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A rider's judgement in a divided countryFrom vengeance to kingshipPrimary referencesRelated encyclopedia entries
A rider's judgement in a divided country
Éomer first encounters Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli while returning from the destruction of an Orc-band on the plains of Rohan. He must judge strangers at a time when Saruman’s influence has made trust dangerous. Lending them horses is a consequential exercise of discretion rather than a routine courtesy.
His opposition to Gríma places him in conflict with the conditions surrounding Théoden’s weakened rule. When Gandalf restores the king to action, Éomer again takes his place in the defence of Rohan. The book’s account of his presence and activity at Helm’s Deep differs from the films, where his return supplies a climactic reinforcement.
From vengeance to kingship
At the Pelennor, Éomer finds Théoden dead and believes Éowyn dead as well. The shock drives him towards a furious determination to fight on regardless of survival. The later sight of Aragorn’s banner aboard the approaching ships changes the apparent military situation and enables hope to return to his command.
His succession is also a renewal of friendship. The association with Aragorn begins before either man occupies his final royal position, and the political alliance has been tested through concrete acts of trust. After the war, Éomer rules as the first king of Rohan’s Third Line and maintains the bond between the two realms.
The title Éadig, generally rendered “the Blessed”, belongs to this later remembrance. It should not obscure the losses through which the reign begins: kingship comes through the deaths of close family and the survival of a country nearly overcome, not through a simple ascent detached from mourning.
Primary references
The Lord of the Rings, Book III, “The Riders of Rohan” and “The King of the Golden Hall”; Book V, “The Battle of the Pelennor Fields”; Appendix A, “The House of Eorl”.
