The attacks by the Wainriders would continue for nearly one-hundred years, and in 1856 Marhari of the Northmen joined forces with Gondor in the Battle of the Plains against the Wainriders. In the battle, many Northmen were slain or scattered and some were enslaved by the enemy. Afterwards, Marhwini, son of Marhari lead a number of survivors to live in the lands between the Carrock and the Gladden in the vales of the Anduin River. During this time they renewed their numbers and their strength. They loved best the plains, and delighted in horses and in all feats of horsemanship.

Of Frumgar's son, Fram, it is told that he slew Scatha, the great dragon of Ered Mithrin, and afterwards the land had peace from the long-worms. In this way Fram won great wealth, but was at feud with the dwarves, who claimed the treasure hoard of Scatha. Fram denied them their claim and sent to them instead the teeth of Scatha made into a necklace, with the message: "Jewels such as these you will not match in your treasuries, for they are hard to come by." It is believed by many that the dwarves slew Fram for this insult.

In this new land in 2485 Eorl son of Leod was born. Leod was a tamer of wild horses; for there were many at that time in the land. He found a beautiful snow-white foal and captured it. The foal grew quickly to a horse strong, fair, and proud, but no man could tame it and when Leod dared to mount it, it bolted and bore him away, and the horse threw him, and Leod's head struck a rock, and so he died. Leod was only forty-two years old, and his son Eorl, just sixteen. Upon the death of Leod, Eorl became lord of the Men of Eotheod. He was named "The Young" because of his youth at the time he became chieftain. The year was 2501.

Eorl was a bold young man and vowed that he would avenge his father. He searched long for the white horse, which was named "Mansbane" by the Eotheod. At last he found the animal. Eorl's companions expected that he would attempt to come within bowshot and kill horse. But when they drew near, Eorl stood up and said to the foal: "Come hither, Mansbane, and get a new name!" At this, the horse looked towards Eorl, and came and stood before him, and the men were amazed by this. Then Eorl said: "Felarof I name you. You loved your freedom, and I do not blame for that. But now you owe me a great weregild, and you shall surrender your freedom to me until your life's end."

Then Eorl mounted the horse, to which Felarof submitted. And Eorl rode him home without bit or bridle and he rode him in like fashion ever after. The horse could understand the speech of men, though he would allow no man but Eorl to mount him. That horse proved as long lived as men, and so were his descendants. These were the mearas of whom men said that Bema (whom the Eldar call Orome) must have brought their sire from West over Sea. The mearas would bear no one but the King of the Mark or his sons, until the time of Shadowfax (and then only one of the Istari, the Wizard Gandalf).

In the year 2510, Gondor was at war with a people of Wildmen called the Balchoth. These Balchoth were constantly increased by others of like kind that came in from the east, whereas the people of Calenardhon had dwindled, many dying during a plague epidemic or slaughtered by the savage Easterlings. Cirion was hard put to hold the line of the Anduin River. A great host of these wild men from the North-east swept over Rhovanion, coming down out of the Brown-lands. They built many great boats and rafts on the east shores of Anduin and crossed over the river, killing many defenders.

Over-late, Cirion sent north for aid. When word of Gondor's peril reached Eorl, he set forth with what force he could, though late it seemed. An army of Gondor, defeated in the Wold, marching up from the south was cut off and forced north over the Limlight River and there it was suddenly attacked by a force of Orcs from the Mountains and was then driven towards the Anduin. All hope was lost when out of the North there came help beyond hope, and the horns of the Rohirrim were first heard in Gondor. Eorl the Young had led his men through great hardship from the far north to the aid of Cirion. Thus he came to the battle of the Field of Celebrant, for that was the name of the green land that lay between the rivers Silverlode and Limlight.

With a force of his riders, Eorl broke upon the rear of the orc army, routing the enemy, and so great was the fear that went before the horsemen of the North that the invaders of the Wold, the Balchoth were also thrown into panic, and the Riders hunted them over the plains of Calenardhon, destroying them to the last.

In gratitude, Cirion gave the people of Eorl the wide green lands of Calenardhon, between Anduin and Isen, to dwell in, in recognition of their aid. The gifted lands included the valley formed by the Snowbourn River which led through the White Mountains to the foot of the Starkhorn Peak, the valley they named Dunharrow. And word was sent north for their wives and children to come south to join them.

The Northmen named the land anew the Mark of the Riders, and they called themselves the Eorlingas. The people of Gondor named their land Rohan and the people, the Rohirrim, meaning Horse-lords. And Eorl swore to Cirion an oath of friendship at need or at call to the Lords of Gondor. This was ever after called the "Oath of Eorl" and all later kings of the Rohirrim were bound to it.

Thus Eorl became the first King of the Mark, and he chose for his dwelling a green hill before the feet of the White Mountains. The hill they named Edoras. Upon it they built a fortified town. There the Rohorrim lived as free men under their own kings and laws, but in perpetual alliance and friendship with Gondor. Within two years Eorl fathered a son, Brego (2512).

During Eorl's reign a great hall was begun upon the pinnacle of Edoras. Tragically, Eorl would not survive to see it's completion. In 2545, the Easterlings had renewed their attacks on Rohan and Eorl rode forth upon Felarof to meet them in battle in the Wold. Eorl fell in combat and Felarof, the father of horses fell with him, also. Thus passed the first king of the Rohirrim. Eorl was buried, with Felarof and upon them a great mound was raised below the foot of Edoras. The mound was green, but was covered through all seasons as with snow by simbelmyne, called "Evermind", Rohan's most precious flower.

Eorl is remembered in many songs and poems, for he was a great king, beloved of all his people.

"Where now the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing?

The days have gone down in the West behind the hills into

Unknown Poet

So Brego, Eorl's son became the second king of Rohan. Early in the reign of Brego when the Eorlingas were seeking strong places of refuge in time of need, they passed through the valley of Harrowdale in the White Mountains. Brego and his son Baldor climbed the Stair of the Hold and soon they came to the black Dimholt under Dwimorberg, the Haunted Mountain. There they found a pillar of stone and soon after they came before a door in the Dimholt. On the threshold sat an ancient looking man; tall and kingly he had once been, but now he was withered as an old stone. At first they took him for stone, for he did not move, and he did not speak, until they moved to pass him by and enter. And then a voice came out of him, as if from out of the ground, and to their amaze it spoke in the western tongue: "The way is shut."

They stopped and looked at him and saw that he was indeed alive; but he did not look at them. "The way is shut," he said again. "It was made by those who are Dead, and the Dead keep it, until the time comes. The way is shut."

"And when will that time be?", replied Baldor. But the old man did not answer and died in that hour and he fell upon his face.

After, the stronghold of Dunharrow was made in the valley of Harrowdale, near the entrance to the Dimholt Road. Later, in the time of King Aldor, some of the people of Rohan removed to there and settled the valleys. The people of Dunharrow say that Dead Men out of the Dark Years guard the road under the mountain which they called the Paths of the Dead. They say that at times the dead themselves may be seen passing out of the door like shadows and down the road. Then the people of Harrowdale shut their doors and cover their windows and are afraid. But only during times of "great unquiet and coming death", do the dead come forth.

During Brego's reign the Rohirrim drove the enemy out of the Wold and Rohan enjoyed peace for many years. In 2544, Brego's second son, Aldor was born.

In 2569 the Great Hall of Meduseld was completed. The green hill of Edoras upon which the hall was built was surrounded by a dike and mighty wall and a thorny fence encircled it. Within there were the roofs of many houses. A broad path of stones wound up the hill to a green terrace at the foot of which a spring gushed from a stone carved in the likeness of a horse's head; beneath was a wide basin from which the water spilled and fed a falling stream. At the top step there were seats of hewn stone on which sat the door guard.

In the midst of the terrace sat the great golden hall. Its roof was thatched with bright golden wheat. It had pillars guilt with gold and high above its great doors was the shining likeness of the sun. The Sun of Rohan.

Inside, the hall was long and wide and filled with shadows and half lights; mighty pillars supported it's high roof; the pillars were richly carved and gleamed of gold. Here and there bright shafts of sunlight streamed through windows, high under deep eaves. Through a louver in the roof the sky could be seen. The floor of the hall was paved with stones of many hues; branching runes and other devices intertwined upon it. Upon the walls hung many woven cloths and tapestries on which were the symbols of the regions and houses of Rohan. Upon one great tapestry was depicted a young man upon a white horse. He was blowing a great horn, and his yellow hair was flying behind him. The mighty horse's head was lifted, it's nostrils flared wide. Water, foaming green and white, rushed and curled about its legs. It was Eorl the Young, as he rode out of the North to the Battle of the Field of Celebrant.

There was a long hearth in the midst of the hall on which a great fire was kept. Far at the opposite end of the hall there was the bright, glowing form of the Sun of Rohan, the beams shone through the device which was high above, near the roof. Below the symbol, facing north towards the doors, was a dais with three steps; and in the middle of the dais was a great gilded chair. This was the throne of the king of Rohan.

A feast was held to celebrate the completion of the golden hall in that same year. The beer flowed free and spirits ran high at that gathering. Whether from the effects of the drink or the simple brashness of youth, many proclamations of high deeds and errantry were made. As he drained his drinking horn, Baldor, the kings first born son and heir made a fateful vow, saying that he would tread 'the Paths of the Dead'. So in the next year, Baldor set off to fulfill his vow. He passed the Door under Dwimorberg, and was never seen alive among men again.

King Brego greatly loved Baldor, his first born and intended heir and at his death fell into a deep sadness which no one could penetrate. Shortly after, Brego died of his grief.

So rule passed to Brego's second son, Aldor. He was known as "the Old" because he lived to a great age (101) and was king for 75 years. In the same year of Aldor's ascension was born his son, Frea.

In Aldor's time, he subdued or drove out the last of the Dunlendings that remained east of the Isen River and their was peace for many years. During this time the Rohirrim increased. Seeking new homes in their wide land, some of the people removed to the valley's in the White Mountains, settling Harrowdale and others. In 2594, Frea's son, Freawine was born. Soon in the prevailing peace, birth was given to Freawine's son, Goldwine (2619) and Goldwine would in his turn sire a son, Deor (2644).

When Aldor's long reign ended in 2645, Frea took up the throne. Frea was the fourth child, but eldest son of Aldor and was already of advanced years when he became king, his father having ruled for so long.

Very little is said of the next three kings of Rohan because there was peace during most of their lives. When King Frea died only fourteen years into his reign, rule passed to his son Freawine (2659). In 2668, a son, Gram, was born to Deor, son of Goldwine.

Freawine passed in 2680 and his son Goldwine became king. In 2691, Helm, son of Gram was born. Of Helm, much is told for in his time he became a mighty leader.

At the end of the reign of King Goldwine, the peace that Rohan had enjoyed for so long was beginning to disappear. When Goldwine died in 2699, his son Deor assumed rule. During his time the Dunlendings often made raids over the Isen and by 2710 they had occupied the deserted ring of Isengard. An army of Dunlendings were defeated by Deor in the Westfold but the Dunlendings in Isengard could not be dislodged. Deor died in 2718 and his son Gram was crowned. Very little is said of his rule. In 2726, Helm's sister Hild gave birth to a son, Frealaf.

Of all the kings of Rohan, one of the most revered by far was the legendary Helm. When his father, King Gram died in 2741 Helm took the throne. Helm was a grim and physically powerful man and a fire seemed to burn within him. Such was his strength that he became known as "Hammerhand". In 2752, Helm's sister-son, Brytta was born.

During Helm's reign there was a man named Freca, who claimed descent from King Freawine, though it was widely believed he had much Dunlendish blood. Freca grew rich and powerful, having wide lands on either side of the Adorn River which flows into Isen from the west of Ered Nimrais. Near it's source he had a stronghold and paid little heed to the king. Although Helm mistrusted him, he called Freca to his councils; and Freca came when it pleased him.

To one of these councils Freca came with many of his men. During the council he proposed that Helm's daughter marry his son Wulf. But Helm replied: "You have grown big since you were last here; but it is mostly fat, I guess"; the kings men laughed at that, for Freca was of large girth.

Upon this Freca flew into a rage and reviled the King, and said: "Old kings that refuse a proffered staff may fall on their knees." Helm answered: "Come! The marriage of your son is a trifle. Let Helm and Freca deal with it later. Meanwhile the king and his council have matters of moments to consider."

So when the council was completed, Helm stood and laid his great hand on Freca's shoulder, and said: "The king does not permit brawls in his house, but men are freer outside"; and Helm forced Freca to walk in front of him, out from Edoras into the open field. When Freca's men followed, Helm said to them: "Be off! We need no hearers. We are going to speak of a private matter alone. Go and talk to my men!" And when they saw that the king's men far outnumbered them, they drew back.

Helm turned to Freca and said: "Now Dunlending, you have only Helm to deal with, alone and unarmed. But you have said much already, and it is my turn to speak. Freca, your folly has grown with your belly. You talk of a staff! If Helm dislikes a crooked staff that is thrust on him, he breaks it. So!" With that Helm smote Freca such a blow with his fist that Freca fell back stunned. The blow was so powerful that Freca died soon after. Helm then proclaimed Freca's son and close kin to be enemies of the king. Freca's men fled and at once Helm sent many of his Riders to the west marches.

By 2758 great threats began to trouble Rohan. Requests for aid were sent to Gondor but no help could be sent, for at that time three fleets of the Corsairs attacked Gondor and war was being waged on all its coasts. Rohan was again invaded from the East, and the Dunlendings came over the Isen and down from Isengard. Wulf, Freca's son, was their leader. They had great numbers of men, for they were joined by the enemies of Gondor that had landed in the mouths of the Lefnui and Isen Rivers.

In battling the overwhelming numbers of enemy, the Rohirrim were defeated and Rohan was overrun. Those people of Rohan who were not slain or enslaved made for the dales of the mountains. Helm himself was driven back with great loss from the Crossings of Isen and he took refuge in the Hornburg and the ravine behind. This would after be known as Helm's Deep. There he was besieged.

Wulf took Edoras and sat the golden throne in Meduseld and proclaimed himself king of Rohan. Haleth Helm's son fell, last of all, defending the doors of the golden hall.

The Long Winter began soon after and Rohan was covered by deep snow for almost five months (November 2758 to March 2759). The cold and it's aftermath caused great suffering and loss of life to both the Rohirrim and their enemy. Hunger was great at Helm's Deep after Yule. In 2759, against the king's council, Hama his younger son, being in great despair, led a number of men out on a foray, but they were lost in the snow and were not seen again. Famine and grief made Helm fierce and gaunt. He would go out from the Hornburg alone, clad in white and unarmed except with his own deadly strength and stalk into the camps of his enemies, and slay many men with his bare hands. Helm believed that if he bore no weapon, no weapon would injure him.

The Dunlendings said that if Helm could find no food, he ate men. In Dunland that story was told for many years. It was marked by the enemy that before Helm set forth on his hunts, he would blow a blast on his great horn and the blasts echoed in the Deep. That sound caused so great a fear in his enemies that instead of gathering to take him or kill him they would flee away down the Coomb.

One night Helm's horn blast was heard by both the Rohirrim and the enemy, but Helm did not return. In the morning there was bright sunshine, the first in many days. In the growing light of dawn they saw a lone white figure standing motionless on the dike. The enemy dared not to come near. When the Rohirrim were able to reach the figure, they saw that it was King Helm, dead as a stone, but his knees were unbent. It was said by men that the horn of Helm was still heard at times in the Deep and the ghost of Helm would walk among the enemies of Rohan and kill them with fear.

Soon after Helm's death the winter broke. Then Frealaf (Hildeson), son of Hild, Helm's sister, came down out of Dunharrow, to which many of the Rohirrim had fled. With a small company of desperate men he surprised Wulf in Meduseld and slew him, and regained Edoras. With the breaking of the winter there were great floods from the melting snows, and the vale of Entwash became a vast fen. The Eastern invaders perished or retreated; and at last there came help from Gondor, via the roads both east and west of the mountains. By the end of that year (2759) the Dunlendings were driven from Rohan and also from Isengard.

With the death of Helm Hammerhand, the first line of kings came to an end, both his heirs having perished. After the retaking of Edoras and the defeat of the Dunlending and Eastern armies Frealaf became king. So began the second line of the kings of Rohan.

Helm was brought to Edoras from the Hornburg and was buried in the ninth mound. Ever after the white simbelmyne grew there most thickly, so it appeared as if it were covered with snow.

It was at the crowning of Frealaf that Saruman appeared. He bore gifts and spoke with great praise of the valour of the Rohirrim. All the Rohirrim thought him a welcome guest. Soon after, Beren, the Steward of Gondor, gave Isengard over to Saruman’s keeping, for Gondor still claimed Isengard as a fortress of its realm, and not part of Rohan. Beren also handed over to Saruman the keys of the tower of Orthanc.

Before too long, Saruman began to behave as a lord of Men instead of as a lieutenant of the Steward and warden of the tower. But at this time, Saruman’s true purposes were not suspected and both King Frealaf and the Steward were glad to have Isengard in the keeping of a strong and wise friend. And a friend he long appeared to Rohan and Gondor. Long he hid his true intentions.

In 2780, a son was born to Brytta son of Hild, they named him Walda. Brytta became king when King Frealaf died in 2798. Brytta was a kind man and as king he was known as a friend to his subjects, for he helped all those in need. He was loved by all and so he was called Leofa by his people. In Brytta's time, the Orcs that had been driven from the North by the Dwarves in the Battle of Azanulbizar, began seeking refuge in the White Mountains around 2800 and the forces of Rohan were kept busy hunting down and eliminating them.

Folca, son of Walda was born in 2804 and in his turn, Folca's son, Folcwine was born in 2830. When in 2842, King Brytta died, the Orcs were believed to have all been removed from Rohan, but this was later discovered to be false. Only nine years after inheriting the throne from his father, Walda was slain, along with all of his companions, when they were ambushed by Orcs on the mountain paths from Dunharrow in 2851. The crown then passed to his son Folca. In 2858, twins sons were born to Folcwine. He named them Folcred and Fastred.

During Folca's time the strength of Rohan was renewed and his Riders were increased. Folca was a great hunter, but he made a vow to stalk no animal or beast while there was a single Orc still in his land. When in 2864, the last orc-hold in Rohan was found and the Orcs were slain, Folca set out for the Firien Wood where there lived the Great Boar of Everholt. He stalked and slew the beast but received grievous injuries from the tusks of the boar. Folca would die from the wounds he received and thus Folcwine became king.

The year 2870 was marked by the birth of Folcwine's son, Fengel.

In 2903, Folcwine passed and his son Fengel became king. Fengel was the third son and fourth child of Folcwine and was not looked upon with love or praise by his people. Fengel was greedy and quarrelsome, hoarding food and gold and in continual strife with his marshals and children. Thengel, Fengel’s third child and only son was born in 2905. Unwilling to contend with his fathers mannerisms, Thengel left Rohan when he reached manhood and joined in the service of Turgon, the Steward of Gondor. Thengel won high honor in Gondor, through his bravery and deeds.

Thengel was already of long years when he took a wife. In 2943 he wedded Morwen of Lossarnach in Gondor. She was a woman of the South and the Rohirrim called her Steelsheen. She was seventeen years his younger, but bore him three children while they lived in Gondor. Theoden, his second child was born in 2948 and was his only son.

In 2953, Thengel was recalled to Rohan, for his father, Fengel was dead. Thengel was loath to return but he proved a good and wise king. During his reign the language of Gondor was spoken in his house, and not all in Rohan thought that good. It was during this time that the Wizard Saruman declared himself Lord of Isengard and began to act openly hostile towards Rohan, encroaching on it’s borders and supporting it’s enemies.

One day, a man who appeared as a Ranger of the north arrived at Edoras. He was called Thorongil, that is; Star of the Eagle. He offered himself into the service of the king and Thengel accepted him. Thorongil proved to be a valiant and valuable ally, fighting alongside the king and his Riders. It was not known until the time of Theoden’s rule, that Thorongil was in fact, Aragorn, son of Arathorn and rightful heir to the throne of Gondor.

In Rohan, Morwen bore Thengel two more daughters.

The last and fairest, born in 2963, was named Theodwyn. Theoden, her brother, loved her dearly. Theoden wedded Elfhild and she bore him a son, Theodred, but Elfhild died in childbirth.

Two years later, in 2980, Thengel died and Theoden was crowned king. During this time, the dark lord Sauron had arisen once more and his shadow had reached the lands of Rohan. Mordor Orcs had begun raids into the eastern regions of Rohan. The Orcs would slay or steal horses, taking them for unknown reasons, for Orcs were not known to ride them. Some believed that the animals were taken to Angband, where they were perverted to the evil use of the Witchking and his wraiths. Uruk's also began to come down from the Misty Mountains. These were probably in the service of the Wizard, Saruman who had converted Isengard into a machine of war. Saruman's ill intentions were still unsuspected by most in Rohan.

In 2989, Eomund, the chief Marshal of the Mark married Theodwyn. Only two years later, in 2991, Theodwyn gave birth to a son, Eomer, and within four years (2995) a beautiful daughter, Eowyn.

Eomund was a great lover of horses and the slaying and taking of them by the Orcs ignited a fire of hatred in him which could not be extinguished. He hunted Orc invaders in the east Marches, which were his chief charge. He would go with few men and with little heed to prudence. It was in 3002, when Eomund, hot with anger, pursued a small band of Orcs to the borders of the Emyn Muil, but was there surprised by a larger force which was hiding in the rocks, and he was slain.

Soon after Eomund's death, Theodwyn fell into illness and died. The king's grief was great at this, for he was very close to his sister. Theoden then took Eomer and Eowyn into his house as his own children, calling them son and daughter. Theodred, who was Theoden's only child welcomed his cousins as brother and sister. Theodred's mother, as has been told, died while giving him birth, and Theoden would not remarry. When Eomer and Eowyn came to Edoras, Theodred was twenty-four years old.

Soon, Eomer and Eowyn saw the dark shadow fall over Rohan. The king, began to fall under the influence of a man of Rohan, named Grima, son of Galmod. Grima began as the king's soothsayer, but after a short time was in all the king's confidences and soon Theoden was enveloped in a haze of lies and deceit spun by Grima, who was called Wormtongue. Only later was it revealed that Grima was a traitor and an apprentice of Saruman.

For four years the king remained under the spell of Saruman and Grima and his appearance became that of an old, decaying shell of a man. Even Theoden's lieutenants and closest kin could not speak with their king without the constant presence and influence of Wormtongue. Orders and proclamations were given by Grima in the name of the king.

It was on September 19, 3018 then, that the Wizard Gandalf came to Edoras to warn Theoden of Saruman's treachery but was refused admittance. Gandalf returned the next day and was granted an audience with Theoden, but hot words were exchanged and the king offered Gandalf any horse he would desire, except the king's horse, Snowmane, if he would leave Edoras. Gandalf realized that the mind of Theoden had been overthrown by Saruman and his apprentice Grima. After finding and following the great horse Shadowfax, one of the Mearas, Gandalf gained the trust of the mighty steed and on September 23rd, Gandalf rode Shadowfax from Edoras. When Theoden heard of the taking of Shadowfax, he realized the folly of his hasty offer to Gandalf, but was angered by the Wizard's choice. No Mearas had bore any but the king and his kin until that day.

On February 25, 3019, the first Battle of the Fords of Isen was fought between a force led by the king's son, Theodred, and an Orc army of Saruman. Theodred was slain in the battle. The next day, Eomer learned that an Orc host from Emyn Muil had invaded Rohan from the East Wall and he suspected an alliance between Isengard and Mordor. When he requested the king to allow him to follow the force led by Theodred, Grima convinced Theoden to refuse him permission.

On March 2nd, Gandalf returned to Edoras and requested an audience with the king. Gandalf was accompanied by a man, an elf and a dwarf. The man was Aragorn, son of Arathorn, whom Eomer had earlier met on the plain. Through the powers of Gandalf, Theoden was released from the grip of Saruman and was healed of it's effects. The king, his mind now free from Grima's lies, rose and taking his sword Herugrim in his hand, cried:

'Arise now, arise, Riders of Theoden!

Dire deeds awake, dark is it eastward.

Let horse be bridled, horn be sounded!

Forth Eorlingas!'

Theoden then ordered that Eomer be freed and was reconciled with him. To Grima he gave the choice of riding to battle with him or to be banished from Rohan forthwith. Grima, in a rage spat at the king's feet and flew from Edoras, returning to his master Saruman. Then, taking the council of Gandalf, the Rohirrim prepared to ride for the stronghold of Helm's Deep. On the same day occurred the Second Battle of the Fords of Isen. The riders in that battle, led by Erkenbrand, were defeated by the Orcs and were scattered.

The next day, word of the defeat of Erkenbrand reached the ears of the king. Theoden, with Gandalf and his companions then led his people from Edoras to Helm's Deep. During the ride, Gandalf left the company and set off on his own errand, in great haste. The Rohirrim reached the safety of the fortress with the Orcs and Uruk's of Saruman's army close on their heels. That night (February 4th), the Battle of Helm's Deep began.

Helm's Deep was formed by a great bay in the White Mountains atop a green coomb on the far side of the Westfold Vale. It was named after the King Helm, called Hammerhand, who made his refuge there. Before the mouth of the Deep was Helm's Gate. Here there was a heel of rock thrust outward by the northern cliff. High walls of ancient stone were built upon the rock and within them there rose a high tower. It was said that in the ancient days of Gondor the sea-kings had built this fortress with the hands of giants. The tower was called the Hornburg, for a great trumpet was set in it's top. Another wall extended from the Hornburg to the southern cliff, barring the entrance to the gorge. Beneath it the Deeping-stream passed out by a wide culvert. The stream wound around the Hornrock and flowed into a gully through the midst of a wide green gore, sloping gently down from Helm's Gate to Helm's Dike. From there it fell into the Deeping-coomb and out into the Westfold Vale.

The main defensive wall of the fortress was called the Deeping Wall. It was twenty feet high, and so thick that four men could walk abreast along the top, sheltered by a parapet taller than most men. Clefts in the stone allowed men to shoot arrows while still protected. The battlement was reached by a stair which ran down from a door in the outer court of the Hornburg; three flights of steps led also up on to the wall from the Deep behind. A small postern-door opened in an angle of the burg-wall on the west, where the cliff stretched out to meet it. On that side a narrow path ran round towards the great gate, between the wall and the sheer brink of the Rock. A broad stairway climbed from the Deep up to the rock and the rear-gate of the Hornburg. The front of the Deeping Wall itself was smooth, and the great stones of it were set with such skill that no purchase could be found at their joints, and at the top they leaned forward.

Erkenbrand, Lord of Westfold had repaired the wall and had strengthened the fortress to be a ready refuge in times of need. Now, the man who had prepared Helm's Deep was believed lost at the Second Battle of the Fords of Isen. All through night the battle raged and many of the Rohirrim were lost, including Hama, Captain of the King's Guard. A great explosion, breeched the Deeping Wall where the stream ran out through the culvert. Saruman's forces came streaming in through the opening and assailed the doors of the Hornburg itself.

Just when it seemed to many that all was lost, the great trumpet of the Hornburg rang out and men said that it was Helm Hammerhand returned to aid Theoden King. The ringing of that horn threw the Orcs into dismay. Then the king and his men felt renewed and rode forth from Helm's Gate and they clove their way through the enemy until they came to the Dike. There they saw the dark eaves of a wood that had appeared where none had been before. Suddenly, on a ridge above the Dike there appeared a white rider, it was Gandalf. Beside him came Erkenbrand who blew a loud blast upon his horn. Then one-thousand men on foot followed in a charge down the slope. The enemy were mad with fear and those who were not slain fled under the eaves of the mysterious forest. None ever emerged from that wood and no trace of them could be found.

Two mounds were raised in the field before the Hornburg. All the men of Rohan who had fallen were buried in them, the men of Westfold on one side, the men of the East Dales on the other. In a single grave was laid Hama, captain of the King's Guard, who fell before the Gate.

On March 5th, the king and his men rode to Isengard where the king confronted Saruman and Grima. But after his staff was broken by Gandalf, Saruman locked himself and Grima in the tower of Orthanc.

After returning to Edoras, Theoden gathered his remaining forces and on March 6th rode to Dunharrow where a muster of the Rohirrim was to be held. The company arrived at Dunharrow on March 9th. Later that day, a messenger arrived from Gondor bearing an arrow with a point painted red. Known as the "Red Arrow" it was a summons to come to Gondor's aid.

The next morning, March 10th, was known as the Dawnless Day, when a dark shadow stretched forth from Mordor and blotted out the sunshine. The muster of the Rohirrim was completed and an Eohere (a cavalry force) of six-thousand riders set forth for Gondor with Theoden at their head.

No sooner had Theoden's company set out for Gondor than on March 11th a force of Orcs invaded Eastern Rohan from the north. The next day, yet another company of Orcs entered the Wold fresh from a defeat given them by the Elves in Lothlorien where the Orcs had attempted an attack. Those Orcs who survived the fierce counter-attack by the Elves came upon Treebeard and his Ent force who destroyed the Orcs to an individual. This day, March 12th, Theoden's company camped under Minrimmon.

On March 13th, Theoden passed under the eaves of Druadan Forest. On the next day Theoden, hearing the drums of the Wild Men met with their chief, Ghan-buri-ghan. The chieftain agreed to lead the company through the Stonewain Valley by a forgotten road. By these paths, the Rohirrim were able to pass by the enemy unnoticed and came to the Grey Wood. In return for their service, the Wild Men asked only to be left alone forever after. This was agreed and the Wild Men disappeared into the woods. No Wild Men were ever seen by men of the west again.

Theoden then held council with his Captains. A report came that two dead horsemen were found just beyond the Grey Wood. These were messengers of Gondor and one still clutched the Red Arrow in his hand. Theoden realized that Denethor was unaware of their riding to his aid and knew that haste was called for.

Theoden addressing his men said "'Now is the hour come, Riders of the Mark, sons of Eorl! Foes and fire are before you, and your homes far behind. Yet, though you fight upon an alien field, the glory that you reap there shall be your own for ever. Oaths ye have taken: now fulfill them all, to lord and land and league of friendship!'

His men rattled their spears on their shields. Theoden then cried, "Forth now, and fear no darkness!". The Rohirrim then came to the Fields of Pelennor. The day was March 15th.

Theoden's riders charged and fell upon the dark forces which were assailing the walls of Minas Tirith. It was said that not since the days of Eorl himself had the Riders of the Mark seen such battle. The spirits of their ancestors seemed to be with the Rohirrim as they swept down upon the enemy.

But just when it seemed that victory would be claimed by Theoden, the king was attacked by a Fell Beast on which was mounted a Nazgul. This was the Witch-King of Angmar, the greatest of the nine. A black dart pierced the kings steed Snowmane, and the horse fell on top of his master. Theoden was mortally wounded, trapped under Snowmane.

Eowyn, the kings niece, who had disguised herself as the warrior Dernhelm, challenged the Witch-King and his beast steed. Eowyn clove the beasts head and it fell to the ground, dead. The Witch-King, whom no mortal man could kill, smote her shield arm with his mace and her shield was smashed to splinters and her arm broken. As the Nazgul raised his hand to deliver the death blow, he stumbled forward, screaming, as the Hobbit Meriadoc Brandybuck drove his small sword into the back of the Witch-Kings' knee. Eowyn rose before the Nazgul and drove her sword between his hauberk and iron crown and so destroyed the foul wraith.

The hobbit Merry comforted the dying king until Eomer came. Theoden, still unaware that Eowyn lay nearby spoke to Eomer saying, 'Hail, King of the Mark! Ride now to victory! Bid Eowyn farewell!' And so Theoden died and the Kingship passed to Eomer.

Then Eomer discovered Eowyn's still body and he was overcome with grief. The heat of fury overtook him and he charged back to the front line of battle crying 'death, death!' This cry went up among the Rohirrim and they all cried 'death!' and battle was again joined.

As Eomer charged back into the fray, the bodies of Theoden and Eowyn were taken into the city, Theoden being laid in the Hall of the Tower, while Eowyn, discovered to be still living, was taken to the Houses of Healing.

In his hopeless fury, the battle began to turn against Eomer. But just as all seemed lost, there appeared on the Anduin River a group of Black Ships of the Corsairs approaching the docks of Harlond, but with joy Eomer saw that the standard of the king of Gondor flew from the masthead of the lead ship. Then Eomer's hope was renewed and the Rohirrim were heartened and they rallied once more.

A Force led by Aragorn sprang from the Black Ships and the enemy was mad with sudden fear and disorder. The Southron and Easterling enemy found themselves between the hammer and anvil. The battle raged until when at the red sundown it was ended and all the enemy lay slain.

The dead warriors of the Rohirrim were buried under the Pelennor Fields in the Mounds of Mundburg. Many great and valiant riders rested there. Long after the battle a songsmith of Rohan remembered the fallen.

'We heard the horns in the hills ringing,

the swords shining in the south kingdom.

Steeds went striding to the Stoningland

as wind in the morning. War was kindled.

There Theoden fell, Thengling mighty,

to his golden halls and green pastures

in the Northern fields never returning,

high lord of the host. Harding and Guthlaf,

Dunhere and Deorwine, doughty Grimbold,

Herefara and Herubrand, Horn and Fastred,

fought and fell there in a far country:

in the Mounds of Mundurg under mould they lie

with their league-fellows, lords of Gondor.

Neither Hirluin the Fair to the hills by the sea,

nor Forlong the old to the flowering vales

ever, to Arnach, to his own country

returned in triumph; nor the tall bowmen,

Derufin and Duilin, to their dark waters,

meres of Morthond under mountain-shadows.

Death in the morning and at day's ending

lords took and lowly. Long now they sleep

under grass in Gondor by the Great River.

Grey now as tears, gleaming silver,

red then it rolled, roaring water:

foam dyed with blood flamed at sunset;

as beacons mountains burned at evening;

red fell the dew in Rammas Echor.'

In the evening of the same day Aragorn entered the city and he came to Eowyn and healed her of the deadly hurts she received in battle with the Witch-King. In the Houses of Healing Eowyn met Faramir of Gondor who was also healed by the skills of Aragorn. The sadness of Eowyn was great and Faramir comforted her and spoke words of hope and healing and love was kindled between them.

The next morning a council was held by Gandalf, Aragorn and Eomer and their captains. At its conclusion it was decided that they would go to the Black Gates of Barad- Dur with what force they could gather and challenge the dark lord Sauron. In this way a diversion was created and the black land was emptied of his servants so that the Ring-bearer, the Hobbit Frodo, might complete his task unmolested and unseen by the great eye and so destroy the One Ring of Sauron.

The enemy came out and so began the Battle of the Field of Cormallen, that was on March 25th. The army of the men of the west was greatly outnumbered but they fought valiantly, though all seemed in vain. Then hope unlooked for came and the Great Eagles swooped upon and assailed the Nazgul on their winged Fell Beasts and the Nazgul were chased away.

Suddenly the dark forces quailed and the dark land shook and fire belched from Mount Doom and the men of the west knew that the One Ring had been destroyed. Then Sauron's forces were overcome and were slain or fled and Sauron himself was destroyed and his tower crumbled and fell. So was the War of the Ring ended.

On May 1st Arargorn, now known as Elessar, was crowned king and took up his throne in the Great Hall at Minas Tirith.

With Theoden's death and Eomer's ascension to the rule of Rohan the second line of the kings of the Rohirrim was ended and a new line was begun. On May 8th Eowyn accompanied King Eomer back to Rohan where they set their land in order. For a time Theoden's body remained in Gondor, the land of his birth.

On July 18th Eomer and Eowyn returned to Minas Tirith and the following day the funeral escort of Theoden left for Rohan. On August 7th the body of Theoden arrived at Edoras. Three days later a funeral was held and Theoden was buried in the 8th mound of his line in the east mounds at Edoras.

On that same solemn day, there was also joy when Eomer announced to the people the betrothal of Eowyn to Faramir. The love between them had grown great and they were married in the next year (3020).

For his bravery in battle in the defense of King Theoden and of the lady Eowyn the kings squire Meriadoc Brandybuck of the Shire was made a knight of the realm and named Holdwine in the tongue of Rohan.

In King Eomer's time the land was healed and both people and horses multiplied. King Elessar renewed to Eomer the Gift of Cirion and Eomer in his turn took again the Oath of Eorl. Many times Eomer fulfilled it and came to the aid of Gondor for not all the enemies of men had been vanquished or subdued.

In the last year of the Third Age (3020) King Eomer wedded Lothiriel, daughter of Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth by the sea. To Eomer and Lothiriel was born a son. They named him Elfwine and he was known by his people as "the Fair" for he possessed the beauty of the men of Westerness.

When in the Autumn of the 63rd year of the Fourth Age after having ruled for sixty-five years, Eomer Eadig joined his forefathers in the green mounds, Elfwine became King.

For many more lives of men Rohan had peace and great friendship flourished between Rohan and Gondor. Little is known of the late days of the Rohirrim for those records have been lost in the mists of time.

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