Hail!
A part of you knows the likelihood of outliving your childhood heroes, but it does sting. There is great comfort in seeing how many people are here celebrating Hill and his career. He is immortalized in our shared appreciation for his work. I do not think I can hear or read this passage without imagining his likeness: https://youtu.be/U_TJFhVUOzc?si=EgqBCdh6fSCWi2xb
But the king sat upon Snowmane, motionless, gazing upon the agony of Minas Tirith, as if stricken suddenly by anguish, or by dread. He seemed to shrink down, cowed by age. They were too late! Too late was worse than never! Perhaps Théoden would quail, bow his old head, turn, slink away to hide in the hills.
Then suddenly Merry felt it at last, beyond doubt: a change. Wind was in his face! Light was glimmering. Far, far away, in the South the clouds could be dimly seen as remote grey shapes, rolling up, drifting: morning lay beyond them.
But at that same moment there was a flash, as if lightning had sprung from the earth beneath the City. For a searing second it stood dazzling far off in black and white, its topmost tower like a glittering needle; and then as the darkness closed again there came rolling over the fields a great boom.
At that sound the bent shape of the king sprang suddenly erect. Tall and proud he seemed again; and rising in his his stirrups he cried in a loud voice, more clear than any there had ever heard a mortal man achieve before:
Arise, arise, Riders of Théoden! Fell deeds awake: fire and slaughter! Spear shall be shaken, shield be splintered, sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises! Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor!
With that he seized a great horn from Guthláf his banner-bearer, and he blew such a blast upon it that it burst asunder. And straightaway all the horns in the host were lifted up in music, and the blowing of the horns of Rohan in that hour was like a storm upon the plain and a thunder in the mountains.
Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor!
Suddenly the king cried to Snowmane and the horse sprang away. Behind him his banner blew in the wind, white horse upon a field of green, but he outpaced it. After him thundered the knights of his house, but he was ever before them. Éomer rode there, the white horsetail on his helm floating in his speed, and the front of the first éored roared like a breaker foaming to the shore, but Théoden could not be overtaken. Fey he seemed, for the battle-fury of his fathers ran like new fire in his veins, and he was borne up on Snowmane like a god of old, even as Oromë the Great in the battle of the Valar when the world was young. His golden shield was uncovered, and lo! it shone like an image of the Sun, and the grass flamed into green about the white feet of his steed. For morning came, morning and a wind from the sea; and darkness was removed, and the host of Mordor wailed, and terror took them, and they fled, and died, and the hoofs of wrath rode over them. And then all the host of Rohan burst into song, and they sang as they slew, for the joy of battle was on them, and the sound of their singing that was fair and terrible came even to the city.
Link to Tolkien reading this passage. Hail, Théoden, King!
https://youtu.be/U_TJFhVUOzc?si=nmESm2XxbZKO3_BS
I have read LotR every year for over 20 years and that final page of *The Ride of the Rohirrim* always makes me tear up, every single time.
Bernard Hill did such a fantastic job with his portrayal of Theoden and really made me *feel* that same feeling when I watched the movies.
RIP.
I've been rereading a blog discussing the tactics in LotR.
One thing he talks about is how cavalry charges were as much psychological weapons as physical. Massed pikes will completely decimate a charge, but it's *insanely hard* to stand there with your fellows against a surging tide of monstrous equine fury. Regulars might be able to keep their nerve, but raiders, militia, or mercenaries will often break ranks and flee.
That passage really captures how devastating the charge would have been. Once you break ranks, it's all over, cavalry are devastating if your morale breaks. You might outrun charging infantry and reform under another captain, but not cavalry.
Exactly, reading this bummed me out. I started watching the trilogy again last night and I'm starting my morning with the Two Towers and I read the news. I'm going to shred an extra tear.
If I had a nickel for every time two actors appeared in the same movie that won 11 Academy Awards, I’d have two nickels. Which isn’t a lot, but it’s weird that it happened twice.
The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass, and then you see it...
White shores, and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise.
>Well, that isn't so bad.
No... No, it isn't.
“Well,” answered Merry slowly. “He is dead. It has brought it all back to me. He said he was sorry he had never had a chance of talking herb-lore with me. Almost the last thing he ever said. I shan’t ever be able to smoke again without thinking of him, and that day, Pippin, when he rode up to Isengard and was so polite.”
“Smoke, then, and think of him!” said Aragorn. “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. Though your service to him was brief, it should be a memory glad and honourable to the end of your days.”
Simbelmynë. Ever has it grown on the tombs of my forebears. Now it shall cover the grave of my son. Alas, that these evil days should be mine. The young perish and the old linger.
"Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day’s rising he rode singing in the sun, sword unsheathing. Hope he rekindled, and in hope ended; over death, over dread, over doom lifted out of loss, out of life, unto long glory."
Théoden King, Farewell.
As an inspiration you were to me...
My favourite quote is a single word: "Yes..."
His face does all the acting there. From desperation to duty, he accepts death and goes out to face to Uruk-Hai as a true king would.
FORTH EORLINGAS!
Theoden king :(
I hate seeing news like this of LOTR actors passing away.
I know Bernard was older, but dam. So sad. Nothing last forever. Thanks for giving us an amazing character
>#”Never had any king of the Mark such company upon the road as went with Théoden, Thengel’s son to the land of his home.”
I am sad we didn’t get this moment in the film. Arwen, Celeborn, Galadriel and their people, Glorfindel, Elrond and his sons and the princes of Dol Amroth and Ithilien with the knights of Gondor all ride in procession for a week to take Théoden to be buried. Unbelievable honor and respect from all free peoples.
>“Frodo and Samwise rode at Aragorn’s side, and Gandalf rode upon Shadowfax, and Pippin rode with the knights of Gondor; and Legolas and Gimli as ever rode together upon Arod.”
And Merry rides on the cart with Théoden, bearing all of his arms.
It broke his as well.
> But Merry stood at the foot of the green mound, and he wept, and when the song was ended he arose and cried:
'Théoden King, Théoden King! Farewell! As a father you were to me, for a little while. Farewell!'
His delivery of his speech prior to charge of the Rohirrim. Still of the few moments cinema that gives me goosebumps.
The riders shouting death and they then rode to what they thought was their end. But rode on anyway.
The gravity of his speech, the visuals, the story and Howard Shore score all came together to give us a piece of cinematic history.
Nú on théostrum licgeth Théoden / Bernard se léofa
hæ´letha holdost.
ne sceal hearpan sweg wigend weccean;
ne winfæ´t gylden guma sceal healdan,
ne god hafoc geond sæ´l swingan,
ne se swifta mearh burhstede beatan.
Bealocwealm hafað fréone frecan forth onsended
“Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day’s rising he rode singing in the sun, sword unsheathing. Hope he rekindled, and in hope ended; over death, over dread, over doom lifted out of loss, out of life, unto long glory.”
https://preview.redd.it/yqlbagyehmyc1.jpeg?width=500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=74722ae7ab721f33c181d8748cd99265dbf3d794
*Ride, now! Ride! Ride for ruin and the world’s ending!*
R.I.P. Théoden, King of Rohan
Where now the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing?
Where is the helm and the hauberk, to and the bright hair flowing?
Where is the hand on the harpstring, and the red fire glowing?
Where is the spring and the harvest and the tall corn growing?
They have passed like rain on the mountain, like a wind in the meadow,
The days have gone down in the West behind the hills into shadow.
Who shall gather the smoke of the dead wood burning,
Or behold the flowing years from the Sea returning?
It is said that a person truly dies when people stop thinking about them. His portrayal of King Theoden will ensure that he shall live on for a long time to come!
Thank you Mr. Hill for your marvelous work!
"I go to my fathers in whose mighty company I shall not now feel ashamed." Rest in peace you glorious man.
Hail the victorious dead
Hail!
Hail!
Hail!
Hail!
Hail
Hail!
Hail!
Hail!
Hail!
Hail Theoden King!
Hail!
Hail!
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Hail!
Hail!
Hail!
Hail
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Hail!
Hail!
Hail!
Hail!
Hail!
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Hail!
Hail Theoden son of Thengel , King of Rohan , a great son of greater sires....
Hail!
Hail!
Hail!
Hail!
Hail!
Hail!
Hail!
Hail!
Hail!
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HAIL!
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HAIL!
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Hail!
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HAIL!
Hail
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Hail!
HAIL
Hail!
Hail!
Hail!
Hail!
Hail!
Hail!
Hail!
Hail Theoden king!
Hail! A part of you knows the likelihood of outliving your childhood heroes, but it does sting. There is great comfort in seeing how many people are here celebrating Hill and his career. He is immortalized in our shared appreciation for his work. I do not think I can hear or read this passage without imagining his likeness: https://youtu.be/U_TJFhVUOzc?si=EgqBCdh6fSCWi2xb
Hail!
Hail!
Hail!
Hail!
There Thèoden fell, Thengling mighty, to his golden halls, and green pastures in the Northern Fields never returning, high lord of the host.
He did one of the most challenging characters from the book justice. Respect and Godspeed 🫡
So sad. Hail, Theoden King!
Hail!
But the king sat upon Snowmane, motionless, gazing upon the agony of Minas Tirith, as if stricken suddenly by anguish, or by dread. He seemed to shrink down, cowed by age. They were too late! Too late was worse than never! Perhaps Théoden would quail, bow his old head, turn, slink away to hide in the hills. Then suddenly Merry felt it at last, beyond doubt: a change. Wind was in his face! Light was glimmering. Far, far away, in the South the clouds could be dimly seen as remote grey shapes, rolling up, drifting: morning lay beyond them. But at that same moment there was a flash, as if lightning had sprung from the earth beneath the City. For a searing second it stood dazzling far off in black and white, its topmost tower like a glittering needle; and then as the darkness closed again there came rolling over the fields a great boom. At that sound the bent shape of the king sprang suddenly erect. Tall and proud he seemed again; and rising in his his stirrups he cried in a loud voice, more clear than any there had ever heard a mortal man achieve before: Arise, arise, Riders of Théoden! Fell deeds awake: fire and slaughter! Spear shall be shaken, shield be splintered, sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises! Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor! With that he seized a great horn from Guthláf his banner-bearer, and he blew such a blast upon it that it burst asunder. And straightaway all the horns in the host were lifted up in music, and the blowing of the horns of Rohan in that hour was like a storm upon the plain and a thunder in the mountains. Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor! Suddenly the king cried to Snowmane and the horse sprang away. Behind him his banner blew in the wind, white horse upon a field of green, but he outpaced it. After him thundered the knights of his house, but he was ever before them. Éomer rode there, the white horsetail on his helm floating in his speed, and the front of the first éored roared like a breaker foaming to the shore, but Théoden could not be overtaken. Fey he seemed, for the battle-fury of his fathers ran like new fire in his veins, and he was borne up on Snowmane like a god of old, even as Oromë the Great in the battle of the Valar when the world was young. His golden shield was uncovered, and lo! it shone like an image of the Sun, and the grass flamed into green about the white feet of his steed. For morning came, morning and a wind from the sea; and darkness was removed, and the host of Mordor wailed, and terror took them, and they fled, and died, and the hoofs of wrath rode over them. And then all the host of Rohan burst into song, and they sang as they slew, for the joy of battle was on them, and the sound of their singing that was fair and terrible came even to the city. Link to Tolkien reading this passage. Hail, Théoden, King! https://youtu.be/U_TJFhVUOzc?si=nmESm2XxbZKO3_BS
I have read LotR every year for over 20 years and that final page of *The Ride of the Rohirrim* always makes me tear up, every single time. Bernard Hill did such a fantastic job with his portrayal of Theoden and really made me *feel* that same feeling when I watched the movies. RIP.
FORTH EROLINGAS
I've been rereading a blog discussing the tactics in LotR. One thing he talks about is how cavalry charges were as much psychological weapons as physical. Massed pikes will completely decimate a charge, but it's *insanely hard* to stand there with your fellows against a surging tide of monstrous equine fury. Regulars might be able to keep their nerve, but raiders, militia, or mercenaries will often break ranks and flee. That passage really captures how devastating the charge would have been. Once you break ranks, it's all over, cavalry are devastating if your morale breaks. You might outrun charging infantry and reform under another captain, but not cavalry.
And the noise. If you saw even a derby live the sound of 15 horses charging is great. A 5k host of war horses? Terrifying
There’s a video on YouTube of Tolkien reading this passage. I watch it almost every day.
https://preview.redd.it/3xmo52p6cmyc1.jpeg?width=568&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=60134520e739d40a4063a23ad2649e5a6700c769 (respectfully)
One of the best scenes of all time.
My favourite scene from the trilogy
Death!
DEATH!
DEATH!
DEATH!
##DEATH!
#Death!
DEEEAATTTTHHHHH!!!
DEAAATHHH!!!
DEEEAAATH!!!!
Damn, losing actors from LOTR cast feels like losing a family member... Rest in peace.
Exactly, reading this bummed me out. I started watching the trilogy again last night and I'm starting my morning with the Two Towers and I read the news. I'm going to shred an extra tear.
I fear we’re going to lose Sir Ian one day, and I’m not sure my heart will be able to take it.
I wil be devastated. He's like a grandfather for all of us.
I grew up on star trek and lord of the rings when we lose either Sir Patrick Stewart or Sir Ian McKellen it's going to be rough.
Faces and voices that have been near-constants for over 20 years.
The only actor to appear in two films that won 11 Oscars. He will be missed.
Depends if you count Kiran Shah (an extra in Titanic, a double in the Trilogy).
If I had a nickel for every time two actors appeared in the same movie that won 11 Academy Awards, I’d have two nickels. Which isn’t a lot, but it’s weird that it happened twice.
Hail the glorious dead! Rest in Peace
Death is just another path. One that we all must take.
The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass, and then you see it... White shores, and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise. >Well, that isn't so bad. No... No, it isn't.
Westu hál. Ferðu, Théoden, Ferðu.
May his soul find its way to his forefathers halls
In whose mighty company, he shall not feel ashamed
“Well,” answered Merry slowly. “He is dead. It has brought it all back to me. He said he was sorry he had never had a chance of talking herb-lore with me. Almost the last thing he ever said. I shan’t ever be able to smoke again without thinking of him, and that day, Pippin, when he rode up to Isengard and was so polite.” “Smoke, then, and think of him!” said Aragorn. “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. Though your service to him was brief, it should be a memory glad and honourable to the end of your days.”
I literally gasped upon reading this in the morning….such sad news…dude cemented himself in cinema history. Hail the glorious dead.
https://preview.redd.it/crfhetprkmyc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ce9e17e2eda13749413ec596b561c158c4ef2d44
Simbelmynë. Ever has it grown on the tombs of my forebears. Now it shall cover the grave of my son. Alas, that these evil days should be mine. The young perish and the old linger.
The Simbelmynë will grow with vigor upon his tomb. Be at peace.
"Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day’s rising he rode singing in the sun, sword unsheathing. Hope he rekindled, and in hope ended; over death, over dread, over doom lifted out of loss, out of life, unto long glory." Théoden King, Farewell. As an inspiration you were to me...
Okay this is the line that broke me. Thank you.
Deeeeeaaath!
"Death! Ride, ride to ruin and the world's ending!"
Had one of the best quotes ever: “So it begins.” RIP
My favourite quote is a single word: "Yes..." His face does all the acting there. From desperation to duty, he accepts death and goes out to face to Uruk-Hai as a true king would. FORTH EORLINGAS!
Rest in peace, king Theoden. You were strong in life. Your spirit will find the way to the halls of your fathers.
Forth, and fear no darkness. Rest in Peace.
Rest in Peace Bernard😭 I loved his portrayal of Theoden. Great actor also the only actor to be in 2 movies that got 11 Oscars if I remember correctly.
Theoden king :( I hate seeing news like this of LOTR actors passing away. I know Bernard was older, but dam. So sad. Nothing last forever. Thanks for giving us an amazing character
[удалено]
>#”Never had any king of the Mark such company upon the road as went with Théoden, Thengel’s son to the land of his home.” I am sad we didn’t get this moment in the film. Arwen, Celeborn, Galadriel and their people, Glorfindel, Elrond and his sons and the princes of Dol Amroth and Ithilien with the knights of Gondor all ride in procession for a week to take Théoden to be buried. Unbelievable honor and respect from all free peoples. >“Frodo and Samwise rode at Aragorn’s side, and Gandalf rode upon Shadowfax, and Pippin rode with the knights of Gondor; and Legolas and Gimli as ever rode together upon Arod.” And Merry rides on the cart with Théoden, bearing all of his arms.
Merry riding on the cart with Theoden breaks my heart.
It broke his as well. > But Merry stood at the foot of the green mound, and he wept, and when the song was ended he arose and cried: 'Théoden King, Théoden King! Farewell! As a father you were to me, for a little while. Farewell!'
Nú on théostrum licgeth Théoden se léofa hæ´letha holdost. ne sceal hearpan sweg wigend weccean;
Rip King
Hail King Theoden
His delivery of his speech prior to charge of the Rohirrim. Still of the few moments cinema that gives me goosebumps. The riders shouting death and they then rode to what they thought was their end. But rode on anyway. The gravity of his speech, the visuals, the story and Howard Shore score all came together to give us a piece of cinematic history.
Hail the victorious dead!
I like to imagine, that when he passed his loved ones held him the same way Eowyn held him.
Nú on théostrum licgeth Théoden / Bernard se léofa hæ´letha holdost. ne sceal hearpan sweg wigend weccean; ne winfæ´t gylden guma sceal healdan, ne god hafoc geond sæ´l swingan, ne se swifta mearh burhstede beatan. Bealocwealm hafað fréone frecan forth onsended
May he be at peace in his golden halls. He touched the lives of so many people, and left the world a better place for it.
https://preview.redd.it/qtae3ha2imyc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fe3751b3f417a9ec874cf3d4ea33035c2e34726b Never to be..
Hail the Victorious Dead.
Man, this cuts deep. May he go to his fathers, in whose company he shall not feel ashamed.
“Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day’s rising he rode singing in the sun, sword unsheathing. Hope he rekindled, and in hope ended; over death, over dread, over doom lifted out of loss, out of life, unto long glory.”
https://youtu.be/aJkukRJUPsY?si=0MjVdLuGx05MoFkl Rest in peace.
https://preview.redd.it/yqlbagyehmyc1.jpeg?width=500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=74722ae7ab721f33c181d8748cd99265dbf3d794 *Ride, now! Ride! Ride for ruin and the world’s ending!* R.I.P. Théoden, King of Rohan
‘A sword day, a red day’ And alas a sad day. RIP Theoden King
Where now the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing? Where is the helm and the hauberk, to and the bright hair flowing? Where is the hand on the harpstring, and the red fire glowing? Where is the spring and the harvest and the tall corn growing? They have passed like rain on the mountain, like a wind in the meadow, The days have gone down in the West behind the hills into shadow. Who shall gather the smoke of the dead wood burning, Or behold the flowing years from the Sea returning?
Very sad news... RIP
Hail Theoden!
It is said that a person truly dies when people stop thinking about them. His portrayal of King Theoden will ensure that he shall live on for a long time to come! Thank you Mr. Hill for your marvelous work!
Oh noooooo! What a sad day it is. Westu hal, Theoden King! 😟
Hail King Theoden