"Suddenly the king cried to Snowmane and the horse sprang away. Behind him his banner blew in the wind, white horse upon a field of green, but he outpaced it. After him thundered the knights of his house, but he was ever before them. Éomer rode there, the white horsetail on his helm floating in his speed, and the front of the first éored roared like a breaker foaming to the shore, but Théoden could not be overtaken. Fey he seemed, or the battle-fury of his fathers ran like new fire in his veins, and he was borne up on Snowmane like a god of old, even as Oromë the Great in the battle of the Valar when the world was young. His golden shield was uncovered, and lo! it shone like an image of the Sun, and the grass flamed into green about the white feet of his steed."
Remember watching this in the cinema, and the audience getting up and cheering as Bernard hill shouted 'Death', what a scene, what an actor. RIP Bernard
Theoden was one of the best characters in the LOTR movies. His character arc from focusing only on his own people to riding out at the end of the world was masterfully written and acted. RIP Bernard Hill.
What an actor, no one couldve ever played theoden like him. He really was the embodyment of the valar Oromë as he rode his steed if ever someone could be
my sister is one of the riders of Rohirrim. Funny how a farm girl just riding her horse inside the fence got offered as an extra. When she told me about this I was so jealous, she said they will take anyone aslong they can ride a horse. I was so ready to ditch college and get a plane ticket back home just to be an extra, unfortunately i had exams.
The soldiers chanting "DEATH!" is really significant here. Eru originally gave death to humans as a gift, so they could enjoy their time on Arda. However, Morgoth twisted this, making man fear death, so they coveted the immortality of the elves. Here, they scream it out in defiance of Morgoth and his servants, saying they do not fear it, and that now Morgoth, Sauron, and the darkness they wield have no power over them.
Eomer in the book originally chanted “death death death take us all” after he watched Theoden fall and then he charged into the Easterling ranks and nearly died himself
@@Boothinator247Eomer rallying the remaining Rohirrim and going berserker in his grief is a highlight of the books for me. He sees the black sails and knows they're fucked and just decides to take as many down as he can. Also, the Swan Knights sallying out because they can't let those upstart horselords get all the cavalry fun.
Even with out knowing the lore, chanting death in such a charge is such a powerful chant. Charging into hell, on the eve of the end of the world and you are celebrating death. You truly have nothing to lose
One of the greatest scenes in movie history. The Ride of the Rohirrim showcases what evil is truly afraid of: the courage of good men to oppose it. Edit: RIP Bernard Hill
Yes, absolutely a contender for absolute best movie scenes ever imo. As for any more specific categories, in terms of large scale battles I don’t think there is any movie with a better one. Everything was handled perfectly, the instructions to the commanders, the music, the speech, the atmosphere, the charge itself. No movie bs either, it’s actually really realistic too imo. Like the instructions to the commanders is a minor thing. But to me at least it adds a lot. Always a little pulled out of the immersion when see stuff like a king talking loudly to thousands of people about the plan. While clearly only a few would have heard it. The king first talking to the commanders, even if only very quickly shows he gave out instructions and it entirely removes that immersion break for me. As I said it’s a minor thing, but always notice those kind of things. Also just the movie btw, lord of the rings by no means is perfect. But the story is so so good. The music is amazing. No wierd shit in an attempt to appease anyone. Very good use of cgi and tricks for filming that still today hold up super well. And best of all may be the acting. Genuinely not a single bad actor in this movie (at least don’t remember anyone that performed less then amazing in any of the movies) Tbh proof on how good the movies are is that despite being made in a time where generally movies longer then 2h would be considered very long. Where budget for them was much smaller then today. Where cgi and similar where nowhere near what they are today. Yet somehow they even made extended cuts that are still quite popular with basically no filler what so ever. Nearly 12 hours of movie time I believe. Super impressive still to day, masterwork at the time it was made.
Not watched it yet but apperantly the series they made recently. Rings of power? Apparently it’s not very good. Again haven’t watched it yet so maybe people being a bit harsh but with how others in the past went wouldn’t be surprised if it does suck. Big shame because do think that the lord of the rings movies could actually work really really well as a series. Would give a lot more time to go into the stuff the movies didn’t have time for. Could be the same story as the movies or a different one I wouldn’t mind. Just a big shame companies really seem to have lost track with movies and series. New ones can still have a couple good ones every so often but rare to see a well made remake of something.
@@waaa3081 Its funny how Game of Thrones was the closest thing we could get to epic battles of good against evil but they managed to drop the ball and become almost forgotten. Decades later we'll still be watching these movies and scenes. Timeless.
I think that Boromir's death can rival this scene. It's truly chilling, it feels close and personal, when in this scene, you are in awe, almost feeling like you would have charged to your death too. It's less tragic, it's more of an embrace of mortality when the death of Boromir is more morbid, because he wasn't ready to die. I think they are both the best scenes of the trilogy, and arguably in cinema history.
I feel for people who didn't get to experience this live on the big screen. You could literally hear a pin drop when the horn of Rohan sung. The entire theatre was silent watching in awe. People were crying. The most surreal movie experience I've lived through
Theoden had one of the best arcs in the LOTR trilogy. From being manipulated by Saruman and being seen as a weak and fragile king to not being able to save/protect his people at Helm's Deep to leading the charge of the Rohirrim and helping to win the battle that ends up saving Middle Earth. From being viewed as a failed king to cementing his legacy as one of the greatest kings in the LOTR universe. His dying breath says it all: "I go to my fathers in whose mighty company I shall not now feel ashamed"
the best comment I read was about Theoden: Theoden almost gets written into the history books as "a lesser son of greater sires." His arc on the fields of Pelennor that cements him as a great man doesn't take place until he's 71 years old. He also didn't become a great man until becoming a great man was no longer his goal. He was great because he fell on the field saving something outside himself. He and Denethor illustrate the two paths a man has to choose from when faced with the paralyzing grip of despair. He overcomes it, by obeying his duty even in the absence of hope, and achieves glory. Denethor is consumed by it, and leaps ignominiously into a pyre of his own making.
At 1:33 Bernard did such a good job of conveying that Théoden was looking out with grief and dismay at what he was seeing. Then he recoups and give the best speech in cinema.
the books do a really good job of stressing just how much Theoden did not plan on surviving. He took it for granted leaving Rohan that he was riding to his death, and he figured all the rest were doomed wit him. He was riding for honor and duty, not hope, but he refused to fail as a king and heir of his line for a minute more. He sees this, and being afraid is the most natural thing in the world, but there is nowhere to go. He refuses to run and hide and wait for death. Once going home is not an option, all you can do is go BIG.
In the book it says when Theoden saw the armies of mordor he wished to run away and hide in the mountains. You can see the exact moment in Bernard's performance, that's such a cool detail.
@@Forlorn-kg7zm If i was in that army I don't think id want to run, because I know theres thousands of men alongside me who have my back and we are going in together
Yes I do, I think the one that struck me. Was where gandalf brought the kings men back and they where just about to make their last stand when he appeared on the mountain. And hearing the horn blow gets me very single time.
@@oneofthosevoicesyouhear9044 And also to “No parent should ever have to bury their child.”, “There’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it’s worth fighting for.”, “I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you!” and “My friends, you bow to no one.”
A wonderful period of my life to watch the LoTR on the big screen and to have seen them with my 4 children who are now all dedicated LoTR fans. My thanks to ALL who made this miracle happen. Most of all thank you Mr Peter Jackson who made it happen. I am 59 soon and I smoke and drink so my tires are running flat soon but I am so glad I saw these movies on the big screen. Thank you Mr Jackson and most of all thank you Mr J.R.R. Tolkien.
same i come here every three months or so, watch it and cry. Its insane how good this whole movie is and the nostalgia of my teenager years watching this w the bros when life was so much better ❤
Came after the news of Bernard Hill's passing. For me, what sets this battle speech apart from others is that it's not a hopeful speech. No pre-game locker room pep talk for teenage boys, this. Theoden makes no sweet promises. He talks of broken spears, of splintered shields, of ruin, of world's ending. His battle cry is not "Victory!" but "Death!" He knows he is charging to his doom but will not flinch away from duty--because he is a good man. And that's all there is to it. Rest in peace, Bernard Hill. It was only a role for you, but still you inspired an entire generation who grew up with the memory of your battle cry.
You made me cry. And I mean that in the most positive way brother. Theoden King's war cry will lice in within us for as long as we live. It will bring hope and glory to us all.
Rest in peace my king to death I shall ride with your speech in mind to go into this battle knowing it meant certain death is the definition of a leader he is my king who will live on forever in the minds of the knights who he inspired
You're absolutely right but I think there's an aspect of it that's important, which is the ambiguity. Theoden's speech talks about death, destruction, the end of the world, but he never says specifically WHOSE death, WHOSE destruction, WHOSE world will end. It's very much a "We will die but they will die more, and through our actions the world will be brighter." Ultimately it is a hopeful speech, because it ends on that "Ere the sun rises!" note, no matter how this fight goes, no matter how many of their comrades fall and die, no matter how much pain they endure, their charge will see to the sun rising brighter again. They call for death, death, our death, but more importantly, THEIR death.
When the Rohirrim start their charge and the Rohan theme kicks in, I still get the same attack of goosebumps that I got 19 years ago in the theatres. These movies are timeless and immortal. They will never be forgotten.
So, I'm not 100% on this, but apparently, behind the scenes, there was a horse in this scene that was quite old. At the time, the production crew were more or less just getting anyone who could ride a horse for this scene to look as good as it would. There was a woman who brought her horse who was quite old and was known to be a lazy galloper. However, when they did the scene, Theoden speech straight up riled the horse up to where it galloped faster than it ever had, even overtook some of the younger horses
Who else is here crying after learning of Bernard Hill's passing? Bernard's portrayal of Theoden had so much depth and was relatable on so many levels. From a king who had been made an emasculated and feeble joke by Saurman to a man ashamed of the king he had become and bitter from the lack of support from his allies, to acceptance and extraordinary bravery in the face of overwhelming odds against him at Helms Deep - to this legendary king coming to the aid of those who did not offer it to him, even if it meant laying down his own life. I mean it was a character arc we all got behind. Whether you had been disappointed by life or were fighting your own demons, Bernard made Theoden a hero to aspire to. Rest in peace brave heart.
Literally did a LOTR extended marathon when I heard of his death early Sunday morning. Over 20 years and this man’s performance still gives me chills. Be at peace great king. Go now to the hall of your forebears and be not ashamed. Hail the victorious dead.
I remember watching this being 10 years old and crying in the cinema. What an amazing legacy tolkien gave us ... The good always will prevail against the evil if there are good men willing to die for it
I really could believe what I was seeing. I knew I was watching something special. I miss this creative period of time. Modern stuff is either overly woke to the point of distraction and immersion Jump or full of incest porn and eye gouging like Game of thrones.
@@psykopandaz my dad pulled me out of school opening day, only other two movies he did that for me were attack of the clones and revenge of the sith (for a bonus, he did also take me for one of my first movie experiences to go see prince of Egypt)
The grey-rain curtain turned all to silver glass and was rolled back, and he beheld white shores and beyond them a far green country under a swift sunrise. RIP Bernard Hill
Theoden just just scream to his men to bring forth the bows and arrows, then when the elephants are closing theoden's men shoot arrows at the same time as theoden's men move backwards. it will basically be a arrow fight between the arrow-men on the elephants vs the arrow-men on the ground. Ghosts may not even be needed to win the war... // Expert
It sucked at the time having to wait a year for each film to be released but when I saw it in its entirety I was in awe. Cinema at its best. Thank you Peter Jackson.
“Arise! Arise, Riders of Theoden! Spears shall be shaken, shields shall be splintered! A sword day…a red day…ere the Sun rises!” ~King Theoden Rest in peace, Bernard Hill (1944-2024)
Fun fact as a Norse Heathen (believer in the Norse gods) I can tell you that his speech is inspired by Ragnarok "a sword age a axe age shields will be splintered a wolf age a wind age the sun will forever darken" it's describing fimbulvetr or the coming of Ragnarok it doesn't surprise me as Tolkien was a scholar of the sagas both Saxon and Norse
I think what really sells the weight of this scene is the Orcs. The looks on their faces, realizing that no matter what they do, despite the fact that they massively outnumber their enemy, the Rohirrirm cannot and will not stop their charge. They are not afraid of death and are willing to die for their cause, and this truly shakes these creatures who are so used to, and take pleasure in, bringing fear and death to others. Fantastic scene in a film filled with fantastic scenes.
@@warlordofbritannia its why I get chills every single time. Because it is what humanity is We will throw ourselves into the jaws of death if there is even a _sliver_ of a chance we can help each other. If it means fighting for what we stand for. And in the book this was portrayed very well, since Tolkien survived the trenches. And then the movie elevates that feeling.
When horses knock down orcs and send them flying like bowling pins, and when orcs don't seem to know any anti horse/cavalry formations(like spear walls), obviously they aren't gonna stop a full power cavalry charge with just a few arrows
@@ex0duzz They did use proper tactics, "Pikes to the front, archers behind", but they broke that formation when they grew scared and ran. Which in history is when most of the casualties usually happened, especially in medieval warfare.
I mean, it's that and just a basic understanding of bronze age, iron age and even steel age warfare. Flanking seems to be a meme these days, but if you could successfully flank your opponent, as the Rohirrim seem to succeed in, you could cause devastating losses to the enemy and almost always cause a rout. Battles were more about rank and discipline. Break that, cause chaos in your enemy ranks and you have won. Large numbers all of a sudden become futile when people become afraid of dying. Rather than killing everyone you wanted to break morale and watch the enemy army evaporate before your eyes. The most famous example of this remains the battle of Cannae, with Hannibal destroying a larger army, killing almost every enemy, but manipulating his army position to have his smaller army envelop and flank the enemy army. These were Romans, even the veteran and battle-hardened triarii, and they broke morale and died because they panicked and broke ranks. The orcs in the scene started breaking ranks after their morale broke. Were it not for the Mumakil there's every indication that Theoden and his army could've slaughtered the entire army. Panic is your friend in battle.
This might be my favorite scene in all movie history. The stakes of knowing you’re fighting a horde of orcs 100x bigger than your army and riding into battle chanting “DEATH” as you sacrifice your life for the hopes of saving humanity is incredible
The fact that they all shout “death” before charging, knowing they’re most likely going to die but they’ll fight anyway, never fails to make me emotional
It's also a symbolic middle finger to Sauron and Morgoth who corrupted man and made them fear death. By shouting death, they accepted mortality and threw back any temptation offered by Sauron
It's the same with the army at the black gate. I'm pretty sure they only took those that would volunteer to go. Then when the black gates opened and they heard the roar of the host of Mordor they were terrified. They brought a small army outnumbered 10:1 knowing they will probably die, not even intending to defeat Mordor's army but to fight for Frodo and Sam.
An interesting thing I once read : Theoden and the Rohirrims screaming “Death” is not a call for the death of the Orcs but rather a beautiful realization that Rohan will surely fall after this charge and that they accept this fate. Sauron managed to defeat Men by making them fear death, which in turn corrupted them, making them weak and prompt to be cowards, to abandon hope and honor. By screaming “Death”, Theoden and the Rohirrims show their courage and their acceptance of their fate, suppressing the hold that Sauron had on them and making them true Men of ancient times, one of the mightiest enemies of Sauron. I love Rohan
This scene just reminds us what movies can be when taken to heart and not by corporate greed or agendas. Notice the pure good uplifting hyper energy that we all feel when watching this scene. SO powerful, emotional, and moving. Soul. RIP Bernard Hill's
So true, but not only this scene. The actors got paid next to nothing for this trilogy. They did it because they knew this trilogy would have a deep impact.
An 8 year old cant comprehend the emotional impact of this scene to the point of crying. An 8 yo would most likely be more hyped than crying for a scene like this.
Bernard Hill's portrayal of Theoden is just a masterclass - he immerses himself in the role so effortlessly you forget he's an actor playing a character. The trilogy would not be complete without him - a performance for the ages. RIP to a legend.
Hell; he made the other actors in this scene forget themselves. All 200 actual horse-riders in that shot were hopped up and ready to kill in his name by the end of that speech. Truly "The joy of battle was upon them."
Comparing the equivalent of the fellowship of the ring to the lotr trilogy is a bold move. People are so sort of sighted these days. Season 1 is a foundation. Just like the fellowship of the ring. If season 1 finale is an indication of how good season 2 will be, im all for it.
Honestly I agree. I remember when fellowship came out if was a very niche liking. It was good but definitely got better after the rest of the story was told.
@Jacob Garcia the funny part is I remember the fellowship of the ring blowing my little teenage mind when I saw it in theaters. It's not that it was bad it did a fantastic job of laying the foundation for the trilogy. The characters' motives, the settings, the plot. But like any good trilogy, it is the dullest of the three. I find with fantasy stories you have to cut the writers slack because they have to not just explain the characters and the plot they really have to lay out the settings in detail.
There is a little rhyme I made long ago when I first read the passage of Théoden’s death. It may be cringe for some but I truly meant it as I was weeping: “For every pipe we burn, for Théoden King we mourn.” Rest in peace our King Bernard Hill
There are countless other epic scenes if you count tv show, even more so if you are open to anime. I'd argue even more epic than this one because the build up can sometimes be decades long. If you enjoy everything epic and not just LoTR you can revive this countless times with sci-fi and anime
My absolute favorite quote from LotR books: “In rode the Lord of the Nazgûl. A great black shape against the fires beyond he loomed up, grown to a vast menace of despair. In rode the Lord of the Nazgûl, under the archway that no enemy ever yet had passed, and all fled before his face. All save one. There waiting, silent and still in the space before the Gate, sat Gandalf upon Shadowfax: Shadowfax who alone among the free horses of the earth endured the terror, unmoving, steadfast as a graven image in Rath Dínen. "You cannot enter here," said Gandalf, and the huge shadow halted. "Go back to the abyss prepared for you! Go back! Fall into the nothingness that awaits you and your Master. Go!" The Black Rider flung back his hood, and behold! he had a kingly crown; and yet upon no head visible was it set. The red fires shone between it and the mantled shoulders vast and dark. From a mouth unseen there came a deadly laughter. "Old fool!" he said. "Old fool! This is my hour. Do you not know Death when you see it? Die now and curse in vain!" And with that he lifted high his sword and flames ran down the blade. And in that very moment, away behind in some courtyard of the city, a cock crowed. Shrill and clear he crowed, recking nothing of war nor of wizardry, welcoming only the morning that in the sky far above the shadows of death was coming with the dawn. And as if in answer there came from far away another note. Horns, horns, horns, in dark Mindolluin's sides they dimly echoed. Great horns of the north wildly blowing. Rohan had come at last.”
It's my favorite as well! I first read this when I was 14, 24 years ago. I teared up then and I've teared up every time I've read it since. It's too beautiful!
One of the best speeches by far, very to the point. Theoden sees the horde they have to attack, knows full well they have a snowball's chance in hell of surviving, but also knows the gargantuan damage 6000 lancers can do, and goes with "let's fuck shit up".
You know what I really love about this scene? From the moment he crested the hill, Theoden knew he was going to die. Just look at his eyes. (Brilliant acting, Bernard). He knew he was going to die, delivered the best speech of his life, and charged into oblivion. Edit: RIP Bernard Hill. "A sore day! A red day! AND THE SUN ARISES!" Fix spears and charge vanguard and flanks, all the Rohirrim forward. Death. DEATH!!!!
It somehow even works in the books, where there are near CONSTANT, less subtle 'death flags' for him (even his own dialogue) that even when it pays off it still hits you like a brick.
@@oshkeet Good observation, I recall when I was a kid reading it he seemed to have a much more fatalistic attitude than any of the other 'hero' characters. Maybe he was grappling with the guilt of being under Wormtongue's influence for so long.
I feel like the Rohirrim as a whole thought this. They all were prepared to follow their king to death and glory because there was no other choice. Always loved that little scene after Aaragorn leaves the camp and the men begin to murmur that the battle cannot be won and Theoden just says its straight up, no, he didn't think it could be won, but they would meet them in battle non the less. And in this part when they arrive there is a little bit of hope to the music, but in the charge, the tone is almost mournful, the world of men hinges on this one moment, this desperate last stand. They don't know where Aargorn is, they have no hope that they will even save Gondor, but they charge anyways. This for me is the greatest "charge into battle" moment in any film ever made, even beating the Avengers. I never felt the avengers was desperate, more a heck of a cool moment where all the heroes arrive and it's like, boy you got yourself a fight now. I felt this had so much more weight to it than any other movie has ever be able to show on screen. Even though we know ultimately the good guys win, you could still feel how they were really with their backs to the wall.
I just love how human the Rohirrim are. They're good fighters, but they're human. They're terrified. Theoden grimaces when he sees the size of the enemy army. Eowyn's nerve falters when they first shout death. But they come nonetheless, and they shout death, and they charge. That's the human spirit there. Edit: RIP, Bernard Hill. You are now with the great actors of yore, and even in their mighty company you shall not feel ashamed.
Yeah, my theory is that people find such scenes awesome, 'cause they practically never see their own leaders take the head of a charge against an enemy. Current leaders of Theoden's stature are usually hiding in safety, while their soldiers are getting blown to bits overseas or the like.
I believe it's the point in the movie where they have actually defeated Sauron's greatest weapon, FEAR!!!! For years, his armies were taught humans were scared of them, the orcs and uruk-hai rejoiced in it. But at this point, it was useless for orcs as the rohirrims never faltered and rammed right through them, knowing death was waiting for them.
The call of "death" has always stuck with me. The acceptance of their fate yet they attend their duty.The drop of the music as the riders crash through. Nothing like it in cinema history.
I’ve actually discussed with my father (who read The Hobbit to me when I was a lad about Christopher’s age, poetically enough) what it is about this scene that leads me to hold it above even the rest of the Lord of the Rings, book or film. To me what makes this scene so wondrous is that - unlike Helm’s Deep or the Black Gate - this was not the work of some grand destined need or wizard’s gamble (save for Gandalf having saved Theoden initially, but that wasn’t fully a factor here) but rather some six-thousand-and-two mortal beings who had every right and reason to stay away and stand down in the face of that terrible army deciding instead that it was right and proper to come and fight and likely die for their fellow mortals. Theoden could have held his warriors back. The Eorlingas could have shunned the call and defended their lands. Merry could have agreed that the largest cavalry charge in the last several millennia was not the right place for him to fight. Eowyn could have stayed back and protected her people by ruling rather than fighting. To a blessed one every single one of them decided to follow Theoden to that field and fight, not for victory or divine command or any other ephemeral cause save that Gondor had asked for help and was in dire need. Gandalf didn’t magic up a request. Ilúvatar did not send down a bolt of divine inspiration. Hell, Oromë didn’t send a sign through their steeds. The warriors of Rohan, beaten, tired, battered, still came to the aid of others because it was *right* and *good* to do it. That’s what I love about this scene. It’s people coming to help, even if it just means the ones they came to save don’t meet the end of days alone.
It also makes me tear up, but rather because these people believe what their doing is only delaying the inevitable. They have no hope, but are doing this because it is the right, and honorable thing to do.
@@Will_Lesher To be fair, they aren't even counting on delaying the inevitable. Truly delaying the inevitable would be to let Gondor fall and run away, leaving Rohan behind and traveling as far to the west as they could. Instead, they are rushing headlong into (in their minds) an impossible battle where every one of them will die. They've said their final goodbyes to their families earlier than they would've had to, all so Gondor doesn't have to die alone. Fucking badass.
Theoden giving his tactics out to his lieutenants made the hairs go up on my arms. His speech after had me in tears when i first saw this in the cinema
All they'd have to do is have a good story (done,) and good music (remains to be seen,) and create something epic. Which is unlikely, such things are quite rare. Too many corporations (and people) settle for mediocre rather than excellent.
@@highstimulation2497 I think there's a lot of enjoyable stuff between mediocre and excellent though... I'll be happy if the new show is somewhere between good and great.
@HighStimulation but nowadays companies cater to everyone's feelings which imo ruins the legendary status of the entire world of Middle Earth. We're probably gonna see gay orcs fucking each other in the Rings of Power.
Rest in peace Bernard Hill, and thanks for giving us Theoden. “Arise, arise, riders of Rohan! Fell deeds awake, fire and slaughter! Spear shall be shaken, shield be splintered! A sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises! Ride now, ride now, ride to Gondor!”
My mom and I used to love watching this trilogy together, we both cried during this scene. She passed this year. I miss you mom, I’ll always think of you next to me watching these films.
I like to think that Theoden's " 'Ere the sun rises!" is a direct reply to Hurin, in the first age, shouting "Aurë entuluva! Day shall come again" at the Nirnaeth Arnoediad. I interpret it as night falling upon Arda when Morgoth broke out of Angband, starting a long streak of evil and darkness ruling the lands, from him, to Sauron in the second and third ages. Then when Morgoth's final lieutenant and last bastion of evil in the world is finally about to shatter, " The sun rises". Finally ending the long dark night. Truly, Day had come again.
Indeed, this is an artistic and audio video masterful...the grand culmination of the idea. In this you see even the horses and orcs become FREE. Spirit and nature become one
I could never appreciate Theoden’s character when I was younger, now I’m older and a father, I understand how much pain he must have felt losing his son. To come back from that pain and lead the Rohirrim in such an emotionally charged attack in the Pelennor fields is such a great arc and makes him one of the greatest characters ever in storytelling. The Ride of the Rohirrim is the greatest scene ever. It has everything; emotion, courage, music, all in perfect synchronicity.
As I remember, Theoden was quite willing to go to Gondor's aid in the original text, but Jackson understood the context of a grieving father and a king who was watching his country burn and its people suffer, cursing his failures. Of course he would be _furious_ at Gondor for leaving Rohan to fend for itself, hence the angry retort to Aragorn, "Where was Gondor!?" and his initial reluctance to muster an army to help Gondor after Pippin touched the palantir. Jackson managed to sell that pretty well, even though he made a very similar case for Faramir which didn't land quite as well because we only got the first half of Faramir's arc.
absolutely , Growing up we all loved Aragorn Gandalf is my guy but recently Theoden is the one I can relate the more and his moment of courage makes it stand out the more
@@MMuraseofSandvich AND not only that, when witnessed how Gondor was the last bastion against darkness, Theoden forgot everything, He realized their sacrifices, he knew their pain. He fought for it till his last breath.
That scene makes me cry 😭😭😭 Oh Theoden King and his bravest company of horsemen! At the turn of the tide, you were always there for those who were in need of help! R.I.P. 🙏🏻
That was actually the case for most of history. It only really changed when succession laws were stabilized so that a sitting monarch need not have worried about getting supplanted by a general in the field. The advent of guns actually came later, but they further incentivized this development. Some kings were more enthusiastic about the task than others of course, with Richard the Lionheart being the biggest mad-lad to don a crown that I know of (I'm sure there were others).
@@BIastwave. That's a pretty dated movie reference. The quote also doesn't make a lot of sense since a lot of sense since a number of minor character, like Odysseus, were minor kings who fought and Achilles and Hector were both princes and sons of Kings (at least according to the Illiad). Still, can't go wrong with bashing Agamemnon.
Right? Like even if I had no military experience or ability to fight.. After theodens speech youd just automatically turn into an absolute tank. Its made even more impressive when you realise that a good portion of the speech he did on the spot. Or so the rumours say.
Exactly! After that speech I would get crazy against the enemies...I would probably die at the first try but who cares? Not me! I died for Rohan godamnit!
the look Theoden gives when he reaches the point where he can see the orcs, he knows damn well he's sacrificing his life if he charges yet proceeds to do so anyway, such an underrated character and beautiful moment EDIT: It's 2 days since Theoden King's passing and this speech will forever be held so dear to our hearts! The warm feeling this speech has always given to us all now means so much more that our Theodon King has passed onto the afterlife "I go to my fathers. And even in their mighty company I shall not now be ashamed.". You have touched so many lives Bernard Hill and you will forever be remembered for the greatest battle speech in all of movie history. Forth Eorlingas
Howard Shore's music elevates this to an indescribably transcendent series of movies. The emotions that the music stir within the viewer, combined with how seamlessly they fit every scene is just beyond words. Nothing in cinema will ever match the staggering and moving works of art that are the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
@Max Payne yes, but it had to have fascinated him, as war is something he would center his stories around. And in the creation of this world he wrote that it needed evil, to let peace and happiness exist.
He would have hated it. He hated film adaptations and even his son Christopher wasn't satisfied with this, hence why he never sold the rights to the posthumously published books.
Theoden, immediately after seeing the embodiment of hopelessness in front of him, takes 1/2 a second to compose himself and accepts his fate. His army are given absolute confidence from the start by the orders he gives: “Grimbold, take your company right, after you pass the wall.” - specifically “after you pass the wall” Embodies this sentiment perfectly as it implies “you WILL pass the wall and I will be there to meet you, when you do” He plans for victory but accepts death. His genius is then to give his soldiers clear orders and honesty so they too understand that he will charge with them to whatever end. They become the embodiment of 1000 years of the finest horseman in middle-earth incarnate. The fear transfers to the orcs opposite. The Rohirrim accept death in that moment as inevitable and charge.
Indeed, this is an artistic and audio video masterful...the grand culmination of the idea. In this you see even the horses and orcs become FREE. Spirit and nature become one
Theoden also spiritually defied both Morgoth and Sauron by chanting "Death." Morgoth and Sauron both worked to corrupt the meaning of death and make men fear death. This is actually how Sauron destroyed Numenor. So when Theoden and the Rohirrim chant "Death!," at the top of their lungs, they were actually defying Morgoth/Sauron by demonstrating faith in Eä. Not only did Theoden start a battle cry, but he also reminded Men to reclaim their spirituality from Morgoth and Sauron.
I believe that line 'After you pass the wall' is actually taken directly from the book, where it signifies the wall that surrounds the Pelennor Fields, the Rammas Echor, not the wall of the City. It makes little sense in the context of the movie, considering the lay-out of the battlefield as seen in this scene, but it still sounds cool, so...
If you think about the speech he gave, he also accepted the one, small, chance that they'd succeed: if there no was no backing down, no retreat and they hit them with everything they had there was a small chance they'd break. So he worked his calvary to a point they wouldn't . And...his opponents did break.
One of the reasons this scene works so well is because of the duality of Shore's Rohan theme. The first time we heard it, played by a solo violin, it was a lament for past glories, as Eowyn looked out over a land that had lost its purpose and - effectively - its king. This time it is the REMEMBRANCE of those past glories. These are a people who have remembered their purpose and strength, and whose king is restored. The same theme, but a radically different emphasis. It's the chromatic nature of the motif that allows it to serve both purposes - all those minor notes give it a melancholic edge, yet it also soars up to new heights (literally, with a new crescendo) as Rohan's finest hour arrives.
I remember when I was just 10 years old watching this scene in the cinema with my parents. It has stuck with me as clear memory ever since then. What a timeless masterpiece
@@TheOneAndOnlyLUUUU It's not the same thing, here we have factions which are easier to identify, in Avengers we have superheroes and beings from other planets, it isn't that easy to make the audience to understand who they are. Anyway both movies are amazing and probably the best on their own genre.
And the most epic aspect of it is, I don’t know if it’s true or not, I remember having read it somewhere. That last ride of Theoden, touching the spears of his front row riders with his sword whilst firing them up with said words. That, presumably, wasn’t scripted but an improvised idea by the actor who magnificently portrayed Theoden King, Bernard Hill. If that is indeed true, a good portion of the epic nature of this shot is on his part. How many of us were shouting DEATH... DEATH ( at least in our minds or muttered inaudible ) when the King rallied his faithful kinsmen?
I never knew what he was saying, thank you for that. And i am with you all the way in how this makes one feel. i always watch this part of the movie at least twice.
Does anybody like...hype cry during this scene when the solo violin hits at the beginning of the charge? Because I hype cry. Such an awesome scene. Best scene in cinematic history.
Thats the best music score for a battle like that. Best track on the soundtrack. When i hear it on the soundtrack cd, i still get this scene in my mind and get teary eyed. Youre not alone with that. Howard Shore is amazing
![The Lord of the Rings (2003) - Haradrims vs Rohan army (The Mumakil) [4K]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Jl8TiA3RwIY/mqdefault.jpg)
![The Lord of the Rings (2003) - Haradrims vs Rohan army (The Mumakil) [4K]](/img/tr.png)
"Suddenly the king cried to Snowmane and the horse sprang away. Behind him his banner blew in the wind, white horse upon a field of green, but he outpaced it. After him thundered the knights of his house, but he was ever before them. Éomer rode there, the white horsetail on his helm floating in his speed, and the front of the first éored roared like a breaker foaming to the shore, but Théoden could not be overtaken. Fey he seemed, or the battle-fury of his fathers ran like new fire in his veins, and he was borne up on Snowmane like a god of old, even as Oromë the Great in the battle of the Valar when the world was young. His golden shield was uncovered, and lo! it shone like an image of the Sun, and the grass flamed into green about the white feet of his steed."
Thats the part of the book I miss the most in this movie.
Reading that brought tears to my eyes.
Wonderful writing.
I don't know you but I love you.
@@schawdaya And I love you, random Citizen!
@@TheClord123the random citizen comment is the best comment I have ever read.
I love many of us instinctively searched for this scene after learning of Bernard Hill's passing. Rest in peace to this legendary actor.
Best godamn cavalry charge hands down lead by a worthy king. Hail King theoden!
Timeless scene
Remember watching this in the cinema, and the audience getting up and cheering as Bernard hill shouted 'Death', what a scene, what an actor. RIP Bernard
Theoden was one of the best characters in the LOTR movies. His character arc from focusing only on his own people to riding out at the end of the world was masterfully written and acted. RIP Bernard Hill.
Yup! Came here immediately.
“I go to my fathers, in whose mighty company I shall not now feel ashamed.”
RIP Bernard Hill. A legend.
HAIL THE VICTORIOUS DEAD!
@@hrash0836 HAIL!
@@hrash0836 HAIL!
Hail...!!!...
Hail!
Bernard Hill has just passed away. He will forever be remembered as Theoden King. Rest in peace my king.
May his soul reach the halls of his ancestors in peace.
That's why I'm here man :(
Had to rewatch this, for the dozenth or so time. I don't think anything from a film has been so inspiring in the last 20 or so years.
Had to rewatch this in his honor. Always have tears in my eyes during this incredible scene, but today they’re pouring.
What an actor, no one couldve ever played theoden like him. He really was the embodyment of the valar Oromë as he rode his steed if ever someone could be
my sister is one of the riders of Rohirrim. Funny how a farm girl just riding her horse inside the fence got offered as an extra. When she told me about this I was so jealous, she said they will take anyone aslong they can ride a horse. I was so ready to ditch college and get a plane ticket back home just to be an extra, unfortunately i had exams.
It's okay, the blood of a rider of Rohan runs through you!
Can I bring dowrly?
Neat!
Did you pass the exams, tho?
Are you, by any chance, from the Snowbourn riders?
The soldiers chanting "DEATH!" is really significant here. Eru originally gave death to humans as a gift, so they could enjoy their time on Arda. However, Morgoth twisted this, making man fear death, so they coveted the immortality of the elves. Here, they scream it out in defiance of Morgoth and his servants, saying they do not fear it, and that now Morgoth, Sauron, and the darkness they wield have no power over them.
Eomer in the book originally chanted “death death death take us all” after he watched Theoden fall and then he charged into the Easterling ranks and nearly died himself
@@Boothinator247Eomer rallying the remaining Rohirrim and going berserker in his grief is a highlight of the books for me. He sees the black sails and knows they're fucked and just decides to take as many down as he can.
Also, the Swan Knights sallying out because they can't let those upstart horselords get all the cavalry fun.
Even with out knowing the lore, chanting death in such a charge is such a powerful chant. Charging into hell, on the eve of the end of the world and you are celebrating death. You truly have nothing to lose
This made me cry
I always wondered why they chanted “death”. Thank you.
One of the greatest scenes in movie history.
The Ride of the Rohirrim showcases what evil is truly afraid of: the courage of good men to oppose it.
Edit: RIP Bernard Hill
Hell yeah
Yes, absolutely a contender for absolute best movie scenes ever imo. As for any more specific categories, in terms of large scale battles I don’t think there is any movie with a better one.
Everything was handled perfectly, the instructions to the commanders, the music, the speech, the atmosphere, the charge itself. No movie bs either, it’s actually really realistic too imo.
Like the instructions to the commanders is a minor thing. But to me at least it adds a lot. Always a little pulled out of the immersion when see stuff like a king talking loudly to thousands of people about the plan. While clearly only a few would have heard it. The king first talking to the commanders, even if only very quickly shows he gave out instructions and it entirely removes that immersion break for me. As I said it’s a minor thing, but always notice those kind of things.
Also just the movie btw, lord of the rings by no means is perfect. But the story is so so good. The music is amazing. No wierd shit in an attempt to appease anyone. Very good use of cgi and tricks for filming that still today hold up super well. And best of all may be the acting. Genuinely not a single bad actor in this movie (at least don’t remember anyone that performed less then amazing in any of the movies)
Tbh proof on how good the movies are is that despite being made in a time where generally movies longer then 2h would be considered very long. Where budget for them was much smaller then today. Where cgi and similar where nowhere near what they are today. Yet somehow they even made extended cuts that are still quite popular with basically no filler what so ever. Nearly 12 hours of movie time I believe. Super impressive still to day, masterwork at the time it was made.
Not watched it yet but apperantly the series they made recently. Rings of power? Apparently it’s not very good. Again haven’t watched it yet so maybe people being a bit harsh but with how others in the past went wouldn’t be surprised if it does suck.
Big shame because do think that the lord of the rings movies could actually work really really well as a series. Would give a lot more time to go into the stuff the movies didn’t have time for. Could be the same story as the movies or a different one I wouldn’t mind.
Just a big shame companies really seem to have lost track with movies and series. New ones can still have a couple good ones every so often but rare to see a well made remake of something.
If you have never seen any other movie, this might be true.
Well said
"Ride now. Ride now. Ride. Ride for ruin and the world endiiiing"
chills, goosebumps and other things.
oh hi afguideshd
All of the things
for me, all of these things + crying for some reason
DEATH!!!
@@waaa3081 Its funny how Game of Thrones was the closest thing we could get to epic battles of good against evil but they managed to drop the ball and become almost forgotten. Decades later we'll still be watching these movies and scenes. Timeless.
Best scene in the history of cinema, I dont care who argues with me - this is unbeatable.
it really is
Yes. Absolutely
You're god-damn right
I think that Boromir's death can rival this scene. It's truly chilling, it feels close and personal, when in this scene, you are in awe, almost feeling like you would have charged to your death too.
It's less tragic, it's more of an embrace of mortality when the death of Boromir is more morbid, because he wasn't ready to die.
I think they are both the best scenes of the trilogy, and arguably in cinema history.
I agree
I feel for people who didn't get to experience this live on the big screen. You could literally hear a pin drop when the horn of Rohan sung. The entire theatre was silent watching in awe. People were crying. The most surreal movie experience I've lived through
I got to it was the best.
I wonder if they'll ever show the trilogy again in theaters!!! I'd prob pay $500 lmao
@@ExpeditionMusicThey did over covid! And will again!!
I was 8 when I saw it so I can't remember the experience super well but am glad I saw it at the cinema
they’re showing the extended editions in Vue Cinema currently, watched FotR and TT so far, next Saturday RotK
Theoden had one of the best arcs in the LOTR trilogy. From being manipulated by Saruman and being seen as a weak and fragile king to not being able to save/protect his people at Helm's Deep to leading the charge of the Rohirrim and helping to win the battle that ends up saving Middle Earth. From being viewed as a failed king to cementing his legacy as one of the greatest kings in the LOTR universe. His dying breath says it all: "I go to my fathers in whose mighty company I shall not now feel ashamed"
Ending that was glorious, at the end of his speech "And the sun rises! Ride now! Ride for ruin and the world's ending!".
Yas! especially on the long version of the film when Saruman taunted him. Amazing performance by the actor!
My favourite Lotr character ❤️
the best comment I read was about Theoden:
Theoden almost gets written into the history books as "a lesser son of greater sires." His arc on the fields of Pelennor that cements him as a great man doesn't take place until he's 71 years old. He also didn't become a great man until becoming a great man was no longer his goal. He was great because he fell on the field saving something outside himself.
He and Denethor illustrate the two paths a man has to choose from when faced with the paralyzing grip of despair. He overcomes it, by obeying his duty even in the absence of hope, and achieves glory. Denethor is consumed by it, and leaps ignominiously into a pyre of his own making.
Theoden probably is the best book to screen adaption in the series
Rest in peace, Bernard Hill.
Your role as King Theoden will never be forgotten.
A great man. And a true King.
fear no darkness!!
I didn’t even know, I just came back to rewatch this wonderful scene
Arise! Riders of Theoden!
HAIL THEODEN KING!!!!
At 1:33 Bernard did such a good job of conveying that Théoden was looking out with grief and dismay at what he was seeing. Then he recoups and give the best speech in cinema.
the books do a really good job of stressing just how much Theoden did not plan on surviving. He took it for granted leaving Rohan that he was riding to his death, and he figured all the rest were doomed wit him. He was riding for honor and duty, not hope, but he refused to fail as a king and heir of his line for a minute more. He sees this, and being afraid is the most natural thing in the world, but there is nowhere to go. He refuses to run and hide and wait for death. Once going home is not an option, all you can do is go BIG.
In the book it says when Theoden saw the armies of mordor he wished to run away and hide in the mountains. You can see the exact moment in Bernard's performance, that's such a cool detail.
@@Forlorn-kg7zm If i was in that army I don't think id want to run, because I know theres thousands of men alongside me who have my back and we are going in together
It is far from the best speech in cinema, but it is good enough.
@@andro99991 spotted the orc in the chat
Rest in peace king Theoden.
Bernard Hill left us today at 79 (5 may 2024)
A King, and a good man
Hail Theoden, king!
"As a father you were to me, for a little while. Farewell."
Hail Theoden King
RIP Bernard Hill, we love you
Achilles: “Imagine a King who fights his own battles. Wouldn’t that be a sight”
Theoden King:
Winning comment
Super 👌
*This is the Way.*
The quote is stupid as he was the king himself
And kings fighting their own battles was a norm until 19 century
@@muradm7748 so i guess you don't lnow grec history
I mean... you know a scene is legendary if, after 19 years, you still get the chills by just watching it.
Agreed
I tear up even watching it on my phone with shitty speakers. Imagine seeing this scene in a theater. Would not be able to keep sitting
Truly legendary. 🔥🔥
19 years, has it really been that long? :O
Yes I do, I think the one that struck me. Was where gandalf brought the kings men back and they where just about to make their last stand when he appeared on the mountain. And hearing the horn blow gets me very single time.
The best calvary charge ive even seen. still watching in 2024. makes me cry how good scene is. shame new movies aren’t made to this detail.
"I now go to my fathers...in whose mighty company I shall no longer feel ashamed." Brings a tear every time.
Second only to:
"I would have followed you, my brother. My captain. My king"
@@oneofthosevoicesyouhear9044 And also to “No parent should ever have to bury their child.”, “There’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it’s worth fighting for.”, “I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you!” and “My friends, you bow to no one.”
@@TJSaw "You bow to no one" takes the absolute zenith place for me.
@@mt4592 "For Frodo" *Aragorn teary eyes*
I’m not crying… you’re crying.
I love how Eowyn and Merry are scared shitless, but they charge anyway. That's what courage is.
This is an important comment
@@mcdark1156 Everyone come over to support their newly created youtube channel
Omg yess so right. Even they are too scared to react to the first "death" scream, waiting for the very last time to embrace the fact
Only a fool or a corpse is without fear.
That's what real courage is, it's not the absence of fear it's being afraid and still push through it
"I go to my fathers. And even in their mighty company I shall not now be ashamed."
Rest in peace, Bernard Hill. ❤️💮
Hail the victorious dead!
Possibly the greatest piece of cinematic history ever. The music, the speech, the scale of it all... an ageless master piece
I cry. LITERALLY. Cry. Every time i watch Theodens speech. Thank You Bernard. And thank You Peter.
Me too pal.. me too.
Even reading the book I weep. Not undignified wailing, but pilgrims tears at the end of a long journey.
A wonderful period of my life to watch the LoTR on the big screen and to have seen them with my 4 children who are now all dedicated LoTR fans. My thanks to ALL who made this miracle happen. Most of all thank you Mr Peter Jackson who made it happen. I am 59 soon and I smoke and drink so my tires are running flat soon but I am so glad I saw these movies on the big screen. Thank you Mr Jackson and most of all thank you Mr J.R.R. Tolkien.
same i come here every three months or so, watch it and cry. Its insane how good this whole movie is and the nostalgia of my teenager years watching this w the bros when life was so much better ❤
I saw all 3 movies on their opening nights. All these years later this still makes me cry too. RIP.
RIP Mr. Bernard Hill (Dec. 17, 1944 - May 5, 2024)
Thank you for your legendary movie screen portrayal of King Theoden.
Titanic
Rip
Came after the news of Bernard Hill's passing.
For me, what sets this battle speech apart from others is that it's not a hopeful speech. No pre-game locker room pep talk for teenage boys, this. Theoden makes no sweet promises. He talks of broken spears, of splintered shields, of ruin, of world's ending. His battle cry is not "Victory!" but "Death!" He knows he is charging to his doom but will not flinch away from duty--because he is a good man. And that's all there is to it.
Rest in peace, Bernard Hill. It was only a role for you, but still you inspired an entire generation who grew up with the memory of your battle cry.
You made me cry. And I mean that in the most positive way brother. Theoden King's war cry will lice in within us for as long as we live. It will bring hope and glory to us all.
Rest in peace my king to death I shall ride with your speech in mind to go into this battle knowing it meant certain death is the definition of a leader he is my king who will live on forever in the minds of the knights who he inspired
Agreed. Ride now to ruin to the worlds ending
Gives me chills
INTERGALACTIC FACTS!!!
You're absolutely right but I think there's an aspect of it that's important, which is the ambiguity. Theoden's speech talks about death, destruction, the end of the world, but he never says specifically WHOSE death, WHOSE destruction, WHOSE world will end. It's very much a "We will die but they will die more, and through our actions the world will be brighter." Ultimately it is a hopeful speech, because it ends on that "Ere the sun rises!" note, no matter how this fight goes, no matter how many of their comrades fall and die, no matter how much pain they endure, their charge will see to the sun rising brighter again. They call for death, death, our death, but more importantly, THEIR death.
Am I the only one who still tears up whenever this scene pops up.
I teared up the first time I saw it in the cinema, that's over 20 years now, and it still never ceases to bring me to tears every time 😢😊.
I seen this as a kid and didn’t understand the magic of this scene. Now years later it’s incredible
Tears and goosebumps friend, every time
"I go to my fathers in whose mighty company I shall not now feel ashamed."
R.I.P Bernard Hill, absolute legend!
Still Miss you 😚💖
Still love you
There will never, ever be another scene quite like this in cinema ever again. This was truly a special moment in history. Thank you Bernard Hill, RIP.
Only thing close is the “portals” scene in Endgame.
@@travisvanalst4698 😂😂😂
@travisvanalst4698 nahh, maybe the Knights of the Vale arriving at the Battle of the Bastards tho.
Heim deep
@@travisvanalst4698 you a child if you compare those.
When the Rohirrim start their charge and the Rohan theme kicks in, I still get the same attack of goosebumps that I got 19 years ago in the theatres. These movies are timeless and immortal. They will never be forgotten.
Meanwhile in the RoP. Slowmo charge to a village lol.
@@kaelthunderhoof5619 I haven’t watched that abomination and have no intention to. I knew it would be an absolute shitshow from the start.
@@TJSaw same lol
Right?? I love when they charge and ehen the music completely stops, we only hear fight sounds. Peter Jackson did it perfectly!!
@@TJSaw I tried to watch couldn't get pass the first 10 minutes thank god tolken will never have to watch it
That dude at 4:49 is coming in like a fucking wrecking ball.
Man had slaughter on his mind and naught else
He had lethal intent!
So, I'm not 100% on this, but apparently, behind the scenes, there was a horse in this scene that was quite old. At the time, the production crew were more or less just getting anyone who could ride a horse for this scene to look as good as it would. There was a woman who brought her horse who was quite old and was known to be a lazy galloper. However, when they did the scene, Theoden speech straight up riled the horse up to where it galloped faster than it ever had, even overtook some of the younger horses
He was on 100% bullshit 😂😂😂😂
That was actually a woman with makeup and a fake beard
"I go to my fathers. And even in their mighty company I shall not now be ashamed." - King Theoden's final words. RIP Benard Hill, Legend and King
Who else is here crying after learning of Bernard Hill's passing?
Bernard's portrayal of Theoden had so much depth and was relatable on so many levels. From a king who had been made an emasculated and feeble joke by Saurman to a man ashamed of the king he had become and bitter from the lack of support from his allies, to acceptance and extraordinary bravery in the face of overwhelming odds against him at Helms Deep - to this legendary king coming to the aid of those who did not offer it to him, even if it meant laying down his own life. I mean it was a character arc we all got behind. Whether you had been disappointed by life or were fighting your own demons, Bernard made Theoden a hero to aspire to.
Rest in peace brave heart.
I’m not ashamed to say that I’ve been crying on and off today over his death.
Literally did a LOTR extended marathon when I heard of his death early Sunday morning. Over 20 years and this man’s performance still gives me chills. Be at peace great king. Go now to the hall of your forebears and be not ashamed. Hail the victorious dead.
Wow you said it.
God bless
Always loved his character! Such a good character.
RIP Bernard Hill (December 17, 1944 - May 5, 2024), aged 79
You will be remembered as a legend
Absolutely....Merseyside, s adopted son....Yozza rides again....
RIP to Bernard Hill, the man who inspired so many of us with his Theoden!
Hail!
Forth Eorlingas!
Im crying now
This.
This has to go down as one of the greatest scenes in cinema history. Absolutely sensational!
RIP King Theoden.
Younger generations would never know the feeling of seeing this for the first time on the big screen. My heart was pumping out of my chest.
Same! I was gripping my seat and leaning forward!
我來自台灣，原諒我不會用英文表示我的感動，但這部戲的這個經典場景，直到十幾年後的復仇者聯盟4，才讓我在戲院再次找到這樣的感動，但魔戒三部曲的故事仍是無可比擬的奇幻經典鉅作
I remember watching this being 10 years old and crying in the cinema. What an amazing legacy tolkien gave us ... The good always will prevail against the evil if there are good men willing to die for it
I watched it 2 times in the cinemas. I was 14.
I really could believe what I was seeing. I knew I was watching something special. I miss this creative period of time. Modern stuff is either overly woke to the point of distraction and immersion Jump or full of incest porn and eye gouging like Game of thrones.
You simply cannot imagine how epic this was to see in theaters the first time
It truly was, absolutely jaw dropping for 10 year old me
I never got to see it in theaters. I really hope they put it back in theaters some day so i can go see it.
@@psykopandaz my dad pulled me out of school opening day, only other two movies he did that for me were attack of the clones and revenge of the sith (for a bonus, he did also take me for one of my first movie experiences to go see prince of Egypt)
@@TheMonkeygoneapeyour dad sounds like an extremely cultured man
@@pdalessandro never actually read lord of the rings until the movies, he also pulled me out from school for the star wars prequels opening day
The grey-rain curtain turned all to silver glass and was rolled back, and he beheld white shores and beyond them a far green country under a swift sunrise.
RIP Bernard Hill
3:46 that tune brings goosebumps ❤❤
That tune does something to me every to i hear it
So I'm not alone 🥹
It sure does
Violin is killer
Makes me ready for a final stand at Thermopylae
19 years later and this scene still makes a grown man tear up
currently me
😭😓🙋♂️
Me too. Rude for ruin so powerful..
Theoden just just scream to his men to bring forth the bows and arrows, then when the elephants are closing theoden's men shoot arrows at the same time as theoden's men move backwards. it will basically be a arrow fight between the arrow-men on the elephants vs the arrow-men on the ground.
Ghosts may not even be needed to win the war... // Expert
Makes me want to be fighting along Theoden in battle
I have one rule in my life. When i see this recomended, i have too see it
No matter when, no matter where.
Solid rule to live by. Will never lead you astray
Never had this recommended, but when I get drunk this is my go to scene. Along with "Hold the line" from the Patriot.
I think I have seen this scene more times than the actual movie itself. I have no shame.
me tooo
The moment the violin starts playing as the charge commences always, and I mean ALWAYS makes me cry from the sheer awesomeness of the moment.
I’ve been whistling this tune for 20 years now…
Same here. Every time.
I get goose bumps every time
Same here. Eyes get watery. Throat in a knot. Every time
Dude I thought I was the only one who got teary eyed lol
It sucked at the time having to wait a year for each film to be released but when I saw it in its entirety I was in awe. Cinema at its best. Thank you Peter Jackson.
The goosebumps you get even after rewatching this so many times
Your everywhere wtf
Ikr, puts a tear in my eyes every time
Do you know the exact version of this song in the Gokturk Inscriptions? I could not find any. : \
th-cam.com/video/d1TIK5a11E8/w-d-xo.html
exactly
Ey
"I go to my fathers. And even in their mighty company I shall not now be ashamed"
RIP Bernard Hill
“Arise! Arise, Riders of Theoden! Spears shall be shaken, shields shall be splintered! A sword day…a red day…ere the Sun rises!” ~King Theoden Rest in peace, Bernard Hill (1944-2024)
I can only read this line in all caps 🏇
I'm still love you
Fun fact as a Norse Heathen (believer in the Norse gods) I can tell you that his speech is inspired by Ragnarok
"a sword age a axe age shields will be splintered a wolf age a wind age the sun will forever darken" it's describing fimbulvetr or the coming of Ragnarok it doesn't surprise me as Tolkien was a scholar of the sagas both Saxon and Norse
"Ride now! Ride! Ride to ruin and the world's ending! DEATH!!!"
Hail the victorious dead!
Even after watching the LOTR every year since it was on cinema. I still come back to this clip.
Nothing will ever beat this, ever.
Scientist still can't figure out, how the hell the Horse of Theodin could carry the weight of his massive steel balls.
I had to laugh.
Because it's not about weight, it's about strength. Balls of Riders of Theodin were forged from the same steel as the blades
Mithril balls.... Lightweight but stronger
Like Alexander the Great.... But that was real
LOL
I would have followed you. My Captain ( Titanic ), My King ( LotR ). Rest in Peace, Bernard Hill.
Dude so sad. I send the “so it begins” gif all the time and it will be different forever
I didn't realize I needed this comment and now I am sobbing (thank you, it was perfect)
My King 👑
I think what really sells the weight of this scene is the Orcs. The looks on their faces, realizing that no matter what they do, despite the fact that they massively outnumber their enemy, the Rohirrirm cannot and will not stop their charge. They are not afraid of death and are willing to die for their cause, and this truly shakes these creatures who are so used to, and take pleasure in, bringing fear and death to others.
Fantastic scene in a film filled with fantastic scenes.
It’s ironic too, that though Morgoth corrupted men and taught them to fear death the only ones afraid of dying here are the orcs
@@warlordofbritannia its why I get chills every single time.
Because it is what humanity is
We will throw ourselves into the jaws of death if there is even a _sliver_ of a chance we can help each other. If it means fighting for what we stand for.
And in the book this was portrayed very well, since Tolkien survived the trenches. And then the movie elevates that feeling.
When horses knock down orcs and send them flying like bowling pins, and when orcs don't seem to know any anti horse/cavalry formations(like spear walls), obviously they aren't gonna stop a full power cavalry charge with just a few arrows
@@ex0duzz They did use proper tactics, "Pikes to the front, archers behind", but they broke that formation when they grew scared and ran. Which in history is when most of the casualties usually happened, especially in medieval warfare.
I mean, it's that and just a basic understanding of bronze age, iron age and even steel age warfare.
Flanking seems to be a meme these days, but if you could successfully flank your opponent, as the Rohirrim seem to succeed in, you could cause devastating losses to the enemy and almost always cause a rout. Battles were more about rank and discipline. Break that, cause chaos in your enemy ranks and you have won. Large numbers all of a sudden become futile when people become afraid of dying. Rather than killing everyone you wanted to break morale and watch the enemy army evaporate before your eyes.
The most famous example of this remains the battle of Cannae, with Hannibal destroying a larger army, killing almost every enemy, but manipulating his army position to have his smaller army envelop and flank the enemy army. These were Romans, even the veteran and battle-hardened triarii, and they broke morale and died because they panicked and broke ranks. The orcs in the scene started breaking ranks after their morale broke. Were it not for the Mumakil there's every indication that Theoden and his army could've slaughtered the entire army.
Panic is your friend in battle.
This might be my favorite scene in all movie history. The stakes of knowing you’re fighting a horde of orcs 100x bigger than your army and riding into battle chanting “DEATH” as you sacrifice your life for the hopes of saving humanity is incredible
The fact that they all shout “death” before charging, knowing they’re most likely going to die but they’ll fight anyway, never fails to make me emotional
The feeling of a true and heroic soldier!
It's also a symbolic middle finger to Sauron and Morgoth who corrupted man and made them fear death.
By shouting death, they accepted mortality and threw back any temptation offered by Sauron
They're not going down without a fight.
It's the same with the army at the black gate. I'm pretty sure they only took those that would volunteer to go. Then when the black gates opened and they heard the roar of the host of Mordor they were terrified. They brought a small army outnumbered 10:1 knowing they will probably die, not even intending to defeat Mordor's army but to fight for Frodo and Sam.
they turn weaponize their fear into anger, thats whats so cool aboit war shouts
An interesting thing I once read : Theoden and the Rohirrims screaming “Death” is not a call for the death of the Orcs but rather a beautiful realization that Rohan will surely fall after this charge and that they accept this fate. Sauron managed to defeat Men by making them fear death, which in turn corrupted them, making them weak and prompt to be cowards, to abandon hope and honor. By screaming “Death”, Theoden and the Rohirrims show their courage and their acceptance of their fate, suppressing the hold that Sauron had on them and making them true Men of ancient times, one of the mightiest enemies of Sauron.
I love Rohan
Morgoth got them to believe death was an evil fate.
I love your response ❤❤✊
It's very Christian. ❤🙏
The orcs were terrified from the sight of righteous men riding to meet them, who has accepted their deaths as inevitable.
It's not, it's from Eomer's speech after he finds the bodies of Théoden and Éowyn. The film makers justmerged it with Théoden's speech.
Here after Bernard’s passing. RIP you legend, you led the greatest charge in film history ❤
And there's never going to be a greater one.
This scene just reminds us what movies can be when taken to heart and not by corporate greed or agendas. Notice the pure good uplifting hyper energy that we all feel when watching this scene. SO powerful, emotional, and moving. Soul.
RIP Bernard Hill's
So true, but not only this scene. The actors got paid next to nothing for this trilogy. They did it because they knew this trilogy would have a deep impact.
@TheDarkgusgus 👍
Cried when I was 8, still crying at 30. This scene had no business being this good 😭
good on you watching and enjoying this at 8
An 8 year old cant comprehend the emotional impact of this scene to the point of crying. An 8 yo would most likely be more hyped than crying for a scene like this.
This is what it's like to watch a movie made by the people who loved the original work.
@@northernheel2829 dude speak for yourself! some 8 year olds are further developped than others
*You're absolutely wrong.*
It's LotR. It had EVERY right to be this good.
“I go to my fathers. In whose mighty company, I shall not now feel ashamed.”
Hail Théoden King! May you Rest in Piece
Im sad 😭😿
Me too I you miss you so so much
“Forth and fear no darkness” -motto of a lifetime
FOR LIGHT IS WITH YOU AND VALHALLA AWAITS! CHARGE FOR YOUR FREEDOM! CHARGE FOR YOUR LOVED ONES! CHAAARRRRRGGGE!
黑夜已經來臨，黎明還會遠嗎？
Darkness has descended, dawn isn't so far away.
@@yatsumleung8618 Samurai Death Poem?
@@joshuablade6974 think it's mandarin, so more likely Chinese than Japanese
@@scottwallace5239 Fair enough. ^^
Right as the Witch King says men will fall. The horn blows... CHILLS
All these years later, this scene and music still brings me to tears.
I just watched it and also cried.
For me, is that trumpet sound 3.39
@@brawnnweneary2471 yep, I just cry harder when the trumpet sounds…
I'm with you brother
Same. Not many movies do it, this is one of the few that do.
Bernard Hill's portrayal of Theoden is just a masterclass - he immerses himself in the role so effortlessly you forget he's an actor playing a character. The trilogy would not be complete without him - a performance for the ages. RIP to a legend.
Rip
Still love you
Hell; he made the other actors in this scene forget themselves.
All 200 actual horse-riders in that shot were hopped up and ready to kill in his name by the end of that speech.
Truly "The joy of battle was upon them."
What a masterpiece.
One billion dollars doesn't touch this masterpiece.
Rip Rop
Can't buy true talent... but you sure can buy out lots of ads, talk show hosts, and anyone else lacking character and cultural fortitude.
Comparing the equivalent of the fellowship of the ring to the lotr trilogy is a bold move.
People are so sort of sighted these days. Season 1 is a foundation. Just like the fellowship of the ring.
If season 1 finale is an indication of how good season 2 will be, im all for it.
Honestly I agree. I remember when fellowship came out if was a very niche liking. It was good but definitely got better after the rest of the story was told.
@Jacob Garcia the funny part is I remember the fellowship of the ring blowing my little teenage mind when I saw it in theaters.
It's not that it was bad it did a fantastic job of laying the foundation for the trilogy. The characters' motives, the settings, the plot. But like any good trilogy, it is the dullest of the three.
I find with fantasy stories you have to cut the writers slack because they have to not just explain the characters and the plot they really have to lay out the settings in detail.
One last defiance, one final act of bravery, beautiful
One last ride for the Native Americans 😊
Rohirrim, we mourn today, for Théoden King has fallen.
RIP Bernard Hill (1944-2024)
HAIL THE VICTORIOUS DEAD!
Dude no way!!! I come to this video every now and again and just popped in randomly. He passed away yesterday? RIP
Hail!
Fear no darkness
Elrond: I was there the day the strength of men failed.
Gandalf: I was there the day the strength of men triumphed.
You nailed it
Not really, sam, frodo and smeagul aren't men, they're hobbits. 🤭
Tbf, the strength of men brought down sauron the first time
@@Silly_Illidan elves are just a little narcissistic
@@pranavsingh6395 they do seem pretty arrogant they were given the gift of immortality but men were given the gift of death
"They have passed like rain on the mountain, like a wind in the meadow." Rest in peace Bernard Hill...
There is a little rhyme I made long ago when I first read the passage of Théoden’s death. It may be cringe for some but I truly meant it as I was weeping: “For every pipe we burn, for Théoden King we mourn.” Rest in peace our King Bernard Hill
"I go now to my fathers in whose mighty company, I shall not now feel ashamed."
Rest in peace Bernard Hill.
After almost two decades, two whole decades, nothing compares to this scene, every time I rewatch it, it gives me chills and tears. A true masterpiece
Not just that, it's a timeless masterpiece and and an all-time greats.
Too bad the movie mishandled the Ghost Army and the confrontation between Eowyn and the Witch King of Angmar.
There are countless other epic scenes if you count tv show, even more so if you are open to anime. I'd argue even more epic than this one because the build up can sometimes be decades long. If you enjoy everything epic and not just LoTR you can revive this countless times with sci-fi and anime
@@reek4062 h
A blunted sword by the time he finished riding to the end of the line.
My absolute favorite quote from LotR books:
“In rode the Lord of the Nazgûl. A great black shape against the fires beyond he loomed up, grown to a vast menace of despair. In rode the Lord of the Nazgûl, under the archway that no enemy ever yet had passed, and all fled before his face.
All save one. There waiting, silent and still in the space before the Gate, sat Gandalf upon Shadowfax: Shadowfax who alone among the free horses of the earth endured the terror, unmoving, steadfast as a graven image in Rath Dínen.
"You cannot enter here," said Gandalf, and the huge shadow halted. "Go back to the abyss prepared for you! Go back! Fall into the nothingness that awaits you and your Master. Go!"
The Black Rider flung back his hood, and behold! he had a kingly crown; and yet upon no head visible was it set. The red fires shone between it and the mantled shoulders vast and dark. From a mouth unseen there came a deadly laughter.
"Old fool!" he said. "Old fool! This is my hour. Do you not know Death when you see it? Die now and curse in vain!" And with that he lifted high his sword and flames ran down the blade.
And in that very moment, away behind in some courtyard of the city, a cock crowed. Shrill and clear he crowed, recking nothing of war nor of wizardry, welcoming only the morning that in the sky far above the shadows of death was coming with the dawn.
And as if in answer there came from far away another note. Horns, horns, horns, in dark Mindolluin's sides they dimly echoed. Great horns of the north wildly blowing. Rohan had come at last.”
Fuck this gets me every time😭
Beautifully written brother
Wow...Pete kinda nailed it there, didn't he?
I wonder why they had Gandalf's staff break in the film?
It's my favorite as well! I first read this when I was 14, 24 years ago. I teared up then and I've teared up every time I've read it since. It's too beautiful!
Im still so jealous of those who get to see this scene for the first time. Saw this as a child, now in my 30's & i still get goosebumps
Absolute chills every time. Who wouldn’t want to follow Theoden into battle after a speech like that?!
One of the best speeches by far, very to the point. Theoden sees the horde they have to attack, knows full well they have a snowball's chance in hell of surviving, but also knows the gargantuan damage 6000 lancers can do, and goes with "let's fuck shit up".
I would follow this man to hell and beyond !
His men will follow him to whatever end and rightly so what a speech!
1:39 the witch king flying away to osgilliath in order to summon the elephant riders.
that is an incredible spot - good work
I came here to pay respects to King Theoden, may you ride with your ancestors.
He goes now to his fathers in whose mighty company he will not be ashamed.
This man made this scene one of the most legendary and memorable in all of cinema history
~RIP~
Bernard Hill
This scene significantly teaches about the entire life if you pay attention
You know what I really love about this scene? From the moment he crested the hill, Theoden knew he was going to die. Just look at his eyes. (Brilliant acting, Bernard). He knew he was going to die, delivered the best speech of his life, and charged into oblivion.
Edit: RIP Bernard Hill. "A sore day! A red day! AND THE SUN ARISES!" Fix spears and charge vanguard and flanks, all the Rohirrim forward. Death. DEATH!!!!
"I go to my fathers in whose mighty company, I shall not now feel ashamed" - No, you dont need to feel ashamed at all. Have a seat, Chad King Theoden.
It somehow even works in the books, where there are near CONSTANT, less subtle 'death flags' for him (even his own dialogue) that even when it pays off it still hits you like a brick.
@@oshkeet Good observation, I recall when I was a kid reading it he seemed to have a much more fatalistic attitude than any of the other 'hero' characters. Maybe he was grappling with the guilt of being under Wormtongue's influence for so long.
Their shields surely got splinted that day
I feel like the Rohirrim as a whole thought this. They all were prepared to follow their king to death and glory because there was no other choice. Always loved that little scene after Aaragorn leaves the camp and the men begin to murmur that the battle cannot be won and Theoden just says its straight up, no, he didn't think it could be won, but they would meet them in battle non the less. And in this part when they arrive there is a little bit of hope to the music, but in the charge, the tone is almost mournful, the world of men hinges on this one moment, this desperate last stand. They don't know where Aargorn is, they have no hope that they will even save Gondor, but they charge anyways. This for me is the greatest "charge into battle" moment in any film ever made, even beating the Avengers. I never felt the avengers was desperate, more a heck of a cool moment where all the heroes arrive and it's like, boy you got yourself a fight now. I felt this had so much more weight to it than any other movie has ever be able to show on screen. Even though we know ultimately the good guys win, you could still feel how they were really with their backs to the wall.
"The world of men will fall" - Rohan horn in the distance. Marvelous.
The 'Fuck you' response.
" You sure about that one mate? "@@Outside85
@@lad4830 Boo on you and your fantasy elephants.
Я не замечал этого раньше. Это же действительно замечательная деталь контрастов
baller
I just love how human the Rohirrim are. They're good fighters, but they're human. They're terrified. Theoden grimaces when he sees the size of the enemy army. Eowyn's nerve falters when they first shout death. But they come nonetheless, and they shout death, and they charge. That's the human spirit there.
Edit: RIP, Bernard Hill. You are now with the great actors of yore, and even in their mighty company you shall not feel ashamed.
Yeah, my theory is that people find such scenes awesome, 'cause they practically never see their own leaders take the head of a charge against an enemy. Current leaders of Theoden's stature are usually hiding in safety, while their soldiers are getting blown to bits overseas or the like.
The indomitable human spirit vs the uncaring universe
I believe it's the point in the movie where they have actually defeated Sauron's greatest weapon, FEAR!!!!
For years, his armies were taught humans were scared of them, the orcs and uruk-hai rejoiced in it.
But at this point, it was useless for orcs as the rohirrims never faltered and rammed right through them, knowing death was waiting for them.
The human spirit is the one thing we have going for us.
@@itnotmeitu3896
At least humans are capable of caring, the universe isnt. 1-0 humans
The call of "death" has always stuck with me. The acceptance of their fate yet they attend their duty.The drop of the music as the riders crash through. Nothing like it in cinema history.
RIP Bernard Hill, you now travel proudly to the Halls of your Forefathers.
Hear,hear
I’ve actually discussed with my father (who read The Hobbit to me when I was a lad about Christopher’s age, poetically enough) what it is about this scene that leads me to hold it above even the rest of the Lord of the Rings, book or film.
To me what makes this scene so wondrous is that - unlike Helm’s Deep or the Black Gate - this was not the work of some grand destined need or wizard’s gamble (save for Gandalf having saved Theoden initially, but that wasn’t fully a factor here) but rather some six-thousand-and-two mortal beings who had every right and reason to stay away and stand down in the face of that terrible army deciding instead that it was right and proper to come and fight and likely die for their fellow mortals.
Theoden could have held his warriors back.
The Eorlingas could have shunned the call and defended their lands.
Merry could have agreed that the largest cavalry charge in the last several millennia was not the right place for him to fight.
Eowyn could have stayed back and protected her people by ruling rather than fighting.
To a blessed one every single one of them decided to follow Theoden to that field and fight, not for victory or divine command or any other ephemeral cause save that Gondor had asked for help and was in dire need.
Gandalf didn’t magic up a request.
Ilúvatar did not send down a bolt of divine inspiration.
Hell, Oromë didn’t send a sign through their steeds.
The warriors of Rohan, beaten, tired, battered, still came to the aid of others because it was *right* and *good* to do it.
That’s what I love about this scene.
It’s people coming to help, even if it just means the ones they came to save don’t meet the end of days alone.
That's the perfect recommendation, thank you ❤
This is my favorite comment of all time! 100% agree, this scene will always hold a special place in my heart.
The most perfect description, thank you for taking the time to write it
I really didn't needed to cry on random saturday but roght, this is the most perfect description of the scene (except in the book). Bravo
Thank you. That's exactly it. I literally just cried reading your post. Brilliant summary of the true meaning of this battle.
This scene is one of the few movie scenes that have gotten me to cry, not of sadness, but purely how epic the scene is. It’s incredible
It also makes me tear up, but rather because these people believe what their doing is only delaying the inevitable. They have no hope, but are doing this because it is the right, and honorable thing to do.
I will not say: do not weep; for not all tears are an evil.
When they are screaming death is not for the orcs. It's for themselves...
same
@@Will_Lesher To be fair, they aren't even counting on delaying the inevitable. Truly delaying the inevitable would be to let Gondor fall and run away, leaving Rohan behind and traveling as far to the west as they could. Instead, they are rushing headlong into (in their minds) an impossible battle where every one of them will die. They've said their final goodbyes to their families earlier than they would've had to, all so Gondor doesn't have to die alone.
Fucking badass.
Theoden giving his tactics out to his lieutenants made the hairs go up on my arms. His speech after had me in tears when i first saw this in the cinema
Even with all its billion of dollars, Amazon will never EVER be able to recreate this piece of work.
Of course not. Even Peter Jackson couldn't come close to this on his second attempt...
All they'd have to do is have a good story (done,) and good music (remains to be seen,) and create something epic. Which is unlikely, such things are quite rare. Too many corporations (and people) settle for mediocre rather than excellent.
@@highstimulation2497 I think there's a lot of enjoyable stuff between mediocre and excellent though... I'll be happy if the new show is somewhere between good and great.
@HighStimulation but nowadays companies cater to everyone's feelings which imo ruins the legendary status of the entire world of Middle Earth. We're probably gonna see gay orcs fucking each other in the Rings of Power.
@@AjaxTx_ bruh lmfao
Rest in peace Bernard Hill, and thanks for giving us Theoden.
“Arise, arise, riders of Rohan!
Fell deeds awake, fire and slaughter!
Spear shall be shaken, shield be splintered!
A sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises!
Ride now, ride now, ride to Gondor!”
Ride for ruin,
And the world's ending!
DEATH!!!!!!!!!!
My mom and I used to love watching this trilogy together, we both cried during this scene. She passed this year. I miss you mom, I’ll always think of you next to me watching these films.
My mom passed in February of this year. Hugs from another daughter missing her mom.
May your Mum be at peace.
Next time you binge LOTR, shout “For Rohan!!” in her honour during this scene!
My condolences, friend.
Condolences.
I am my moms youngest of 4. I used to have when she treated me like a baby
..but now at 32...I understand.
RIP to your mother 🙏
I like to think that Theoden's " 'Ere the sun rises!" is a direct reply to Hurin, in the first age, shouting "Aurë entuluva! Day shall come again" at the
Nirnaeth Arnoediad. I interpret it as night falling upon Arda when Morgoth broke out of Angband, starting a long streak of evil and darkness ruling the lands, from him, to Sauron in the second and third ages. Then when Morgoth's final lieutenant and last bastion of evil in the world is finally about to shatter, " The sun rises". Finally ending the long dark night. Truly, Day had come again.
I can never watch this without getting teary eyed. The bravery, the mateship, that freaking solo violin
i love you just for saying that :-)
sameeeee
Indeed, this is an artistic and audio video masterful...the grand culmination of the idea. In this you see even the horses and orcs become FREE. Spirit and nature become one
Oh that violin set the air around its bow on fire playing that solo lol
Same, this scene get me everytimes
I could never appreciate Theoden’s character when I was younger, now I’m older and a father, I understand how much pain he must have felt losing his son. To come back from that pain and lead the Rohirrim in such an emotionally charged attack in the Pelennor fields is such a great arc and makes him one of the greatest characters ever in storytelling. The Ride of the Rohirrim is the greatest scene ever. It has everything; emotion, courage, music, all in perfect synchronicity.
As I remember, Theoden was quite willing to go to Gondor's aid in the original text, but Jackson understood the context of a grieving father and a king who was watching his country burn and its people suffer, cursing his failures. Of course he would be _furious_ at Gondor for leaving Rohan to fend for itself, hence the angry retort to Aragorn, "Where was Gondor!?" and his initial reluctance to muster an army to help Gondor after Pippin touched the palantir. Jackson managed to sell that pretty well, even though he made a very similar case for Faramir which didn't land quite as well because we only got the first half of Faramir's arc.
absolutely , Growing up we all loved Aragorn
Gandalf is my guy but recently Theoden is the one I can relate the more and his moment of courage makes it stand out the more
The Lord of the rings the return of the king
@@MMuraseofSandvich AND not only that, when witnessed how Gondor was the last bastion against darkness, Theoden forgot everything, He realized their sacrifices, he knew their pain. He fought for it till his last breath.
he is white
RIP Bernard Hill. Thank you for giving us one of the greatest speeches in cinema history. Sleep well, King Theoden.
That scene makes me cry 😭😭😭
Oh Theoden King and his bravest company of horsemen! At the turn of the tide, you were always there for those who were in need of help! R.I.P. 🙏🏻
Imagine a king who fights his own battles. Wouldn't that be a sight?
Ayyy 😙 #troy
Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden ;)
That was actually the case for most of history. It only really changed when succession laws were stabilized so that a sitting monarch need not have worried about getting supplanted by a general in the field. The advent of guns actually came later, but they further incentivized this development. Some kings were more enthusiastic about the task than others of course, with Richard the Lionheart being the biggest mad-lad to don a crown that I know of (I'm sure there were others).
@@BIastwave. That's a pretty dated movie reference. The quote also doesn't make a lot of sense since a lot of sense since a number of minor character, like Odysseus, were minor kings who fought and Achilles and Hector were both princes and sons of Kings (at least according to the Illiad). Still, can't go wrong with bashing Agamemnon.
@@fern1009 that was quite interesting tbh. Thanks for the info.
The most epic scene ever made probably
Right? Like even if I had no military experience or ability to fight.. After theodens speech youd just automatically turn into an absolute tank.
Its made even more impressive when you realise that a good portion of the speech he did on the spot. Or so the rumours say.
Exactly! After that speech I would get crazy against the enemies...I would probably die at the first try but who cares? Not me! I died for Rohan godamnit!
To me it is
Welcome to the team my man! XD
@@macguffinsays id hands down be the first to take an arrow like hahaha
the look Theoden gives when he reaches the point where he can see the orcs, he knows damn well he's sacrificing his life if he charges yet proceeds to do so anyway, such an underrated character and beautiful moment
EDIT: It's 2 days since Theoden King's passing and this speech will forever be held so dear to our hearts! The warm feeling this speech has always given to us all now means so much more that our Theodon King has passed onto the afterlife "I go to my fathers. And even in their mighty company I shall not now be ashamed.". You have touched so many lives Bernard Hill and you will forever be remembered for the greatest battle speech in all of movie history. Forth Eorlingas
Well we didn't get all dressed up for nothing...
And it was actually what he wanted, theoden wanted to die in a glorious battle and he got his wish
“I go to my fathers. And even in their mighty company I shall not now be ashamed.”
I love the moment when he just hisses at the Orc horde like an angry cat
He would have lived if it weren't for the Witch King. (Sauron basically cheated)
Howard Shore's music elevates this to an indescribably transcendent series of movies. The emotions that the music stir within the viewer, combined with how seamlessly they fit every scene is just beyond words.
Nothing in cinema will ever match the staggering and moving works of art that are the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
I just wish Tolkien would have seen this.
He would be proud
@Max Payne yes, but it had to have fascinated him, as war is something he would center his stories around. And in the creation of this world he wrote that it needed evil, to let peace and happiness exist.
@@ErlendPro it certainly did fascinate him - he fought in the 1st World War
I'm sure he saw this and is very proud
He would have hated it. He hated film adaptations and even his son Christopher wasn't satisfied with this, hence why he never sold the rights to the posthumously published books.
Theoden, immediately after seeing the embodiment of hopelessness in front of him, takes 1/2 a second to compose himself and accepts his fate.
His army are given absolute confidence from the start by the orders he gives:
“Grimbold, take your company right, after you pass the wall.”
- specifically “after you pass the wall” Embodies this sentiment perfectly as it implies “you WILL pass the wall and I will be there to meet you, when you do”
He plans for victory but accepts death.
His genius is then to give his soldiers clear orders and honesty so they too understand that he will charge with them to whatever end.
They become the embodiment of 1000 years of the finest horseman in middle-earth incarnate.
The fear transfers to the orcs opposite.
The Rohirrim accept death in that moment as inevitable and charge.
Indeed, this is an artistic and audio video masterful...the grand culmination of the idea. In this you see even the horses and orcs become FREE. Spirit and nature become one
Theoden also spiritually defied both Morgoth and Sauron by chanting "Death." Morgoth and Sauron both worked to corrupt the meaning of death and make men fear death. This is actually how Sauron destroyed Numenor. So when Theoden and the Rohirrim chant "Death!," at the top of their lungs, they were actually defying Morgoth/Sauron by demonstrating faith in Eä. Not only did Theoden start a battle cry, but he also reminded Men to reclaim their spirituality from Morgoth and Sauron.
Forth and Fear No Darkness!!
I believe that line 'After you pass the wall' is actually taken directly from the book, where it signifies the wall that surrounds the Pelennor Fields, the Rammas Echor, not the wall of the City. It makes little sense in the context of the movie, considering the lay-out of the battlefield as seen in this scene, but it still sounds cool, so...
If you think about the speech he gave, he also accepted the one, small, chance that they'd succeed: if there no was no backing down, no retreat and they hit them with everything they had there was a small chance they'd break. So he worked his calvary to a point they wouldn't . And...his opponents did break.
One of the reasons this scene works so well is because of the duality of Shore's Rohan theme. The first time we heard it, played by a solo violin, it was a lament for past glories, as Eowyn looked out over a land that had lost its purpose and - effectively - its king. This time it is the REMEMBRANCE of those past glories. These are a people who have remembered their purpose and strength, and whose king is restored. The same theme, but a radically different emphasis. It's the chromatic nature of the motif that allows it to serve both purposes - all those minor notes give it a melancholic edge, yet it also soars up to new heights (literally, with a new crescendo) as Rohan's finest hour arrives.
Amazing comment.
Fantastic comment. 🤎
Wow never even thought about this that’s so true!
Very good information, thank you bro, 20 years after and still many details
God tier comment
I remember when I was just 10 years old watching this scene in the cinema with my parents. It has stuck with me as clear memory ever since then. What a timeless masterpiece
MCU: "Avengers: Endgame has the best charge."
Riders of Rohan: "Saddle our horses."
Endgame needed 20 something movies to achieve that scene. Peter Jackson the madlad did it in only 3 and much better.
@@TheOneAndOnlyLUUUU agreed. I loved the scene in Endgame; but this scene trumps that 💯
@@TheOneAndOnlyLUUUU It's not the same thing, here we have factions which are easier to identify, in Avengers we have superheroes and beings from other planets, it isn't that easy to make the audience to understand who they are. Anyway both movies are amazing and probably the best on their own genre.
This is truth.
What is the movie name please
"A Sword Day..A Red Day..Ere The Sun Rises!!!"
...still gives me goosebumps after all these years.
Ere' the sun rises.
Same for me bro
And the most epic aspect of it is, I don’t know if it’s true or not, I remember having read it somewhere. That last ride of Theoden, touching the spears of his front row riders with his sword whilst firing them up with said words. That, presumably, wasn’t scripted but an improvised idea by the actor who magnificently portrayed Theoden King, Bernard Hill.
If that is indeed true, a good portion of the epic nature of this shot is on his part. How many of us were shouting DEATH... DEATH ( at least in our minds or muttered inaudible ) when the King rallied his faithful kinsmen?
I never knew what he was saying, thank you for that. And i am with you all the way in how this makes one feel. i always watch this part of the movie at least twice.
@@ZeitdiebX that is pretty cool
Does anybody like...hype cry during this scene when the solo violin hits at the beginning of the charge? Because I hype cry. Such an awesome scene. Best scene in cinematic history.
I don't think i've ever been able to watch this without getting teary eyed.
@@dylancochrane6296 right?! And its not sad tears. Its hell yeah tears with awe and wonder.
@@thomasfort1013 Exactly! Just so epic
Thats the best music score for a battle like that. Best track on the soundtrack. When i hear it on the soundtrack cd, i still get this scene in my mind and get teary eyed. Youre not alone with that. Howard Shore is amazing
Dude I have a replica sword and I pretend I'm part of it! My dad killed me for being loud during it 😂😂