Post by Móreadhiel on Jan 16, 2007 12:24:37 GMT -5
Vital Statistics:
Race: Men
Date of Birth: March 1, 2931
Date of Death: March 1, 120 F.A.
Residences: Rivendell; various; later Minas Tirith & Annuminas
Parents: Arathorn II and Gilraen
Siblings: None
Spouse: Arwen Undomiel
Children: 1 son - Eldarion - and daughters
Hair & Eye Color: Dark hair & grey eyes
Sword: Anduril
Horses: Roheryn and Hasufel
Galadriel's gifts: Sheath and Elfstone
Emblem: White Tree with Seven Stars & a Crown on a black field
Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn
in the New Line Cinema film
Aragorn by Alan Lee
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detailed Biography:
Aragorn was known as Strider, a Ranger who lived in the Wild protecting the peoples of Middle-earth. But he was descended from the ancient line of kings, and when he joined the quest of the Ring-bearer, the time came for him to fulfill his destiny. As Frodo Baggins struggled to reach Mount Doom, Aragorn fought the servants of the Enemy and revealed himself to Sauron as Isildur's Heir. After Sauron's downfall the Kingdoms of Gondor and Arnor were reunited under Aragorn's reign and peace and prosperity returned to Middle-earth.
Aragorn was a direct descendant of Isildur, son of Elendil. The Heirs of Isildur were the Kings of Arnor until that kingdom was divided in three in the year 861 of the Third Age. The line was then continued first by the Kings of Arthedain and then, when that kingdom was decimated by war and plague, by the Chieftains of the Dunedain.
Aragorn was born on March 1, 2931, and just two years later he became the sixteenth Chieftain of the Dunedain when his father Arathorn II was killed by Orcs. Aragorn's mother Gilraen took him to live in Rivendell, home of Elrond. Elrond accepted the child as a foster-son and gave him the name Estel, meaning "Hope." Aragorn was not told his true name and heritage until 2951, when he was twenty years old and Elrond perceived that he had grown to manhood. Elrond then gave Aragorn two of the heirlooms of the House of Isildur: the Ring of Barahir and the shards of Narsil.
The next day, Aragorn first met Arwen who had returned to Rivendell from Lothlorien to visit her father Elrond. When Aragorn saw Arwen he called her Tinuviel, for her beauty was reminiscent of Luthien Tinuviel, an Elf who gave up her immortality for the love of Beren, a Mortal Man. Aragorn fell in love with Arwen, but Elrond said that if she chose to be with Aragorn she would relinquish her immortality as Luthien had and that his daughter's age and experience as well as her lineage placed her too far above Aragorn. He told Aragorn that many years of trial lay before him.
"Aragorn, Arathorn's son, Lord of the Dunedain, listen to me! 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."
Appendix A: "The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen," p. 340
Aragorn left Rivendell and journeyed throughout Middle-earth gaining knowledge and experience and facing many perils. He travelled far east to Rhun and south to Harad and went once into Moria through the Dimrill Gate and even explored the outskirts of Mordor in his efforts to learn about Sauron's plans. In 2956 he met Gandalf the Grey and they became friends and allies and sometimes travelled together.
Aragorn rode with the Rohirrim in the service of King Thengel of Rohan and he became a Captain under Ecthelion II, Steward of Gondor. Aragorn kept his identity hidden and was called Thorongil - Eagle of the Star - because of his swiftness and keen sight and the silver star he wore. He warned Ecthelion not to trust the Wizard Saruman and he led a fleet south to defeat the Corsairs at Umbar. Ecthelion favored his mysterious captain even above his own son Denethor, but one day Aragorn left Gondor as suddenly as he had appeared.
In 2980, Aragorn was on his way back to Rivendell for a much-needed rest when he came to Lothlorien and found Arwen there. They spent a season together in the Golden Wood and on Midsummer's Eve they became betrothed on Cerin Amroth. But on Aragorn's return to Rivendell, Elrond told him that Arwen would marry no lesser Man than the King of Gondor and Arnor. Aragorn went out again into the Wild.
When Aragorn visited his mother's home in Eriador, she told him that she could not face the approaching Shadow and that she would soon die.
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, ú-chebin estel anim - I gave Hope to the Dunedain, I have kept no hope for myself."
Appendix A of LotR: "The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen," p. 342
Gilraen died before the next spring in 3007.
After Bilbo Baggins passed his magic ring on to Frodo in 3001, Gandalf shared with Aragorn his fear that the One Ring had been found. The Dunedain increased their watch on the Shire and Aragorn advised Gandalf that they should look for Gollum. Over the years Aragorn hunted for Gollum throughout Wilderland in Mirkwood and the vales of the Anduin and down to the Black Gate and the Morgul Vale on the borders of Mordor. At last, Aragorn picked up Gollum's trail leading from Mordor along the edge of the Dead Marshes. He captured Gollum and brought him to Mirkwood, where the creature was imprisoned until his escape in June of 3018.
On May 1, 3018, Aragorn met Gandalf at Sarn Ford on the Brandywine south of the Shire. He learned from the Wizard that Frodo would be leaving the Shire with the Ring at the end of September. Believing that Frodo would be safe with Gandalf, Aragorn went on a journey and did not return for several months. Then Aragorn learned fromGildor that Gandalf was missing and the Ringwraiths were abroad and that Frodo was on the Road accompanied only by his Hobbit companions.
Aragorn searched for Frodo and on the evening of September 30, he overheard the Hobbits parting from Tom Bombadil at the Great East Road near Bree. Aragorn went on to the Prancing Pony but was prevented from seeing Frodo by the innkeeper, Barliman Butterbur. Aragorn approached Frodo first in the Common Room and then, after Frodo's accidental use of the Ring, he followed the Hobbits to their parlour.
Aragorn warned Frodo that the Ringwraiths had tracked him to Bree and offered his guidance and protection. Then Barliman delivered Gandalf's forgotten letter which included a verse about Aragorn that Frodo later learned was written by Bilbo:
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.
The Fellowship of the Ring: "Strider," p. 182
Aragorn then revealed Narsil, the sword that was broken, and said: "I am Aragorn son of Arathorn; and if by life or death I can save you, I will." (FotR, p. 183) Frodo accepted Aragorn's pledge.
Aragorn advised the Hobbits not to return to their rooms, and he remained awake guarding them. The inn was attacked in the night, but the Hobbits remained undiscovered. Aragorn led them out of Bree the next day and tried to get the Ringwraiths off their trail by taking them through the Chetwood and the Midgewater Marshes.
Despite Aragorn's precautions, five of the Ringwraiths caught up to them at Weathertop and attacked their camp. Frodo was compelled to put on the Ring, but he was able to resist the Witch-king by slashing the Ringwraith's robe and invoking the name of Elbereth. Frodo was stabbed by the Witch-king and Aragorn leaped at the Ringwraiths with flaming brands. The Ringwraiths withdrew, and Aragorn treated Frodo's wound as best he could and led the Hobbits on as quickly as possible. He found a token left by Glorfindel on the Last Bridge, and with the Elf-lord's help they made it safely to Rivendell.
At Rivendell, Aragorn was reunited with Arwen. The Council of Elrond was held on October 25. There Boromir, son of Denethor the Steward of Gondor, told of his dream in which he heard a voice say: "Seek for the Sword that was broken: In Imladris it dwells ..." (FotR, p. 259) Aragorn brought out the shards of Narsil and Elrond told the Council that he was Isildur's Heir. Aragorn believed that Boromir's dream was a summons and that the time had come for him to go to Gondor as the heir of Elendil and so he declared his intention to go to Minas Tirith.
Narsil was reforged by the Elvish smiths and Aragorn named it Anduril, the Flame of the West. Aragorn joined the Company of the Ring and on December 25, 3018, they set out from Rivendell and headed South.
Aragorn and Boromir helped the Fellowship escape the blizzard in the Redhorn Gate by clearing a path through the snow and carrying the Hobbits. When Gandalf suggested an alternate route through Moria, Aragorn advised against it but at last agreed, saying:
"You followed my lead almost to disaster in the snow, and have said no word of blame. I will follow your lead now -- if this last warning does not move you. It is not of the Ring, nor of us others that I am thinking now, but of you, Gandalf. And I say to you: if you pass the doors of Moria, beware!"
The Fellowship of the Ring: "A Journey in the Dark," p. 310
The Fellowship entered the Mines and on January 15, 3019, they were attacked by Orcs in the Chamber of Mazarbul. Aragorn slew many, and he carried the wounded Frodo from the chamber when they fled to the Bridge of Khazad-dum. There Gandalf confronted the Balrog and told the others to flee, but Aragorn and Boromir stood their ground and would have gone to his aid, but Gandalf shattered the bridge with his staff and was pulled into the abyss by the Balrog.
Aragorn led the bereaved Fellowship out of Moria and took them to Lothlorien where he was known to Galadriel, the Lady of the Golden Wood. On their departure, Galadriel gave Aragorn a green stone set in a silver, eagle-shaped brooch that had been left for him by Arwen. It was the Elessar, or Elfstone, and this was the name by which Aragorn would be known as King.
The Fellowship left Lothlorien on February 16, and Aragorn led them down the Anduin in boats. When they passed the Argonath, his bearing became more regal.
Frodo turned and saw Strider, and yet not Strider; for the weatherworn Ranger was no longer there. In the stern sat Aragorn son of Arathorn, proud and erect, guiding the boat with skilful strokes; his hood was cast back, and his dark hair was blowing in the wind, a light was in his eyes: a king returning from exile to his own land.
"Fear not!" he said. "Long have I desired to look upon the likenesses of Isildur and Anarion, my sires of old. Under their shadow Elessar, the Elfstone son of Arathorn of the House of Valandil Isildur's son heir of Elendil, has nought to dread!"
The Fellowship of the Ring: "The Great River," p. 409
The Fellowship camped at Parth Galen on the western bank of the Anduin. On February 26, Frodo climbed the slopes of Amon Hen to decide what course he should take. Aragorn remained with the others. Although he believed it was his duty to go to Minas Tirith, he felt that with Gandalf gone he could not abandon the Ring-bearer and intended to go with Frodo if he chose to continue to Mordor.
But then Boromir returned to the campsite and told them that he had argued with Frodo and that Frodo had put on the Ring and disappeared. Aragorn tried to organize a search, but the other members of the Fellowship ran off haphazardly looking for Frodo. Aragorn climbed Amon Hen, but then he heard Boromir sounding the Great Horn and went to his aid.
Aragorn found Boromir dying of many arrow wounds. Before Boromir died he told Aragorn that he had tried to take the Ring from Frodo and that a band of Orcs had taken the Halflings captive. Aragorn used his skills as a Ranger to determine that Merry and Pippin had been taken westward by the Orcs while Frodo and Sam had crossed to the eastern bank of the Anduin.
Aragorn decided that he could not abandon Merry and Pippin to torment and death and that the fate of the Ring-bearer was no longer in his hands. Together with Legolas and Gimli, he set out in pursuit of the Orcs. The Three Hunters covered 45 leagues in less than four days. In Rohan on February 30, they met Eomer, the Third Marshal of Riddermark, and his Riders. When Eomer challenged him, Aragorn said:
"I am Aragorn son of Arathorn and am called Elessar, the Elfstone, Dunadan, the heir of Isildur Elendil's son of Gondor. Here is the Sword that was Broken and is forged again! Will you aid me or thwart me? Choose swiftly!"
The Two Towers: "The Riders of Rohan," p. 36
From Eomer they learned that the Rohirrim had slain the Orcs and had seen no trace of the Hobbits. Eomer lent them horses, and with Aragorn on Hasufel and Legolas and Gimli on Arod they rode to the edge of Fangorn Forest.
There they found the pile of burning corpses left by the Rohirrim. During the night, the figure of an old man appeared by their campfire and then disappeared along with their horses. In the morning, Aragorn found signs that gave him hope that Merry and Pippin were still alive. But when they followed the tracks into the forest, they instead met Gandalf who had returned from his encounter with the Balrog as Gandalf the White. Gandalf told them that Merry and Pippin were safe and that the Three Hunters should now accompany him to the hall of King Theoden of Rohan.
They arrived at Meduseld on March 2. Gandalf freed Theoden from the influence of Saruman's lackey Grima, and Theoden declared his intention to ride to war against Saruman. Aragorn rode with the Rohirrim, telling Eomer that they would soon draw swords together as he had promised.
The next day they met a messenger who told them that the forces of Isengard were already on the move. At Gandalf's advice, King Theoden led his men to the fortifications at Helm's Deep. There the Rohirrim soon were besieged. During the Battle of Helm's Deep, Aragorn and Eomer fought side by side through the night. Although things seemed hopeless, Aragorn said, "dawn is ever the hope of Men." (TTT, p. 142) He went out onto the wall to look for the dawn and gave the armies of Saruman the chance to surrender, but though the Men were awed by his presence the Orcs laughed.
As the sun rose, Aragorn rode out of the Helm's Gate with King Theoden. They found that during the night a strange forest of Huorns had sprung up in the Deeping-coomb. Then Gandalf arrived with Erkenbrand and a thousand Men, and Saruman's Orcs turned and fled into the woods and were never heard from again.
Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli were reunited with Merry and Pippin at Isengard on March 5. After Gandalf's parley with Saruman, Grima threw the palantir down from Orthanc. Pippin looked into the Orthanc-stone during the night and was confronted by Sauron. Aragorn claimed possession of the palantir as the Stone's lawful master, for he felt the time to reveal himself to Sauron was drawing near.
Pippin left with Gandalf for Minas Tirith. Aragorn and the others headed back to Helm's Deep, and they were overtaken by a company of Dunedain led by Halbarad and accompanied by Elrond's sons Elladan and Elrohir. They brought Aragorn's horse Roheryn and delivered a banner made by Arwen. Elrohir gave Aragorn a message from Elrond: "The days are short. If thou art in haste, remember the Paths of the Dead." (RotK, p. 48)
Later, in a chamber high in the Hornburg, Aragorn looked into the palantir. He hoped to draw Sauron's attention away from Mordor while Frodo and Sam approached. Aragorn did not speak, but he showed Sauron that Elendil's sword had been reforged and that Elendil's heir wielded it. Then he was able to master the stone to his own will and with it he saw that the Corsairs in the South posed a grave danger to Gondor.
That morning, Aragorn told King Theoden that he needed to go South with all speed and that he would take the Paths of the Dead under the White Mountains. Legolas and Gimli chose to accompany him, as did the Dunedain and Elrond's sons. Together they formed the Grey Company. They rode to Dunharrow, where Aragorn took leave of Eowyn, niece of King Theoden. She begged him not to take the Paths of the Dead, and then asked to be allowed to accompany him, but he told her that her duty was to remain with her people. He was deeply pained by her grief and her apparent love for him which he could not return.
The Grey Company entered the Paths of the Dead at dawn on March 8. The Dead followed them through the paths under the mountains. They were the Oathbreakers, who had sworn allegiance to Isildur but had broken their vow by refusing to fight Sauron. They could not rest until Isildur's Heir called upon them to fulfill their oath. That time came at midnight at the Stone of Erech when Aragorn called upon the Dead to accompany him South to Pelargir.
As they passed through the southern lands, Men fled before them. On March 13, they reached Pelargir where they found the fleet of the Corsairs, some 50 ships strong. Aragorn called forth the Dead, and they swept onto the ships and the Corsairs leaped overboard in terror. When the fleet was taken, Aragorn released the Dead and told them to be at rest at last. He also freed the slaves who had been forced to row the Corsairs' ships, but many willingly remained now that the ships were at Aragorn's command. Men of the South rallied to him, and he sent an army of 4,000 led by Angbor of Lamedon marching north to Minas Tirith.
Aragorn sailed with the fleet north up the Anduin and reached Minas Tirith on March 15 while the Battle of the Pelennor Fields was in progress. At first they were mistaken for the Corsairs, but then Aragorn unfurled Arwen's banner and revealed the emblem of the White Tree of Gondor and the Seven Stars and Crown of Elendil. Aragorn met Eomer on the field of battle and they fought together until their enemies were defeated.
Aragorn did not want to enter Minas Tirith without the permission of the Steward of Gondor or to lay claim to the kingship before Sauron was defeated. But when Gandalf summoned him to the Houses of Healing where Merry, Eowyn and Faramir lay ill, Aragorn agreed to enter as the Chieftain of the Dunedain of Arnor and he gave Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth command of the city.
At the Houses of Healing, Aragorn asked for athelas, which according to lore could revive those afflicted by the Black Breath when it was administered by the King's hand. Some leaves were found and Aragorn used it to revive the three patients. Faramir, now the Steward of Gondor, recognized Aragorn though they had never met and said, "My lord, you called me. I come. What does the king command?" (RotK, p. 142)
Aragorn worked through the night helping others who had been wounded or touched by the Black Breath, and word spread that the King had returned, but he did not yet declare himself and camped outside the city walls. On March 16, he called Eomer and Imrahil to his camp to decide their next move. Gandalf counselled that though they could not defeat Sauron by force, that they must move against him in order to give the Ring-bearer time to fulfill his quest. Aragorn agreed, and the others vowed to follow him.
Aragorn led the Host of the West from Minas Tirith on March 18. They numbered only 7,000. When the host reached the desolation of the Morannon, some of the young and inexperienced Men were dismayed and terrified. Aragorn took pity on them and sent those who could not go on to hold the crossing at Cair Andros.
At the Black Gate on March 25, the Mouth of Sauron emerged and challenged the Host of the West, and though Aragorn said nothing in response the Mouth of Sauron quailed before his stare. Sauron's emissary brought out Frodo's mithril shirt and other tokens and demanded that the armies withdraw immediately or Frodo would suffer torment. Gandalf denied the terms, and the Battle of the Morannon began. Aragorn ordered his forces on two hills, and the Host of the West fought the forces of Mordor until the Ring was destroyed and the realm of Sauron fell.
When Frodo and Sam were rescued from the destruction of Mordor, Aragorn tended to their wounds himself. At the celebrations on the Field of Cormallen, Aragorn knelt before the Hobbits and then brought them to sit on a throne and led the gathered people in praise and cheers.
At sunrise on May 1, Aragorn approached Minas Tirith and stopped outside the city gates. There he was met by Faramir, Steward of Gondor, who called out to the people of the city:
"Men of Gondor hear now the Steward of this Realm! Behold! one has come to claim the kingship again at last. 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. Shall he be king and enter into the City and dwell there?"
And all the host and all the people cried yea with one voice.
The Return of the King: "The Steward and the King," p. 245
Faramir brought out the ancient Crown of Gondor, and Aragorn took it saying the words that Elendil spoke when he came to Middle-earth: "Et Eärello Endorenna utúlien. Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar tenn' Ambar-metta! - Out of the Great Sea to Middle-earth I am come. In this place will I abide, and my heirs, unto the ending of the world." (RotK, p. 245-6) Aragorn asked Frodo to bring the crown to him and had Gandalf set the crown on his head, and then he entered the city as King.
Arwen and her father Elrond arrived in Minas Tirith on Midsummer's Eve. From Elrond, Aragorn received the Sceptre of Annuminas. The wedding of Aragorn and Arwen took place on Midsummer's Day.
Aragorn travelled to Rohan for the funeral of King Theoden, and then he accompanied the other members of the Fellowship as far as Isengard. On August 22, Aragorn bid farewell to his companions and they went their separate ways.
King Elessar sent his messengers throughout the land and drove out the evil-doers that remained and brought peace to the peoples of Middle-earth. The Kingdoms of Gondor and Arnor were reunited once more, and the northern capital of Annuminas was rebuilt. King Elessar gave the Druadan Forest to Ghan-buri-ghan's people and forbade Men from entering it. The realms of Dale and the Lonely Mountain were under the protection of the Crown. The King made Faramir the Prince of Ithilien and he reestablished the Great Council of Gondor with Faramir, Prince Imrahil, and the other Lords of the Fiefs and Captains of the Forces.
King Elessar did not forget the Shire or its people. In the year 6 of the Fourth Age, the King made the Shire a Free Land under the protection of the Northern Sceptre and issued an edict that Men could not go there. The Thain, the Master of Buckland, and the Mayor of Michel Delving were made Counsellors of the North Kingdom in the year 13. The King and Queen went north to dwell for a time in the year 15, and they met with Sam, Merry, and Pippin at the Brandywine Bridge. Sam and his family came south to Gondor to live for a year in 21. Merry and Pippin left the Shire and went to live in Gondor from the year 64 until their deaths.
In the year 120 of the Fourth Age, King Elessar knew that his days were at an end and he went to the House of the Kings in the Silent Street. He said farewell to his son Eldarion and his daughters and he gave Eldarion his Crown and Sceptre. Arwen remained at Aragorn's side until he died.
Then a great beauty was revealed in him, so that all who after came there looked on him in wonder; for they saw that the grace of his youth, and the valour of his manhood, and the wisdom and majesty of his age were blended together. And long there he lay, an image of the Kings of Men in glory undimmed before the breaking of the world.
Appendix A of LotR: "The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen," p. 344
Race: Men
Date of Birth: March 1, 2931
Date of Death: March 1, 120 F.A.
Residences: Rivendell; various; later Minas Tirith & Annuminas
Parents: Arathorn II and Gilraen
Siblings: None
Spouse: Arwen Undomiel
Children: 1 son - Eldarion - and daughters
Hair & Eye Color: Dark hair & grey eyes
Sword: Anduril
Horses: Roheryn and Hasufel
Galadriel's gifts: Sheath and Elfstone
Emblem: White Tree with Seven Stars & a Crown on a black field
Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn
in the New Line Cinema film
Aragorn by Alan Lee
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detailed Biography:
Aragorn was known as Strider, a Ranger who lived in the Wild protecting the peoples of Middle-earth. But he was descended from the ancient line of kings, and when he joined the quest of the Ring-bearer, the time came for him to fulfill his destiny. As Frodo Baggins struggled to reach Mount Doom, Aragorn fought the servants of the Enemy and revealed himself to Sauron as Isildur's Heir. After Sauron's downfall the Kingdoms of Gondor and Arnor were reunited under Aragorn's reign and peace and prosperity returned to Middle-earth.
Aragorn was a direct descendant of Isildur, son of Elendil. The Heirs of Isildur were the Kings of Arnor until that kingdom was divided in three in the year 861 of the Third Age. The line was then continued first by the Kings of Arthedain and then, when that kingdom was decimated by war and plague, by the Chieftains of the Dunedain.
Aragorn was born on March 1, 2931, and just two years later he became the sixteenth Chieftain of the Dunedain when his father Arathorn II was killed by Orcs. Aragorn's mother Gilraen took him to live in Rivendell, home of Elrond. Elrond accepted the child as a foster-son and gave him the name Estel, meaning "Hope." Aragorn was not told his true name and heritage until 2951, when he was twenty years old and Elrond perceived that he had grown to manhood. Elrond then gave Aragorn two of the heirlooms of the House of Isildur: the Ring of Barahir and the shards of Narsil.
The next day, Aragorn first met Arwen who had returned to Rivendell from Lothlorien to visit her father Elrond. When Aragorn saw Arwen he called her Tinuviel, for her beauty was reminiscent of Luthien Tinuviel, an Elf who gave up her immortality for the love of Beren, a Mortal Man. Aragorn fell in love with Arwen, but Elrond said that if she chose to be with Aragorn she would relinquish her immortality as Luthien had and that his daughter's age and experience as well as her lineage placed her too far above Aragorn. He told Aragorn that many years of trial lay before him.
"Aragorn, Arathorn's son, Lord of the Dunedain, listen to me! 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."
Appendix A: "The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen," p. 340
Aragorn left Rivendell and journeyed throughout Middle-earth gaining knowledge and experience and facing many perils. He travelled far east to Rhun and south to Harad and went once into Moria through the Dimrill Gate and even explored the outskirts of Mordor in his efforts to learn about Sauron's plans. In 2956 he met Gandalf the Grey and they became friends and allies and sometimes travelled together.
Aragorn rode with the Rohirrim in the service of King Thengel of Rohan and he became a Captain under Ecthelion II, Steward of Gondor. Aragorn kept his identity hidden and was called Thorongil - Eagle of the Star - because of his swiftness and keen sight and the silver star he wore. He warned Ecthelion not to trust the Wizard Saruman and he led a fleet south to defeat the Corsairs at Umbar. Ecthelion favored his mysterious captain even above his own son Denethor, but one day Aragorn left Gondor as suddenly as he had appeared.
In 2980, Aragorn was on his way back to Rivendell for a much-needed rest when he came to Lothlorien and found Arwen there. They spent a season together in the Golden Wood and on Midsummer's Eve they became betrothed on Cerin Amroth. But on Aragorn's return to Rivendell, Elrond told him that Arwen would marry no lesser Man than the King of Gondor and Arnor. Aragorn went out again into the Wild.
When Aragorn visited his mother's home in Eriador, she told him that she could not face the approaching Shadow and that she would soon die.
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, ú-chebin estel anim - I gave Hope to the Dunedain, I have kept no hope for myself."
Appendix A of LotR: "The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen," p. 342
Gilraen died before the next spring in 3007.
After Bilbo Baggins passed his magic ring on to Frodo in 3001, Gandalf shared with Aragorn his fear that the One Ring had been found. The Dunedain increased their watch on the Shire and Aragorn advised Gandalf that they should look for Gollum. Over the years Aragorn hunted for Gollum throughout Wilderland in Mirkwood and the vales of the Anduin and down to the Black Gate and the Morgul Vale on the borders of Mordor. At last, Aragorn picked up Gollum's trail leading from Mordor along the edge of the Dead Marshes. He captured Gollum and brought him to Mirkwood, where the creature was imprisoned until his escape in June of 3018.
On May 1, 3018, Aragorn met Gandalf at Sarn Ford on the Brandywine south of the Shire. He learned from the Wizard that Frodo would be leaving the Shire with the Ring at the end of September. Believing that Frodo would be safe with Gandalf, Aragorn went on a journey and did not return for several months. Then Aragorn learned fromGildor that Gandalf was missing and the Ringwraiths were abroad and that Frodo was on the Road accompanied only by his Hobbit companions.
Aragorn searched for Frodo and on the evening of September 30, he overheard the Hobbits parting from Tom Bombadil at the Great East Road near Bree. Aragorn went on to the Prancing Pony but was prevented from seeing Frodo by the innkeeper, Barliman Butterbur. Aragorn approached Frodo first in the Common Room and then, after Frodo's accidental use of the Ring, he followed the Hobbits to their parlour.
Aragorn warned Frodo that the Ringwraiths had tracked him to Bree and offered his guidance and protection. Then Barliman delivered Gandalf's forgotten letter which included a verse about Aragorn that Frodo later learned was written by Bilbo:
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.
The Fellowship of the Ring: "Strider," p. 182
Aragorn then revealed Narsil, the sword that was broken, and said: "I am Aragorn son of Arathorn; and if by life or death I can save you, I will." (FotR, p. 183) Frodo accepted Aragorn's pledge.
Aragorn advised the Hobbits not to return to their rooms, and he remained awake guarding them. The inn was attacked in the night, but the Hobbits remained undiscovered. Aragorn led them out of Bree the next day and tried to get the Ringwraiths off their trail by taking them through the Chetwood and the Midgewater Marshes.
Despite Aragorn's precautions, five of the Ringwraiths caught up to them at Weathertop and attacked their camp. Frodo was compelled to put on the Ring, but he was able to resist the Witch-king by slashing the Ringwraith's robe and invoking the name of Elbereth. Frodo was stabbed by the Witch-king and Aragorn leaped at the Ringwraiths with flaming brands. The Ringwraiths withdrew, and Aragorn treated Frodo's wound as best he could and led the Hobbits on as quickly as possible. He found a token left by Glorfindel on the Last Bridge, and with the Elf-lord's help they made it safely to Rivendell.
At Rivendell, Aragorn was reunited with Arwen. The Council of Elrond was held on October 25. There Boromir, son of Denethor the Steward of Gondor, told of his dream in which he heard a voice say: "Seek for the Sword that was broken: In Imladris it dwells ..." (FotR, p. 259) Aragorn brought out the shards of Narsil and Elrond told the Council that he was Isildur's Heir. Aragorn believed that Boromir's dream was a summons and that the time had come for him to go to Gondor as the heir of Elendil and so he declared his intention to go to Minas Tirith.
Narsil was reforged by the Elvish smiths and Aragorn named it Anduril, the Flame of the West. Aragorn joined the Company of the Ring and on December 25, 3018, they set out from Rivendell and headed South.
Aragorn and Boromir helped the Fellowship escape the blizzard in the Redhorn Gate by clearing a path through the snow and carrying the Hobbits. When Gandalf suggested an alternate route through Moria, Aragorn advised against it but at last agreed, saying:
"You followed my lead almost to disaster in the snow, and have said no word of blame. I will follow your lead now -- if this last warning does not move you. It is not of the Ring, nor of us others that I am thinking now, but of you, Gandalf. And I say to you: if you pass the doors of Moria, beware!"
The Fellowship of the Ring: "A Journey in the Dark," p. 310
The Fellowship entered the Mines and on January 15, 3019, they were attacked by Orcs in the Chamber of Mazarbul. Aragorn slew many, and he carried the wounded Frodo from the chamber when they fled to the Bridge of Khazad-dum. There Gandalf confronted the Balrog and told the others to flee, but Aragorn and Boromir stood their ground and would have gone to his aid, but Gandalf shattered the bridge with his staff and was pulled into the abyss by the Balrog.
Aragorn led the bereaved Fellowship out of Moria and took them to Lothlorien where he was known to Galadriel, the Lady of the Golden Wood. On their departure, Galadriel gave Aragorn a green stone set in a silver, eagle-shaped brooch that had been left for him by Arwen. It was the Elessar, or Elfstone, and this was the name by which Aragorn would be known as King.
The Fellowship left Lothlorien on February 16, and Aragorn led them down the Anduin in boats. When they passed the Argonath, his bearing became more regal.
Frodo turned and saw Strider, and yet not Strider; for the weatherworn Ranger was no longer there. In the stern sat Aragorn son of Arathorn, proud and erect, guiding the boat with skilful strokes; his hood was cast back, and his dark hair was blowing in the wind, a light was in his eyes: a king returning from exile to his own land.
"Fear not!" he said. "Long have I desired to look upon the likenesses of Isildur and Anarion, my sires of old. Under their shadow Elessar, the Elfstone son of Arathorn of the House of Valandil Isildur's son heir of Elendil, has nought to dread!"
The Fellowship of the Ring: "The Great River," p. 409
The Fellowship camped at Parth Galen on the western bank of the Anduin. On February 26, Frodo climbed the slopes of Amon Hen to decide what course he should take. Aragorn remained with the others. Although he believed it was his duty to go to Minas Tirith, he felt that with Gandalf gone he could not abandon the Ring-bearer and intended to go with Frodo if he chose to continue to Mordor.
But then Boromir returned to the campsite and told them that he had argued with Frodo and that Frodo had put on the Ring and disappeared. Aragorn tried to organize a search, but the other members of the Fellowship ran off haphazardly looking for Frodo. Aragorn climbed Amon Hen, but then he heard Boromir sounding the Great Horn and went to his aid.
Aragorn found Boromir dying of many arrow wounds. Before Boromir died he told Aragorn that he had tried to take the Ring from Frodo and that a band of Orcs had taken the Halflings captive. Aragorn used his skills as a Ranger to determine that Merry and Pippin had been taken westward by the Orcs while Frodo and Sam had crossed to the eastern bank of the Anduin.
Aragorn decided that he could not abandon Merry and Pippin to torment and death and that the fate of the Ring-bearer was no longer in his hands. Together with Legolas and Gimli, he set out in pursuit of the Orcs. The Three Hunters covered 45 leagues in less than four days. In Rohan on February 30, they met Eomer, the Third Marshal of Riddermark, and his Riders. When Eomer challenged him, Aragorn said:
"I am Aragorn son of Arathorn and am called Elessar, the Elfstone, Dunadan, the heir of Isildur Elendil's son of Gondor. Here is the Sword that was Broken and is forged again! Will you aid me or thwart me? Choose swiftly!"
The Two Towers: "The Riders of Rohan," p. 36
From Eomer they learned that the Rohirrim had slain the Orcs and had seen no trace of the Hobbits. Eomer lent them horses, and with Aragorn on Hasufel and Legolas and Gimli on Arod they rode to the edge of Fangorn Forest.
There they found the pile of burning corpses left by the Rohirrim. During the night, the figure of an old man appeared by their campfire and then disappeared along with their horses. In the morning, Aragorn found signs that gave him hope that Merry and Pippin were still alive. But when they followed the tracks into the forest, they instead met Gandalf who had returned from his encounter with the Balrog as Gandalf the White. Gandalf told them that Merry and Pippin were safe and that the Three Hunters should now accompany him to the hall of King Theoden of Rohan.
They arrived at Meduseld on March 2. Gandalf freed Theoden from the influence of Saruman's lackey Grima, and Theoden declared his intention to ride to war against Saruman. Aragorn rode with the Rohirrim, telling Eomer that they would soon draw swords together as he had promised.
The next day they met a messenger who told them that the forces of Isengard were already on the move. At Gandalf's advice, King Theoden led his men to the fortifications at Helm's Deep. There the Rohirrim soon were besieged. During the Battle of Helm's Deep, Aragorn and Eomer fought side by side through the night. Although things seemed hopeless, Aragorn said, "dawn is ever the hope of Men." (TTT, p. 142) He went out onto the wall to look for the dawn and gave the armies of Saruman the chance to surrender, but though the Men were awed by his presence the Orcs laughed.
As the sun rose, Aragorn rode out of the Helm's Gate with King Theoden. They found that during the night a strange forest of Huorns had sprung up in the Deeping-coomb. Then Gandalf arrived with Erkenbrand and a thousand Men, and Saruman's Orcs turned and fled into the woods and were never heard from again.
Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli were reunited with Merry and Pippin at Isengard on March 5. After Gandalf's parley with Saruman, Grima threw the palantir down from Orthanc. Pippin looked into the Orthanc-stone during the night and was confronted by Sauron. Aragorn claimed possession of the palantir as the Stone's lawful master, for he felt the time to reveal himself to Sauron was drawing near.
Pippin left with Gandalf for Minas Tirith. Aragorn and the others headed back to Helm's Deep, and they were overtaken by a company of Dunedain led by Halbarad and accompanied by Elrond's sons Elladan and Elrohir. They brought Aragorn's horse Roheryn and delivered a banner made by Arwen. Elrohir gave Aragorn a message from Elrond: "The days are short. If thou art in haste, remember the Paths of the Dead." (RotK, p. 48)
Later, in a chamber high in the Hornburg, Aragorn looked into the palantir. He hoped to draw Sauron's attention away from Mordor while Frodo and Sam approached. Aragorn did not speak, but he showed Sauron that Elendil's sword had been reforged and that Elendil's heir wielded it. Then he was able to master the stone to his own will and with it he saw that the Corsairs in the South posed a grave danger to Gondor.
That morning, Aragorn told King Theoden that he needed to go South with all speed and that he would take the Paths of the Dead under the White Mountains. Legolas and Gimli chose to accompany him, as did the Dunedain and Elrond's sons. Together they formed the Grey Company. They rode to Dunharrow, where Aragorn took leave of Eowyn, niece of King Theoden. She begged him not to take the Paths of the Dead, and then asked to be allowed to accompany him, but he told her that her duty was to remain with her people. He was deeply pained by her grief and her apparent love for him which he could not return.
The Grey Company entered the Paths of the Dead at dawn on March 8. The Dead followed them through the paths under the mountains. They were the Oathbreakers, who had sworn allegiance to Isildur but had broken their vow by refusing to fight Sauron. They could not rest until Isildur's Heir called upon them to fulfill their oath. That time came at midnight at the Stone of Erech when Aragorn called upon the Dead to accompany him South to Pelargir.
As they passed through the southern lands, Men fled before them. On March 13, they reached Pelargir where they found the fleet of the Corsairs, some 50 ships strong. Aragorn called forth the Dead, and they swept onto the ships and the Corsairs leaped overboard in terror. When the fleet was taken, Aragorn released the Dead and told them to be at rest at last. He also freed the slaves who had been forced to row the Corsairs' ships, but many willingly remained now that the ships were at Aragorn's command. Men of the South rallied to him, and he sent an army of 4,000 led by Angbor of Lamedon marching north to Minas Tirith.
Aragorn sailed with the fleet north up the Anduin and reached Minas Tirith on March 15 while the Battle of the Pelennor Fields was in progress. At first they were mistaken for the Corsairs, but then Aragorn unfurled Arwen's banner and revealed the emblem of the White Tree of Gondor and the Seven Stars and Crown of Elendil. Aragorn met Eomer on the field of battle and they fought together until their enemies were defeated.
Aragorn did not want to enter Minas Tirith without the permission of the Steward of Gondor or to lay claim to the kingship before Sauron was defeated. But when Gandalf summoned him to the Houses of Healing where Merry, Eowyn and Faramir lay ill, Aragorn agreed to enter as the Chieftain of the Dunedain of Arnor and he gave Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth command of the city.
At the Houses of Healing, Aragorn asked for athelas, which according to lore could revive those afflicted by the Black Breath when it was administered by the King's hand. Some leaves were found and Aragorn used it to revive the three patients. Faramir, now the Steward of Gondor, recognized Aragorn though they had never met and said, "My lord, you called me. I come. What does the king command?" (RotK, p. 142)
Aragorn worked through the night helping others who had been wounded or touched by the Black Breath, and word spread that the King had returned, but he did not yet declare himself and camped outside the city walls. On March 16, he called Eomer and Imrahil to his camp to decide their next move. Gandalf counselled that though they could not defeat Sauron by force, that they must move against him in order to give the Ring-bearer time to fulfill his quest. Aragorn agreed, and the others vowed to follow him.
Aragorn led the Host of the West from Minas Tirith on March 18. They numbered only 7,000. When the host reached the desolation of the Morannon, some of the young and inexperienced Men were dismayed and terrified. Aragorn took pity on them and sent those who could not go on to hold the crossing at Cair Andros.
At the Black Gate on March 25, the Mouth of Sauron emerged and challenged the Host of the West, and though Aragorn said nothing in response the Mouth of Sauron quailed before his stare. Sauron's emissary brought out Frodo's mithril shirt and other tokens and demanded that the armies withdraw immediately or Frodo would suffer torment. Gandalf denied the terms, and the Battle of the Morannon began. Aragorn ordered his forces on two hills, and the Host of the West fought the forces of Mordor until the Ring was destroyed and the realm of Sauron fell.
When Frodo and Sam were rescued from the destruction of Mordor, Aragorn tended to their wounds himself. At the celebrations on the Field of Cormallen, Aragorn knelt before the Hobbits and then brought them to sit on a throne and led the gathered people in praise and cheers.
At sunrise on May 1, Aragorn approached Minas Tirith and stopped outside the city gates. There he was met by Faramir, Steward of Gondor, who called out to the people of the city:
"Men of Gondor hear now the Steward of this Realm! Behold! one has come to claim the kingship again at last. 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. Shall he be king and enter into the City and dwell there?"
And all the host and all the people cried yea with one voice.
The Return of the King: "The Steward and the King," p. 245
Faramir brought out the ancient Crown of Gondor, and Aragorn took it saying the words that Elendil spoke when he came to Middle-earth: "Et Eärello Endorenna utúlien. Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar tenn' Ambar-metta! - Out of the Great Sea to Middle-earth I am come. In this place will I abide, and my heirs, unto the ending of the world." (RotK, p. 245-6) Aragorn asked Frodo to bring the crown to him and had Gandalf set the crown on his head, and then he entered the city as King.
Arwen and her father Elrond arrived in Minas Tirith on Midsummer's Eve. From Elrond, Aragorn received the Sceptre of Annuminas. The wedding of Aragorn and Arwen took place on Midsummer's Day.
Aragorn travelled to Rohan for the funeral of King Theoden, and then he accompanied the other members of the Fellowship as far as Isengard. On August 22, Aragorn bid farewell to his companions and they went their separate ways.
King Elessar sent his messengers throughout the land and drove out the evil-doers that remained and brought peace to the peoples of Middle-earth. The Kingdoms of Gondor and Arnor were reunited once more, and the northern capital of Annuminas was rebuilt. King Elessar gave the Druadan Forest to Ghan-buri-ghan's people and forbade Men from entering it. The realms of Dale and the Lonely Mountain were under the protection of the Crown. The King made Faramir the Prince of Ithilien and he reestablished the Great Council of Gondor with Faramir, Prince Imrahil, and the other Lords of the Fiefs and Captains of the Forces.
King Elessar did not forget the Shire or its people. In the year 6 of the Fourth Age, the King made the Shire a Free Land under the protection of the Northern Sceptre and issued an edict that Men could not go there. The Thain, the Master of Buckland, and the Mayor of Michel Delving were made Counsellors of the North Kingdom in the year 13. The King and Queen went north to dwell for a time in the year 15, and they met with Sam, Merry, and Pippin at the Brandywine Bridge. Sam and his family came south to Gondor to live for a year in 21. Merry and Pippin left the Shire and went to live in Gondor from the year 64 until their deaths.
In the year 120 of the Fourth Age, King Elessar knew that his days were at an end and he went to the House of the Kings in the Silent Street. He said farewell to his son Eldarion and his daughters and he gave Eldarion his Crown and Sceptre. Arwen remained at Aragorn's side until he died.
Then a great beauty was revealed in him, so that all who after came there looked on him in wonder; for they saw that the grace of his youth, and the valour of his manhood, and the wisdom and majesty of his age were blended together. And long there he lay, an image of the Kings of Men in glory undimmed before the breaking of the world.
Appendix A of LotR: "The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen," p. 344
