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Herugrim -Sword of King Theoden

 

King Theoden, courageous soldier and leader of the land of Rohan, fell under the power of the wizard Saruman through the slithering machinations of his servant Grima. Only through the intervention of Gandalf the White was Theoden exorcised of Saruman's corrupting influence. Gandalf said to Theoden, "Your fingers would remember their old strength better if they grasped your sword," and at that moment Theoden's mind cleared, his authority as king returned to him, and his great sword, Herugrim was once more returned to his grasp. Theoden went on to lead the defense of Helm's Deep and the charge of the Rohirrim to the aid of Gondor and against the hordes of the enemy that assailed the White City. The hope of all Men and Free Peoples then lay in the defense of Minas Tirith.

Sword of Theoden. Herugrim was an ancient blade. Its scabbard was clasped with gold and was set with green gems.

When Theoden fell under the influence of Grima Wormtongue, Grima took Herugrim and locked it in his chest. On March 2, 3019, Gandalf healed Theoden and said, "Your fingers would remember their old strength better, if they grasped a sword-hilt." (TTT, p. 121) Theoden first accepted Eomer's sword Guthwine and then he asked that Herugrim be retrieved from Grima. Hama made Grima give him the keys to the chest where Herugrim was hidden, and then he knelt before the King and presented the sword to him.

Theoden took Herugrim into the Battle of Helm's Deep and he wielded the sword at the Pelennor Fields, where he was slain on March 15. Theoden's esquire Merry Brandybuck bore the King's arms in the funeral procession to Rohan. On August 10, Theoden was buried with his arms, but it is not stated whether Herugrim was among them.

Etymology:
Herugrim means "fierce sword." In Old English heoru means "sword" and grim means "fierce, angry."