Go Back, O Lost One

So his name is Theoden, I know that character is definitely in the first trilogy, but idk if he's relevant to the Hobbit

What order should I watch the movies in? IE chronologically in release order, timeline order?

Should I watch the extended additions or the shortened ones?

Would if be wise to listen to the audio audiobook? I have until October when he's born so I could manage that in time

Are any of the other novels that take place in middle earth relevant to Theoden's character? IE The Silmarillion

Is there any other media pertaining to the series that would be good to consume as well? IE making of documentaries, behind the scenes content, interviews? (I have seen the Will you wear wigs video, it's pretty much the only background info I have, I know Elijah Woods has a wig on)

Now, the books have a very particular style, and aren’t for everybody. If you can’t get through ‘em: no shame! Probably the majority of the Lord of the Rings fandom comes from the movies.

Which is why the quickest, easiest, and generally most fun way to jump into the fandom is by watching them! I recommend the Theatrical Release (not extended) for your first watch-through. You’ll learn all you need to know about Théoden from those. There’s very little else of him in the extended media, as his entire arc is contained within the Lord of the Rings narrative itself.

The Silmarillion is a fun read in its own right, but it’s got pretty much nothing regarding Théoden himself. You’ll find a liiiiittle bit of history regarding him and his lineage in the appendix of Return of the King (the last book in LotR), some of which is loosely adapted into “War of the Rohirrim,” an anime-esque film that came out a few years ago. Definitely don’t start with that, but it’s fun enough if you liked the other movies.

TL;DR - try the books, watch the movies. You don’t need to see the Hobbit trilogy to understand who Théoden is, although they’re also a fun watch imo. Really, just the main Lord of the Rings story is all you need to understand this guy. That goes Fellowship of the Ring -> the Two Towers -> Return of the King.

After being thrust into the eye of the authoritarians following a moment of desperation, they ignore any semblance of comfort or hope in lieu of focusing entirely on getting the current situation over with. They are one of only few survivors, and intend to go home and rest of their laurels, but-

Surprise! The fascists aren’t done with them yet. Both are thrown right back into hell, again thinking of nothing but survival until the moment arrives for them to escape. They now allow themselves to become pawns in a larger game, more out of a loss of alternatives and a bone to pick than anything.

In the end, it’s unclear exactly why they fight. There’s anger, fear, sorrow, spite; it’s more of just a mountain of resentment than anything. In the end, they both lose the one they love most, and are left with a hollow victory over a system of oppression that neither of them could ever fully wrap their head around.

"Other artists giving their characters regular trauma--"

"Other artists giving their characters excessive trauma--"