February 25th
The Company pass the Argonath and camp at Parth Galen
First Battle of the Fords of Isen; Théodred son of Théoden slain
After the attack on the 23rd, The Fellowship had an uneventful, albeit stressful, trip down the Anduin. They had to carry the boats along the shores past the rapids at Sarn Gebir, after that the continued by river.
As they set up camp they plan out their next steps. It was as this point that, had Gandalf been there, Aragorn would’ve turned south with Boromir to Gondor. It seems no matter what fate lied ahead there always was going to be a breaking of The Fellowship.
Théodred son of Théoden fell, by forces from Isengard. The same orcs it seems that captured Merry and Pippin. So ends the line of Théoden, his son will join his grandfather and those before him. This scene in the movie cuts me deep. “No parent should have to bury their child.” After witnessing my Grandfather hear the news of his daughter, my aunt, dying, his reaction? It’s heart breaking, I don’t wish this on anyone and my heart goes out to Théoden. He’s being corrupted by Saruman, and he couldn’t protect his son. Saruman is very cruel indeed. Théoden faced many evils but this event cut him more than anything.
With a solemn note let’s raise a glass to Théodred and Théoden tonight and remember, a light from the shadows shall spring.
– The Wandering One
Of Blades and Kings 