Aragorn II

[Elfarmari]

[this is the first part of my profile of Aragorn II, son of Arathorn II. The rest will, with luck, be posted soon, though I cannot guarantee a date.]

What would it be like to know that you came from a line of Kings who had ruled your people for over 64 generations?
What would it be like to be able to count among your forefathers Elros, first king of Numenor; Earendil, the morning star; Beren Erchamion, who with Luthien wrested a Silmaril from the crown of Morgoth; Tuor, the instrument of Ulmo; Turgon, High King of the Noldor and of Gondolin; and Elu Thingol, Lord of the Sindar and Ruler of Doriath? What would it be like to be able to count among your foremothers Elwing, wife of Earendil; Idril Celebrindal daughter of Turgon; Luthien Tinuviel, fairest of the Children of Illuvatar who alone humbled Morgoth on his throne; and Melian the Maia?
What would it be like to know that your very identity and ancestry meant that the Dark Lord would stop at nothing to kill you, should he learn you existed?
What would it be like to know that you would only be permitted to marry the woman you loved if you succeeded in breaking the power of the Dark Lord and the ill-will of the people and Steward of Gondor to become King of both Arnor and Gondor?
What would it be like to be betrothed to Arwen Undomiel, in whom the likeness of Luthien was said to live once more, a woman who had walked the earth over 2,600 years before you were born, a woman of the Eldar whose grandfather was Earendil, the Star of Hope, and whose grandmother was Galadriel, who among the Noldor was second only to Feanor?

On September 29 in the year 3018 of the Third Age, Frodo and his companions met the only man in Middle-earth who could answer these questions and thought him, "a strange, weather-beaten man." Frodo first saw him, "sitting in the shadows near the wall. He had a tall tankard in front of him, and was smoking a long-stemmed pipe curiously carved. His legs were stretched out before him, showing high boots of supple leather that fitted him well, but had seen much wear and were now caked with mud. A travel-stained cloak of heavy dark-green cloth was drawn close about him, and in spite of the heat of the room he wore a hood that overshadowed his face."

When Frodo asked the innkeeper, Barliman Butterbur, who he was, Butterbur answered, "I don't rightly know. He is one of those wandering folk -- Rangers we call them. He seldom talks: not but what he can tell a rare tale when he has the mind. He disappears for a month, or a year, and then he pops up again. He was in and out pretty often last spring; but I haven't seen him about lately. What his right name is I've never heard: but he's known around here as Strider."

The proper answer to the question, "Who is he?" would later be given by Faramir at the coronation of King Elessar, "Here is Aragorn son of Arathorn, chieftain of the Dunedain of Arnor, Captain of the Host of the West, bearer of the Star of the North, wielder of the Sword Reforged, victorious in battle, whose hands bring healing, the Elfstone, Elessar of the line of Valandil, Isildur's son, Elendil's son of Numenor."

Before Aragorn could lay claim to these titles and his rightful identity, however, there was much for him to accomplish.

Aragorn was descended through many fathers in unbroken line from Elendil, first King of Gondor and Arnor, and through him from the Lords of Andunie of Numenor, and through them from Elros, first King of Numenor. Aragorn was the son of Arathorn son of Arador, and of Gilraen daughter of Dirhael and Ivorwen. Dirhael opposed this marriage, forseeing an early death for Arathorn, but Ivorwen foresaw that, "The days are darkening before the storm, and great things are to come. If these two wed now, hope may be born for our people; but if they delay, it will not come while this age lasts." The foresight of both proved to be true.

Aragorn II son of Arathorn II was born on March first in the year 2931 of the Third Age of Middle-earth. When he was born, "his father gave him the name Aragorn, a name used in the House of the Chieftains. But Ivorwen at his naming stood by, and said "Kingly Valour" (for so that name is interpreted): "that he shall have, but I see on his breast a green stone, and from that his true name shall come and his chief renown: for he shall be a healer and a renewer." [The Peoples of Middle-earth, Foreword]

When Aragorn was only two years old, his father was killed by an orc-arrow while riding with the sons of Elrond. Gilraen took the young Aragorn to Rivendell, where Elrond adopted him as a sort of foster-son. Knowing that Sauron was seeking for the Heir of Isildur, Elrond called him Estel, and concealed his true identity from him.

We know nothing of Aragorn's childhood, but evidently he was well trained in arms and went riding against the orcs and other forces of evil, for in the year 2951 he returned to Rivendell after 'great deeds' with the sons of Elrond. On this day Elrond revealed to him his name and lineage, and gave to him the Ring of Barahir and the shards of Narsil, saying, "With these you may yet do great deeds; for I foretell that the span of your life shall be greater than the measure of Men, unless evil befalls you or you fail at the test. But the test will be hard and long." Once again, the foresight was true. Elrond withheld the Scepter of Annuminas, symbol of the rule of Arnor, saying that Aragorn had yet to earn it.

It was on this day that Aragorn first met the maiden with whom his life would be woven. While walking in the woods of Rivendell, he beheld Arwen, in whom the likeness of Luthien was said to live again. Arwen took little notice of him, having walked Middle-earth for 2,710 years to Aragorn's twenty, "but from that hour he loved Arwen Undomiel daughter of Elrond."

Realizing what has happened, Elrond told Aragorn, "A great doom awaits you, either to rise above the height of all your fathers since the days of Elendil, or to fall into darkness with all that is left of your kin. Many years of trial lie before you. You shall neither have wife, nor bind any woman to you in troth, until your time comes and you are found worthy of it."

When Elrond had told Aragorn of the choice which lay before Arwen, either to go to the Havens with Elrond or to choose a Mortal life and leave him forever, Aragorn replied, "I see that I have turned my eyes on a treasure no less dear than the treasure of Thingol that Beren once desired." Elrond's only reply is, "You do not know yet what you desire of me. The years will bring what they will. We will speak no more of this until many have passed. The days darken, and much evil is to come."

[Elfarmari]

After this, Aragorn left the refuge of Rivendell to go out into the Wild, labouring in the cause against Sauron. "His ways were hard and long, and he became somewhat grim to look upon, unless he chanced to smile; and yet he seemed to Men worthy of honour, as a king that is in exile, when he did not hide his true shape. For he went in many guises, and won renown under many names. He rode in the host of the Rohirrim, and fought for the Lord of Gondor by land and by sea; and then in the hour of victory he passed out of the knowledge of Men of the West, and went alone far into the East and deep into the South, exploring the hearts of Men, both evil and good, and uncovering the plots and devices of the servants of Sauron.
"Thus he became at last the most hardy of living Men, skilled in their crafts and lore, and was yet more than they; for he was elven-wise, and there was a light in his eyes that when they were kindled few could endure. His face was sad and stern because of the doom that was laid on him, and yet hope dwelt ever in the depths of his heart, from which mirth would arise at times like a spring from the rock."

One of his 'many guises' was Thorongil, Eagle of the Star. Under this name he served Thengel, king of Rohan, and Ecthelion, Steward of Gondor. Not wishing to claim the kingship, as Thorongil Aragorn served Ecthelion faithfully, never holding himself higher than the servant of the Steward. Despite this, Ecthelion's son Denethor resented his father's trust of Thorongil, and opposed Thorongil's council to distrust Saruman and welcome Gandalf. It was later supposed that Denethor had somehow guessed Thorongil's true identity and feared that he would attempt to take rule of Gondor away from the Stewards.

After convincing Ecthelion to destroy the threat of Umbar, Thorongil led a small fleet to attack Umbar secretly by night. He burned many of the ships, and himself overthrew the Captain of the Havens in battle upon the quays. After this victory, however, he refused to return to Gondor, sending a message to Ecthelion saying, "Other tasks now call me, lord, and much time and many perils must pass, ere I come again to Gondor, if that be my fate." None knew where he went, but "when he was last seen his face was towards the Mountains of Shadow."

In the course of his years of wandering, Aragorn entered Mordor, passed through Moria, and ventured into Harad in the south of Middle-earth.

In ThirdAge 2980, when Gollum met Shelob in CirithUngol and Théoden became King of the Mark, Aragorn returned from the Wild to Lórien. "Aragorn had grown to full stature of mind and body, and Galadriel bade him cast aside his wayworn raiment, and she clothed him in silver and white, with a cloak of elven-grey and a bright gem on his brow. Then more than any kind of Man he appeared, and seemed rather an Elf-lord from the Isles of the West, and thus it was that Arwen first beheld him again after their long parting, and as he came walking towards her under the trees of CarasGaladhon laden with flowers of gold, her choice was made and her doom appointed. . . . And on the evening of Midsummer Aragorn Arathorn's son, and Arwen daughter of Elrond went to the fair hill, CerinAmroth, in the midst of the land, and they walked unshod on the undying grass with elanor and niphredil about their feet. And there upon that hill they looked east to the Shadow and west to the Twilight, and they plighted their troth and were glad."

Aragorn gave to Arwen the Ring of Barahir, a suitable symbol of the fate they now share with Beren son of Barahir and Luthien.

"Arwen said, 'Dark is the Shadow, and yet my heart rejoices; for you, Estel, shall be among the great whose valour will destroy it.'
But Aragorn answered, 'Alas! I cannot forsee it, and how it may come to pass is hidden from me. Yet with your hope I will hope. And the Shadow I utterly reject. But neither, lady, is the Twilight for me; for I am a mortal, and if you will cleave to me, Evenstar, then the Twilight you must also renounce.'
And she stood then as still as a white tree, looking into the West, and at last she said: 'I will cleave to you, Dunadan, and turn from the Twilight. Yet there lies the land of land of my people and the long home of all my kin.' "

When he learned of his daughter's choice, Elrond says to Aragorn, Though I love you, I say to you: Arwen Undomiel shall not diminish her life's grace for less cause. She shall not be the bride of any Man less than the King of both Gondor and Arnor. To me then even our victory can bring only sorrow mid parting - but to you hope of joy for a while. Alas, my son! I fear that to Arwen the Doom of Men may seem hard at the ending."

As Aragorn had seen already, he, like Beren, will only win the hand of his beloved by some seemingly impossible task. Although much less hopeless than the quest for the Silmaril, defeating Sauron and overcoming the ill-will of the Steward and people of Gondor were hardly easy tasks to undertake. After this conversation, Aragorn "went forth again to danger and toil," probably more determined than ever to defeat the servants of Sauron.

"On a time", Aragorn came out of far countries to the North, and there saw his mother, Gilraen, who told him. " 'This is our last parting, Estel, my son. I am aged by care, even as one of the lesser Men; and now that it draws near I cannot face the darkness of our time that gathers upon Middle-earth. I shall leave it soon.'
"Aragorn tried to comfort her, saying: 'Yet there may be a light beyond the darkness; and if so, I would have you see it and be glad.'
"But she answered only with this linnod: 'Onen i-Estel Edain, u-chebin estel anim. (I gave Hope to the Dunedain, I have kept no hope for myself.)' " She died before the next spring.

[note on Gilraen's age: We do not know how old Gilraen was when she died. She was born in 2907, and so was 73 years old when Aragorn and Arwen plighted their troth. A few years after this she went to dwell with her own people, and Aragorn saw her seldom "for he spent many years in far countries." To me, this would imply say, perhaps, ten years? before his return. This would mean that Gilraen was less than ninety year old, which would follow from her comment that she was aged, "even as one of the lesser Men." Given Aragorn's lifespan of 210 years, this was young indeed.]

The only other event we know of in Aragorn's life before those recorded in The Lord of the Rings is of his part in the Hunt for Gollum. In the year 3001, Gandalf called on his help in seeking news of Golllum. In 3009, Gandalf and Aragorn renew their hunt "at intervals", before Gollum's capture in 3017.

“According to Aragorn Gollum was taken at nightfall on February 1st. Hoping to escape detection by any of Sauron’s spies he drove Gollum through the north end of the Emyn Muil, and crossed Anduin just above Sarn Gebir. Driftwood was often cast up there on the shoals by the east shore, and binding Gollum to a log he swam across with him, and continued his journey north by tracks as westerly as he could find, through the skirts of Fangorn, and so over Limlight, then over Nimrodel and Silverlode through the eaves of Lorien, and then on, avoiding Moria and Dimrill Dale, over Gladden until he came near the Carrock. There he crossed Anduin again, with the help of the Beornings, and passed into the Forest. The whole journey, on foot, was not much short of nine hundred miles, and this Aragorn accomplished with weariness in fifty days, reaching Thranduil on the twenty-first of March.” [Unfinished Tales: The Hunt for the Ring]

Aragorn was now eighty-six years old, having fought evil in the Wild for nearly seventy years, since the age of twenty.

[unless noted otherwise, all quotes in these two sections are from the Appendices of Lord of the Rings; either "Gondor and the Heirs of Anarion" or "The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen" from Appendix A, or the Tale of Years for the Third Age in Appendix B]

[Elfarmari]

At the time of the War of the Ring, few people in Middle-earth knew who the Rangers of the North were, and even fewer knew that the chief of this last remnant of the Númenoreans of Arnor was descended in direct line from Isildur. Most believed that the line of Kings had perished long ago.

"Few now remember them," Tom murmured, "yet some still go wandering, sons of forgotten kings walking in loneliness, guarding from evil things folk that are heedless." The hobbits did not understand his words, but as he spoke they had a vision as it were of a great expanse of years behind them, like a vast shadowy plain over which there strode shapes of Men, tall and grim with bright swords, and last came one with a star on his brow.


This belief was not discouraged, in order to prevent Sauron from finding the Heir of Elendil who still lived. Aragorn realized, however, that before he could claim the Kingship of Gondor, he would have to risk proclaiming his identity publicly, hence revealing his existence to Sauron. This day was not within sight for the long years during which Aragorn served his errantries with the Sons of Elrond, with Gandalf, in the service of Thengel and Ecthelion, and alone in the Wild. His meeting with Frodo in Bree marked the beginning of the end of this anonymity.

As chieftain of the Dúnedain of Arnor and a friend of Gandalf, Aragorn was involved in the guarding of the Shire. It can be inferred that he became familiar with the surrounding area and its people, namely, Bree and Tom Bombadil. From Tom Bombadil's words to the hobbits, it is clear that he knows of Aragorn and his lineage, and from Aragorn's familiar reference to 'old Bombadil', it is clear that Aragorn knows Tom as well. In Bree, Aragorn had been around enough to receive a reputation as an occasional patron of the Prancing Pony, who could tell 'a rare tale when he had a mind.'

In Bree, the Rangers were viewed as mysterious, mistrusted folk, of which little was known. The inhabitants of Bree was as oblivious to the fact that they owed their safety and security to the Rangers as were the Hobbits of the Shire. As Aragorn later explained to the Council of Elrond: "If simple folk are free from care and fear, simple they will be, and we must be secret to keep them so."


Whether Aragorn had been asked by Gandalf to specifically look for Frodo, or was simply attending to his own business, he overheard Frodo talking to Bombadil and followed the hobbits into Bree. In Bree, Aragorn is known as Strider, a mistrusted wandering Ranger, and indeed does not look like one who could claim the throne of Gondor.


''Suddenly Frodo noticed that a strange, weather-beaten man, sitting in the shadows near the wall, was also listening intently to the hobbit-talk. He had a tall tankard in front of him, and was smoking a long-stemmed pipe curiously carved. His legs were stretched out before him, showing high boots of supple leather that fitted him well, but had seen much wear and were now caked with mud. A travel-stained cloak of heavy dark-green cloth was drawn close about him, and in spite of the heat of the room he wore a hood that overshadowed his face.''


When he put back his hood, Frodo saw that he had, "a shaggy head of dark hair flecked with grey, and in a pale stern face a pair of keen grey eyes."


After warning Frodo to stop Pippin from talking too much and seeing Frodo do worse than make a fool of himself with the Ring, Aragorn asked for a 'quite word' with Frodo. Aragorn told Frodo that he knew things which would be of use, and would share these for a price: the hobbits would take him as guide. Frodo, finally coming to his senses, did not want to immediately agree to this, and asked Strider, "what do you know?". To this, Aragorn replied, "Too much, too many dark things."


[personal note: I've always liked this reply, it serves Frodo right for asking someone like Aragorn such a question.]


Indeed, Aragorn knew more than Frodo and his friends could imagine, having been raised in Rivendell, which he left for the Wild seventeen years before Frodo was born.


In some of his travels, Aragorn evidently met with the Nazgûl. He told Frodo, "You fear them, but you do not fear them enough, yet." He himself knew the fear they inspire, telling Frodo, ' "You may escape from Bree, and be allowed to go forward while the sun is up; but you won't go far. They will come on you in the wild, in some dark place where there is no help. Do you wish them to find you? They are terrible!" The hobbits looked at him, and saw with surprise that his face was drawn as if in pain, and his hands clenched the arms of his chair. The room was very quiet and still, and the light seemed to have grown dim. For a while he sat with unseeing eyes as if walking in distant memory or listening to sounds in the night far away.'


Aragorn knew that the hobbits only hope of reaching Rivendell still bearing the Ring was to trust him and accept him as guide, and so he decided to take the risk and tell them whatever they need to know about him. Something of Aragorn's true nature had come through already, enough that Frodo at least wanted to trust him before Butterbur interrupted with Gandalf's letter.


When Butterbur noticed Strider, he told Frodo, "If I was in your plight, I wouldn't take up with a Ranger." This, understandably, seemed to strike a nerve in Aragorn, who replied, "Then who would you take up with? A fat innkeeper who only remembers his own name because people shout it at him all day? They cannot stay in The Pony forever, and they cannot go home. They have a long road before them. Will you go with them and keep the black men off?" This is obviously something Butterbur is completely unwilling and unable to do.


Up to this point, Aragorn had not revealed any of his true identity to Frodo, who therefore had little real reason to trust him. Gandalf's letter revealed that Aragorn was a friend who could be trusted, and gave a glimpse of his real identity through Bilbo's rhyme:


All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be King.

Aragorn knew these lines, and quoted them to Frodo without knowing they are in the letter. That these lines would prove true is part of the estel that sustains Aragorn in his journeys.

[Elfarmari]

The following passage nicely sums up Aragorn at this point:

"In any case, I did not intend to tell you all about myself at once. I had to study you first, and make sure of you. The Enemy has set traps for me before now. As soon as I had made up my mind, I was ready to tell you whatever you asked. But I must admit,' he added with a queer laugh, 'that I hoped you would take to me for my own sake. A hunted man sometimes wearies of distrust and longs for friendship. But there, I believe my looks are against me."

"They are -- at first sight at any rate," laughed Pippin with sudden relief after reading Gandalf's letter. "But handsome is as handsome does, as we say in the Shire; and I daresay we shall all look much the same after lying for days in hedges and ditches."

"It would take more than a few days, or weeks, or years, of wandering in the Wild to make you look like Strider,' he [Strider] answered,” And you would die first, unless you are made of sterner stuff than you look to be.'

Pippin subsided; but Sam was not daunted, and he still eyed Strider dubiously. "How do we know you are the Strider that Gandalf speaks about?" he demanded. "You never mentioned Gandalf, till this letter came out. You might be a play-acting spy, for all I can see, trying to get us to go with you. you might have done in the real Strider and took his clothes. What have you to say to that?"


"That you are a stout fellow," answered Strider; "but I am afraid my only answer to you, San Gamgee, is this. If I had killed the real Strider, I could kill you. And I should have killed you already without so much talk. If I was after the Ring, I could have it -- Now!"

He stood up, and seemed suddenly to grow taller. In his eyes gleamed a light, keen and commanding. Throwing back his cloak, he laid his hand on the hilt of a sword that had hung concealed by his side. They did not dare to move. Sam sat wide-mouthed staring at him dumbly.

"But I am the real Strider, fortunately," he said, looking down at them with his face softened by a sudden smile. "I am Aragorn son of Arathorn; and if by life or death I can save you, I will."


[another personal note: This passage, for me, demonstrates Aragorn's character better than perhaps any other. It shows him as patient and humble, and yet able to show his strength and nobility when the time is right. Aragorn realized that the Hobbits do not see the danger they are in, and gives them a warning: "If I was after the Ring, I could have it -- Now!", but immediately offered them his protection, saying, "if by life or death I can save you, I will." It was not until the Council of Elrond that Frodo realized how much these words mean coming from Strider, and it probably took longer for the other Hobbits to catch on.]


The Hobbits took a little while to catch on to who Aragorn really is, or at least to the fact that he is willing and able to help them and be trusted, and he showed remarkable patience with them, given the urgency of the situation.

It would indeed take a long time to make the Hobbits look like Strider, as Aragorn had spent 67 years in the Wild at this point. Granted, he had visited Lothlórien at least once and no doubt spent some time in Rivendell, but the vast majority of the time he had been fighting and traveling.


Up until this point, Aragorn had not openly discussed Frodo's errand, the Ring, but spoken only in hints. Now, however, whether because he was annoyed or frustrated, or because he simply felt it time to make it plain he knew what they are dealing with, he made plain his knowledge of the ring, as well as the fact that he does not desire to take it.


Aragorn's life as Strider is characterized by only telling others the bare minimum about himself, and leaving the rest to their imagination. The people of Bree called him Strider and thought him odd, and so that was what he was. With Frodo and his companions, however, Aragorn is slowly revealed. He obviously knows more and has more experience than the Hobbits and Bree-folk, but just how much is only revealed gradually. He tells the Hobbits about the Black Riders, their behaviour, where they are from, and suggests the plan which saves the Hobbit's lives, and the Ring.


It is indicative of the trust the Hobbits already have in Strider -- or perhaps simply the fact that they still do not fully understand the danger they are in -- that they all sleep soundly, with Aragorn guarding the door. This is despite the fact that they know they are sleeping there because their own rooms will most likely be attacked -- and are.


[note: An interesting question is whether the Ringwraiths attack the Prancing Pony, or if this is a case of the Nazgûl, as Aragorn predicted, driving some 'wretches to do evil work." The Ringwraiths, I think, would not have been satisfied with mutilating a few bolsters and would have been more likely to do a more thorough search of the Inn. Another question is, then, whether Aragorn would have been able to hold them off had the Ringwraiths attempted to force their door. I find this unlikely, as even Gandalf had difficulty holding them off, without the lure of the Ring.]


Aragorn again shows his patience by not rising to Bill Ferny's taunts as they leave town late, after being forced to buy Bill's pony. The Hobbits also discover that Aragorn was not simply bragging when he claimed to know the land around Bree better than anyone else. As he says, '' "My cuts, short or long, don't go wrong." '' He leads them by the quickest and most hidden route to Weathertop, in hopes of meeting Gandalf.


[note: I have often wondered if Aragorn guesses more than he says when he and the hobbits see 'lightening' in the distance. Having traveled with Gandalf, it is most likely that he knows Gandalf's use of fire, and so could make the connection.]


When Merry asks if there is a barrow on Weathertop, the hobbits are probably amazed at Aragorn's reply, “No. There is no barrow on Weathertop, nor on any of these hills. The Men of the West did not live here; though in their latter days they defended the hills for a while against the evil that came out of Angmar. This path was made to serve the forts along the walls. But long before, in the first days of the North Kingdom, they built a great watch-tower on Weathertop, AmonSûl they called it. It was burned and broken, and nothing remains of it now but a tumbled ring, like a rough crown on the old hill's head. Yet once it was tall and fair. It is told that Elendil stood watching for the coming of Gil-galad out of the West, in the days of the Last Alliance."


What the hobbits to not yet realize is that Aragorn is recalling his family history. When Merry then asks about Gil-galad, Aragorn is lost in thought, leaving Sam to reply with part of a song translated by Bilbo.


[note: What was Aragorn thinking? How much his own fate seems to mirror that of Elendil? Wondering whether he stands any chance of helping defeat Sauron permanently when his forefather and Gil-galad could not? Or perhaps about how strange it was to be guiding four hobbits who knew so little and yet on whom the fate of the world depended nonetheless? Or simply the best way to keep the Ring from the Nazgûl, preferably while remaining alive?]

[Elfarmari]

What was undoubtedly second-nature to Strider the Ranger -- reading the signs left behind by Gandalf -- again amazes the hobbits. Aragorn has probably traveled the road from Weathertop to Rivendell many times, and so can answer Merry's question, "How far is Rivendell?"


"I don't know if the Road has ever been measured in miles beyond the Forsaken Inn, a day's journey east of Bree. Some way it is far, and some say otherwise. It is a strange road, and folk are glad to reach their journey's end, whether the time is long or short. But I know how long it would take me on my own feet, with fair weather and no ill fortune: twelve days from here to the Ford of Bruinen, where the Road crosses the Loudwater that runs out of Rivendell. We have at least a fortnight's journey before us, for I do not think we shall be able to use the road."

Knowing the area, it does not take Aragorn long to decide what to do when they reach Weathertop and begin to suspect the presence of the BlackRiders. He also knows what to use against them -- fire. Knowing the Hobbits need something to take their minds of their uneasiness and fear, he chants the Tale of Tinúviel. He then tells them in brief the story of Beren and Luthien -- a story the Hobbits do not know is very real for Aragorn.

"As Strider was speaking they watched his strange eager face, dimly lit in the red glow of the wood-fire. His eyes shone, and his voice was rich and deep."

Beren and Luthien are not only his ancestors, he is also repeating a version of their story: Elrond has set a task for him to complete before he might have the hand of Arwen, who must make the choice of Lúthien if she wished to marry Aragorn.

When the Nazgûl attack, they attack only Frodo and withdraw immediately. Aragorn tries to determine where they have gone, but he cannot find anything. He can, however, make an educated guess:

"There seem only to have been five of the enemy. Why they were not all here, I don't know; but I don't think they expected to be resisted. They have drawn off for the time being. But not far, I fear. They will come again another night, if we cannot escape. They are only waiting, because they think that their purpose is almost accomplished, and that the Ring cannot fly much further. I fear, Sam, that they believe your master has a deadly wound that will subdue him to their will. We shall see!"

When dawn arrives, Aragorn finds the cloak of the Nazgûl which Frodo had slashed, and the blade with which Frodo was stabbed. The blade melts in the light and vanishes, leaving only the hilt. [[note: Here, "He sat down on the ground, and taking the dagger-hilt laid it on his knees, and he sang over it a slow song in a strange tongue." What did Aragorn sing, and why?] Then Aragorn uses the healing powers which will later proclaim his right to the Kingship, using Athelas to bring a lessening of pain and cold in Frodo's side. Recognizing that he cannot heal the wound, Aragorn continues to lead the hobbits to Rivendell as quickly as possible. Coming to the LastBridge, Aragorn finds a beryl, and elf-stone, and rightly interprets this as a sign that it is safe to cross.
(Glorfindel left it there as a token)



Passing through the Troll-shaws, Pippin and Merry find trolls, and come running, scared, to Aragorn. Instead of ridiculing them, he picks up a stick follows them, and breaks it over the back of one of the trolls -- which had long before been turned to stone. [note: I think this is a very kind thing of Aragorn to do. Rather than immediately calling the hobbits idiots for not remembering that trolls cannot travel in daylight, he humors them by picking up at least some sort of weapon and following them.]



It is not until they meet Glorfindel that Sam completely trusts the mysterious Strider. Here Aragorn is revealed to know the speech of the elves (Sindarin), and also to know some of those who live in Rivendell, and be known by them.



At the Ford of Bruinen, although as Gandalf later tells Frodo, "On foot even Glorfindel and Aragorn together could not withstand all the Nine at once," Aragorn helps to drive the Ringwraiths into the flood. [note: Which makes me wonder, if they had horses, could they withstand the Nine? I think probably not, but it's worth wondering, I think . . .] "



At Rivendell, we learn another of Aragorn's names, The Dúnadan. Here also Aragorn begins to put aside his guise of Strider and becomes Aragorn, son of Arathorn.

[Elfarmari]

Upon Frodo's recovery, a feast is held, which Aragorn misses because of the return of Elladan and Elrohir. However, he does find the time to help Bilbo with his song of Eärendil, although without making many suggestions. Bilbo relates, "Aragorn insisted on my putting in a green stone. He seemed to think it important. I don't know why. Otherwise he obviously thought the whole thing rather above my head, and said that if I had the cheek to make verses about Eärendil in the house of Elrond, it was my affair."[note: Eärendil was Elrond's father, after all, even if he is now the Morning Star. Apparently Aragorn knows more of the story than Bilbo, hence his insistence on the green stone. Or perhaps he is thinking of the Elessar?]



After Bilbo's recitation, we see Arwen, seated next to Elrond. "To his surprise Frodo saw that Aragorn stood beside her; his dark cloak was thrown back, and he seemed to be clad in elven-mail, and a star shone on his breast. They spoke together, and then suddenly it seemed that Arwen turned towards him, and the light of her eyes fell on him from afar and pierced his heart." Apart from her appearance earlier at the feast, this is the only time Arwen appears before her wedding day.



Being the Heir of Elendil and Isildur, Chieftain of the Dúnedain of Arnor, and foster-son of Elrond, among other things, Aragorn is obviously present at the Council which Elrond calls. It is here at the Council where much is revealed of Aragorn and his identity. Aragorn reveals the Sword that was Broken, and is revealed to all as the heir of Elendil. Upon learning this, Frodo says, "Then it belongs to you, and not to me at all!", referring to the Ring. Aragorn, however, refuses this offer. Aragorn asks Boromir whether he wishes for the House of Elendil to return to Gondor, and is met with doubt, which Aragorn understands and forgives. [note: It has, after all, been almost a thousand years (968 to be exact) since the death of the last King of Gondor. It has been 1,074 years since the Arvedui laid claim to the throne of Gondor, and over three thousand years, an entire Age, since the death of Elendil, whose sword Aragorn presents to the Council. I would say Boromir can easily be forgiven for his unwillingness to immediately accept Aragorn's claim to be the Heir of Elendil.]



When Boromir enumerates the ways in which Minas Tirith and the Men of Gondor have helped Middle-earth, Aragorn makes reply. The Dúnedain of the North have not been idle. "Lonely men are we, Rangers of the wild, hunters - but hunters ever of the servants of the Enemy; for they are found in many places, and not in Mordor only.



"If Gondor, Boromir, has been a stalwart tower, we have played another part. Many evil things there are that your strong walls and bright swords do not stay. You know little of the lands beyond your bounds. Peace and freedom, do you say? The North would have known them little but for us. Fear would have destroyed them. But when dark things come from the houseless hills, or creep from sunless woods, they fly from us. What roads would any dare to tread, what safety would there be in quiet lands, or in the homes of simple men at night, if the Dúnedain were asleep, or were all gone into the grave?



"And yet less thanks have we than you. Travelers scowl at us, and countrymen give us scornful names. 'Strider' am I to one fat man who lives within a day's march of foes that would freeze his heart, or lay his little town in ruin, if her were not guarded ceaselessly. Yet we would not have it otherwise. If simple folk are free from care and fear, simple they will be, and we must be secret to keep them so. That has been the task of my kindred, while the years have lengthened and the grass has grown.



"But now the world is changing once again. A new hour comes. Isildur's Bane is found. Battle is at hand. The Sword shall be reforged. I will come to Minas Tirith."



Thus Aragorn embraces his heritage, and his fate. [note: Unknown to Boromir, Aragorn has been to MinasTirith before, as Thorongil, and is probably looking forward to returning as himself, and receiving recognition of his kingship. I wonder, did he expect to be accepted by Denethor, who before had opposed him?] Also here at the council, the tale of the Ring is told in full, including Aragorn's role in capturing Gollum. As Aragorn relates, "If a man must needs walk in sight of the Black Gate, or tread the deadly flowers of Morgul Vale, then perils he will have." During the remainder of the council, Aragorn says nothing. [But what was he thinking? Did he plan already to go with the Ringbearer?]



During the two months between the Council and Rivendell, little is told of what Aragorn does. He helped to scout out the land with Elrond's sons, and no doubt spent much time in counsel with others and listening to the reports of the other scouts when he returned. Perhaps he was able to spend some time with Arwen?


After the Nine Riders were chosen, Narsil was reforged. "The Sword of Elendil was forged anew by Elvish smiths, and on its blade was traced a device of seven stars set between the crescent Moon and the rayed Sun, and about them was written many runes; for Aragorn son of Arathorn was going to war upon the marches of Mordor. Very bright was that sword when it was made whole again; the light of the sun shone redly in it, and the light of the moon shone cold, and its edge was hard and keen. And Aragorn gave it a new name and called it Andúril, Flame of the West."

After this, Aragorn spent much time with Gandalf, pouring over books and maps planning their course. [note: I've always wondered whether either Aragorn or Gandalf actually had a plan of any kind on how to get into Mordor. Aragorn has traveled to within sight of the Black Gate, but we do not know if either he or Gandalf has ever been closer. I think not. However, Gandalf at least knows of Cirith Ungol, but does not like the idea of Frodo taking that path. What other way is there into Mordor?] When the company sets out, Aragorn "went forth clad only in rusty green and brown, as a Ranger of the wilderness." Quite beside from the burden which the Ringbearer carried, this quest is perhaps one of the most important events in Aragorn's life. His plan at this point, as he later reveals after Gandalf's fall, is to go to MinasTirith, where he would use Andúril to help defend his city. It is not known whether, had this course of events come to pass, he planned reveal his true identity immediately and claim the throne or if he did indeed plan to wait until the downfall of Sauron. It was only by his success in claiming the thrones of Gondor and Arnor that Aragorn could claim his heart's desire -- the hand of Arwen. And so it was that as the company waited to depart, "Aragorn sat with his head bowed to his knees; only Elrond knew fully what this hour meant to him."