Theoden
Weapons	Herugrim, Rohan Spear, Rohan Bow and Arrow
Origin	Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Activities	King of Rohan
Service	TA 2948-March 15, 3019
Battle Status	Defeated by Seneschal Varel

Theoden is the seventeenth King of Rohan, and last of the Second Line of the royal house of Eorl. Théoden was the oldest son of Thengel, and became king after the death of his father in TA 2980.

By the time of the War of the Ring Théoden had been king for nearly 30 years, and was getting old and tired.

He was increasingly misled by his chief advisor Gríma, who was secretly in the employ of Saruman the White. It was possible that Gríma may even have been poisoning Théoden.

In the last years before the War of the Ring, Théoden let his rule slip out of his hands, and Gríma gained an increasingly large hold over him. Rohan was troubled again by Orcs and Dunlendings as well as the new fighting Uruk-hai, who operated under the will of Saruman, ruling from Isengard.

When Théoden's son Théodred was mortally wounded at a battle at the Fords of Isen in skirmish with the Orcs of Saruman, his nephew Éomer became his heir. Éomer fell out of favour with Wormtongue and was eventually arrested.

When Gandalf the White and Aragorn appeared before him, Théoden initially rebuked Gandalf's advice to resist Saruman, but after being released from effects of Gríma, he commanded Hama to release his nephew and bring him his sword Herugrim, and led the Riders of Rohan into battle against Saruman but having found that Sarumans forces had broken through Rohans outer defences. Theoden, under advice from Gandalf, retreated and fought against Saruman's hordes at the Battle of Helm's Deep. After this he became known as Théoden Ednew, the Renewed, because he had thrown off the yoke of Saruman.

He led the Rohirrim to the aid of Gondor at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields bravely charging the legions of Sauron, where he won great glory by defeating "The Black Serpent," a chieftan of the Southrons, in single combat. In that battle he challenged the Witch-king of the Nine Ringwraiths, and died when his horse Snowmane fell upon him after being spooked by the Ringwraith's fell beast. He was immediately avenged by his niece Éowyn and the Hobbit Meriadoc Brandybuck (to whom Theoden spoke his final words), both of whom had ridden to war in secret.

(From the Lord of the Rings Wikia)

Battle vs. Seneschal Varel (by Greenberet69)Edit

In the plains of Rohan Seneschal Varel along with 4 Vigil's Keep soldiers are on a scouting mission. Theodan along with 4 Rohirrim on horeback are also on a scouting missin. As Theodan and his men move over the hill Varel and his men spot them and Theodan and his men spot Varel and his men. Varel and his men charge at Theodan who orders his men to take out their bows and arrows and fire. The Rohhirim fire at Varel and his men with a arrow hitting one in the chest[1]. Varel takes out his Heartwood bow and firest killing one of the Rohhirim[2]. Theodan tells his men to prpare to charge, so the Rohirrim take out their swords and shields. Theodan yells "Charge" and one of the Rohirrim blows the horn of Rohan and they all charge at Varel and his men. While one of the Vigil soldiers tries to pull out his sword Theodan quickly charges in on his horse and slashes the soldier right across his neck[3]. Another Rohirrim charges at Varel but Varel uses his Heartwood arrow to hit the horse the Rohirrim is riding in the leg injuring it but knocking the Rohirrim off of it. Varel takes out his Dragonbrand Greatsword and brings it down on the Rohirrim slicing him in half[4]. Another Rohirrim dismounts and charges at a Vigil Soldier and the two get into a sword fight. The Rohirrim stabs the Vigil soldier but the Vigil soldier stabs him too taking them both out[5][6]. The last Rohirrim hands his bow and arrow to Theodan who takes aim and fires taking out the last Vigil soldier[7]. Varel sneaks up from behind and stabs the last Rohirrim soldier[8]. Theodan quickly dismounts off his horse and pulls out Herugrim his sword. The two charge and start attacking each other. Theodan tries to attack Varel but because Varel has a longer sword he moves carefully. Theodan is able to slash Varel's knee making him kneel and while Theodan tries to stab him Varel uses his Greatsword to stab Theodan right through as he is charging[9] and Theodan's lifeless body hangs on the Dragonbrand Greatsword. Varel pulls the sword out of Theodan and yells in victory "FOR AMARATHINE!"

WINNER: SENESCHAL VAREL

Expert's OpinionEdit

While both had great armor, Theoden had a shorter sword in comparison to Varel's sword. That, and the fact that Varel had the X-Factors of Combat Experience and Leadership on his side. Whereas Theoden had better training. In the end, Varel had the better weapons and X-factors.

The original battle, weapons and votes can be found here.