Theoden and Denethor: Lessons on Fatherhood and Leadership in the Face of Despair

 Gondor and Rohan, the primary human kingdoms in The Lord of the Rings, are distinguished by the contrasting leadership styles of Theoden, King of Rohan, and Denethor, Steward of Gondor. Their respective responses to their loss of a son frame their approach to leadership, duty, and fatherhood, while revealing a stark divergence in their character trajectories.

Theoden is first introduced as a despairing ruler, enfeebled by age and the manipulations of the deceitful Grima Wormtongue. The death of his son, Theodred, intensifies his sorrow, yet, paradoxically, also becomes a source of strength, spurred by Gandalf's counsel. Theoden's sense of duty remains undiminished despite the encircling threats of Sauron. Once liberated from Wormtongue's clutches, he re-emerges as a resilient leader, fulfilling his responsibilities to his kingdom. The depth of his transformation is revealed in a rallying cry: "Arise now, arise, Riders of Theoden! Dire deeds awake, dark is it eastward. Let horse be bridled, horn be sounded! Forth Eorlingas!!" (Book 3, Chapter 6). Theoden galvanizes his men by acknowledging the severity of the threat they face; he does not downplay the magnitude of the imminent battle against Sauron’s forces, but builds trust and respect by confronting it head on. This call to arms encapsulates a king reclaiming his role with grace and courage, even amidst personal and national calamities.

Conversely, Denethor, who wields power akin to a king's, crumbles under the weight of his son Boromir's demise. His grief poisons his already strained relationship with his surviving son, Faramir. Denethor's obsession with lineage and legacy blinds him to his paternal obligations, leading to a tragic downfall. His fractured mindset is exposed when he bemoans to Faramir, "I would have things as they were in all the days of my life, and in the days of my longfathers before me: to be the Lord of this City in peace, and leave my chair to a son after me, who would be his own master and no wizard’s pupil. But if doom denies this to me, then I will have naught: neither life diminished, nor love halved, nor honour abated.” (Book 5, Chapter 7). Consequently, he perceives his sons as instruments of power, neglecting to provide them with the love and care they deserve. Faced with the prospect of losing his power, Denethor contemplates giving up everything. This reveals a dramatic abdication of responsibility, both as a leader and a father. Instead of standing firm in adversity like Theoden, he considers abandoning his post and, by extension, his people and family.

Denethor's sense of duty becomes the cause of his grief, spiraling into a maelstrom of despair, ultimately resulting in his suicide. He forgoes his roles as steward and father, culminating in a destructive sequence of events. His despairing words to Gandalf depict his resignation from duty: “Didst thou think that the eyes of the White Tower were blind? Nay, I have seen more than thou knowest, Grey Fool. For thy hope is but ignorance. Go then and labour in healing! Go forth and fight! Vanity. For a little space you may triumph on the field, for a day. But against the Power that now arises there is no victory. To this City only the first finger of its hand has yet been stretched. All the East is moving. And even now the wind of thy hope cheats thee and wafts up Anduin a fleet with black sails. The West has failed. It is time for all to depart who would not be slaves..” (Book 5, Chapter 7). Here, duty has degenerated into a mere pawn in his power play. Unable to protect and rally his people, he suggests they flee, a clear deviation from his role as Steward. His sense of duty is overwhelmed by his fear and his fixation on the inevitability of defeat, unlike Theoden, who leads the Rohirrim against Sauron’s forces time and time again.

One of my favorite quotes of the entire series is Theoden’s final words to Merry: “Farewell, Master Holbytla!’ he said. ‘My body is broken. I go to my fathers. And even in their mighty company I shall not now be ashamed. I felled the black serpent. A grim morn, and a glad day, and a golden sunset! … Grieve not! It is forgiven. Great heart will not be denied. Live now in blessedness; and when you sit in peace with your pipe, think of me! For never now shall I sit with you in Meduseld, as I promised, or listen to your herb-lore.” (Book 5, Chapter 6) It is hard for a tear to not come to my eye when I read this passage at the end of Theoden’s long journey from a poisoned invalid, but it perfectly illustrates his deep-seated sense of duty, compassion, humility, and an unyielding commitment to his people, even in the face of death. Theoden meets his fate contended as he fulfilled his duty as king by protecting his people, and with his dying breaths, instead of drawing attention to himself or his legacy, wishes Merry peace and happiness, reflecting his deep care for those around him.

Theoden and Denethor embody contrasting responses to leadership, duty, and fatherhood in the face of personal tragedy. Theoden, despite his initial despair, transitions to a place of acceptance, courage, and love for his people, demonstrating the virtues of a king prepared to make personal sacrifices. On the other hand, Denethor personifies the pitfalls of power, where the quest for lineage and control obscures the essence of leadership and fatherhood. His unchecked grief and resulting madness push him to forsake his responsibilities and familial love, ending in a tragic implosion. Ultimately, Theoden and Denethor present a dual narrative on the potency of fatherhood and duty within the broader context of power and loss. Their stories offer valuable insights into the human capacity for resilience or despair, and though neither is perfect, through their comparison, Tolkien reveals important truths concerning fatherhood and leadership, particularly in the face of adversity.

- ACLL (Wildcard)