Éomer: Book Profile

Éomer was the son of Eomund and Théodwyn, the sister of Théoden. His parents died when he was still young, and he and his sister Éowyn were sent to live in Edoras with Théoden. When he was 26, he was made Third Marshal of the Mark, in charge of the cavalry of the Eastfold. Soon after this, he was also named as Heir to the Throne when Théodred died in the Battles of the Fords of Isen.

His first appearance in the Lord of the Rings was when he and his horsemen came across Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli in Rohan. He then fought valiantly in the Battle of the Hornburg and the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, each time meeting up with Aragorn and drawing swords together in the midst of the fighting.

Éomer reigned in the Riddermark for 65 years, and became known as Éadig – the Blessed. He married Lothíriel, the daughter of Imrahil of Dol Amroth, and they had a son, Elfwine. While he was king, he kept close links to Gondor, spending much time with Aragorn.

What does the name Éomer mean? As with other Rohirric names, Éomer is made up of Old English elements. “Eo” means horse, and while the meaning of “mer” is uncertain, it may well relate to the Old English “maer”, meaning heroic or glorious.

Quotes

“Together Éomer and Aragorn sprang through the door, their men close behind. The swords flashed from the sheath as one.
“Gúthwinë!” cried Éomer. “Gúthwinë for the Mark!”
“Andúril!” cried Aragorn. “Andúril for the Dúnedain!” (TTT, Helm’s Deep)

“Out of doubt, out of dark to the day’s rising
I came singing in the sun, sword unsheathing.
To hope’s end I rode and to heart’s breaking:
Now for wrath, now for ruin and a red nightfall!” (RotK, The Battle of the Pelennor Fields)

by atalante_star