Aragorn

Aragorn II a.k.a. Strider, Elessar Telcontal, Dunadan, born in T.A. 2931, is a member of the Fellowship of the Ring. At the age of two after his father’s death he was taken into the care of Elrond in Rivendell. He doesn’t know his real name and the elves call him Estel, which means “hope” in Sindarin. Aragorn is undoubtedly the last hope to restore the House of Isildur. His renowned ancestor cut Sauron’s finger together with the Ring off in 3441. Since Elendil, Isildur’s father, was the 1st king of Gondor and Arnor, Aragorn, in his turn, is an heir-at-law to the throne. However, for the time being, no one suspected that, and Stewards ruled the Kingdom.

At the age of 20 Aragorn learned the truth about his origin and Elrond gave him the heirloom of the Heirs of Isildur – Elendir’s broken sword and the Ring of Barahir. After that he began his journey to Wilderland. Since then he had been fighting with Sauron’s servants for 70 years and with a war-cry “Elendil” put the enemy to flight. His long journey through the forests of Middle-earth taught Aragorn to be unnoticeable and calm even in the most dangerous situations.

Dunadan is well aware of the past of Middle-earth and knows a lot of legends and stories like Frodo. Convincing and eloquent he speaks at the Council of Elrond. His words prove that Numenorean’s descendent is strong-willed and shrewd. Such qualities only increase the authority of the King whom he becomes later.

During his journeys Aragorn was not only the Head of the Rangers of the North and ruled Gondor but also served the King of Rohan and the Steward of Gondor. In 2980 he led the Umbar Campaign and most of the Corsairs’ ships were destroyed. But before that, in 2959, Aragorn befriended Gandalf.

Belonging to the Dunadan’s, Aragorn looks quite young for his age. It is known that Numenorean’s descendents lived about 150-200 years. Such people were known for their grandeur and nobility.

In 3017 Aragorn launched a successful campaign to catch Gollum. It was not that easy to accomplish. But for Gandalf he could do anything despite its being dangerous and perilous. Aragorn’s selflessness also showed in his willingness to help Frodo and the other three hobbits to get to Rivendell and also in his joining the Fellowship.

The knowledge of such a warrior, pathfinder and healer is priceless in journeys, long and dangerous. To heal Frodo’s wound, he uses special athelas leaves. The leaves prove to be a healing remedy and save Frodo’s life.

Of course, Aragorn has his beloved, Arwen Undomiel. She met Strider in 2951 and was 2690 years older than her future husband. Arwen inherited her grandmother’s celestial beauty. As to her father, it was Elrond himself. Only with Arwen, Elessar experiences the unity of souls. The last scene after the end of the War vividly demonstrates it – when Aragorn with his beloved sits at the fountain near a blossoming White Tree and enjoys her playing the lute. Truly, he meant a lot for Arwen, otherwise she would have never rejected her elven immortality for love.

His deeds on the battlefields are numerous. When the Fellowship breaks, Aragorn participates in the battle of the Hornburg, goes on the Paths of the Dead and subdues the Shadows of Durthang. With their help Dunadan defeats Pelargir corsairs. If he hadn’t sailed up on the seized ships, Minas Tirith would never have stood up against the pressure of Mordor’s hordes.

In the fantasy trilogy “The Lord of the Rings” Aragorn is a key figure. It is in his reign that Gondor gains its might and glory back. Aragorn’s wisdom is behind his far-seeing decrees. After the end of the War of the Ring Elessar takes the Shire under his wing and forbids people to be in sight of its borders. Being an honest king, he follows his decrees and never goes further than the Great Bridge.

Aragorn never boasts of his noble origin and his sacral role in all the predictions. This undoubtedly brings Aragorn and his people together. Once, when speaking with Aragorn, Gandalf pronounces a phrase, which fully characterizes Elessar’s role in the post-war society: “It is you who are now responsible for Middle Earth”. In Aragorn Tolkien wanted to show an ideal king who should sow seeds of the White Tree. The seeds of rational, good and eternity. We can see at a glance that Aragorn is a star. He is a natural leader. Battles have made him tough and he has the mortal strength to resist the pull of the Ring.

Aragorn ruled Gondor 120 years and died on the 1st of March of the year 120 of the Fourth Age. He left the world of the quick but “the story of Aragorn and Arwen”, his deeds, a prosperous kingdom, a son and several daughters remained.