Rohan

One of Shore's best qualities as a composer is his ability to come up with musical ideas that impart a sense of culture and place. You hear it in the pastoral Shire theme, with its suggestion of Irishness; and in the more formal and regal Gondor theme. None, however, are more evocative than the Rohan theme, especially in its realization on the Norwegian Hardanger fiddle. It manages to convey in a few notes the essentials of Rohan culture: simplicity, military prowess, sense of honor. It is the signature theme for the second movie, heard over the title.

The scratchy fiddle rendition of the Rohan theme also imparts to my ear the same norske bleakness as Carter Burwell's haunting fiddle theme from Fargo. Burwell's theme is lonelier, of course, while Shore's is more assertive.

According to the DVD documentary, this theme was long in coming, as Jackson insisted that Shore come up with something catchy and hummable. Shore at last suggested this theme, and Jackson agreed to it when he found himself humming it in his car.

Occurrences:

	Two Towers title shot.
	Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas are on the chase and break into open country.
	The fellowship arrive at Edoras [with Fellowship].
	Éowyn stands on the rampart; the flag breaks off into the wind.
	Théoden arises from his throne.
	Théoden grasps his sword.
	Edoras empties.
	Théoden and his army arrive at Helm's Deep.
	The women and children head for the caves; the men are taken for battle.
	Women and children await the attack [plaintive version].
	The Uruks break through the wall.
	Théoden's desperate charge.
	The company return to Edoras after the death of Saruman.
	Théoden: "And Rohan will answer."
	The muster of Rohan at Dunharrow.
	Théoden exhorts the troops: "Ride now to Gondor!" [variant].
	The host of Rohan encamp on the way to Minas Tirith [in solo trumpet].
	The host appear on the ridgetop before Minas Tirith [slowly].