a Open field With archers on top i dont know a strategy which would be more effective for His cavalery
The ride of the Rohirim is the best part of the entire series.
Gandalf fighting the balrog is the best scene.
And the battle of Pelennor fields is th total business!
best scene of any movie or show ever
@@Bayernmunich4 the man who taught Aragorn how to be a king!
I have seen very few moments in cinema that make me cry. One is Theoden King rallying his men with the most inspiring speech I have EVER heard. The second is his death. I wish I could have been there to save him when I see this.
G*dspeed, Theoden King. Your forebears welcome you with pride. We all cry with you, Eowyn.
The most Epic trilogy ever! There are at least 20 moments that give you goosebumps. Each character was written well, that's why you can have so many favourites.
As much as I love the movies, I wish there were more scenes between King Theoden and Merry! They had such beautiful friendship in the novels. Merry respected and admired him like a father figure.
It was an interesting relationship in the trilogy between Theoden, Merry, and Eowyn. The king seemed to see that the halfling and the woman both had the warrior spirit within them, but he never quite accepted that they could and should take part in the war. It was Tolkien who arranged for fate in the novel to put them at his side at his last defense, and to give them a great victory of their own, one no others on the field could have gained. It works extremely well in both media-just a great scene.
"Rohirrim..... to the king" God, I love that part
I think we all agree that Bernhard Hill did an absolutely amazing job in portraying Theoden.
"Forth, and FEAR NO DARKNESS!" His whole speech is just badass madness.
Even after many years, Lord of the Rings trilogy is still one of the best trilogy.
الله يرحمه ويسكنه الفردوس الأعلى
Dear its the Greatest Trilogy of all Time!@@عبدالقهارشاكر-و9ش
As a child I didn't quite grasp the severity of the situation when he saw the children being geared up to fight. As an adult, I look at that scene completely different. They were truly expecting to be annihilated and armed even young boys of around 14 or so to fight beside them. It's something small that doesn't take long to move to a new scene, but it holds a profound importance. It shows the severity in which they place this threat that even their young must be made to fight tooth and nail or die trying.
This film had something about it.
Something dreamy and legendary.
Tolkien who wrote the books was a professor of medieval history and an expert on Anglo Saxon history language and culture he was inspired by their stories and legends and even included Anglo Saxon poetry in his books it's been said that makes his epics two thousand years deep
I read the Hobbit/LOTR for the first time as a 13/14 yo and it gave me a LOVE of reading that's lasted ally life:)But even to this day when I reread Theoden Kings death I still shed tears at 47 lol...a Lesser Son of Great Sires that rose from the lowest depths of shame to the Greatest Glory...He Knew before he left Rohan his life would be forfeit but kept going...hope I have even a little of that courage when my time comes..a single Father of 3 girls and they're My Life...Parting from them will be Bitter beyond words:(
When he passes in the film, tears always come to my eyes.
When I hear his magnificent speech as the battle commences,, I so want to ride alongside him and do him proud.
If I could have saved a single character from the books who died, I would have saved Theoden. Boromir was a close second but I believe his loyalty to his father Denethor was almost as deadly to him as the Ring (lust for power and the stewardship of Gondor). Theoden redeems himself and proves beyond measure that he was as great a King as his sires. His people loved him and Merry saw him as a father. A masterful performance
Could have been saved if not for the madness of Denethor.
I disagree personally. I’d save Boromir.
Boromir redeemed himself after what he did, but never got to see what he’d always dreamed of: Gondor restored.
Theoden long saw himself as a failure and weak compared to his fathers, fearing he’d be ashamed in the afterlife because he’d done few to no great deeds, especially after being poisoned by Saruman and letting the enemy run all over him. But after Helm’s Deep and his eventual death on Pelennor Fields, he knew he’d won and proved himself worthy to stand amongst his fathers.
“I go to my fathers. And even in their mighty company I shall not now be ashamed. I felled the black serpent.'" Theoden died at peace.
@@craygroup excellent point. However even Faramir cautioned that Boromir might have had trouble later on (having always desired the kingship) with his relationship with Aragorn. Frodo and Sam swear that Boromir both accepted and followed Aragorn but Frodo privately held the same doubts
That deaging transition is still the most flawless film transformation ive ever seen
Yes!
So they ride up to a ridge, exhausted from many days riding, see an impossibly huge SEA of an evil army, it's a hopeless situation...so what do you do? Form up lines and charge right into the middle of it even though it is utterly hopeless. The Rohirrim is a cavalry, that's what they do. This was my favorite bit of King Theodin.
I love this guy's acting. he should have played odin in the thor series.
I liked Hopkins but he would have made an equally excellent Odin.
‘Ride of the Rohirrim’ still to this day is the best piece of cinema I have ever scene!!!
Omg the music, the cinematography, the costumes, the overall production design; it’s so natural and immersive
They get so much right it is incredible!
The Horn of Helm Hammerhand shall sound in the deep one last time!
one last time
Yaesss
Of all the kings in movies and series, king Theoden of Rohan is my favourite!
Wow, looking back at what a blessing it was to watch this and the other two in theatres. As a kid it was just so engrossing and to this day I haven’t seen a trilogy better than LOTR (that includes Star Wars).
pretty crazy that we’re in 2020 and these movies are still have some of the best scenes, dialogue, charges, characters, this movie will never be outdone or matched.
Maybe the dark knight series but even then still very clisee
@@Wavey__0101 The 2nd Dark Knight movie is the only one that isn't fairly stupid.
@@SpencerLemay pfffft 😒
I think I've read and heard this same comment just in slightly different words at least a hundred times before. Boring.
Like the rest of the herd, I bet you hadn't even seen Batman Begins (and was barely aware of its existance at all) until after you saw TDK, and you were only drawn to watch TDK because of its biggest selling point at the time, which was the Heath Ledger hype surrounding its release.
@@eddielong8663 lol no I saw Batman Begins in theaters and I would say it was ok at best. I have seen it twice and feel zero motivation to watch it again. 3 was just stupid.
Saw 2 at a friends house for something to do. Was pretty decent.
P.S This is the most Reddit tier UA-cam comment I've seen in weeks. You actually are calling people who don't think much of the biggest movie of 2009 as being part of the herd mindset. Imagine being smug about liking TDKR.
Rest in Peace King of Rohan. Forth and Fear no Darkness.
Choose as you like the moment Aragorn became the King of Gondor, but I'm gonna say it's when Theoden said "Let this be the moment we draw swords together" it's almost like you can see Aragorn getting taller
The scene of theoden deaging still holds up 20 years later
Some of the best makeup, FX and CGI ever
Great movie of all time..no victory without sacrifice..A blood spills so the next generation can live a peaceful life ..
And even the smallest person can change the course of events.
@@dmmchugh3714 yap I totally agree with you about that.. Because who will defence our country if not us.. Never say '' I can't '' until u try.. Peace
God, that music that plays when Minas Tirith is introduced is so epic... and the way the camera pans as Gandalf rides to the top... it’s a beautiful combination of cinematography and music. It’s probably my favorite score/scene from these movies.
OMG, someone else who notices cinematography! Most people don't.
The get so much right in these movies it's incredible.
Truly, it's just incredible. I've seen nothing that comes close before or since.
Each major scale scene was perfectly timed and scored to the right music (or vis versa). For me, it was the Lighting of the Beacons and the Charge of the Rohirrim at Minas Tirith...both epic and grand drama.
@@maggiesatterfield2402 the music played during the lighting of the beacons was spot on as well... that’s another great example of how well they matched music with cinematography in these movies.
I’m so grateful to have experienced these movies when they first came out in the theaters. They were of course epic and memorable at the time but as I’ve gotten older, the themes of LOTR have become increasingly important and relevant in my life and helped me through many dark times. Thanks for making this super cut of one of the greatest characters ever ❤
Nice compilation: Watching it made me realize how important the battle against the wolf riders was. It is there that Saruman threw away his cavalry screen and left his besieging force vulnerable to envelopment.
It looked more like a scouting party to me but you may have a point. But it think Riders form a 60% slope would still crush them against their own Man
Im guessing that training a warg rider is much more complicated than training a horseman. It is a feral beast, and the rider is orc scum. So you need a particular type of orc, the intellectual/persona elite that can break the wolf and ride it proficently inn a cavalry role. "Scouting" party might likely have been all that several generations of orcs could provide.
@@Todesmorgen
Throughout history, battles have been won, and lost, on slopes. Ironically both Napoleon, and Wellington, used reverse slopes to hide artillery, and massed infantry, at seperate battles (Austerlitz, and Waterloo, respectively), to their respective enemies detriment.
But a massed cavalry charge, at full gallop, down a 60% slope ...? Ye Gods, no wonder the Orcs broke ranks. True, the pikes may stop a rank, or so, of horses, but the ones behind will just simply smash through, by sheer momentum alone. So, even if the Wolf Riders were there, if the above commentator is correct, sending such an elite force as a scouting party, was a huge mistake, especially when so many were simply cut down. Not having a 'heavy cavalry' on the wings, to counteract in a pincer movement, led to the inevitable envelopment ...
As someone one said, in reference to his physics, "Newton was a right bastard* ..." ...
[Edit: one can, also, equally say that about what Newton did to try and wipe Robert Hooke from history, but that is a serious bone of contention ...]
@@nigelft perhaps that is the true strength of Helms Deep. The wall was strong but it was located such that any besieging army is vulnerable to a reinforcing charge from the surrounding high ground.
He's even better in the books. The man wakes up after being healed by Gandalf and within ten minutes the man is ready to lead his men out to war with Saruman. He only retreats to helm's Deep because the main Rohirem army had already been beaten by the uruks and scattered.
The man was 100% prepared for violence every moment of his life.
"SPEARS SHALL BE SHAKEN, SHIELDS SHALL BE SPLINTERED!" If that battle cry didnt give you goosebumps, you are already dead....
This is what happens when you take a magnificently written story and have a man that loves everything about it (that WANTS to produce a movie true to the source material) be in control. You can tell that Peter Jackson loved these stories and showed generations that they will as well.
He liked the books but he actually had never read them until he got the job.
Fast forward to 2023 where the withers have source material and the actor is forced to leave franchise simply because he's "too passionate" about the source material.
We will never get a masterpiece like LOTR.
Now he’s gone to our Father,in who’s mighty company he shall not now feel ashamed 🙏🏼❤️ God love bless and keep him and may he send his Angels to ease the grief of his loved ones
The ride of rohhirrim can always make me cry😢😢😢
RIP King Theodan 🙏🏽🙏🏽
Rest in Peace Bernard Hill, the King of Rohan now finally rest.
The men of Rohan are one the most honorable characters I've ever seen
Thank you Bernard Hill for those glorious moments: you were/are/forever will be a centerpiece in the reason why the Rohan arc to me stood out as the most magnificent in the already incredible trilogy ❤
Hail the Victorious Dead!! ✊🏻
They really should have done better justice to his call to battle before the charge and the charge itself. Tolkien's poetry and imagery at that moment was incredible.
I cried like a baby for Theoden when watching this movie
your spirit will find its way to the halls of your fathers, King Theoden!
Sir Ian McKellen really played 100% justice to his role.. huge respect for him.. BRAVO!! 👏👏👏
Aragorn : there may come a day when the world of men comes crashing down, but it is not this day!
Theoden: DEATH!
Katmuda! :D
I love the "It is not this day!" speech!
12:17 Love how this really hits Theoden. One of his biggest insecurities laid bare.
I love Theodin's speech before the battle for Helm's Deep..always makes my hair stand up on my neck
I just noticed: Theoden only wears a crown when currupted by Sarumon, like he had to wear it to remind people he is the king.
But when he is no longer in Sarumon's hold he no longer needed to wear a crown he showed he's a king
Let's take a moment to think of what a boring ass job it must be to be in charge of watching over the signal beacon on top of a mountain in the middle of nowhere.
There's something so compelling about Theodin. The last King at the end of the world calling for one last charge. "Death! Death!" Gets me every time
"Now for wrath! Now for ruin! And the red dawn!"
Theoden expected death in every battle, but always vowed to go down fighting anyway.
Can you imagine how scary that would be for those orcs?
When your enemies are men (which you obviously assume are scared of death) come towards your army charging and screaming DEATH!!
Great kings always have a certain feel to them, the loyalty, the strength, and their hearts just echo something special. Theoden really was a king for his people, dropping everything at a moments notice to go fight at Minas Tirith and leading the Ride of the Rohirrim. Theoden will go down in history as one of the greatest kings.
The one and only King Theoden of Rohan has passed on to the halls of his fathers. RIP Bernard Hill!
I guess I’m still a bit in love with Eowyn. 50 years after I first read the book!❤️
Riders of rohan was the most honarable wariors of all time to the end
Rest well my king . Go to your forefathers with your head held high. Your kingdom will not fall as we live . Fare thee well my king
Rest in peace Bernard Hill, you live on as a legend!!! 😢😢
Fun Fact: The way that they pull off the transition from old Theoden to young Theoden was by taking the same shot 4 different times, each with a different layer of makeup.
I wish they paid tribute to Theodin at the end of the movie so how. Especially with how tight he got with Aragon. He was one of my favorite characters.
Bernard Hill, in one world he was an accomplished actor, however, in our world, our "Lord of the Rings" world, he will always be our King, our Theoden, King of Rohan, much loved and much missed to this day👑.
One of the greatest Productions ever in Motion Pictures! If not the greatest!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🎥
Eomer’s “Rohirim!” scream. Chills!!!
The Rohan Royal Guard look amazing man
GoT could've learned alot from these battle scenes
What do you mean? Jon screaming at an ice dragon for 10 minutes during "The Long Night" wasn't good enough for you?
@@yespls4184 lmfao🤣
do not even dare insult LOTR by mentioning GoT especially season 8. How dare you lol.
Actually, the guy that orchestrated the combat in LOTR was the same person that orchestrated the battles at the end of the GOT. He simply had less to work with in the GOT because the writing was trash and they blew more than 1/2 their budget for the entire season on their dragon fight.
Dude really stole every single scene he was in. Such an impactful performance. RIP
20:54 I also lost hope with him....the look on his face always hits my heart. It's a specific sadness that!
no wonder... thats the damn witchking thats goin down on him like a stuka on an tank
@@roberturlaub8526 Stukas against battle tanks. Perfect.
@@bons244 warthunder u know😂😂 do you like it more if i edit it in a stuka at stalingrad?
How come we don't have such noble and honorable leaders in real life as in LOTR?
Consumerist capitalist culture combined with liberal individualism push only greed and selfsupport
Greed
My single favorite thing about Theoden. When Aragorn was talking about assisting Gondor Theoden dismissed the idea with a "when did they help us?" sort of line, but as soon as the beacons are actually lit and shit gets real, without a second thought Theoden jumps into action to help his allies. Totally defying the idea of man's selfishness in the series, arguably just as much as Aragorn did.
"Our people are safe" instantly cuts to 10,000 fucking orcs (5:54)
Great video. Including the scene at the camp where Theoden tells his men they cannot win but will meet them in battle nonetheless would have been nice
Thank u. Yes, in hindsight I would have added many more scenes including that one. There were just so many to choose from...and the ones I chose were also shortened by some editing. It also took dozens of tries to get a copyright approval after re-editing for weeks. Finally got one. Glad you enjoyed 🙂
4:36 The way the Elf Legolas mounted the horse was cold blooded…I love things never seen before…The little small things…These movies are full of them.
Where now the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing?
Where is the helm and the hauberk, and the bright hair flowing?
Where is the hand on the harpstring, and the red fire glowing?
Where is the spring and the harvest and the tall corn growing?
They have passed like rain on the mountain, like a wind in the meadow;
The days have gone down in the West behind the hills into shadow.
Who shall gather the smoke of the dead wood burning,
Or behold the flowing years from the Sea returning?
RIP Bernard Hill. Rest easy King Theoden 😢.
Battle of Helms Deep > every other movie battle ever
And the writers of Game of Thrones thought they could beat it with the Battle of Winterfell ... yeah right. Nothing beats the Battle of Helm's Deep
and then u get a battle for Minas Tirith
The extras interview cast and crew who talked about having to shoot all night every night for SIX WEEKS. It was really rough. They had t-shirts made up that said "I survived the battle of Helm's Deep"!
19:30 still gives me goosebumps.
G*ddamn, how I so admire Theoden King. I would ride to my death simply to be worthy of him.
When i first read LOTR as a younger teenager Theoden was my hero, then I saw the films, and that made him immortal, thanks Bernard Hill.
Lord of the ring is d best movie that ive everseen...part 1,2and 3.
My compliments, BOSS Productions. Masterfully edited, beautifully executed. I am impressed.
Love it so much that LOTR has a suitable quote for every season if my life. The best trilogy ever!!
A king who rides at the front line should have a lot of respect!
Theoden is a BOSS!!!!
“Death!!!!! Death!!!! Death!!!!”
Great job editing this together, the clips and music score fit well together. Very enjoyable.