13 iconic The Lord of the Rings moments fans still cherish
By Bryce Olin
7. Ride of the Rohirrim at Minas Tirith in The Return of the King
"King Theoden: “Arise, arise, riders of Théoden! Spears shall be shaken, shields shall be splintered! A sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises! Ride now, ride now, ride! Ride for ruin, and the world’s ending!”"
This is one of the best moments from The Return of the King. Minas Tirith is overrun despite the best efforts of Gandalf and Gondor’s army. A force from Mordor was built to destroy the White City, and it almost does.
Thankfully, Rohan arrives, led by King Theoden. He delivers a speech that ranks up there with the best of the trilogy. Well, it’s actually more of a half-speech, half-battle cry, but it works! The Rohirrim are fired up and ready to welcome death when they ride into the battle at Pelennor Fields, which turns the tide. From the moment the Rohirrim burst through the lines, it’s the beginning of the end for Mordor’s forces.
Éowyn and Merry’s partnership in this scene is also incredible. Neither of them is supposed to be there. They were explicitly told to stay behind, which makes their determination more impactful. The audience feels the fear that they feel heading into this battle.