This video was made possible by my undying love for medieval fantasy. If it gets 7,500 likes, I’ll stream myself playing Dark Souls and doing 10 pull-ups every time I die. 15,000 and I’ll do the whole DS trilogy. 25,000 and I’ll throw in Demon Souls and Bloodborne. I’ve already beaten Sekiro and Elden Ring, sorry. Honestly I’m probably gonna do that DS stream eventually anyway. Sounds like a fun way to entertain myself during the harsh Siberian winter.

“I go now to my fathers. In whose mighty company, I shall now not feel ashamed.”

Theoden is one of the best characters ever made. And even if it's an unpopular opinion I think the films actually did him better. I loved watching him reach where he's at in the book before the end. Still gives me chills screaming "Death!" As both a war cry and acceptance of his fate.

Book Theoden is who we strive to be. Movie Theoden is an example of how to reach who we should be.

"No parent should have to bury their child..." That broke everyone in the audience.

"We cannot defeat the armies of Mordor." "No. We cannot." "But we will meet them in battle, nonetheless." Death is lighter than a feather; Duty is heavier than a mountain.

Fun fact, the horn of helm hammerhand wasn't just a normal horn, but also a gift as well as a weapon. Built by the dwarves as a gift for the old king of Rohan, when sounded it would strike fear into the hearts of those attacking the fort. On top of whatever magical effects it would cause, the raw intensity and volume of the sound was debilitating. When blown, its sound would echo off the cliffs and valley it was built into and bombard assailants for as long as someone was blowing the horn. Truely a legendary piece of dwarven engineering.

I cannot ever get through Theoden's charge on Pelennor without crying. That speech...I would have followed Theoden into battle. That scene from the movie is so emotional. Even the scene in the book hits hard.

I got choked up hearing Theodens last words. So beautiful and sad!

video essays about LOTR are dangerous because i am now legally obligated to rewatch the trilogy

Théoden has become such an inspiration for me. His sickness and renewal remind me of my own fight with mental illness and how it is to rise up with the help of your loved ones and push on despite overwhelming odds and despair. Ednew, an epithet well-deserved. Westu Théoden hál.

“The Beacons are lit! Gondor calls for aid.” “And Rohan will answer” That dialogue hit hard for me

I broke down in tears at least five times during this video. As I’ve gotten older, my favorite character in Lord of the Rings has shifted based on my age and what was happening in my life. This video right here has solidified the fact that now in my mid thirties, Theoden is my current favorite. His overcoming of his own flaws, his depression, and his feelings of inadequacy to become a leader who is both strong AND kind is EXACTLY the type of person I want to be at this point in my life. Thank you for this gift of a video.

I always said the Aragorn was the perfect example of a one true king, the pinnacle of what a good man and ruler should be. But Théodenking showed what a normal man can truly be. He weeps for his son, his despair palpable in the face of such darkness. But he rises up all the same, knowing the weight of the lives at stake and that it is up to him to fight. Not because he can win, but because it is right. "Now I go to the halls of my ancestors, in who's mighty presence I will no longer feel ashamed"

Theoden is one of those characters who, as soon as he's been freed of the despair he's sunken into, you just feel safe whenever he's on screen. LOTR has a bunch of characters like this - Gandalf, Aragorn, Sam - but Theoden is among the most grounded, and starting him in such a desolate place makes it feel all the more earned as he regains his stature as a true king, and more heartbreaking when he dies in pursuit of delivering his people to a better place and ridding the world of Sauron's evil.

This is why I love LOTR so much, the virtues Tolkien wanted to share with us, the hope he wanted us to feel through the characters he created and their deeds of great sacrifice and love. This is why stories like these are so important for so much people, these stories want us to be better

"In whos mighty company I shall not now be ahamed."

Those who like RoP = Theoden under Grima’s spell. Those who love true Tolkienian work = Theoden tall and strong. You dropped this, king. 👑

“I go to my fathers.” I’m someone who’s researched my bloodline going back millennia. When I die I’d love to meet all my long dead family that I’ve read so much about.

Theoden is defo one of the greatest characters,Bernard Hill was phenomenal as him.

The older I get, the more I love Théoden.

Theoden is such an underated character

I can’t hear the words of Theoden at the Pellenor fields and not cry. His development (in the movie) is incredible: from fleeing death to Helm’s Deep, to a Pagan-ish idolization of the glory of death, to finally riding out against evil with “Death!” on his lips, not for glory but for love of his fellow man. There is a man who knows why he fights, and here is a man who is crying right there with you brother. Happy Advent!

I weep not because of failure. I weep of the lack of failures. I weep at the attack on young men. I wish that men weren't stripped of purpose and told not to look up to strong men. That we should stay in the shadows and let others lead who have not our interests in mind. I hope one day we have the strength and courage to be like Theoden and his riders.

I was a teen when the movies came out. I had never read the books and had no context. Theoden aggravated me in the Two Towers. By his end in ROTK I was sobbing. The journey was so impactful.

48:24 I absolutely loved Faramir when I first got to know him in the books. I had watched the movies first and so was very surprised to see his wisdom, justice and prudence, his patience and greatness of heart, his gentleness and love for Eowyn. I would follow and trust such a man as my leader. I find him so inspiring, because amidst all those valiant heros like Aragorn and Gandlaf and the Elves, he seems to be approachable. He is inspiring in a different sense than them, because you or I could actually be Faramir, our virtue could look like his, he is the example of a man that is heroic in his place. This is what I love about him so much-that he knows his place and strives for perfection in it. As a young man, this is where most of my own questions and everyday struggles lie. Where is my place? What will I live for? For which people will I pour out my heart and strength, my life? And how do I live with the unclarity of the present moment, how do I prepare patiently and face the trials that lie on the way to it?

Theoden is by far the most underrated character in the films. His death always hits me really powerfully

Dude I am 8 months pregnant and I just cried the whole way through this video. Amazing analysis, thank you for helping me understand Theoden so much better.

I appreciate your comment on smiling. I was told to smile this summer by an acquaintance, I can understand the importance that a smile can do, however at the time I couldn't smile. My heart was in a million pieces, I was suppose to be married but my Fiancé ended the engagement. To be told to smile even if it was well meant felt as if the person telling me to smile was telling me that my pain was nothing more than a papercut.

Theoden was always one of my favorite characters. He had his faults but in the end demonstrated that he was a good king who deeply cared for his people. He died a hero and with much honor. I feel like he was an even an inspiration for Aragorn before he officially took the throne of Gondor.

I love how Theoden's lesson of choosing to hope when all seems bleak is echoed in the other members of his household. In the movie, Eomer is the static character that has already achieved virtue, continuing to fight even as he is banished for it, and riding with Gandalf to the rescue at helms deep as soon as Theoden chooses to fight. (yes i know it is different in the books, but him returning to Edoras to be imprisoned is largely the same type of choice.) Eowen is on a parallel journey, struggling not only with the fracturing of her family and people, but the pressures and restrictions of her gender. One of her major flaws is a similar sort of pride to Theoden (perhaps inherited/learned from him). She desires glory, and thinks she must fight to get it. Yes she does do great deads in battle later in the story, but her arc ends after her part in the fight is done, when she must face the price of glory and learn how to live after the great deeds are done. Her hope ultimately must not be in the fight itself, but in the reasons to fight. Life and love. (Which incidentally is why her pairing with Faramir is perfect.)

Man, as you were reciting the professor's depiction of the battle of the pelenor fields; I was almost sobbing. The virtue shown in an aged king who almost entirely succumbed to his fear and melancholy reminds me of the hope that we have in Christ in fighting the decay and dark powers of this age. Merry Christmas, and God bless you.

For me it's the look and silence preceding "And Rohan will answer" that made me realise how good of an actor is Bernard Hill.

Bro, I'm at work, doing OT and I'm sitting here doing my absolute damnedest to hold back tears! This character's journey felt like it has mirrored my own over the past year. All the lessons he learned are ones I've ever had to and even with all the setbacks, I reminded myself of one thing everyday, you do what needs to be done. That's how men are made but once having mastered that I still had to do more. Becoming a King is protecting your people, it is being prudent, it is being honest with oneself and others but mostly it is being humble and never thinking yourself too big or too good to lend a hand or an ear to help your people and at times ones who are not your people. As Uncle Iroh once said "sometimes the only way to help yourself is to help others". Because the journey to this point in my life is not over and there is much work to be done it can sometimes be easy to think that maybe I'm the only screw up and that I'm all alone in these feelings but your vids remind me that I'm on the right path, the path of great men who've once walked this path too and I thank you so much for them.

I am going through some stuff now with my mom getting pancreatic cancer, stress at work and my own depression. I was in tears the entire video, it gave me so much strength and hope. I cant thank you enough dude. May we meet in the timeless halls as brothers.

I can hear how you are moved when reading how Théoden led the charge. Because I almost cried as well. Such a powerful and moving scene!

Anyone else hit like before starting the video because they know it'll be a banger?

"Heavy is the head that wears the crown" Theoden is the best example of why this Shakespeare quote is so true.

The everlasting legacy of these stories are all about the people that composed it. Yes, there's the threat to Middle Earth. Yes, Sauron is an existential threat to the race of Men. But it's really the people who fight against the darkness. They are the one that manage to inspire us to be better people. Wonderful video. Makes feel hopeful for myself and mankind as a whole among a sea of pessimism.

As an 89er, I read the books befor the movies came out. I grew up with the films, just old enough to see them in cinema. Since then, my best friend and I have taken advantage of every opportunity to see the films in cinema again. It moves me to tears every time, like it to you. listend closely we can hear it in your video. with best regards.

I recently started watching your videos and can say you are one of the best voices for masculinity on the platform. For Rohan!!!!!

I've not read the books (yet), but in-movie Theoden is one of my favourite characters in the trilogy. He and Boromir are up there precisely because they're flawed, and acknowledging and overcoming your flaws is inspiring. "I go to my fathers, in whose mighty company I shall not now feel ashamed."

every reread of LOTR just endears me to the story of Théoden more and more. Truly one of the greatest men in fiction, I always feel such a desire to be in Merry's position and recognise the nobility of this humble king and be able to offer his service to him out of love for this man.

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve Read the Books and listened to the Audio Books. And yet there are still passages that make my heart swell and get me misty. Rohan’s onset at Minas Tirith is definitely one. Though I love Jackson’s films, they can’t stack up to the Books.

I like how it's literally IMPOSSIBLE to read the Ride of the Rohirrim without at least tearing up (indeed, even Cory Olsen had to divide that part into 2 in his lessons, but he still cried)

Always a good day when Master Samwise posts

The charge of the rohirrim at the pellenor Fields was an absolute masterpiece both in the book and in the Peter Jackson movie. Simply perfection

"Imagine a king who fights his own battles. Wouldn't that be a sight?" - Achilles

1. Faramir 2. Theoden 3. Eowyn For Rohan! For Gondor!

"Heroic Masculinity" is such a beautiful character description of Theoden. From being lost in the darkness and downtrodden, to prideful, to humility and hopeful, to virtuous and courageous, ending in sacrifice. Learning to hope, such beauty; you had me at the edge of my seat the entire video!

I'm really enjoying this series about masculinity. Can't wait to see more!

One of the things they did exceptionally well for me was Theoden. A man woken from thralldom, only to find his son dead, he land besieged, and the very real prospect of the end of his people. He isn't represented as perfect by any means. There is little time for his grief, and it turns to wrathful anger when Aragorn suggests helping Gondor, and yet when the actual call comes, he puts aside his anger and rides to their defence. He succumbs to despair at Helm's Deep, but rides out with Aragorn in the face of what appears to be a sure death. He is a good man, a brave man, who leads his people in a time of need, and when it comes to Pelennor, is ever inch the great King that his forebears were.

the charge of the rohirrim has had my imagination by the balls since i'm 15 and every time i read or hear that part of the books i get tears in my eyes; Theoden is my favorite character in the books and feels amazing that someone took the time to make a proper video about him. Thank You very much sir.

I'm currently re-reading LotR, and it just so happened that I've re-watched the film not long ago. And it hit me again how masterfully Peter Jackson took Tolkien's story apart to put the pieces back together, arranged in a different way but still painting mostly the same picture. This video also reminded me of that, and how much the movies managed to include from the books, if not with explicit dialogue then music and visual storytelling.

I respect your genuine emotion for the words and deeds of fictional characters. These stories effect me deeply as well.

It always feels like Christmas when Samwise drops a new video! Theoden has been a character that has really grown in me over the years, now he’s one of my absolute favorite LotR characters. His growth and resolve never cease to inspire!

Great video! Thank you for showing that masculinity isn't a bad thing.

I love the narration of Pelennor Field by Tolkien with the Howard Shore’s music in the background

5 seconds in. But I think characters of LOTR are the best idols for masculinity.

Reading Tolkien is quite the experience. The way he writes gets me emotional, too, the beauty of which makes me want to just stop and dwell on the words. Thanks for the thoughtful video!

"The mark of a great man is one who knows when to set aside the important things in order to accomplish the vital ones."

Man, I have even more respect for you, Master Samwise. What raw & authentic emotion. Thank you

This was a beautiful character study. You do a wonderful job of weaving together Peter Jackson's adaptation with Tolkien's original story, to paint a complete picture of the character arc Theoden goes through. It touched me when I heard you so choked up in reading Theoden's dying words to Merry. Your passion for "Lord of the Rings" really shines through. I think my favorite character is Faramir. His character arc isn't very deep, but his love for his family and his country are so deep, that his willingness to subsume his own glory to the benefit of his people really shines through in everything he does. The tragedy is how much his father, Denethor, sees this and resents the fact that Faramir is free to pursue his love of learning, even around his military training.

The choice to have the God of War soundtrack backing some of these scene was AMAZING

As a kid, aragon was my favorite and he still kinda is 15 years later, but for a diffrent reason. Theodon was the "very cool, but old king" as a kid. Now...he's just majestic. Stoic, sometimes very old fashioned but a king at heart Every time I watch him getting healed and finally pulling out his sword gives me the chills

You sir always succeed in steering my heart towards courage, hope, and virtue. For that, you have my deepest gratitude.

As a teenager & huge LotR geek, I hated “the stupid king”. Now as a grown woman, he is my favourite character ever written and an inspiration in dark times.

Thank you for this. As a Christian I found so many references to my faith in this. The importance of music cannot be overstated. And listening to Theoden’s last words made me cry. Such beautiful writing such inspiring characters. Such depth. Thank you

Theoden is my favorite character from the movies as well. You emotional readings show the power of his character over the hearts of man.

Man. What a video

As a fellow Theoden lover (my absolute favourite character in a flock of legendary characters) this video is just outstanding. Let this be the hour that we draw our swords together

One of my favorite things as I've gotten older is realizing how LOTR pertains to my faith in Christ and how much more growing I have to do. The characters of LOTR show us how to live out the virtues that the Bible teaches us. While I've always loved LOTR, since I've regained my faith it has become a greater part of me than I ever thought it would. Thank you for this video my friend and God bless.

"A lesser son of great sires, am I." I see this less as self depreciation than humility and honoring his forebears. A man still held in :AWE: of his blood. Like Aragorn and the Argonath.

I love the excited inflections in your voice as you read the greatest fantasy scene ever written as Theoden leads his men at the Pelennor Fields, your tear-jerking anticipatory voice so perfectly conveys what we all feel in our hearts every time at that very moment. ⚔

Nothing gives me goosebumps more than his speech before the charge in gondor

I love how you allow your emotions to show, really shows how great these stories and films are if you tear up just talking about them, though I feel the same.

I was hoping you'd pull the recording of Professor Tolkien reading the Pelenor fields lines, it's a wonderful recording. You did a fantastic job as well, great to hear how much you actually love the words themselves in your voice. Amazing video as always, and I'm glad that you pointed to direct examples of love between Theoden and others. It's one thing to talk about love, and another to have true examples of it.

Beautifully narrated. I hope a lot of men watch this.

Thank you for this. I watched on Jan 3, the professors birthday, and during the traditional toast. Truly, hail the victorious dead.

Theoden will always be one of my absolute favourite characters. I tear up every time

I teared up sooo much listening to his last words man it was beautiful i love it thank you for you being vulnerable with us as well my friend ❤

40:43 I find myself in tears, as I suspect you struggle to hold back, as this is read. Can no man hope for a greater end.

I’m inspired the quality of this video and the overall breakdown down is so good I can’t wait to watch more from you

The rising emotion in your voice as you read out the passage on the charge on the Pelennor was felt deep down in my chest.

I do just love how a LOTR channel named after Sam has truly nailed what real masculinity means

Return of the king? The goat has uploaded

‘For he was a gentle heart and a great king and kept his oaths; and he rose out of the shadows to a last fair morning.'

My favorite Theoden quote,” So much for the house of Eorl. A lesser son of great sires I am, but I do not need to lick your fingers. Turn elsewither, for your voice has lost its charm.” Great humility, wisdom and strength!!

I don't need to pause and watch...seen it so many times I just imagine it and the goosebumps are there. LOTR helped me through a lot of dark days.

That *is* a ruthlessly cool line, though. "When you hang from a gibbet, for the sport of your own crows - *then* we shall have peace."

I can't like this video enough, there is no boton in youtube to make justice to your work my friend, how you read professor's work to the break of tears, got me swallowing the emotions shared. You are a great storyteller, and I wish I have kids so I can read them the professor's work and be able to make them fell the same way. Amazing work my friend, just amazing

I appreciate the fact when you were reading Theoden’s speech and the charge, you can hear the passion you have for the text as well as the film. It was quite touching. For morning came, morning and wind from the sea

I’m so glad I stumbled upon your channel when I did. This past Sunday marked two years since my Dad’s untimely passing. He was the one who introduced me to Middle Earth, one of our many shared passions but probably the one I loved to discuss with him the most. Your videos are a joy to listen to and the insight and analysis is a balm to that part of me that no longer has someone to share such conversations with. Thank you so much.

Great analysis, and love 1138 & 1207 in the background.

Really loved this. One of the things that bother me so much about modern storytelling is less the politics and more the death of hope and the defining of people by their worst moments and instincts. Essays like this are great reminders that others noticed this and hopefully future storytellers will see this and be reminded of the true power of stories. Great work and thank you.

Was out walking the hounds, trying not to turn into a teary mess listening to Theoden's words.

Theoden is one of my favorite characters. He was courageous, wise, strong, and loving. Tolkien made great characters.

Hermano, thank you! I believe that this video is one that many sons and daughters need to watch. A thriving society needs great men, and great men of example. I worry that our time is one of blind hubris, complicit irrationality, moral decay and deep ignorance of the things that make us great, human and animal. Moral clarity has been replaced with fear and anger. And we have forsaken our understanding of the nature of our mortal world and our physical existence. I see too many weak and morally compromised people complaining of those who came before us, when it is they we owe everything to. A lot of people have the misfortune of trauma, victimization, and severe neglect by their parents. As a foster parent, I understand this. But, a deeply damaged heart can be the perfect vessel for disseminating pain if all hope of good is lost and if there is no one there to guide it. The Lord of the Rings is a remarkable work made by a remarkable man. We stand on the shoulders of giants we should not resent nor blame nor shame because of our own inequity but rise above to be worthy of their sacrifice. May this video reach many more hearts. May we find forgiveness, atonement and strength. I have 4 boys who will be watching this video! Gracias señior!

Friend, one can see that you really cared about this subject. When you were reading the passage of the Charge of the Rohirrim, the shift in your voice was clear, as well the shift during the death of Théoden. To be honest, my eyes watered and my nose ran as well. I do have a very, very soft spot for the idea of the "loft and honorable king and his cadre of knights, thundering across the plains". Théoden is my favorite character from the Lord of the Rings because he is the epitome of the fantasy I hold dear to my heart. Granted, one look at reality would show us that such lofty goals were far too high a bar for the kings of our time, but like you said, this is why we love fantasy, to create paragons of virtue that we can aspire to. I have kept this kind of fantasy always close to heart, but only after growing older I can truly appreciate the character in full, for it takes a bit of time to temper a young and impressionable mind to fully understand what is to turn outward and to be of service. It is my head cannon that, in the books, when Tolkien likes Théoden to Örome, he is low key postulating that Théoden is at least worthy to be mentioned in the same way a god would. That his forebears would not shame him for the way lived and ultimately met his end. Awesome video, I hope to see more of this in the future.

When I forget your channel you apearse with the god of war and this video Chefs kiss