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Today Gandalf comes to Edoras and heals Theoden who has long been held as thrall to Saruman through the whispered and muttered advice of Grima Wormtongue. The power of Gandalf is revealed in the throne room at Edoras when he breaks the spell of Saruman and leads Theoden out to sunshine to survey the bright world that still lives but cries for leaders. Saruman is credited with having a voice that could seduce and befuddle the minds of men and I think that Gandalf has the gift of clearing the cobwebs from befuddled minds with the truth.

The healing of Theoden is one of the most magnificent stories that Tolkien presents in this tale full of compelling stories. Throughout this chapter you see the admiration and love that the people hold for Theoden. Indeed, the love of the men for the whole house of Theoden is demonstrated with the joy at the release of Eomer and when they select Eowyn to lead the people in the absence of Theoden and Eomer.

Grima is released to follow Theoden or run to Saruman at his own will. The choice that he makes will affect the course of the future in ways that no-one could predict.

After a brief meal that must double as both welcome and preparation Theoden leads his men, with Eomer at his right, to head west to do battle with the forces of Sarumen. Aragorn and Eomer are soon to draw swords together.
As Theoden heads out in another part of Rohan, Erkenbrand of the Westfold is overrun by Sarumen's orcs at the Fords of Isen. Unable to hold them he attempts to lead such of his men that have escaped to safety at Helm's Deep.







In contrast to the joy and glory of Theoden's healing, Frodo and Sam, led by Gollum have been traversing the Dead Marshes. It has been a long and tedious trip. We are beginning to see the effect of the ring. Sam observes that his master is frequently falling behind. The marshes are full of lights and and in the depths you can see the faces of those who died in battle here long ago. The lights entrance Frodo. He is drawn to them and to the faces. They crawl along and late that night the trio finally reaches higher, firmer ground.

Also today, the Ents, in a particularly hasty way, conclude Entmoot with the decision to march on Isengard. No longer do they remain separate from the affairs of the world. All of the peoples of Middle Earth are rising to do what they see needs to be done. The Ents, with Merry and Pippin riding along, leave by day and arrive at Isengard this night

As we read, these tales are told to us as isolated events, in the way that they would no doubt appear to their participants. To each, there is a distinct feeling, a separate mood, as we see through the eyes of those characters who are living the events. The contrast between the jubilant (if only for a day) return of Theoden to himself and his men is measured against the smelly trek of Sam and Frodo and Gollum across that long forgotten battle plain. Each event seems as though it were happening in separate times even though it is the same day in Middle Earth.