Chapter artwork for The Lord of the Rings book 5 chapter 5: The Ride of the Rohirrim.
The design is inspired by Théoden's rallying cry at the end of the chapter, specifically his reference to a sword day, a red day. The sword design has soft viking elements and incorporates two subtle horse heads facing outward to create a small, angled guard.
Arise, arise, Riders of Théoden!
Fell deeds awake: fire and slaughter!
Spear shall be shaken, shield be splintered,
a sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises!
Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor!
Fell deeds awake: fire and slaughter!
Spear shall be shaken, shield be splintered,
a sword-day, a red day, ere the sun rises!
Ride now, ride now! Ride to Gondor!
—Excerpt from The Lord of the Rings book 5 chapter 5
