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Théoden’s Battle Cry

‘The Ride of the Rohirrim’, was cried out by the King of Rohan, Téoden before Rohirrim rode into Gondor for the battle of the Pelennor Fields. Théoden blew on the horns of Rohan and sounded the battle cry.

Arise, arise, Riders of Théoden!
Fell deeds awake, fire and slaughter!
spear shall be shaken, shield be splintered,
a sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises!
Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor!

Influence

The lines resemble the Germanic and Scandinavian, specifically the Old English alliterative verse. The second variant of the battle cry seems to derive from a part of the Old Norse poem Völuspá.

Adaptations

There are several variations of the battle cry in different adaptations. In Peter Jackson’s film ‘The Return of the King’, Théoden recites the battle cry from the book, but the last lines are replaced by ‘Ride now! Ride! Ride to ruin and the world’s ending!”[1]

References

Categories: Songs and verses

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