The Exorcist

[Liriodendron]

I see what you are saying Squatter of Amon Rudh. There is certainly beauty in an old man realizing he still has power and value. I got that feeling from the movie though. (not as poignantly as in the book of course, but a book is more subtle than a movie. I don't think it really has that much to do with intelligence levels! )Theoden seemed reluctant to fight, some call it wimpishness, I thought it was more of what you described, the old man with the doubts, afraid he would let his people down. There was some talk among the Fellowship members that many of the Rohan ranks had seen too many winters. I don't think it was a strecth to include Theoden in this group.