[Lhunardawen]

Originally Posted by Lalwende

That makes me wonder who he might have had in mind when he was under Grima's influence? Surely not Grima?

No one is another likely answer. Rohan bereft of a ruler is very likely to fall into the hands of Saruman. That could have been his plan - using Grima to turn the king into someone very incompetent and incapable of leadership, not even able to name someone who would take his place. This will in turn cause chaos in Rohan, during which Saruman will step in and do his thing. Of course there would be people like Eomer and Theodred who would dare stand up against him and will struggle to edify the kingdom, but with Theoden's condition on their minds they would be much too distracted to reach their full potential.

I read the chapter again, and what kept on reverberating in my mind is Merry and the Paths of the Dead.

'But as for the Paths of the Dead, you have yourself walked on their first steps. Nay, I speak no words of ill omen! The road that we have climbed is the approach to the Door, yonder in the Dimholt. But what lies beyond no man knows.' (Eomer)

And later

'I will be ready,' said Merry, 'even if you bid me ride with you on the Paths of the Dead.'
'Speak not words of omen!' said the king. For there may be more roads than one that could bear that name. But I did not say that I would bid you ride with me on any road.'

'I won't be left behind, to be called for on return!' said Merry. 'I won't be left, I won't.'

I was touched by Merry's seeming 'welcome' to the Paths of the Dead. If we recall, Legolas came with Aragorn for he did not fear the Dead, and Gimli only decided to willingly step out when he found 'An Elf going underground where a Dwarf will not' (or something like that). In any case, they showed other motives or reasons else for going into the Paths, other encouragements apart from the fact that they are going with a friend, and going with a purpose. Merry, on the other hand, was only driven by his love for Theoden, his desire to be of service to him and in some way, to fulfill his sworn oath. He did not have any solid knowledge of the Paths of the Dead nor of anything else concerning their road or destination, but he swears to be with him whatever road he takes, nevertheless.

But then again, was he really driven by Theoden, or by the fear that he would be left behind alone? Was he really as selfless as I think he was, or was he just in pursuit of his own glory?

In any case, he did go on his own Paths of the Dead, as we'll see later on in the story.