The King of the Golden Hall

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The King of the Golden Hall
Chapter of The Two Towers
Number6
Synopsis
EventGandalf comes to the Golden Hall and talks with King Théoden.
Date2 March 3019
LocationEdoras
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IsengardGap of RohanRohanWestemnetEastemnetEdorasHelm's DeepFangornThe WoldClicking on a location will load the appropriate article.
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The King of the Golden Hall is the sixth chapter of the first book in The Two Towers.

Summary[edit | edit source]

Now that Gandalf had returned from the dead, he served as the captain of the Three Hunters; Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli.

He led them South through the Westemnet, past tributaries of the Entwash, through the Simbelmynë covered Barrowfields and to the city of Edoras. This was the capital city of Rohan, built on a hill in Harrowdale, a valley of the White Mountains. There they told the guards that they had come back to return the horses that Éomer had lent them.

The four companions entered the city and were guided up to the top of the hill, where the great golden hall Meduseld stood, home to King Théoden. There Háma, Doorward of Théoden, bid them to lay aside their weapons before being permitted to enter, Aragorn was reluctant to set aside Andúril but was compelled to do so or not enter. The others did so willingly, leaving their weapons outside the entrance to the hall, with only Gandalf retaining his staff, having deceived the Doorward Hama into it only being a stick to support him.

The companions entered and found it to be a mighty hall, with carved pillars, rune covered floors and rich tapestries lining the walls, in particular one of Eorl the Young riding Felaróf at the Battle of the Field of Celebrant. However despite the warmth of the hall they did not get a warm welcome from Théoden, who was reluctant to show gratitude; he said this was because Gandalf always brought bad news and so he named him Lathspell. In truth, Saruman had a secret hold on Théoden in the form of the advisor, Gríma Wormtongue.

Gandalf managed to show Théoden that there was still hope and so freed him from his despair and the wicked influence of Wormtongue. Gandalf asked Théoden to release Éomer, who had been held prisoner at the counsel of Wormtongue. When Éomer returned he offered his sword to the King, pledging his service to him once more. Háma was sent to find Théoden's own sword Herugrim, which turned out to be hidden in Wormtongue's locked chest.

Théoden realised his mistake in trusting Wormtongue and decided that he would lead the riders of Rohan against Saruman. Wormtongue was given a choice; ride with them to war to prove his loyalty to Théoden in battle, or to go where he wishes, though he will receive no mercy should he be found. He chose to spit at the feet of the king and flee the city.

Théoden then praised Gandalf and granted him Shadowfax as a gift, no longer to borrow. Gandalf then spoke to Théoden of the depth of Saruman's tracheary, and they made plans to ride to Isengard and make war against him. He proclaimed that Éowyn was to rule in his stead until he returned and then leading the host of Rohirrim alongside Gandalf they rode off into the West towards Isengard.

Appearances[edit | edit source]

Notable Appearances
Characters Locations Other

Composition[edit | edit source]

The chapter was probably completed by the early summer of 1942.[1]

Portrayal in adaptations[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

References