White Rider - A Fellowship of the Ring Theme

The White Rider

A Theme Associated With the Fellowship of the Ring

THE WHITE RIDER, a theme associated with the Fellowship of the Ring (the group of nine), is a waltz time melody that represents "the reincarnated Gandalf the White and his relationship to the Fellowship of the Ring." (Doug Adams, CR--TTT liner notes, page 23)

Places this theme is heard in TTT:

The defiant version as Gandalf on Shadowfax and the Three Hunters ride away from Fangorn Forest.
The urgent version as Gandalf on Shadowfax gallops out of the stables of Edoras on an errand to fetch Éomer.
The defiant version as the dawn sun rises up behind the Gandalf and Shadowfax as they lead the Rohirrim into battle at Helm's Deep.

Places this theme is heard in ROTK:

A lush, waltz-time version as Gandalf and Pippin leave Edoras on Shadowfax to go to Minas Tirith. HS COMMENT
A strident, urgent version (not in waltz time), is heard when Gandalf rides out to repel the Nazgul that are harassing the troops fleeing Osgiliath. (Just before the boy soprano solo is heard)
Another non-waltz version is heard after Gandalf knocks Denethor senseless and then rallies the Gondorian soldiers crying, "Prepare for battle! Hurry, men! To the wall! Defend the wall! "