The iconic ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy remains a cherished cinematic series, with memorable moments like King Théoden’s poignant question to Aragorn about Gondor’s absence during the Westfold’s fall. This inquiry highlights the complexities of leadership and communication between Rohan and Gondor amidst battles with Saruman’s forces. Understanding the context reveals Gondor’s own struggles against Mordor, leaving them unaware of Rohan’s plight. All films are currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video, alongside ‘The Rings of Power,’ with a third season in development.
The Lord of the Rings – The Rings of Power: Streaming Now!
The iconic ‘The Lord of the Rings’ film trilogy has solidified its status as one of the most beloved cinematic series in history. Memorable scenes and quotes have become staples of pop culture, inspiring countless memes. A standout moment occurs when King Théoden of Rohan (portrayed by Bernard Hill) poses the poignant question: ‘Where was Gondor when the Westfold fell?’
This powerful line is directed at Aragorn (played by Viggo Mortensen) as Théoden seeks assistance from Gondor in their battle against Saruman (Christopher Lee). Théoden’s skepticism about Gondor’s willingness to help stems from their inaction during the Westfold’s downfall. But what exactly led to this situation, and is Théoden’s frustration truly warranted?
Understanding the Westfold’s Fate
To fully grasp Théoden’s inquiry regarding Gondor’s absence during the Westfold’s fall, it’s essential to first understand the context. At the time of these events, Denethor (John Noble) served as the Steward of Gondor, governing in the absence of the rightful king, Aragorn, who had yet to claim his throne. So, what exactly is the Westfold?
The Westfold is a region within Rohan, situated in the northwestern part of the kingdom and in proximity to Saruman’s fortress, Isengard. At the onset of ‘The Two Towers,’ Éomer (Karl Urban) alerts the people of Rohan about the rampaging Uruk-hai, who are wreaking havoc and spilling blood. These attacks are Saruman’s initial efforts to seize control over Rohan, and soon, flames engulf the Westfold!
Amidst these battles that ultimately lead to the Westfold’s demise, Théoden’s son, Théodred, tragically loses his life. During this period, Théoden is under the sinister influence of Saruman and Gríma Wormtongue (Brad Dourif), rendering him powerless to defend Rohan. It is only later in the narrative that Théoden regains clarity, aided by Gandalf’s intervention, who purges the poison from his mind.
In his urgent questioning of Aragorn regarding Gondor’s absence, Théoden holds Denethor accountable for failing to assist a leaderless Rohan. However, it’s crucial to note that Rohan did not reach out for help or inform Gondor about the escalating attacks. Denethor, therefore, remained unaware of the dire situation in Rohan.
Gondor’s Own Struggles During the Westfold’s Fall
Another significant factor hindering Gondor’s ability to support Rohan during the Westfold’s downfall was their own battle against the forces of Mordor in the city of Osgiliath. This city, which lies divided by the River Anduin, presents a strategic challenge for Gondor’s defense.
While the river-side portion of Osgiliath, adjacent to Minas Tirith, could be adequately defended, the opposite side quickly succumbed to the orc invasion. Just before the council in ‘The Fellowship of the Ring’ and the Fellowship’s departure, Boromir (Sean Bean) had managed to reclaim the city, leaving his brother Faramir (David Wenham) with the daunting task of holding the position as Rohan faced its own crisis.
In ‘The Two Towers,’ Faramir leads Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) to Osgiliath, where the chaos of battle is palpable. As tensions escalate, Osgiliath ultimately falls to the orcs in ‘The Return of the King,’ forcing Gondor to retreat.
In summary, the question ‘Where was Gondor when the Westfold fell?’ resonates deeply within the lore of ‘The Lord of the Rings.’ For those eager to revisit this epic trilogy, all films are available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, along with the prequel series ‘The Rings of Power.’ Excitingly, Season 3 of this beloved series is currently in development!