I think that the Witch King of Agmar has a good point there.

After Helms Deep, I think that Theoden is beginning to feel that he is losing control on his rule and that his time is coming to an end. When they return to Edoras, he hints at this when he tells Eowyn that it was not Theoden who led the victory at Helm's Deep. He feels ashamed that he did not lead the final charge, but followed Aragorn's words. It is a deeply misplaced feeling in my opinion, but to a man like Theoden who leads a race of people who see personal glory as being won or lost on the battlefield, it is clearly very real to him.

He harks back to this again as he lies dying in that he tells Eowyn that he feels that he will now be deserving of the company of his mighty fore-fathers. He feels that he has redeemed himself after his loss of power through Wormtongue, and then his brief loss of hope at Helm's Deep.

While I don't think he deserved to die - I was gobsmacked when I watched it, and thought it was so unfair after all the he had suffered under Wormtongue - I also think that he was granted the end that he wanted.

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Be alert - the world needs more lerts

Theoden doesn't deserve to die at all, but then you i guess it was fate that he had too.

I feel a quote coming on...

"Many that live deserve death, and some that die deserve life. But can you give it to them?"
-Gandalf

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<center> all we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us


Thank you for five-plus wonderful years of obsession, friendship and fun

In a sense, yes, Theoden did deserve to die on the Fields of Pelennor.

But do not mistake me, for I myself hold Theoden as one of the most noble of figures to be found even in Tolkien's land of heroes and legend. And it is precisely for this reason that I hold Theoden, King of the Mark, deserving of his death in battle for the preservation of Middle Earth.

"Mourn not overmuch! Mighty was the fallen,
meet was his ending. When his mound is raised,
women then shall weep. War now calls us!"

~Eomer, The Battle of the Pelennor Fields, The Return of the King

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Ash nazg durbatuluk, ash nazg gimbatul,
ash nazg thrakatuluk agh burzum-ishi krimpatul

He died very honourably on the battlefield. He was a noble and strong leader--and it was only fitting that a warrior king die for a noble cause.

Ditto, Vikingmaiden.
While I don't think he 'deserved' to die, I don't think many people really consider that when they're intending to have a character die - the idea is that the person will not deserve to die - to bring tears, not cheers. Well, that depends on the character, I suppose....

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he didnt deserve it, tho I was sure he was going to die..dunno why

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Many that live deserve death, and some that die deserve life.

I always liked this single sentence, and I think, it really fits into this thread.

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I was quite upset when he died (While on the contrary I laughed when Denethor died) , his son and wife were both dead though so I suppose he would be happy up there with them.

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Originally Black Rider 11... Cut short and not so sweet.


Wanna Glitter name? Just ask

I don't think we can say whether he deserved to die or not, but I agree that I believe he was happier dying on the battlefield than of old age. I also agree that Tolkien is trying to show the change in the world. And there has to be some sadness for it to be realistic.

That being said, I cry everytime he dies.

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Hey you up there! You killed him:D. There was a funny thing in the movie. Theoden is attacked and no rohan warrior was able to protect him against Nazgul. Most of the people did not deserve to die however it happened. The best death was made for him I think. Dying on the battlefield.

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Will be going to London on March of the 30th

^ I agree. He died in honor and will be remembered as one of teh greatest kings of Rohan.

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Theoden had a kind heart and was a great king, (Compared to Denethor BLEH!!!) and his death shook me, As I watch the movies I cry at this part more than any of the other parts however if he hadn't died he probably would have died of old age (He looked fairly old) and judging by his personality I think he wanted to die on the battlefield

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~Ellenna~