LOTR: What Is The Biggest Tragedy Of Theoden's Death?

gamerant.com:

There are many poignant and heart wrenching deaths in theLord of the Rings, including two of the most memorable: Gandalf, who falls to a Balrog in the Mines of Moria, later to return as Gandalf the White, and Boromir, who dies to protect Merry and Pippin from an onslaught of orcs. But one death that happens shockingly quickly, in the midst of a valiant battle, when it seems like the good guys are finally winning and the orcs will be driven back, is that of King Theoden.

Theoden’s death comes as a surprise for many viewers, because the screeching Fell Beast appears out of the sky and swoops Theoden’s horse from beneath him, rolling them and crushing them instantly as they go. Many of the other characters who witness the awful event are equally shocked and horrified, and Eowyn, who is stood nearby, rushes to protect her Uncle from the onslaught of the Witch King and his flying demon.

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And although she beheads the cruel creature, and stabs the Witch King with the help of Merry the hobbit, she is unable to save Theoden’s life because his bones have already been shattered by the impact. And Theoden’s death is tragic for three reasons, two of which are made very evident in the films, and one of which Peter Jackson decided to re-write in his movie adaptation because it was too devastating for the characters involved.

The first terrible sadness behind Theoden’s death is that his line has come to an end. Although Eomer and Eowyn still endure, and will be able to pass on their genes and carry on the majesty of the house of Rohan, Theoden is the last of the male link that joins him to many unbroken male relatives before him.

In a terrible twist of fate,