The Lord of the Rings, #3
The Return of the King
by J. R. R. Tolkien
Contents
Chapter 5: THE RIDE OF THE ROHIRRIM
Overview
Merry rides with the Rohirrim, who accept the Wild Men’s help to bypass enemy blocks through the Stonewain Valley. They reach the Pelennor unseen, learning Gondor’s errand-riders were slain. As the southern wind clears the darkness, Théoden rallies his host and launches a devastating dawn charge onto the fields before Minas Tirith.
Summary
In darkness near Eilenach, Merry lies awake among the Rohirrim, anxious for Pippin and fearful of the siege ahead. Elfhelm identifies the distant drumbeats as the Woses. Brought before Théoden, Ghân-buri-Ghân offers guidance via forgotten wain-roads through Drúadan Forest to avoid the enemy holding the main road.
Théoden accepts, promising friendship if they survive, and Ghân vows to lead them himself. Éomer estimates the time needed; Ghân senses day approaching. The Riders set out, screened by Wild Men scouts, and pass unseen through the Stonewain Valley to thickets east of Amon Dîn. There, Woses report the out-walls are being demolished and largely unwatched, offering a chance to break through.
Elfhelm brings grim news: two errand-riders, likely including Hirgon, lie slain with the Red Arrow undelivered, meaning Denethor expects no help. The host moves by night to the Rammas, quickly scattering the few orcs at the breaches. Théoden orders dispositions: Éomer centered behind the king’s banner, Elfhelm right, Grimbold left, to strike wherever foes mass.
As they near the City’s fires, dread grips the host until a boom from Minas Tirith and a fresh wind from the South herald dawn. Théoden throws off despair, calls the Riders to fulfill their oaths, and sounds the horns. With morning breaking and the sea-wind clearing the gloom, Théoden on Snowmane leads a headlong charge; the Rohirrim’s song and fury rout many foes as they storm onto the Pelennor.
Who Appears
- Meriadoc (Merry) BrandybuckHidden rider with Dernhelm; anxious yet determined; witnesses the Woses’ aid and Théoden’s rousing charge.
- ThéodenKing of Rohan; accepts Woses’ guidance, sets battle plan, and leads a glorious dawn charge onto the Pelennor.
- ÉomerMarshal and heir; advises haste, organizes timing and formations, leads the first éored behind the king.
- Ghân-buri-GhânWoses headman; guides Rohirrim via the Stonewain, reports gaps in enemy watch, foretells changing wind.
- ElfhelmMarshal; issues readiness orders, confirms Woses’ reports, finds slain errand-riders, leads right flank.
- DernhelmSilent Rider carrying Merry; moves up near the king before the charge.
- GrimboldCaptain of Rohan; leads forces toward the left after passing the Rammas.
- WídfaraRider who senses the southern wind and predicts dawn, reinforcing the decision to attack.
- HirgonGondor errand-rider found slain, still holding the Red Arrow; proof Gondor received no news of Rohan’s coming.
- GuthláfThéoden’s banner-bearer; his horn bursts as the king sounds the charge.