LOTR Read-Along: The Two Towers: The King of the Golden Hall

It surprises me that the pace of The Fellowship of the Ring was so slow and laborious in the beginning and yet the pace of The Two Towers can almost match the speed of Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli trying to catch up with the Orc pack. We've finally gotten to one of my favorite parts in the movie, arriving in Rohan and the capitol city of Edoras, where the palace of Meduseld and its inhabitants, are all under the power of Saruman. I can hear the epic theme piece playing right now as the Fellowship ride up the hill and Eowyn is on the balcony in her white gown, distraught and afraid, watching them arrive. Such a classic scene!

Rohan, a beautiful city that is beginning to face war and destruction due to the evil presence that resides within the halls of Meduseld. Theoden, King of Rohan is sickly and dying. His nephew, Eomer, has been banished and his niece, Eowyn, sits quietly by her uncle's side, trying to hide her terror of her uncle's counselor, Grima Wormtongue. This is the scene that is presented to Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli when they walk through the doors of the palace. 

Gandalf is fully aware of the control that Grima has on Theoden and manages to expel Saruman's hold on the king. Once wakened and freed from Saruman, Theoden wastes no time in getting his kingdom back together. War is upon them and he must defend his people. Theoden's only child, Theodred is dead and Eomer, his heir is going to war as well, leaving Eowyn the last heir to the throne. It's decided that if Theoden and his line fall, then Eowyn will reign, as it's said that the people love her and have asked her to take charge. Along with Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli and the return of his nephew, Eomer, Theoden rides out to battle the Orc army that closing in on Helm's Deep, a military fortress that is famed to be impenetrable. 

A lot gets done and dusted in this chapter. Gandalf aids Theoden in his recovered state, giving his sound counsel and wisdom. Unlike the film where Eomer returns at the battle of Helm's Deep, he returns to his uncle's side. Eowyn doesn't say much, but through description so far, she is lovely, kind and devoted to her uncle and her peope. So that tells us a great deal of Eowyn's character and we've hardly heard her speak. Eomer is definitely more likable in the book. He is warmer, kinder and much more outgoing as compared to Karl Urban's broody, pessimistic portrayal in the films.

Theoden's mercy to Wormtongue was unexpected. We gather that Grima was once a good and moral man whose heart and mind have been corrupted by evil. Whether by manipulation or personal choice, Grima has led Rohan to the path of ruin. However, Theoden still sees hope in Wormtongue and does not wish any ill will on him.

Heidi's Questions:

• A couple musical settings I like: Aragorn's Lament of the Rohirrim and Gandalf's Song of Lorien. What's your favorite rendition for both of these?

- Song of Lorien was particularly lovely. I can imagine Gandalf's singing like that.

• And make sure to check out that Time Team ep HERE.

• Finally, what are your impressions of Theoden and Eowyn so far? Are you as excited to get to Rohan as I am?

- They are obviously close to one another, but both have seen their fair share of pain and loss. Eowyn seems to be very frightened at first meeting, but that's obviously because of Wormtongue and his pursuit of her. Theoden is wise and merciful, but he is a warrior and he does not hesitate to go and fight, in spite of being so weakened for a such a long period of time.