CHAPTER 6: THE KING OF THE GOLDEN HALL

Riding through the night, Gandalf leads Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli to the hill-city of Edoras and the golden hall, Meduseld. At the gates they are challenged, then admitted only if they disarm; Gandalf insists on keeping his staff, and Háma allows it in trust. Inside, they find King Théoden aged and bent, with Gríma Wormtongue at his feet and Éowyn behind the throne.

Wormtongue disparages Gandalf and his companions, but Gandalf casts off his cloak, rebukes Gríma, and, with a thunderous display, calls Théoden to come forth. Outside, Gandalf urges Théoden to breathe free air and cast aside the black staff. Théoden straightens, his mind clears, and he laments the peril but asks for counsel.

At Gandalf’s urging, Théoden sends for Éomer, whom Wormtongue had imprisoned. Háma brings Éomer, and Théoden receives back his sword, Herugrim, feeling strength return. Théoden calls the Riders to arms. Gandalf counsels immediate action against Saruman and evacuation of the vulnerable to mountain refuges; Théoden agrees and resolves to ride himself.

Háma produces Herugrim and Gríma. When Wormtongue pleads to remain as steward, Gandalf exposes his service to Saruman and his designs on Éowyn. Théoden gives Wormtongue a choice: ride to war or depart. Wormtongue spits and flees; guards are sent to give him a horse but not hinder him.

At the king’s board, Gandalf outlines Saruman’s long treachery and Wormtongue’s delays. Théoden grants Gandalf Shadowfax and arms his guests from the royal hoard; Éowyn serves the cup and exchanges a charged glance with Aragorn. Before the people, Théoden names Éomer his heir and appoints Éowyn to lead the folk to Dunharrow. Trumpets sound; Gandalf revealed as the White Rider mounts Shadowfax. With cries of “Forth Eorlingas!” Théoden and the mustered Riders thunder west to war, while Éowyn watches alone at Meduseld’s doors.