Lord Of The Rings & The Hobbit: Every Major Death RANKED

The death of King Théoden in Return of the King is a scene that is incredibly similar to the previously discussed Thorin Oakensheild demise. However, it gets additional credit for many reasons and acts as a great example of how to allow a King to die with gravitas.

Firstly, his interaction with Eowyn on his deathbed is beautiful. While Bilbo and Thorin are both stoic and sad, Théoden and Eowyn both display multiple emotions. There is, of course, sadness, but there is also joy and comfort, even a beautiful moment where Théoden makes his niece smile one more time.

Additionally, there is a regal aura to the scene that highlights the importance of a King passing. He talks with his adoring surrogate daughter about his legacy and how he intends to walk among his ancestors as an equal. This pays off the long seeded narrative of Théoden feeling unworthy and delivers on a sense of importance for his character.

The entire segment is emotional and heartfelt, which makes it one of the best scenes - let alone deaths - in the series.