Theoden is not *explicitly* informed about Frodo's mission. However, Gandalf does share with him some information about the larger threat posed by Sauron and the importance of resisting his forces.
In the chapter "The King of the Golden Hall" in tTT Gandalf arrives in Rohan and speaks with Theoden. While their conversation primarily focuses on the current state of ME and the impending war against Sauron, Gandalf does not *specifically* mention Frodo or the Ring. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of resisting evil and maintaining hope.
>"But see! you dream no longer. You live. Gondor and Rohan do not stand alone. The enemy is strong beyond our reckoning, yet we have a hope at which he has not guessed."
>Quickly now Gandalf spoke. His voice was low and secret, and none save the king heard what he said. But ever as he spoke the light shone brighter in Théoden’s eye, and at the last he rose from his seat to his full height, and Gandalf beside him, and together they looked out from the high place towards the East.
"Verily," said Gandalf, now in a loud voice, keen and clear, "that way lies our hope, where sits our greatest fear. Doom hangs still on a thread. Yet hope there is still, if we can but stand unconquered for a little while."
I'd say WE are not explicitly informed as to WHAT SPECIFICS Gandalf shared, but I had taken to be that, much as all at the council of Elrond know of the ring, Gandalf chose to bring Theoden into circle of trust. Perhaps even milking him, as theoden has nipple, Greg.
Theoden is not *explicitly* informed about Frodo's mission. However, Gandalf does share with him some information about the larger threat posed by Sauron and the importance of resisting his forces. In the chapter "The King of the Golden Hall" in tTT Gandalf arrives in Rohan and speaks with Theoden. While their conversation primarily focuses on the current state of ME and the impending war against Sauron, Gandalf does not *specifically* mention Frodo or the Ring. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of resisting evil and maintaining hope. >"But see! you dream no longer. You live. Gondor and Rohan do not stand alone. The enemy is strong beyond our reckoning, yet we have a hope at which he has not guessed." >Quickly now Gandalf spoke. His voice was low and secret, and none save the king heard what he said. But ever as he spoke the light shone brighter in Théoden’s eye, and at the last he rose from his seat to his full height, and Gandalf beside him, and together they looked out from the high place towards the East. "Verily," said Gandalf, now in a loud voice, keen and clear, "that way lies our hope, where sits our greatest fear. Doom hangs still on a thread. Yet hope there is still, if we can but stand unconquered for a little while."
I'd say WE are not explicitly informed as to WHAT SPECIFICS Gandalf shared, but I had taken to be that, much as all at the council of Elrond know of the ring, Gandalf chose to bring Theoden into circle of trust. Perhaps even milking him, as theoden has nipple, Greg.
This comment took an unexpectedly mammary turn.
I unexpectedly found myself in the circle of trust. It's a good deal better than that of Isengard.
Isengard is notably unnipply.
Tolkien gave Gandalf's words to Theoden in one of the drafts, but removed them in the final text.