Chapter 11, The Battles of the Fords of Isen Summary

The king in Rohan is Theoden, and his two greatest supporters are his son (Theodred) and his nephew (Eomer). Unfortunately, Grima is Theoden's counselor, and tells Theoden lies in order to use him to bring him to mistrust Grima's enemies. In this way, Grima is able to get rid of much of the people who compete with him for Theoden's favor. Theoden is getting old and he is sick — possibly due to old age, but possibly due to Grima poisoning him.

Saruman orders an attack on Rohan. In the first battle, Saruman's forces are winning, and Theodred is killed. The combined courageous efforts of Grimbold, a leader in the battle, and Elfhelm, who charges in with his group at the last minute, manages to overcome Saruman's minions (despite...