The Third Marshal of the Riddermark was the third such Marshal, the highest military rank among the Riders of Rohan, and title of the lieutenants of the King of Rohan.
The Third Marshal‘s duties, like those of the Second Marshal of the Riddermark, were not fixed, but assigned by the King as the times demanded.[1]
During the War of the Ring
Prior to the War of the Ring, King Théoden was under Saruman’s power and the influence of Grima Wormtongue, through whose voice the King’s orders were made. At this time and during the War of the Ring, the Third Marshal was Éomer, son of Éomund (also a Marshal) and nephew of King Théoden. Éomer’s base of operations was at Aldburg in the Folde.
After Théodred was slain and King Théoden had regained his health, Éomer effectively became First Marshall of the Riddermark, although did not officially take that title. Erkenbrand took command of the Western Muster. At the Full Muster ahead of the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, Grimbold took command of the Muster of the West-mark, however the title of Third Marshal was not given. Grombold was slain at the Battle of Pelennor Fields.
After the War of the Ring, Éomer became King and revised the old tradition of the three marshals, giving Erkenbrand the new title of Marshal of the West-mark.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Battles of the Fords of Isen", "Appendix (i)"
| Ranks of the Rohirrim |
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| First Marshal of the Riddermark · Second Marshal of the Riddermark · Third Marshal of the Riddermark · Marshal of the East-mark · Marshal of the West-mark · Underking |