Théoden is the king of Rohan who dies at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.
Théoden leads the Rohirrim to Minas Tirith during the War of the Ring. His charge against the forces of Mordor becomes one of the battle’s defining moments, but he is mortally wounded when his horse Snowmane falls beneath him. Before Théoden dies, he is encouraged by his niece Éowyn, who has disguised herself as Dernhelm, and he names Merry Brandybuck as one of his companions in the final fight.
Théoden’s death is especially significant because he has moved from political weakness to active leadership. Earlier, the influence of Gríma Wormtongue and Saruman leaves him diminished, but Gandalf helps him recover his will and authority. Éomer succeeds him as king of Rohan after the battle. Denethor, the Steward of Gondor, dies during the same larger crisis but is not Rohan’s king.