Theoden was Rohan's seventeenth King, having ruled the Kingdom for nearly forty years.
However, due to Arrodes' proximity to Rohan, Saruman had placed a Treacherous Courtier, Grima, at his side, who, through Saruman's witchcraft, had accomplished the erosion of Theoden's will.
The relatively weak defenses at the gap of Rohan were, in fact, partly due to the King's bewitchment and manipulation.
Nonetheless, Rohan had an alliance with Gondor and was historically a vassal state to it.
On seeing the identity presented by Boromir and hearing the Gondorian horn, Grima was powerless to stop it.
He could only arrange for a somewhat wooden-looking Theoden to receive them.
Within the less-than-glorious Royal Palace, Theoden, though wearing a crown, appeared utterly haggard.
His eyes were lifeless, resembling a decrepit old man on the verge of death.
His lips moved silently, hardly producing any sound.
