“I say Theoden King: shall we have peace and friendship, you and
I? It is ours to command?”
“We will have peace,” said Theoden at last thickly and with an
effort. Several of the Riders cried out gladly. Theoden held up his
hand. “Yes, we will have peace, when you and all your works have
perished—and the works of your dark master to whom you would deliver us.
You are a liar, Saruman, and a corrupter of men’s hearts. You hold out
your hand to me, and I perceive only a finger of the claw of Mordor.
Cruel and cold…When you hang from a gibbet at your window for the sport of your
own crows, I will have peace with you and Orthanc. So much for the house
of Eorl. A lesser son of great sires am I, but I do not need to lick your
fingers. Turn elsewhither. But I fear your voice has lost its
charm.”
“Gibbets and crows!” he hissed, and they shuddered at the hideous change.
“Dotard! What is the house of Eorl but a thatched barn where brigands
drink in the reeek, and their brats roll on the floor among the dogs? …Hang if
you will!” Now his voice changed, as he slowly mastered himself. “I know
not why I have had the patience to speak to you…”
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1) How is Theoden’s casting aside of Saruman’s offer really interpreted
by his men—a sign of failure or power?
2) When Theoden opens with, “We will have peace…” were you fooled as to
his intentions—even for just a moment? (I just personally have to add
that I found this to be one of the best “fake-outs” in the book. On my
first read, I read the first line of Theoden’s reply, and put the book down,
aghast. “Gandalf misjudged him. Theoden will turn on them!” Clever,
clever Tolkien)
3) Wormtongue is surely listening just inside the balcony. What was the
effect of this conversation on him? Was he duped by Saruman too, or a
willing partner?
4) The fits and spurts of Saruman’s temper are revealing. He takes vicious
barbs at Gimli, Eomer and now, Theoden. What does this reveal (to
Gandalf) about his current state as the parley now turns towards him?
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Ahhh, the power of cheese.
