Fréaláf Hildeson Tenth King of Rohan

Born: Third Age 2726 Deceased: Third Age 2798 (at the age of 72) Reigned as King of Rohan: Third Age 2798- 2545 (39 years)

Mother: Hild, sister of Helm Hammerhand Son: Brytta

During the Long Winter (2758-9), Rohan suffered grievously not only from famine but from invasion by Dunlendings led by Wulf, son of Freca. Wulf captured Meduseld after slaying Helm’s older son Haleth; and Helm himself perished (along with his younger son Háma) during the subsequent siege of the hornburg. In 2759, during the Spring after Helm’s death, Fréaláf led a raid on Edoras. With the aid of Gondor, the Rohirrim successfully reclaimed their land and slew Wulf, leader of the Dunlendings. Isengard, which had been conquered by the enemy much earlier in 2510, was also recaptured by the united forces of Gondor and Rohan. It was after this success that Fréaláf was crowned Lord of the Mark. During the coronation feast, Saruman appeared bringing gifts and speaking in praise of the Rohirrim. The Nineteenth ruling Steward of Gondor, Beren, allowed Saruman to live in Isengard and gave him the Keys of Orthanc, though the place was still claimed as a fortress of Gondor. Saruman was granted this with the condition that he protect Orthanc from any further threat, thus allowing Fréaláf to concentrate on protecting the vulnerable Fords of Isen located at Rohan’s western frontier. Saruman agreed, pledging support and friendship to Rohan and Gondor. The rebuilding of the Mark occupied a great deal Fréaláf’s reign so having a strong and wise neighbour in Isengard was most likely a welcome affair. In 2798, Fréaláf died and was succeeded by his son Brytta Léofa.

Abbreviated by Ciardwen For the full essay, go >here<

Brytta Léofa Eleventh King of Rohan

Born: Third Age 2752 Deceased: Third Age 2842 (at the age of 90) Reigned as King of Rohan: Third Age 2798 – 2842 (44 years)

Father: Fréaláf Hildeson Son: Walda

During the reign of Brytta, Rohan was troubled by Orcs driven from the Misty Mountains by the War of the Dwarves and Orcs. This War had been started in 2790 when the orc-chieftan Azog slew the Dwarven King Thror, and lasted until 2799. Brytta hunted down the Orcs that fled from the Misty Mountains to seek refuge in the White Mountains surrounding Rohan. For a while after the end of Brytta’s reign it was thought that the Orcs had been completely eradicated but this was not so, as they had only cleverly concealed themselves in the Mountains. Brytta Léofa was much loved by his people, who granted him the name Léofa, which translates to “beloved” or “treasured”, due to his kindness, generosity and liberality. He died in 2842 and was succeeded by his son Walda.

Abbreviated by Ciardwen For the full essay, go >here<

Walda Twelfth King of Rohan

Born: Third Age 2780 Deceased: Third Age 2851 (at the age of 71) Reigned as King of Rohan: Third Age 2842 – 2851 (9 years)

Father: Brytta Léofa Son: Folca

Walda became King of Rohan when is father died in the year 2842, and it was thought at that time that all the Orcs had been hunted out of Rohan. When Walda had been King only nine years (2851 TA), though, he was killed by the Orcs who had been hiding in the paths of Dunharrow.

Abbreviated by Ciardwen For the full essay, go >here<

Folca Thirteenth King of Rohan

Born: Third Age 2804 Deceased: Third Age 2864 (at the age of 60) Reigned as King of Rohan: Third Age 2851 – 2864 (13 years)

Father: Walda Son: Folcwine

Folca was renowned for being a great hunter. He became King in 2851 after his father was killed. After that he vowed not to hunt again until all the Orcs had been driven out of Rohan. Finally, in the year 2864, Folca drove the last of the Orcs from Rohan. Not long afterwards he rode to kill the boar of Everholt, his first hunt in thirteen years. He killed the boar, but received tusk-wounds that proved fatal. His son Folcwine became King after him.

Abbreviated by Ciardwen For the full essay, go >here<

Folcwine Fourteenth King of Rohan

Born: Third Age 2830 Deceased: Third Age 2903 (At the age 73) Reigned as King of Rohan: Third Age 2864 – 2903 (39 years)

Father:Folca Sons: 3 boys, twins: Folcred & Fastred, and Fengel Daughter:1 girl, name unknown.

When Folcwine became King, the Rohirrim had only just recovered from the ravages and losses caused by the Long Winter and the attacks of the Dunlendings under their new leader Wulf. Under Folcwine’s reign, the Rohirrim recovered to full strength and reorganized their forces. Folcwine managed to completely re-conquer the West-march, the land between the rivers Adorn and Isen, conquered by the Dunlendings under the reigns of Deor, Gram and Helm Hammerhand some 72-120 years ago. Rohan had received a lot of aid from Gondor in these evil times and during Folcwine’s reign, Gondor was under attack once more. In 2885, the Haradrim occupied South Gondor and attacked Ithilien across the river Poros. King Folcwine wished to send help to the gondorian steward Túrin II, but was dissuaded. In his stead, his twin sons, Folcred and Fastred lead the Rohirrim into the battle of Ithilien at the Crossings of Poros, the point where the Harad Road entered the lands of Gondor. At this strategic location, the united forces of Gondor and Rohan won a great victory, destroying the army of Harad. But both Folcred and Fastred fell in this battle. Túrin sent to Folcwine a rich weregild of gold and the Rohirrim buried the twins in a great mound, as was their custom. Their burial mound, called Haudh in Gwanur and located on the bank of the Poros, guarded Gondor’s southern boundaries for long years after. After a rule of 39 years, Folcwine was succeeded at his death in 2903 by his youngest son Fengel

Abbreviated by Ciardwen For the full essay, go >here<

Fengel Fifteenth King of Rohan

Born: Third Age 2870 Deceased: Third Age 2953 (At the age 83) Reigned as King of Rohan: Third Age 2903-2953 (50 years)

Father:Folcwine Sons: Thengel Daughter: 2 girls, names unknown

Fengel grew up in Edoras during a peaceful period since orcs and other enemies had been driven out of Rohan’s lands by Fengel’s ancestors. But this time of peace was ended when Steward Túrin II of Gondor called for aid in the battle of Ithilien. The death of his twin brothers in this battle left Fengel as the rightful heir to the throne of Rohan and when his father died in 2903, Fengel was made King. Soon after his coronation, he started to have troubles with his Marshals and his children, and was described as greedy of food and gold. People started to use Fengel’s name without praise and even his youngest child, Thengel, left Rohan when he reached manhood because he could no longer tolerate his father’s lifestyle. Nothing more is remembered of the reign and life of Fengel. When he died at the age of 83, Thengel was recalled from Gondor and became the 16th King of the second line.

Abbreviated by Ciardwen For the full essay, go >here<

Thengel Sixteenth King of Rohan

Born: Third Age 2905 Deceased: Third Age 2980 (At the age of 75) Reigned as King of Rohan: Third Age 2953 - 2980 (27 years)

Father:Fengel Sons: Théoden Daughter: Théodwyn and 1 unnamed daughter

Thengel was born to Fengel in the year 2905. He was the last child and only son of three children and when he came to manhood, he left Rohan and entered the service of Turgon. This probably occurred because of tense familial affairs. While in Gondor, Thengel married Morwen of Lossarnach, 17 years his junior, when he was 38. In Gondor, Morwen bore Thengel three children, the second being the future King of the Mark, Théoden, and his only son. In the year 2953, Fengel died and Thengal was called to take the throne. He returned to Edoras, where he became the 16th King of the Mark. It is said that Thengel was, "a good and wise king; though the speech of Gondor was used in his house, and not all men thought that good." Morwen bore Thengel two daughters in Rohan. The last was Theodwyn (2963), the mother of Eomer and Eowyn. It is said Théoden and Theodwyn were very fond of one another. During Thengel’s reign, Saruman declared himself Lord of Isengard. He began to fortify Isengard and could no longer be trusted as an ally of Rohan. Thengel son of Fengel died in 2980 at the age of 75. His only son, Theoden, became the 17th King of the Mark and the last of the Second Line.

Abbreviated by Scea For the full essay, go >here<

Théoden Ednew Seventeenth King of Rohan

Born: Third Age 2948 Deceased: Third Age 3019 (At the age of 71) Reigned as King of Rohan: Third Age 2980 - 3019 (39 years)

Father:Thengel Mother:Morwen of Lossarnoch Son: Théodred

Théoden was born in Gondor, but returned to Rohan when his father reluctantly ascended the throne after King Fengel’s death. Théoden developed a close relationship with Théodwyn, his youngest sister. She later married Eomund of the Eastfold, Marshal of the Mark. By him, she mothered Éomer (2991) and Éowyn (2995). Eomund died in 3002 during an orc raid and Théodwyn took sick and died shortly thereafter. Thus it was that his sister’s children came into his house and he treated them as his own. At that time, Théodred was twenty-four years of age and Théoden’s wife, Elfhild, had died in childbirth. Meanwhile, Sauron regained Barad-Dur and began building up his strength of orcs and men. Many Uruks entered into Saruman’s service. Gandalf arrived in the summer of 3019, begging for help and warning of imminent war. But Théoden would not listen to him. Instead, he offered any horse if he would leave, and Gandalf took the horse that was Shadowfax, chief of the Mearas. Shadowfax later returned but was untameable. Although Théoden refused to hear Gandalf at first, Théodred and Éomer were able to hold off Saruman by their combined strength and loyalty to the king. Both saw the evils of Grima’s power and attempted to avert his plans from coming to fullness through Theoden. It is possible that Grima used poisons to manoeuvre the old man to his desires, but it may just have been old age. Grima struck back by misrepresenting Eomer as being power hungry and later brought about Théodred’s death. Théoden became old and bent and prey to Grima’s whisperings of malcontent. Five days after Théoden received news of his son’s death, Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas and Gandalf arrived in Edoras. Gandalf then managed to revive Théoden from his waking sleep. Théoden realized the danger of Saruman’s attack and led his people to the safety of the Hornburg, relying on its strength to protect them. They battled against the forces of Saruman, coming close to defeat till Gandalf arrived with Erkenbrand and his host. Théoden then rode out with what remained of his military force, calling for the Riders to form up and meet them at Dunharrow, while they headed towards Isengard. There, Sauruman tried to convince Théoden to join him, and seemed to have him for a moment. Fortunately, Théoden roused himself from Saruman’s spell and rejected the offer. They returned to Helm’s Deep where the remaining members of the Fellowship departed. Merry, though left behind, swore fealty to the King of Rohan, and was given a pony to ride beside the King. An errand rider of Gondor arrived there, bearing a peculiar, black feathered arrow with a red point. The Red Arrow was the call for aid used between Gondor and Rohan. Theoden answered that they would come. The following morning Theoden and 6,000 Riders left for Gondor. Eowyn, he left in charge, though she secretly dressed as a man, and rode with them. Merry was released from service but rode with Éowyn. They passed through the Druadan forest and there Ghan-buri-ghan, the leader of the Druedain, approached Théoden, warning of enemy eyes on the road, and offering to lead them secretly. On March 15, III 3019, the Rohirrim assembled atop the slopes of Gondor, with Théoden leading the charge. Théoden slew the Haradrim’s chieften with his spear, and killed the banner bearer, and the Haradrim fled from battle. Suddenly, the Lord of the Nazgul, astride his Fell beast, came onto the battle field. Snowmane was terrorized and he reared up, a dart striking him as he rose. Snowmane fell to the ground, crushing his master beneath him. The Fell beast dug its claws into Snowmane, as the Witch King prepared the fatal strike that would kill Théoden, when Éowyn and Merry slew the Lord of the Nazgul. Dying beneath his horse, Théoden told Merry of his regret at not seeing Éowyn once more, not realizing she lay injured nearby. He passed the King’s banner to Éomer crying out words to his men before dying. Théoden’s body was borne in honour to his birth land of Gondor, where he was guarded by twelve men of Rohan and Gondor in the Towers of Ecthelion. He was later returned to Rohan to lie with his ancestors in the eighth burial mound on the eastern side of the Barrowfield.

Abbreviated by Scea For the full essay, go >here<

Éomer Éadig Eighteenth King of Rohan

Born: Third Age 2991 Deceased: Fourth Age 63 (At the age of 93) Reigned as King of Rohan: Third Age 3019 – Fourth Age 63 (65 years)

Father:Eomund of the Eastfold, Chief Marshal of the Mark Mother:Théodwyn, sister of Théoden Ednew Wife:Lothíriel, daughter of Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth Son: Elfwine

Eomer displays a devout belief in honesty, both in himself, and in the rohirrim as a nation, for “Men of the Mark do not lie, and therefore they are not easily deceived." This sense of honour and dishonour was one of the main weapons Grima Wormtongue used against the Marshal, when discussing the ruling of Rohan with Theoden, Eomer’s uncle. Hope and trust are also key elements that make up the revered nephew, for he trusts Aragorn to keep his word, despite having known him only for mere moments. He asks that they return their horses to Edoras, in way of proving to Theoden that his nephew did not misjudge the travellers. This action indicates the hopefulness of Eomer, for he knows understands what must be done, despite the possible consequence and a hopeful belief that if Aragorn can save Merry and Pippin, then perhaps he can save Rohan. There is also a large element of trust, for he was willing to lay his life (literally) in Aragorn’s hand by giving them their freedom, as well as horses. Aragorn proved that trust, and did indeed give him hope. Loyalty is next revealed, after Eomer’s arrest at the halls of Edoras, ordered by his uncle no less, who had been like a father to Eomer. Yet despite this betrayl, Eomer still loved him. Though inadvertently freed by Hama, and thus given the opportunity to escape the arrest, Eomer instead returns to his Uncle’s throne, and lays his sword at Theoden Kings feet. This demonstrates that, even when the “King’s health began to fail ... the loyalty of Eomer remained steadfast”. Yet perhaps the greatest strength Éomer showed was in his courage and determination at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. Théoden King had just been slain, and Éomer’s sister, Éowyn, wounded. Having just been thrust into the position of King of Rohan, they still had to win a battle - and a war. Though his hope may have failed for a while, he didn’t give up.

Abbreviated by Ciardwen For the full essay, go >here<

Éowyn Lady of Ithilien

Born: Third age 2995 Deceased: unknown

Father:Eomund of the Eastfold, Chief Marshal of the Mark Mother:Théodwyn, sister of Théoden Ednew Husband:Faramir Son: Elboron

Eowyn, born in T.A. 2995, four years after her brother Eomer, was the daughter of Eomund, First Marshal of the Mark, and Theodwyn, daughter of Morwen Steelsheen. Theodwyn was also sister to Theoden, making Eowyn the king’s niece. Eowyn was allegedly descended (through her father) from Eofor, son of Brego. When Eowyn was seven years old and her brother was eleven, their father was ambushed and killed near Emyn Muil while pursuing a small band of Orcs; his wife pined for him and a year later followed him to the grave, leaving Eowyn and Eomer as orphans. Theoden King then took the two children into his own home and raised them with his son Theodred. When Eowyn was about 27, she became closely involved in the War of the Ring, and was actually present at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. Though the King commanded her to remain behind, she disguised herself as a man, calling herself Dernhelm, and rode with the Cavalry, taking Meriadoc Brandybuck, one of the halflings of the erstwhile Fellowship, with her. During the battle, she confronted the Witchking Angmar; Lord of the Nazgul, and, with the help of the Holbytla — who stabbed the ringwraith’s knee -- parted his spirit from his physical form. Before this, however, the Witchking broke Eowyn’s shield-arm with his mace, and when she finally defeated him, she fell victim to the Black Breath and fell senseless on the field. Later she was healed by Aragorn (later King Elessar). It was in the Houses of Healing that she met her future husband, Faramir, second and youngest son of Denethor II, the last ruling Steward of Gondor. They eventually fell in love and, in that same year, after the Destruction of the Ring, Eowyn became Faramir’s wife and the Lady of Ithilien. She bore a son named Elboron, who later became Prince of Ithilien Eowyn herself had her mother’s stately bearing and her father’s courage, and though she was a quarter Gondorian, being the granddaughter of Morwen Steelsheen, she was every bit the Rohirric princess, from her fierce, proud spirit that burned in her breast and spurred her on to the deeds of valour she worked in later days. It can only be guessed that the death of her parents was the first thing to contribute to Eowyn’s coldness, which was later remarked upon by many who saw her. Eowyn’s uncle, the king Theoden, took the brother and sister into his household, where he reared them beside his own son Theodred, and was like a father to them for twenty years until his death on the Pelennor Fields. In Meduseld, Eowyn was like a princess, but she did not have everything she wanted. Discontent festered in her mind. As she grew older, she became more accustomed to the ways of men, and though she was womanly in many ways and fair to look upon, she longed with a man’s longing for the sword and the freedom of battle. Indeed, it was a hard thing to do the tasks of a woman in dark times where doubt lurked in the shadows and war lay on the threshold—but she braced herself against the frustration and did her duties with a reluctant heart. She watched her kingly uncle’s strength wane under the power of his crafty advisor, Grima, surnamed “Wormtongue”. The wily man’s sly words and cunning manipulation of the king did not go undetected, for Eowyn was watchful and devoted from the darkness behind the throne, and was ever near his side. Her constant closeness was not without a price, however, for as she grew into a young woman, she found that she was not the only person in that hall who was watching someone. Her uncle’s advisor, whom she detested for his lies and trickery, began to look upon her with a covetous eye, and she sensed his desire, but could do nothing about it. In early March of the year 3015, strangers came to the halls of Meduseld. The group brought some salve for Eowyn’s troubles, for a Wizard, freed Theoden from the clutches of Wormtongue—but there was to be more misfortune for her, for she fell in love with the younger of the Men—Aragorn, son of Arathorn. But he did not return her affection for his love lay with the elven lady Arwen. But Eowyn’s sentiments didn’t go unnoticed and Aragorn was deeply grieved by her love. Her longing to fight besides men was unsatisfied, as she was left behind when the Riders of Rohan set out to defend Helm’s Deep. Though the great honour of ruling the people of Rohan in the King’s stead was bestowed upon her, she didn’t feel happy and sadly watched the cavalry ride out. Shortly before the great battle at the gates of Minas Tirith, on the Fields of Pelennor, the Lady Eowyn should find an ally in the person of Meriadoc, the Hobbit, who now stood in King Théoden’s service. But as soon as the need to muster the Rohirrim arose, Merry was released from his service and was asked to assist the Lady Eowyn in governing the people remaining in Edoras. But as the Lady Eowyn, Merry’s only wish was to fight among his friends to defend what he loved most. And thus it came that Merry and Eowyn, now going by the name of Dernhelm, rode to battle together. It was at the Fields of Pelennor that the Lady Eowyn would show all her courage when facing the terrible Lord of the Nazgûl. It was indeed only in this very moment that she revealed, not without satisfaction, her true identity, which had kept her so long from fighting alongside men. It is with such fervour that she protected her uncle and King Théoden and her heroic act ended with the destruction of the Witchking. Eowyn suffered from the Black Breath (the Nazgul disease) that none could cure. It was finally Aragorn, with a King’s healing hands, who saved Eowyn from her torments, using Kingsfoil, also called Aethelas. But Aragorn worried about whether the Lady of Rohan would have the strength and the will to live, for, as he mentioned to Eomer, the Lady’s malady began far back before the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. And other healing came, for Eowyn awoke, under the refreshing scent of Athelas and the caring hand of Aragorn. Her body was soon healed, but there was still less hope in her, until, the day she left her bed for the first time, she met Faramir in the gardens of the Houses of Healing. Eowyn expressed her desire to ride to death and battle. But Faramir convinced her to remain in the care of the Houses of Healing, as he was forced to do himself after his severe fever. After long days of doubt and sorrow, the Lady Eowyn finally regained joy of life as Faramir declared her his love. “I stand in Minas Anor, the Tower of the Sun, ‘ she said; ‘ and behold! The Shadow has departed! I will be a shieldmaiden no longer, nor vie with the great Riders, nor take joy only in the songs of slaying. I will be a healer, and love all things that grow and are not barren. (…) No longer do I desire to be a queen.” (LOTR, ROTK, The Steward and the King, p.943) And thus the Lady Eowyn and Lord Faramir got married with the blessings of King Aragorn and lived in fair Ithilien, which was given to Faramir to be his princedom, and Eowyn grew a beautiful garden. It was there that their son Elboron, later prince of Ithilien, was born.

Abbreviated by Morrigan For the full essay, go >here<

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