Re-reading the Lord of the Rings, Chapter 28

The King of the Golden Hall is about the rules at the court, how the actors can pursue their will, what is for them to want and what not.

It is also about diplomacy, death wrapped in soft cloth.

And it is about the dangers of turning a blind eye towards the affairs of the state.

It is noteworthy that Háma is consciously making the decision to get Wormtongue kicked out.

‘The staff in the hand of a wizard may be more than a prop for age,’ said Háma. He looked hard at the ash-staff on which Gandalf leaned. ‘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. You may go in.’

Not only is it easier to defend to have let a staff be slipped in than a sword, a staff is also more useful.

Háma is of Éomer's party, King Théoden pardons the breach of his command, that's why pardon is given, because the rules at the court are stiff and the king must appear impartial, reliable also to those, he loves less. However, a king is wise to give pardon only when the land's sovereignty or the law's sanctity (i.e. its moral justifiability) was compromised, or the institution becomes a sham.

As for what to want and not to want, both Gríma and Éowyn have improper thoughts, and Aragorn's heart grieves for hers false step.

The problem is the court, the assumption of priviledge, the lack of independence and the excess of ways to work things. It breeds secrecy and directs the thoughts towards improving one's position. It also erects dark chambers, where those are being co-erced, who rely on the favours of others, but not so so far in Rohan, where people are riding into war sufficiently often still, for not to have stooped to these lows.

And that's the other thing in this chapter, the lightness, the overflowing hope, as if a mere trifle lay ahead in dealing with Saruman.