Théoden rules Rohan in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.
Rohan is a kingdom of horse-lords located north of Gondor. Its people are renowned for their horses, cavalry, and close cultural relationship with the Rohirrim’s mounted way of life. Théoden is its king during the War of the Ring, although the wizard Saruman’s influence and Wormtongue’s manipulation leave him weakened at the beginning of the story.
After Théoden regains his judgment, he leads Rohan in the defense of Helm’s Deep and later rides to Gondor’s aid. He dies during the Battle of the Pelennor Fields while fighting the forces of Mordor. His niece Éowyn and his nephew Éomer are also important figures in Rohan’s story.
Rohan is sometimes confused with Gondor because the two kingdoms are allies and share a long history. Gondor lies to the south and is ruled by the Stewards during much of the narrative; Rohan is the northern kingdom whose strength is its horsemen.