How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from The Two Towers.
Quote #4
THÉODEN: I know what it is you want of me, but I will not bring further death to my people. I will not risk open war.
ARAGORN: Open war is upon you, whether you would risk it or not.
War is not a choice in Middle-earth; it is a means of survival. Théoden thinks he can save his people by retreating, but Aragorn and Gandalf want him to face the enemy head on. Neither seems like a great idea, but a choice must be made.
Quote #5
TREEBEARD: War? Yes, it affects us all: tree, root, and twig.
No one is left unaffected by the great war that Saruman and Sauron are waging. Treebeard understands this, we just hope that the nations of men and elves can get their act together and start helping each other fight the enemy.
Quote #6
THÉODEN: Yes, yes, the horn of Helm Hammerhand shall sound in the Deep one last time. Let this be the hour when we draw swords together. Fell deeds, awake. Now for wrath, now for ruin, and a red dawn. Forth Eorlingas!
Impassioned by Aragorn's plea for a final charge, Théoden issues this war cry as he charges out into the battle for a final push, sure that he is going to his death. And these words shouldn't be taken lightly: wrath, ruin, and red dawn? These are violent words. Théoden isn't shouting "for the defense of the women and children." He pumps the blood of his soldiers with a cry for orc blood. So maybe it'll be a black dawn.