Eorl and the men of Rohan...

[samwise of the shire]

First off I am confused as to who Eorl was. Was he the first king of Rohan or was he the finder of Rohan? Another thing that perplexes me is: When Theoden shouts "Forth Eorlingas" is he talking about all the men of Rohan (therefore puttng Eorl as the founder of the Rohanian people) or is he just talking about his advisors and the Lords of Rohan putting Eorl in the possition of King...but then weren't the Rohirrim known as the Horse Lords? Or was that just another name for the Rohanian people?
In other words was Eorlingas just another name for the people of Rohan or was it a specific group of Theodens supporters? There that's more simple. Sorry if I confused anyone
Cheers,
Sam

[markedel]

Eorl was the first king of Rohan-it was ceded by Gondor to him. The Eorlingas are the Rohirrim.

[Dúnedain]

Originally posted by samwise of the shire
When Theoden shouts "Forth Eorlingas" is he talking about all the men of Rohan

To be technical, he says "Forð Eorlingas!" hehe, but it does mean "Forth Eorlingas!"

Here is a definition for you, but it is basically what markedel said:

"Eorl
The founding King of Rohan

The son of Léod of the Éothéod, and founder of Rohan. When Gondor was assailed beyond hope, they sent north to Eorl for aid, and he came south in force to rout the enemies of the South-kingdom. As reward, Steward Cirion granted him and his people the land of Calenardhon to dwell in.


Eorlingas
The followers of Eorl and his house

A name taken by the Rohirrim in their own tongue, signifying the followers and kin of Eorl the Young."

So as markedel said it is the Rohirrim, but it is just spoken that way in their language....