Háma

This article is about the Lord of the Rings character. For other uses of the same word, see Hama (disambiguation)

Háma portryed by New Zealand actor John Leigh in Peter Jackson's

In J. R. R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, Háma is the doorward of King Théoden of Rohan and Captain of the King's Guard.

[Spoiler warningSpoiler warning]: Plot and/or ending details follow.

On March 2, 3019 T.A., Háma greeted Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli when they arrived at Meduseld. He told the travellers that they must leave their weapons outside the door before entering the King's hall. Aragorn was reluctant to part with Anduril, but Háma said that it was the will of King Theoden and that Aragorn must put aside his sword or fight with all the Men of Edoras. At last, Aragorn agreed but commanded Háma to prevent anyone from touching Anduril. The others left their weapons, but Gandalf kept his staff. Háma allowed this, saying:

"The staff in the hand of a wizard may be more than a prop for age. Yet in doubt a man of worth will trust to his own wisdom. I believe you are friends and folk worthy of honour, who have no evil purpose."

-The Two Towers: "The King of the Golden Hall," p. 116

With the aid of his staff, Gandalf was able to free King Théoden from the influence of his counsellor Gríma Wormtongue, who worked for Saruman. Háma was summoned to release Theoden's nephew Éomer from imprisonment and bring him before the King. Éomer asked Háma to bring him his sword Guthwine, and Háma did as he was asked, for he was overjoyed that the young Marshal of the Mark was freed. Théoden was surprised to see Éomer armed and Háma confessed that it was his doing, but at length Theoden accepted Eomer's sword and his pledge of loyalty.

Háma was then sent to retrieve Theoden's own sword Herugrim from Gríma and to bring the traitorous counsellor before the King. Gríma was reluctant to give Háma the keys to the chest where Herugrim was stored, and when Háma opened it he found many other stolen items besides the sword. Two guards escorted Gríma to Théoden and Háma knelt and presented the King with Herugrim.

When Théoden led the Rohirrim forth from Edoras to battle, Háma suggested that Éowyn, the King's niece, be left in charge of the people who remained behind. Theoden agreed and told Eowyn to lead his people to the refuge of Dunharrow.

Háma accompanied King Theoden into battle. During the Battle of the Hornburg on the night of March 3-4, Háma was killed while defending the Gate. The attackers hewed Háma's body after he was dead. Háma was buried in a solitary grave in the shadow of the Hornburg. Théoden himself cast the first earth upon Háma's grave.

In Peter Jackson's film adaptation of The Two Towers, Háma is indeed the door warden, although perhaps a bit less wise in appearance. He is killed during an attack by Warg Riders on the road to Helm's Deep and his body is left behind.

Etymology

Háma may be derived from the Old English word hám meaning "village, hamlet" or it may come from the word hama meaning "covering, garment."

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