Théodred

Lineage

Théodred was born in 2978, the only child of Théoden, then heir to the Mark, and his wife Elfhild, who died giving birth to him. Two years later his father became king. He grew up in the Golden Hall at Edoras, and after 3002 he shared it with his young cousins Éomer and Éowyn, whom Théoden took in when their parents died. He and Éomer, thirteen years apart in age, were as close as brothers.

Second Marshal of the Mark

As the king's son Théodred held the office of Second Marshal of the Riddermark, with the charge of the Westfold and the western border and his seat at the Hornburg in Helm's Deep. In the last years of Théoden's decline, when Gríma governed the king's ear and the marshals were denied access to him, the defence of Rohan fell largely to Théodred in the west and Éomer in the east. Théodred understood earlier than most that Saruman meant open war, and that the Fords of Isen were the door by which it would come.

The First Battle of the Fords of Isen

In February 3019 Théodred learned that Saruman was massing his forces, and he resolved to strike first. He led the greater part of the Westfold's strength to the Fords on 25 February and crossed to the western bank, only to find the enemy far stronger than his scouts had reported and coming at him from more than one direction. The Rohirrim were driven back across the river, and Théodred made his stand on the eyot in the middle of the Fords with the men of his household about him. Unfinished Tales records that Saruman had given orders that the king's son be killed whatever else was won or lost, and a great Orc-man of Isengard cut him down with an axe. Grimbold of the Westfold held the eyot over his body until Elfhelm came from Edoras with fresh Riders and drove the enemy back. Théodred died at nightfall, and his last words were a charge to hold the Fords until Éomer came. He was buried where he fell, in a mound on the eyot, with the men who had died with him.

Aftermath

News of his death reached Edoras within days, and Gríma used the king's grief to deepen his paralysis. Only on 2 March, when Gandalf roused Théoden, did the king ride to avenge his son; and only when Théoden himself lay dying on the Pelennor did he name Éomer, whom Théodred had loved, as his heir in his son's place. The Rohirrim held that Théodred's stand had cost Saruman the surprise he needed, and that the day's delay it bought was part of what saved the Mark.

Slain by a great Orc of Isengard on the eyot in the Fords of Isen on 25 February 3019, and buried there with his household.