Was Theoden’s Order to Charge the Mumakil Head-On Reckless?

Was Theoden's order to charge the Mumakil head-on reckless? This question has often been pondered by fans of the fantasy epic The Lord of the Rings. Indeed, it was a bold and perhaps seemingly foolish decision. But let's delve deeper into the context and consequences of this legendary charge. Theoden, filled with battle fury and determination, decided to charge the Mumakil despite the evident risk. This act of heroism, though seemingly reckless, was a pivotal moment in the Battle of Pelennor Fields and serves as a beacon of Gondor's resilience.

The Battle Fury of Theoden

Often remembered for the chilling scene in the movie where Merry watches Theoden visibly waver as he takes in the overwhelming enemy forces, Theoden's determination to charge the Mumakil reveals his inner strength. Once Theoden straightens and charges, he becomes a symbol of defiance and unyielding courage. This wasn't just a moment of recklessness, but a deliberate strategy to turn the tide of battle.

The Strategic Importance of The Charge

However, the charge was not without its strategic purpose. Despite the apparent danger, Theoden's order to charge the Mumakil had significant implications. By engaging the Mumakil head-on, Theoden forced the Haradrim to split their forces, allowing Gondor to seize the initiative. This not only disrupted the enemy's battle lines but also opened up new avenues for Gondor's cavalry to maneuver and engage.

Pointless and Reckless? Exploring the Relevance

It is true that a cavalry charge against elephants would be generally pointless. Cavalry charges are meant to terrify and overrun opponents, but horses are too small to overrun elephants, and elephants are terrified of horses. Yet, the Mumakil in the Lord of the Rings, with their unnaturally large size, added an extra layer of challenge. A real-world elephant can kill a horse with one blow, and the movie's Mumakil are depicted as being ten to fifteen times the size of a mundane elephant. Even with such striking creatures, Theoden's charge had a strategic purpose beyond mere heroism.

The Novel's Insight

Interestingly, the novel provides further insight into this charge. In the passage from the book, it is noted that the horses refused to approach the Mumakil, leaving them unfought and acting as rallying points for the Haradrim. The only way to fight the Mumakil, according to the book, was to shoot them in the eyes, driving them mad with rage. This contrasts with the film, where Theoden charges head-on, perhaps inspired by the test audience's negative reaction to the large, intimidating creatures depicted in the movie.

The Elemental Factors

The sheer size and nature of the Mumakil, with their ability to crush and trample horses with a single foot or tusk blow, made the charge even more perilous. The book describes the Mumakil as likely inspired by prehistoric mammoths, with the largest species, the Colombian mammoth, standing at thirteen feet tall and weighing eleven tons. This size could be the largest Tolkien had knowledge of, and it provided the inspiration for the formidable creatures seen in the film.

In conclusion, Theoden's order to charge the Mumakil head-on is both a testament to his courage and a strategic necessity. While it might have been seen as reckless, it was a calculated risk that ultimately proved crucial in the battle's outcome. This moment remains a powerful and memorable part of the Lord of the Rings' narrative, showcasing the heroic spirit of Gondor's king and his people.