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<div>{{disambig-two|the King of [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]]|[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]|[[Aragorn I]]}}<br />
{{sources}}<br />
{{arnorian infobox<br />
| name=Aragorn<br />
| image=[[File:John Howe - Elessar.jpg|250px]]<br />
| caption="Elessar" by [[John Howe]]<br />
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|[ˈaraɡorn]}}<br />
| othernames=Aragorn II, ''[[Elessar]]'', [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]], ''[[Thorongil]]'' (''[[Aragorn#Names and titles|see below]]'')<br />
| titles=[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]<br/>[[High King of the Dúnedain]]<br>[[King of Gondor and Arnor]]<Ref>{{S|Rings}}</ref><br>[[King of the West]]<ref>{{App|Great}}</ref><Br>Lord of the [[Westlands]]<br />
| position=[[Rangers of the North|Ranger]]<br />
| location=[[Rivendell]]<br/>[[Gondor]]<br>[[Arnor]]<br />
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]<br />
| language=[[Westron]], [[Sindarin]], [[Quenya]]<br />
| birth=[[1 March]] {{TA|2931}}<br />
| birthlocation=[[Eriador]]<br />
| rule={{TA|2933}} - {{TA|3019|n}} (Chieftain)<br/>{{TA|3019}} - {{FoA|120}} (King)<br />
| death={{FoA|120}}<br />
| deathlocation=[[Gondor]]<br />
| age=210<br />
| notablefor=Reuniting the [[Reunited Kingdom|Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor]]<br />
| house=[[House of Isildur]], founded the [[House of Telcontar]]<br />
| parentage=[[Arathorn II]], father <br/> [[Gilraen]], mother <br/> [[Elrond]], foster father<br />
| siblings=<br />
| spouse=[[Arwen]]<br />
| children=[[Eldarion]] and at least two daughters<ref name="Tale">{{App|Tale}}</ref><br />
| gender=Male<br />
| height=6'6<nowiki>''</nowiki> (198cm)<ref name="RC">{{HM|RC}}, p. 272 citing from a note written by J.R.R. Tolkien approximately in 1969</ref><br />
| hair=Dark, flecked with grey<ref name="Sign">{{FR|Sign}}</ref> <br />
| eyes=Grey<ref name="Sign"/><br />
| clothing=High leather boots, dark-green cloak (As a [[Rangers of the North|Ranger]])<ref name="Sign"/><br>Pure white mantle, black mail girt with silver (As a King)<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref><br />
| weapons=[[Andúril]]<br />
| steed=[[Roheryn]] and [[Hasufel]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
<center>{{quote|Tall as the sea-kings of old, he stood above all that were near; ancient of days he seemed and yet in the flower of manhood; and wisdom sat upon his brow, and strength and healing were in his hands, and a light was about him.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Steward and the King]]"}}</center><br />
'''Aragorn II''' was the son of [[Arathorn II]] and [[Gilraen]]. He was the last [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]] and a direct descendant through many<ref group="note">Aragorn II is of the 39th generation descended from Isildur, through 23 generations of the Kings of Arnor and Arthedain (beginning with [[Valandil]] and ending with [[Arvedui]]) and 15 generations of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain (beginning with [[Aranarth]] and ending with Arathorn II).</ref> generations of [[Isildur]], the last [[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]] of both [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Aragorn would become the greatest [[Men|Man]] of his time, leading the [[Dúnedain|Men of the West]] against [[Sauron]]'s forces, helping to destroy [[the One Ring]], and reuniting the [[Reunited Kingdom|Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor]]. <br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early Life===<br />
Aragorn was born in {{TA|2931}} to the Chieftain Arathorn, and received the name Aragorn. His grandmother, [[Ivorwen]], noted with foresight that Aragorn would one day wear on his breast a green stone.<ref>{{PM|Foreword}}</ref><br />
<br />
A legend says that the [[Wizards|Wizard]] [[Gandalf]] had brought [[Elfstone|such a stone]], called the Elessar, from [[Valinor]]. He gave the Elessar to the [[Elves|Elven]] Lady [[Galadriel]], and remarked prophetically that she would pass it to another, who will also be called Elessar.<ref>{{UT|6}}</ref> From this would come Aragorn's royal name ''Elessar'' ([[Quenya]] for "Elfstone").<br />
<br />
When Aragorn was two years old, his father was slain when an [[Orcs|Orc]] arrow pierced his eye. As was the tradition of his people, Aragorn was fostered in [[Rivendell]] by [[Elrond]] as if he was his own son. The [[Wise]] decided that his identity was to be kept secret, as he would be vulnerable to [[Sauron|the Enemy]]. Aragorn was called '''''[[Estel]]''''' ([[Sindarin]] for "Hope") instead. During his life in Rivendell he accompanied the sons of Elrond, [[Elrohir]] and [[Elladan]], on their journeys.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
[[File:Stephen Hickman - Aragorn and Arwen.jpg|thumb|left|''Aragorn and Arwen'' by [[Stephen Hickman]]]]<br />
"Estel" grew to be fair and noble, and was seemingly more mature than his age. When Aragorn was twenty-one years old, after returning from a journey with the [[twins]] in {{TA|2952}}, Elrond decided to reveal his true name and ancestry. As part of this revelation, Elrond delivered to him the heirlooms of [[House of Isildur|his House]]: the shards of [[Narsil]] and the [[Ring of Barahir]]. Elrond also said that he should earn the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]]. The next day, full of hope, Aragorn was sitting in the forest singing a part of the ''[[Lay of Leithian|Lay of Lúthien]]''; as he sang of the meeting [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]], [[Arwen]], daughter of Elrond, who had newly returned from [[Lothlórien]], appeared to him. Aragorn thought that Lúthien herself had appeared, and fell in love.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
===Life as a Ranger===<br />
Estel took up his proper name as Aragorn, sixteenth of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, and after he took leave of his mother and Elrond he went into [[The Wild]].<ref name="Tale"/> In {{TA|2953}} he was not present in Rivendell for the last meeting of the [[White Council]]. Aragorn met [[Gandalf|Gandalf the Grey]] in {{TA|2956}}, and they became great friends.<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref> At Gandalf's advice he started to become interested in [[the Shire]] and became known as '''''Strider''''' in this region.<br />
[[File:Catherine Chmiel - Ecthelion,Thorongil and Boromir study.jpg|thumb|right|''"Thorongil" with Ecthelion II'' by [[Catherine Karina Chmiel]]]]<br />
From {{TA|2957}} to {{TA|2980}} Aragorn took great journeys aiding the [[West]] against [[Sauron]] and his allies. After serving King [[Thengel]] of [[Rohan]], he went to [[Ruling Steward|Steward]] [[Ecthelion II]] of [[Gondor]],<ref name="TA"/> who was in dire need of able men to guard his realm from Mordor. Aragorn kept his identity secret but as he wore a silver star upon his cloak, and was swift and keen-eyed, the [[Gondorians]] called him '''''Thorongil''''' (Sindarin for "Eagle of the Star"). He was a great leader by land and sea and Ecthelion trusted and loved him most. Some believed that there was rivalry between him and the Steward's son, [[Denethor]], who probably knew his identity as [[Heir of Isildur]], and suspected that he and Gandalf worked to supplant him. Thorongil however saw himself only as the servant of the Steward, whom he advised to not trust [[Saruman]] and instead to welcome Gandalf (whom Denethor didn't trust or love).<br />
<br />
Ecthelion was anticipating an attack from Sauron who had just returned, and Thorongil warned him that in that event the [[Southern Fiefs]] would be vulnerable to the [[Corsairs of Umbar]]. He was allowed by Ecthelion to take few ships and lead an [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|attack against Umbar]]; at night he burned many ships, and in a fight slew the [[Captain of the Haven]] with only few casualties. Great honour awaited him in [[Minas Tirith]] but he did not return; while in [[Pelargir]], he sent a farewell message to Ecthelion, speaking of other tasks calling him, and saying that fate would not bring him again to Gondor soon. To the grief and wonder of his companions he crossed the [[Anduin]] and was last seen staring at the [[Mountains of Shadow]].<ref>{{App|Stewards}}</ref> He left Gondor to travel into the far East and South "exploring the hearts of men good and evil" and learning about the "plots and devices" of the servants of the Dark Lord. His exploits ensured the survival of the [[West]] much later during the [[War of the Ring]].<br />
<br />
Later in 2980 on his return to Rivendell he entered [[Lothlórien]], and there once again met Arwen in [[Caras Galadhon]]. For one season they wandered together in Lothlórien. At midsummer he gave her the heirloom of his House, the [[Ring of Barahir]], and Arwen pledged her hand to him in marriage.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
Elrond gave his foster-son permission to marry his daughter, on the condition that he must first become king of both Gondor and Arnor, for only a king would be worthy of Arwen's hand. This harsh condition had a precedent: King [[Thingol]]'s request that [[Beren]] obtain a [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] from [[Morgoth]] before marrying his daughter [[Lúthien]].<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
===Hunt for Gollum===<br />
In the year {{TA|3001}}, as a now revealed [[Sauron]] continued to regain power in [[Mordor]], Aragorn began assisting [[Gandalf]] in his search for news of [[Gollum]]. Gandalf suspected that the ring [[Bilbo Baggins]] found near Gollum's lake was in fact [[the One Ring]]. In {{TA|3007}}, he briefly returned to [[Eriador]] where he visited his mother for the last time. She died before that year's spring. <br />
<br />
In {{TA|3009}} Gandalf and Aragorn renewed their hunt for Gollum, searching intermittently in the [[vales of Anduin]], [[Mirkwood]], and [[Rhovanion]], even to the confines of [[Mordor]], without knowing that around that time Gollum ventured into Mordor, and was captured by Sauron.<ref name="TA"/> [[Third Age 3017|After eight years]] Gollum was released and Aragorn finally overtook him in the [[Dead Marshes]]<ref name="TA"/> on [[1 February]]. With Gollum he travelled through the northern [[Emyn Muil]], to prevent being found by Sauron's spies, and crossed the Anduin at the [[Sarn Gebir]]. He travelled further north along the edges of [[Fangorn Forest]] and through Lothlórien,<ref name="UT">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref> where the Elves sent a message to Gandalf.<ref>{{UT|Hunt}}, Note 5</ref> He travelled alongside the Anduin to the north until he arrived at the [[Carrock]]. With the aid of the [[Beornings]] he crossed the Anduin with Gollum and entered [[Mirkwood]]. He took Gollum to [[Thranduil]] to be held captive.<ref name="UT"/><ref name="TA"/> He then returned west where he met with Gandalf at [[Sarn Ford]] and learned of [[Frodo Baggins]]' plan to leave the Shire with the Ring in late September. Aragorn then continued his own journey.<ref name="Strider">{{FR|Strider}}</ref><br />
<br />
===War of the Ring===<br />
When Aragorn returned to his area, the [[Elves]] who followed [[Gildor Inglorion]] told Aragorn the [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] had been seen, and Gandalf had been missing and there were no messages from him. Aragorn and his [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] kept watch over the border of [[the Shire]] and the [[East Road]] waiting for sight of Frodo but there was no news of them leaving [[Buckland]].<ref name="Strider"/><br />
<br />
While staying in [[Bree]], Aragorn crossed the paths of four hobbits in [[The Prancing Pony]]. Aragorn watched as the hobbits clumsily hid their names and intentions, and as [[Frodo Baggins]], the leader of the party, fell from a table and disappeared as he put the ring on. Aragorn, whose name was given as Strider, seemed to show no surprise, only annoyance at Frodo’s foolish vanishing act. He arranged for an interview that night, where he warned them of the Black Riders and [[Bill Ferny]], then bluntly requested that they use him as a guide. After some consideration, and a note given them by the forgetful [[Barliman Butterbur]] from Gandalf condoning him, Frodo agreed.<br />
[[File:Jef Murray - Amon Sûl.jpg|thumb|left|[[Jef Murray]] - ''Amon Sûl'']]<br />
Aragorn’s plan to reach Rivendell was to first head toward [[Archet]] and bear right to [[Weathertop]]. After the ambush at Weathertop and the wounding of Frodo, [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] took over the position as leader of the Hobbits. After a while they met [[Glorfindel]], a friend of Aragorn’s, and it was not much later that they arrived in Rivendell.<br />
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Reforging of the Sword.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - ''The Reforging of the Sword'']]<br />
After the Council of Elrond Aragorn became a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. As a preparation for his travel, the ancient shards of [[Narsil]], the heirloom of his House, were reforged after 3 millennia. Aragorn carried the Sword Reforged, and renamed it [[Andúril]]. <br />
<br />
Aragorn's intentions were to travel with the company for a while before returning to [[Gondor]] with [[Boromir]]. Aragorn encouraged the taking of the [[Caradhras|Redhorn Pass]], which ended in disaster. He reluctantly conceded to Gandalf’s choice to pass through [[Moria]], though his sense of foresight warned him for Gandalf. Indeed, after Gandalf fell into the abyss with [[Durin's Bane]], Aragorn was naturally elected leader of the company, despite some resentment by Boromir.<br />
<br />
====Leading the Fellowship of the Ring====<br />
Aragorn again amazed the rest of the Fellowship by his apparent closeness to the people of [[Lothlórien]], and his friendship with [[Celeborn]] and [[Galadriel]]. At their departure, Galadriel offered him the [[Elfstone]] as a wedding gift from the family of the Elven bride to the groom, foretelling his marriage to Arwen.<ref>{{MR|P3II3}}</ref> It was worn by Aragorn ever after and from that he later took the name '''Elessar'''.<br />
<br />
Even at the [[Rauros|Falls of Rauros]] he was undecided, leaving it to Frodo for the final decision. For though it was obvious he wished to go to [[Minas Tirith]] with Boromir, he yet felt that it was his duty to go where the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]] chose.<br />
<br />
[[File:Inger Edelfeldt - Death of Boromir.jpg|thumb|200px|right|''Death of Boromir'' by [[Inger Edelfeldt]]]]<br />
After Frodo escaped him and Boromir perished, he with the remaining members of the Fellowship, namely [[Legolas]] and [[Gimli]], chose to try and save [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] from the [[Uruk-hai]] that had ambushed them, forming the group that would later be known as the [[Three Hunters]].<br />
<br />
He met [[Éomer]] in the fields of [[Rohan]], and an instant friendship formed, both feeling the honesty and lordliness of the other. Éomer took a risk for his sake, giving him horses, with the promise that one day soon Aragorn would return to [[Edoras]]. Aragorn, tracking the Hobbits, followed into Fangorn Forest, where he met the resurrected [[Gandalf|Gandalf the White]]. After the restoration of [[Théoden]], he rode to [[Helm's Deep]] to fight in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]]. There he, alongside his new-found “brother” Éomer, and King Théoden, marshaled the defence against [[Saruman]]’s army. His revealed majesty upon the battlements of the Hornburg as he waited for the dawn caused some of the [[Dunlendings|Wild men]] to pause and shudder, and he heralded the return of Gandalf with [[Erkenbrand]].<br />
<br />
After Pippin’s terrifying experience with the [[Orthanc-stone]], Gandalf presented it in a formal manner to Aragorn, its rightful master, who hinted that it would be used by him eventually. After the departure of Gandalf and Pippin to Minas Tirith, he rode for a while longer with Théoden, meeting up with his friend [[Halbarad]] of the North, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], and a company of staunch and fearless Rangers. Elladan and Elrohir gave him a message from Elrond: "''The days are short. If thou art in haste, remember the [[Paths of the Dead]]''". Halbarad bore a gift from the Lady Arwen – the [[Standard of Elendil]]. Aragorn knew the path set before him.<br />
<br />
====Return of the King====<br />
A little while later Aragorn took his companions and his rangers and set out for [[Dunharrow]], departing from the King’s company. His course was clear: to take the Paths of the Dead, to summon the [[Oathbreakers|Dead Men]]. In Dunharrow, he met the lady [[Éowyn]], who had fallen in love with him. After making it clear that he could not accept her love, he turned towards the evil road with the dawn.<br />
<br />
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Thus Came Aragorn.jpg|thumb|right|''Thus Came Aragorn'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]<br />
The [[Grey Company]] passed through the [[Dark Door]] and the [[Dwimorberg]], the Dead following, and coming at last to the [[Stone of Erech]], Aragorn summoned them to his aid. They drew their swords and blew their horns in answer, and swept down upon the [[Corsairs of Umbar|Corsairs]] at [[Pelargir]] drove the mariners away. Aragorn released them, and took the [[Black Ships]] north to Minas Tirith, where the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] raged. The Standard of Elendil broke forth, and his Dúnedain swept down, giving the final blow to the army of [[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]. The counter-attacked army of [[Sauron]] crumbled utterly. But Aragorn did not enter the city.<br />
<br />
Aragorn, furling his banner, appointed [[Imrahil]] the temporary lord of the City, as the law demanded. Eventually, however, Aragorn did come to the [[Houses of Healing]], where he tended and restored Merry, Éowyn, and [[Faramir]], in accordance with the prophecy “''The hands of the king are the hands of a healer, and so shall the rightful king be known''”. Many of the people of Minas Tirith came to Aragorn and followed him, asking that he heal those they knew. Aragorn worked late into the night, before finally leaving the city, hooded and cloaked. When in the morning the people saw the banner of [[Dol Amroth]], they wondered if the Return of the King had been but a dream.<ref name=Houses>{{RK|Houses}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[File:Inger Edelfeldt - The Crowning of Aragorn.jpg|thumb|left|''The Crowning of Aragorn'' by [[Inger Edelfeldt]]]]<br />
Aragorn held [[Last Debate|council]] with his trusted companions, namely Gandalf, Éomer, Imrahil, and Elrond’s sons – Halbarad had fallen in battle. He agreed to draw forth the forces of [[Mordor]] for the benefit of the [[Quest of the Ring]], and so arranged matters for the [[Battle of the Morannon]]. After the destruction of the Ring in [[Mount Doom|Orodruin]] and victory at the [[Morannon]], Aragorn returned at last in the triumphant manner that befitted his position. He was crowned at the gates of Minas Tirith, winning the hearts of the people of [[Gondor]].<br />
<br />
===Reign as Elessar===<br />
Aragorn ruled the [[Reunited Kingdom]] of Gondor and Arnor until year 120 of the [[Fourth Age]]. <br />
<br />
Some days after his coronation, Gandalf took Elessar up the slopes of Mount [[Mindolluin]], and there he found the scion of [[Nimloth of Númenor|Nimloth]], the symbol of his mastery of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]. Elrond and Arwen came to Gondor and Elrond gave Elessar the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]] signifying the Kingship of Arnor. He wedded Arwen on Midsummer's day of 3019, and then was forced to bid his old friends farewell. He turned back to his new kingdom as the [[Fourth Age]] dawned and the Ringbearers left the shores of Middle-earth forever.<br />
<br />
One of his first tasks in the re-ordering of his realm was the restoration of [[Orthanc]] and ordered the [[Orthanc-stone]] to be returned there. With this opportunity, many secrets and hoarded treasures were revealed including the [[Elendilmir]] which Saruman took from Isildur's body. Elessar received the Elemdilmir with reverence and took it with him as he established his full kingship of [[Arnor]].<ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref><br />
<br />
Elessar gave his [[Steward]] Faramir the title [[Lord of Emyn Arnen]] and created him as [[Prince of Ithilien]]<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref>. He declared the [[Drúadan Forest]] to belong to the [[Drúedain]] and a protected enclave of his Kingdom.<ref>{{RK|Partings}}</ref> He also re-established the Great [[Council of Gondor]] whose chief councellor was the Steward<ref>{{L|244}}</ref>. He also renewed the [[Oath of Cirion]] with Éomer.<br />
<br />
As for [[the Shire]], he declared it a Free Land under the protection of the Northern Sceptre and forbid Men from entering it. He appointed the [[Thain]], the [[Master of Buckland]], and the [[Mayor of Michel Delving]] Counsellors of the North-kingdom. Also he offered to the Shire the [[Westmarch|lands]] up to the [[Tower Hills|Emyn Beraid]].<ref name=later>{{App|Later}}</ref><br />
<br />
He founded the royal [[House of Telcontar]], he had a son, [[Eldarion]], and a number of daughters.<br />
<br />
King Elessar died after 210 years of life and 122 years of rule and was succeeded by his son [[Eldarion]]. His wife Arwen, now mortal, gave up her life shortly afterwards in year 121, aged 2,901.<br />
<br />
==Personality==<br />
<br />
Aragorn was a wise, calm, well-mannered, yet proud and stern man who held his heritage in high regard and was willing to do whatever he can to help his friends. He was the "hardiest of living Men" during his time.<br />
<br />
His reverance for his heritage was such that it nearly led to complications when arriving in Rohan and was forced to surrender his sword, ''[[Anduril]]'' ''(The King of the Golden Hall)'' and revealed himself as the Heir of ''[Isildur]]'' to ''[[Eomer]]'' when confronting him. ''(The Riders of Rohan)''. He also possessed Elven wisdom due to being raised in Rivendell, and the foresight of the Dúnedain. He also had a nigh indomitable strength of will, as he was able to psychically challenge ''[[Sauron]]'' for control of the palantir, and emerged victorious. ''(The Passing of the Grey Company)''.<br />
<br />
==Equipment and skills==<br />
<br />
Aragorn was a swordsman of extraordinary, nigh <br />
unparalleled skill, to the point that he was considered the greatest swordsman of the ''[[Third Age]]'', surpassing the likes of ''[[Boromir]]'', ''[[Faramir]]'', and possibly ''[[Elrond]]'', despite all three being skilled swordsmen in their own right. He was also trained in the use of bows and spears, despite his preference for swordplay. His skill was such that he can take on any enemy from Orcs to the Nine Ringwraiths. Aragorn was a highly skilled and well-respected leader and King to the point that he restored ''[[Minas Tirith]]'' along with the rest of ''[[Gondor]]'' to its former glory and made peace with enemies who surrendered. He was a master military tactician and commander, capable of leading his army to victory at the ''[[Black Gate]]'', and aiding in the victories at ''[[Helm's Deep]]'', and the ''[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]'', coming out unscathed after the latter ended, along with ''[[Eomer]]'', and ''[[Imrahil]]''. ''([[The Battle of the Pelennor Fields]])''. In addition to his military prowess, he was also a skilled healer, particularly with the plant ''[[athelas]]'', as he was able to heal ''[[Eowyn]] and ''[[Faramir]]'' after both of them suffered ''[[Black Breath]]''. (''[[The Houses of Healing]]''), and even sustain the effects of a ''[[Morgul blade]]'' wound on ''[[Frodo Baggins]]'' long enough for the latter to receive further treatment in ''[[Rivendell]]''.m, and as mentioned before, he was able to outclass ''[[Sauron]]'' in a battle of wills while using the ''[[palantir]]''<br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
{{Pronounce|Aragorn Elessar.mp3|Ardamir}}<br />
'''''Aragorn''''' is a [[Sindarin]] name. It means "revered king".<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 31 entry S ''Ara(n)gorn''</ref><ref name=PE17Turgond>{{PE|17}}, p. 113 entry S '''Turgond-'''</ref> It contains the phonetic reduction ''ara'' of ''[[aran]]'' ("king") and the adjective ''[[gorn|(n)gorn]]'' ("dreaded, revered").<ref name=PE17Turgond/><br />
<br />
This clear etymology from Tolkien was not revealed until the publication in 2007 of "Words, Phrases & Passages in ''The Lord of the Rings''", a late 1950s manuscript. Before that, several theories were proposed:<br />
*[[Ruth S. Noel]] and several others proposed "King of the Tree",<ref>[[Ruth S. Noel]], ''[[The Languages of Tolkien's Middle-earth]]'', p. 114</ref> but Tolkien specifically said that this was not the case.<ref>{{L|347}}</ref> <br />
*[[David Salo]] deduces "Having Kingly Valor"<ref>[[David Salo]], ''[[A Gateway to Sindarin]]'', p. 341</ref> from Tolkien's cryptic "'Kingly Valour' (for so is that name interpreted)".<ref>{{PM|Foreword}}, p. xii</ref> This is still the most often cited etymology; Robert Ireland's ''[[A Tolkien Dictionary]]'' gives the variation "Royal Zeal".<ref>Robert Ireland, ''[[A Tolkien Dictionary]]'', [http://www.quicksilver899.com/Tolkien/LOTR/LOTR_AC.html The Lord of the Rings A-C].</ref><br />
*[[Carl F. Hostetter]] proposed the meanings "King of the Globe" or "King of the Hill" in his analysis of the [[King's Letter]].<ref>[[Carl F. Hostetter]], "The 'King's Letter': An Historical and Comparative Analysis", [[Vinyar Tengwar 31|''Vinyar Tengwar'' 31]], p. 18</ref><br />
<br />
The [[Quenya]] form of ''Aragorn'' was '''''Arakorno'''''.<ref name="WP">{{PE|17}}, p. 70 f. entry Q '''ar''' in the translation of the sentence into Quenya ''Sanome tarne Olórin, Arakorno, [...]''</ref><br />
<br />
==Other names==<br />
* '''Aragorn II''' - Aragorn's name as [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]. He was likely named after [[Aragorn I]].<br />
* [[Thorongil]] - [[Sindarin|S]] "Eagle of the Star", a pseudonym used in [[Gondor]] and [[Rohan]]. Pronounced {{IPA|[θoˈroŋɡil]}}.<br />
* '''Elessar''' - [[Quenya|Q]] "Elfstone", Aragorn's name as a king. Despite popular use as such, Aragorn was never known as "Aragorn Elessar", "Aragorn II Elessar" or "[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|King Aragorn]]". Pronounced {{IPA|[eˈlesːar]}}.<br />
* '''Edhelharn''' - The [[Sindarin]] equivalent of Elessar, used in the King's Letter.<ref>{{SD|XI2}}, p. 128ff</ref> Pronounced {{IPA|[eˈðel.harn]}}.<br />
* [[Elfstone]] - The [[Westron|Common Speech]] version of the previous two. <br />
* [[Envinyatar|''Envinyatar'']] - [[Quenya|Q]] "the Renewer".<br />
* [[Estel]] - [[Quenya|Q]]. Usually glossed as "Hope", the concept ''estel'' more widely means "hope, trust, a temper of mind, steady fixed in purpose, and difficult to dissuade and unlikely to fall into despair or abandon its purpose". Pronounced {{IPA|[ˈestel]}}.<br />
* [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]] - A sobriquet given by the men of [[Bree]]. Aragorn used it mockingly.<br />
* '''Wingfoot''' - An honorary name given by [[Éomer]] after the pursuit of the [[Uruk-hai]] through the [[Eastemnet]].<ref>{{TT|III2}}</ref><br />
* [[Telcontar]] - A [[Quenya]] form of "Strider", this was the name of Elessar's Royal House. It was not used independently. Pronounced {{IPA|[telˈkontar]}}.<br />
* [[Heir of Isildur|Isildur's Heir]] - A poetic address, as he was the heir of [[Isildur]]. <br />
* '''The Dúnadan''' - "[[Dúnedain|Man of the West]]", a name given by [[Bilbo Baggins]] when their friendship evolved. <br />
* '''Longshanks''' - another, though less frequently used, sobriquet in Bree, ascribed to [[Bill Ferny]]. The legs of the [[Bree-landers|Bree-men]] were shorter than the legs of the [[Dúnedain]].<br />
* '''Arakorno''' - A rare Quenya form of Aragorn, which only appeared in a discussion about the words for Quenya.<ref name="WP"/> Pronounced {{IPA|[ˌaraˈkorno]}}.<br />
<br />
==Genealogy==<br />
{{familytree/start}}<br />
{{familytree | EAR |y| ELW | | GAL |y| CEL |GAL=[[Galadriel]]|CEL=[[Celeborn]]|EAR=[[Eärendil]]|ELW=[[Elwing]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |)|-|-|-|.| | | |!| | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ROS | | RON |y| CLB | | |ROS=[[Elros]]|RON=[[Elrond]]|CLB=[[Celebrían]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | KON | | | | |!| | | | | |KON=<small>''[[Kings of Númenor]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | LOA | | | | |!| | | | | |LOA=<small>''[[Lords of Andúnië]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ELE | | | | |!| | | | | |ELE=[[Elendil]]}}<br />
{{familytree | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ISI | | ANA | | |!| | | | | |ISI=[[Isildur]]|ANA=[[Anárion]]}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |:| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | KOA | | KOG | | |!| | | | | |KOA=<small>''[[Kings of Arnor]]''</small>|KOG=<small>''[[Kings of Gondor]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |:| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | KOA | | OND | | |!| | | | | |OND=[[Ondoher]]|KOA=<small>''[[Kings of Arthedain]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |!| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ARV |V| FIR | | |!| | | | | |ARV=[[Arvedui]]|FIR=[[Fíriel]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | COD | | | | |!| | | | | |COD=<small>''[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ART |y| GIL |!| | | | | |ART=[[Arathorn II]]|GIL=[[Gilraen]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |!| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | ARA |y| ARW | | | | |ARA='''ARAGORN '''|ARW=[[Arwen]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | ELD | | SDS | | | | |ELD=[[Eldarion]]|SDS=''several sisters''}}<br />
{{familytree/end}}<br />
===Relation to Arwen===<br />
Arwen was a very distant cousin of Aragorn. By their marriage, the long-sundered lines of the [[Half-elven]] were joined.<ref name="Numenor">{{App|A1i}}</ref> Their union also served to unite and preserve the bloodlines of the kings of the three kindreds of the High Elves ([[Ingwë]], [[Finwë]], and brothers [[Elwë]], [[Olwë]], and [[Elmo]]) as well as the only line with [[Maiar]]in blood through Arwen's great-great-grandmother, [[Melian]]. There were at least two marriages between descendants of Elendil in Aragorn's ancestry, so Aragorn was related to Arwen by blood along at least three lines.<br />
<br />
Through his father, Arathorn II, Aragorn was Arwen's first cousin sixty-two times removed through his ancestor Arvedui and sixty-seven times removed through his ancestor Fíriel. Both of these lines descend through four<ref name="Numenor"/> generations of the Kings of Númenor, Silmariën, eighteen<ref>{{UT|Kings}}</ref> generations of the Lords of Andúnië, and Elendil, as well as Aranarth and fifteen<ref name="North">{{App|North}}</ref> succeeding generations of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, including Aragorn himself. Aragorn's mother Gilraen also descended from Aranarth,<ref name="North"/> but the number of generations between them is unknown.<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
In the earliest unpublished versions of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' (see ''[[The History of The Lord of the Rings]]''), the character that later became Aragorn was called '''''[[Trotter]]''''' instead of Strider, and was a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] instead of a [[Men|Man]]. He had wooden feet, because he had once traveled to Mordor and been tortured there.<br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
{{Gallery<br />
|title=Aragorn in adaptations<br />
|height=150<br />
|width=250<br />
|lines=2<br />
|File:War in Middle Earth - Aragorn and Frodo against a Nazgul.png|Aragorn with [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Strider.jpg|Strider in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]<br />
|File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Aragorn.JPG|Aragorn in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''<br />
|File:2011-12-23 00061.jpg|Aragorn in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''<br />
|File:LEGO Aragorn poster.png|Aragorn as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''<br />
}}<br />
<br />
===Films===<br />
'''1978: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]'':'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[John Hurt]]. Some critics have accused this character of looking too much like a [[wikipedia:Stereotypes_of_Native_Americans|Native American stereotype]].{{Citation needed}}<br />
<br />
'''1980: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn was voiced by [[Theodore Bikel]] in the 1980 [[Rankin/Bass]] animated film.<br />
<br />
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is played by [[Viggo Mortensen]], though [[Stuart Townsend]] was originally cast in the role. Townsend was deemed too young. Mortensen had just two weeks to train for his first scene, the standoff with the [[Nazgûl]] at [[Weathertop]]. Utilizing the modern "reluctant hero" trope, Mortensen portrays Aragorn full of self-doubt, while he is much more sure of himself in the book. <br />
<br />
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn's part is this film is largely similar to the events in book. The most significant difference is that, in the book, there was no [[Wargs|Warg]] attack on the party traveling to Helm's Deep and Aragorn did not fall down a cliff.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn finally steps into his role as king after having a lot of self-doubt beforehand. <br />
<br />
'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''<br />
:Although he is not physically present, he is mentioned by [[Thranduil]] to his son, [[Legolas]]. Thranduil tells Legolas to seek a young ranger known as "Strider" and that Legolas would have to discover Strider's true name for himself. In the continuity of the films, Aragorn would have been 27 rather than a ten-year-old child.<br />
<br />
===Television===<br />
'''1993: [[Hobitit|''Hobitit'']]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is portrayed by [[Kari Väänänen]],the same actor who played [[Gollum]] in the series.<br />
<br />
===Radio Series===<br />
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[Godfrey Kenton]].<br />
<br />
'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[Tom Luce]].<br />
<br />
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn was voiced by [[Robert Stephens]]. For his early scenes, according to [[John McAndrew]] (Pippin) Stephens adopted an accurate Bristol accent to help suggest the disguise Strider adopted in Bree.<br />
<br />
'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by Boris Farkaš.<br />
<br />
===Games===<br />
'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable character. He has brown hair and is bearded, he bears a golden sword.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:[[Daran Norris]] provided the voice of Aragorn, who is one of the three playable characters.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is one of the three playable characters, as well as narrator for most of the game. He is versatile in both melee and ranged attacks. Viggo Mortensen reprises his role from the film trilogy.<br />
<br />
'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable character, his storyline is dubbed "Path of a King". He journey through Paths of the Dead with Legolas and Gimli, later they fight on Pelennor fields and at the Black Gate. Chris Edgerly takes over for Mortensen as Aragorn's voice actor.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring|Sierra's War of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a Hero Unit for the Free People side. He is present in Lothlorien, Battle of Hornburg and Siege of the Minas Morgul.<br />
<br />
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a Hero Unit for the Rohan faction in skirmishes, he also accompanies the Fellowship in the storyline mode.<br />
<br />
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is now the Hero for the Men of the West faction.<br />
<br />
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''<br />
:In the Prologue, Aragorn saves Men/Hobbit characters from brigands, but is forced to leave soon, as he has to intercept Frodo in Bree. Later arriving at the Prancing Pony, the characters meet him again and help him looking in surrounding area for Hobbits, who did not arrive in time. When player returns, Aragorn and the Hobbits already departed, and their next meeting is in Rivendell, where Aragorn entrusts the player with defence of the North while the Fellowship is gone. Later, in [[Lothlórien]], Aragorn is seen residing in [[Caras Galadhon]]<br />
<br />
'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable hero available in several missions.<br />
<br />
'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is an important character of the game, and is mentioned as one of the much honored heroes of the [[War of the Ring]] in the introduction of the game.<ref name="Prologue">[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Prologue''</ref><br />
:He is a friend of two of the game's main characters, [[Eradan (video game character)|Eradan]] and [[Andriel]]. Aragorn had met [[Andriel]] during his visits at [[Rivendell]],<ref name="Backstory Andriel">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.warinthenorth.com/the-game/heroes/backstory#elfAnchor|articlename=Elven Character: Andriel's History|dated=|website=War in the North|accessed=25 December 2011}}</ref> while he had met Eradan, when he served as Ranger at Sarn Ford. Aragorn was impressed by his skills and bravery, and taught him much about tracking. Eradan was a companion of Aragorn on many of his journeys. Aragorn trusted Eradan much, though he never told him what the reason was behind the protection of [[the Shire]].<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.warinthenorth.com/the-game/heroes/backstory#dunedainAnchor|articlename=Human Character: Eradan's History|dated=|website=War in the North|accessed=24 December 2011}}</ref><br />
<br />
:Eradan, Andriel and [[Farin (video game character)|Farin]] meet Aragorn in the Prancing Pony to warn him, on Halbarad's request, after the Nazgûl attacked and defeated the [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] at [[Sarn Ford]], and entered the Shire. They also tell him about an conservation between the Witch-king and [[Agandaûr]], which the three heroes overheard shortly after the attack. Agandaûr summoned the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] and assembled an army in [[Fornost]], which plans to aid the Nazgûl in their search to [[the One Ring]]. Aragorn sends Eradan, Andriel and Farin to Fornost, to stop Agandaûr and his army.<ref name="Prologue"/> While Eradan, Andriel, Farin, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]] stopped Agandaûr's army,<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Chapter 1: Fornost''</ref> Aragorn met with [[Frodo Baggins]] and left Bree.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Chapter 2: The Barrow Downs'', Bree</ref><br />
<br />
'''2012: ''[[Lego|Lego The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''<br />
:A mini figure of Aragorn is included in the [[Lego#Sets|sets]] '''Attack at Weathertop''', '''The Battle of Helm's Deep''', '''The Battle at the Black gate''', and '''The Pirate ship ambush'''.<ref name="2012 sets">{{webcite|author=Calisuri|articleurl=http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/02/12/53563-more-lord-of-the-rings-lego-details-from-toy-fare-2012/|articlename=More Lord of the Rings LEGO Details from Toy Fare 2012|dated=12 February 2012|website=TORN|accessed=18 February 2012}}</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Timeline of Aragorn]]<br />
*[http://dare.ubvu.vu.nl/bitstream/1871/10975/1/Aragorn_Final.pdf "Aragorn Seen Through Different Media"] by [[Connie Veugen]], comparing the introduction of Strider in Ralph Bakshi's film, the 1981 BBC radio play, Peter Jackson's film and [[Vivendi]]'s [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|video game]] of ''The Fellowship of the Ring.<br />
{{References|notes}}<br />
<br />
==Titles==<br />
{{seq-start}}<br />
{{seq-head<br />
| race=arnorian<br />
| house=[[House of Isildur]]<small><br/>Cadet branch of [[House of Elros]]</small><br />
| born=[[1 March]], {{TA|2931}}<br />
| died={{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prow=2<br />
| prev=[[Arathorn II]]<br />
| list=16th [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2933}} – [[1 May]], {{TA|3019|n}}<br />
| next=Position abolished<br />
| nvac=None<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| list=39th [[Heir of Isildur|Heir]] of [[Isildur]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2933}} - [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
| next=[[Eldarion]]<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prev=[[Gandalf]]<br />
| list=Leader of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]<br />
| dates=[[15 January]] - [[22 August]], {{TA|3019}}<br />
| next=Position abolished<br />
| nvac=None<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Eärnur]]''', 969 years earlier<br />
| list=34th [[Kings of Gondor|King of Gondor]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
| next=[[Eldarion]]<br />
| nrow=4<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Eärendur (King of Arnor)|Eärendur]]''', 2,158 years earlier<br />
| list=11th [[Kings of Arnor|King of Arnor]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Isildur]]''', 3,017 years earlier<br />
| list=1st [[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]] of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=None<br />
| prev=New title<br />
| list=Head of the [[House of Telcontar]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq-end}}{{councilofelrond}}{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}{{northernline}}{{southernline}}<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]<br />
[[Category:Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]<br />
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]<br />
[[Category:House of Isildur]]<br />
[[Category:House of Telcontar| ]]<br />
[[Category:Mariners]]<br />
[[Category:Rulers of Arnor]]<br />
[[Category:Rulers of Gondor]]<br />
[[Category:Sindarin names]]<br />
[[Category:Third Age characters]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Aragorn II.]]<br />
[[fi:Aragorn II]]<br />
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/hommes/3adunedain/dunedain_du_nord/aragorn_ii]]</div>MikeyofGondorhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Aragorn&diff=344977Aragorn2022-04-10T02:35:23Z<p>MikeyofGondor: /* Equipment and skills */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig-two|the King of [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]]|[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]|[[Aragorn I]]}}<br />
{{sources}}<br />
{{arnorian infobox<br />
| name=Aragorn<br />
| image=[[File:John Howe - Elessar.jpg|250px]]<br />
| caption="Elessar" by [[John Howe]]<br />
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|[ˈaraɡorn]}}<br />
| othernames=Aragorn II, ''[[Elessar]]'', [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]], ''[[Thorongil]]'' (''[[Aragorn#Names and titles|see below]]'')<br />
| titles=[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]<br/>[[High King of the Dúnedain]]<br>[[King of Gondor and Arnor]]<Ref>{{S|Rings}}</ref><br>[[King of the West]]<ref>{{App|Great}}</ref><Br>Lord of the [[Westlands]]<br />
| position=[[Rangers of the North|Ranger]]<br />
| location=[[Rivendell]]<br/>[[Gondor]]<br>[[Arnor]]<br />
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]<br />
| language=[[Westron]], [[Sindarin]], [[Quenya]]<br />
| birth=[[1 March]] {{TA|2931}}<br />
| birthlocation=[[Eriador]]<br />
| rule={{TA|2933}} - {{TA|3019|n}} (Chieftain)<br/>{{TA|3019}} - {{FoA|120}} (King)<br />
| death={{FoA|120}}<br />
| deathlocation=[[Gondor]]<br />
| age=210<br />
| notablefor=Reuniting the [[Reunited Kingdom|Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor]]<br />
| house=[[House of Isildur]], founded the [[House of Telcontar]]<br />
| parentage=[[Arathorn II]], father <br/> [[Gilraen]], mother <br/> [[Elrond]], foster father<br />
| siblings=<br />
| spouse=[[Arwen]]<br />
| children=[[Eldarion]] and at least two daughters<ref name="Tale">{{App|Tale}}</ref><br />
| gender=Male<br />
| height=6'6<nowiki>''</nowiki> (198cm)<ref name="RC">{{HM|RC}}, p. 272 citing from a note written by J.R.R. Tolkien approximately in 1969</ref><br />
| hair=Dark, flecked with grey<ref name="Sign">{{FR|Sign}}</ref> <br />
| eyes=Grey<ref name="Sign"/><br />
| clothing=High leather boots, dark-green cloak (As a [[Rangers of the North|Ranger]])<ref name="Sign"/><br>Pure white mantle, black mail girt with silver (As a King)<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref><br />
| weapons=[[Andúril]]<br />
| steed=[[Roheryn]] and [[Hasufel]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
<center>{{quote|Tall as the sea-kings of old, he stood above all that were near; ancient of days he seemed and yet in the flower of manhood; and wisdom sat upon his brow, and strength and healing were in his hands, and a light was about him.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Steward and the King]]"}}</center><br />
'''Aragorn II''' was the son of [[Arathorn II]] and [[Gilraen]]. He was the last [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]] and a direct descendant through many<ref group="note">Aragorn II is of the 39th generation descended from Isildur, through 23 generations of the Kings of Arnor and Arthedain (beginning with [[Valandil]] and ending with [[Arvedui]]) and 15 generations of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain (beginning with [[Aranarth]] and ending with Arathorn II).</ref> generations of [[Isildur]], the last [[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]] of both [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Aragorn would become the greatest [[Men|Man]] of his time, leading the [[Dúnedain|Men of the West]] against [[Sauron]]'s forces, helping to destroy [[the One Ring]], and reuniting the [[Reunited Kingdom|Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor]]. <br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early Life===<br />
Aragorn was born in {{TA|2931}} to the Chieftain Arathorn, and received the name Aragorn. His grandmother, [[Ivorwen]], noted with foresight that Aragorn would one day wear on his breast a green stone.<ref>{{PM|Foreword}}</ref><br />
<br />
A legend says that the [[Wizards|Wizard]] [[Gandalf]] had brought [[Elfstone|such a stone]], called the Elessar, from [[Valinor]]. He gave the Elessar to the [[Elves|Elven]] Lady [[Galadriel]], and remarked prophetically that she would pass it to another, who will also be called Elessar.<ref>{{UT|6}}</ref> From this would come Aragorn's royal name ''Elessar'' ([[Quenya]] for "Elfstone").<br />
<br />
When Aragorn was two years old, his father was slain when an [[Orcs|Orc]] arrow pierced his eye. As was the tradition of his people, Aragorn was fostered in [[Rivendell]] by [[Elrond]] as if he was his own son. The [[Wise]] decided that his identity was to be kept secret, as he would be vulnerable to [[Sauron|the Enemy]]. Aragorn was called '''''[[Estel]]''''' ([[Sindarin]] for "Hope") instead. During his life in Rivendell he accompanied the sons of Elrond, [[Elrohir]] and [[Elladan]], on their journeys.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
[[File:Stephen Hickman - Aragorn and Arwen.jpg|thumb|left|''Aragorn and Arwen'' by [[Stephen Hickman]]]]<br />
"Estel" grew to be fair and noble, and was seemingly more mature than his age. When Aragorn was twenty-one years old, after returning from a journey with the [[twins]] in {{TA|2952}}, Elrond decided to reveal his true name and ancestry. As part of this revelation, Elrond delivered to him the heirlooms of [[House of Isildur|his House]]: the shards of [[Narsil]] and the [[Ring of Barahir]]. Elrond also said that he should earn the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]]. The next day, full of hope, Aragorn was sitting in the forest singing a part of the ''[[Lay of Leithian|Lay of Lúthien]]''; as he sang of the meeting [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]], [[Arwen]], daughter of Elrond, who had newly returned from [[Lothlórien]], appeared to him. Aragorn thought that Lúthien herself had appeared, and fell in love.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
===Life as a Ranger===<br />
Estel took up his proper name as Aragorn, sixteenth of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, and after he took leave of his mother and Elrond he went into [[The Wild]].<ref name="Tale"/> In {{TA|2953}} he was not present in Rivendell for the last meeting of the [[White Council]]. Aragorn met [[Gandalf|Gandalf the Grey]] in {{TA|2956}}, and they became great friends.<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref> At Gandalf's advice he started to become interested in [[the Shire]] and became known as '''''Strider''''' in this region.<br />
[[File:Catherine Chmiel - Ecthelion,Thorongil and Boromir study.jpg|thumb|right|''"Thorongil" with Ecthelion II'' by [[Catherine Karina Chmiel]]]]<br />
From {{TA|2957}} to {{TA|2980}} Aragorn took great journeys aiding the [[West]] against [[Sauron]] and his allies. After serving King [[Thengel]] of [[Rohan]], he went to [[Ruling Steward|Steward]] [[Ecthelion II]] of [[Gondor]],<ref name="TA"/> who was in dire need of able men to guard his realm from Mordor. Aragorn kept his identity secret but as he wore a silver star upon his cloak, and was swift and keen-eyed, the [[Gondorians]] called him '''''Thorongil''''' (Sindarin for "Eagle of the Star"). He was a great leader by land and sea and Ecthelion trusted and loved him most. Some believed that there was rivalry between him and the Steward's son, [[Denethor]], who probably knew his identity as [[Heir of Isildur]], and suspected that he and Gandalf worked to supplant him. Thorongil however saw himself only as the servant of the Steward, whom he advised to not trust [[Saruman]] and instead to welcome Gandalf (whom Denethor didn't trust or love).<br />
<br />
Ecthelion was anticipating an attack from Sauron who had just returned, and Thorongil warned him that in that event the [[Southern Fiefs]] would be vulnerable to the [[Corsairs of Umbar]]. He was allowed by Ecthelion to take few ships and lead an [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|attack against Umbar]]; at night he burned many ships, and in a fight slew the [[Captain of the Haven]] with only few casualties. Great honour awaited him in [[Minas Tirith]] but he did not return; while in [[Pelargir]], he sent a farewell message to Ecthelion, speaking of other tasks calling him, and saying that fate would not bring him again to Gondor soon. To the grief and wonder of his companions he crossed the [[Anduin]] and was last seen staring at the [[Mountains of Shadow]].<ref>{{App|Stewards}}</ref> He left Gondor to travel into the far East and South "exploring the hearts of men good and evil" and learning about the "plots and devices" of the servants of the Dark Lord. His exploits ensured the survival of the [[West]] much later during the [[War of the Ring]].<br />
<br />
Later in 2980 on his return to Rivendell he entered [[Lothlórien]], and there once again met Arwen in [[Caras Galadhon]]. For one season they wandered together in Lothlórien. At midsummer he gave her the heirloom of his House, the [[Ring of Barahir]], and Arwen pledged her hand to him in marriage.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
Elrond gave his foster-son permission to marry his daughter, on the condition that he must first become king of both Gondor and Arnor, for only a king would be worthy of Arwen's hand. This harsh condition had a precedent: King [[Thingol]]'s request that [[Beren]] obtain a [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] from [[Morgoth]] before marrying his daughter [[Lúthien]].<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
===Hunt for Gollum===<br />
In the year {{TA|3001}}, as a now revealed [[Sauron]] continued to regain power in [[Mordor]], Aragorn began assisting [[Gandalf]] in his search for news of [[Gollum]]. Gandalf suspected that the ring [[Bilbo Baggins]] found near Gollum's lake was in fact [[the One Ring]]. In {{TA|3007}}, he briefly returned to [[Eriador]] where he visited his mother for the last time. She died before that year's spring. <br />
<br />
In {{TA|3009}} Gandalf and Aragorn renewed their hunt for Gollum, searching intermittently in the [[vales of Anduin]], [[Mirkwood]], and [[Rhovanion]], even to the confines of [[Mordor]], without knowing that around that time Gollum ventured into Mordor, and was captured by Sauron.<ref name="TA"/> [[Third Age 3017|After eight years]] Gollum was released and Aragorn finally overtook him in the [[Dead Marshes]]<ref name="TA"/> on [[1 February]]. With Gollum he travelled through the northern [[Emyn Muil]], to prevent being found by Sauron's spies, and crossed the Anduin at the [[Sarn Gebir]]. He travelled further north along the edges of [[Fangorn Forest]] and through Lothlórien,<ref name="UT">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref> where the Elves sent a message to Gandalf.<ref>{{UT|Hunt}}, Note 5</ref> He travelled alongside the Anduin to the north until he arrived at the [[Carrock]]. With the aid of the [[Beornings]] he crossed the Anduin with Gollum and entered [[Mirkwood]]. He took Gollum to [[Thranduil]] to be held captive.<ref name="UT"/><ref name="TA"/> He then returned west where he met with Gandalf at [[Sarn Ford]] and learned of [[Frodo Baggins]]' plan to leave the Shire with the Ring in late September. Aragorn then continued his own journey.<ref name="Strider">{{FR|Strider}}</ref><br />
<br />
===War of the Ring===<br />
When Aragorn returned to his area, the [[Elves]] who followed [[Gildor Inglorion]] told Aragorn the [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] had been seen, and Gandalf had been missing and there were no messages from him. Aragorn and his [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] kept watch over the border of [[the Shire]] and the [[East Road]] waiting for sight of Frodo but there was no news of them leaving [[Buckland]].<ref name="Strider"/><br />
<br />
While staying in [[Bree]], Aragorn crossed the paths of four hobbits in [[The Prancing Pony]]. Aragorn watched as the hobbits clumsily hid their names and intentions, and as [[Frodo Baggins]], the leader of the party, fell from a table and disappeared as he put the ring on. Aragorn, whose name was given as Strider, seemed to show no surprise, only annoyance at Frodo’s foolish vanishing act. He arranged for an interview that night, where he warned them of the Black Riders and [[Bill Ferny]], then bluntly requested that they use him as a guide. After some consideration, and a note given them by the forgetful [[Barliman Butterbur]] from Gandalf condoning him, Frodo agreed.<br />
[[File:Jef Murray - Amon Sûl.jpg|thumb|left|[[Jef Murray]] - ''Amon Sûl'']]<br />
Aragorn’s plan to reach Rivendell was to first head toward [[Archet]] and bear right to [[Weathertop]]. After the ambush at Weathertop and the wounding of Frodo, [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] took over the position as leader of the Hobbits. After a while they met [[Glorfindel]], a friend of Aragorn’s, and it was not much later that they arrived in Rivendell.<br />
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Reforging of the Sword.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - ''The Reforging of the Sword'']]<br />
After the Council of Elrond Aragorn became a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. As a preparation for his travel, the ancient shards of [[Narsil]], the heirloom of his House, were reforged after 3 millennia. Aragorn carried the Sword Reforged, and renamed it [[Andúril]]. <br />
<br />
Aragorn's intentions were to travel with the company for a while before returning to [[Gondor]] with [[Boromir]]. Aragorn encouraged the taking of the [[Caradhras|Redhorn Pass]], which ended in disaster. He reluctantly conceded to Gandalf’s choice to pass through [[Moria]], though his sense of foresight warned him for Gandalf. Indeed, after Gandalf fell into the abyss with [[Durin's Bane]], Aragorn was naturally elected leader of the company, despite some resentment by Boromir.<br />
<br />
====Leading the Fellowship of the Ring====<br />
Aragorn again amazed the rest of the Fellowship by his apparent closeness to the people of [[Lothlórien]], and his friendship with [[Celeborn]] and [[Galadriel]]. At their departure, Galadriel offered him the [[Elfstone]] as a wedding gift from the family of the Elven bride to the groom, foretelling his marriage to Arwen.<ref>{{MR|P3II3}}</ref> It was worn by Aragorn ever after and from that he later took the name '''Elessar'''.<br />
<br />
Even at the [[Rauros|Falls of Rauros]] he was undecided, leaving it to Frodo for the final decision. For though it was obvious he wished to go to [[Minas Tirith]] with Boromir, he yet felt that it was his duty to go where the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]] chose.<br />
<br />
[[File:Inger Edelfeldt - Death of Boromir.jpg|thumb|200px|right|''Death of Boromir'' by [[Inger Edelfeldt]]]]<br />
After Frodo escaped him and Boromir perished, he with the remaining members of the Fellowship, namely [[Legolas]] and [[Gimli]], chose to try and save [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] from the [[Uruk-hai]] that had ambushed them, forming the group that would later be known as the [[Three Hunters]].<br />
<br />
He met [[Éomer]] in the fields of [[Rohan]], and an instant friendship formed, both feeling the honesty and lordliness of the other. Éomer took a risk for his sake, giving him horses, with the promise that one day soon Aragorn would return to [[Edoras]]. Aragorn, tracking the Hobbits, followed into Fangorn Forest, where he met the resurrected [[Gandalf|Gandalf the White]]. After the restoration of [[Théoden]], he rode to [[Helm's Deep]] to fight in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]]. There he, alongside his new-found “brother” Éomer, and King Théoden, marshaled the defence against [[Saruman]]’s army. His revealed majesty upon the battlements of the Hornburg as he waited for the dawn caused some of the [[Dunlendings|Wild men]] to pause and shudder, and he heralded the return of Gandalf with [[Erkenbrand]].<br />
<br />
After Pippin’s terrifying experience with the [[Orthanc-stone]], Gandalf presented it in a formal manner to Aragorn, its rightful master, who hinted that it would be used by him eventually. After the departure of Gandalf and Pippin to Minas Tirith, he rode for a while longer with Théoden, meeting up with his friend [[Halbarad]] of the North, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], and a company of staunch and fearless Rangers. Elladan and Elrohir gave him a message from Elrond: "''The days are short. If thou art in haste, remember the [[Paths of the Dead]]''". Halbarad bore a gift from the Lady Arwen – the [[Standard of Elendil]]. Aragorn knew the path set before him.<br />
<br />
====Return of the King====<br />
A little while later Aragorn took his companions and his rangers and set out for [[Dunharrow]], departing from the King’s company. His course was clear: to take the Paths of the Dead, to summon the [[Oathbreakers|Dead Men]]. In Dunharrow, he met the lady [[Éowyn]], who had fallen in love with him. After making it clear that he could not accept her love, he turned towards the evil road with the dawn.<br />
<br />
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Thus Came Aragorn.jpg|thumb|right|''Thus Came Aragorn'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]<br />
The [[Grey Company]] passed through the [[Dark Door]] and the [[Dwimorberg]], the Dead following, and coming at last to the [[Stone of Erech]], Aragorn summoned them to his aid. They drew their swords and blew their horns in answer, and swept down upon the [[Corsairs of Umbar|Corsairs]] at [[Pelargir]] drove the mariners away. Aragorn released them, and took the [[Black Ships]] north to Minas Tirith, where the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] raged. The Standard of Elendil broke forth, and his Dúnedain swept down, giving the final blow to the army of [[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]. The counter-attacked army of [[Sauron]] crumbled utterly. But Aragorn did not enter the city.<br />
<br />
Aragorn, furling his banner, appointed [[Imrahil]] the temporary lord of the City, as the law demanded. Eventually, however, Aragorn did come to the [[Houses of Healing]], where he tended and restored Merry, Éowyn, and [[Faramir]], in accordance with the prophecy “''The hands of the king are the hands of a healer, and so shall the rightful king be known''”. Many of the people of Minas Tirith came to Aragorn and followed him, asking that he heal those they knew. Aragorn worked late into the night, before finally leaving the city, hooded and cloaked. When in the morning the people saw the banner of [[Dol Amroth]], they wondered if the Return of the King had been but a dream.<ref name=Houses>{{RK|Houses}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[File:Inger Edelfeldt - The Crowning of Aragorn.jpg|thumb|left|''The Crowning of Aragorn'' by [[Inger Edelfeldt]]]]<br />
Aragorn held [[Last Debate|council]] with his trusted companions, namely Gandalf, Éomer, Imrahil, and Elrond’s sons – Halbarad had fallen in battle. He agreed to draw forth the forces of [[Mordor]] for the benefit of the [[Quest of the Ring]], and so arranged matters for the [[Battle of the Morannon]]. After the destruction of the Ring in [[Mount Doom|Orodruin]] and victory at the [[Morannon]], Aragorn returned at last in the triumphant manner that befitted his position. He was crowned at the gates of Minas Tirith, winning the hearts of the people of [[Gondor]].<br />
<br />
===Reign as Elessar===<br />
Aragorn ruled the [[Reunited Kingdom]] of Gondor and Arnor until year 120 of the [[Fourth Age]]. <br />
<br />
Some days after his coronation, Gandalf took Elessar up the slopes of Mount [[Mindolluin]], and there he found the scion of [[Nimloth of Númenor|Nimloth]], the symbol of his mastery of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]. Elrond and Arwen came to Gondor and Elrond gave Elessar the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]] signifying the Kingship of Arnor. He wedded Arwen on Midsummer's day of 3019, and then was forced to bid his old friends farewell. He turned back to his new kingdom as the [[Fourth Age]] dawned and the Ringbearers left the shores of Middle-earth forever.<br />
<br />
One of his first tasks in the re-ordering of his realm was the restoration of [[Orthanc]] and ordered the [[Orthanc-stone]] to be returned there. With this opportunity, many secrets and hoarded treasures were revealed including the [[Elendilmir]] which Saruman took from Isildur's body. Elessar received the Elemdilmir with reverence and took it with him as he established his full kingship of [[Arnor]].<ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref><br />
<br />
Elessar gave his [[Steward]] Faramir the title [[Lord of Emyn Arnen]] and created him as [[Prince of Ithilien]]<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref>. He declared the [[Drúadan Forest]] to belong to the [[Drúedain]] and a protected enclave of his Kingdom.<ref>{{RK|Partings}}</ref> He also re-established the Great [[Council of Gondor]] whose chief councellor was the Steward<ref>{{L|244}}</ref>. He also renewed the [[Oath of Cirion]] with Éomer.<br />
<br />
As for [[the Shire]], he declared it a Free Land under the protection of the Northern Sceptre and forbid Men from entering it. He appointed the [[Thain]], the [[Master of Buckland]], and the [[Mayor of Michel Delving]] Counsellors of the North-kingdom. Also he offered to the Shire the [[Westmarch|lands]] up to the [[Tower Hills|Emyn Beraid]].<ref name=later>{{App|Later}}</ref><br />
<br />
He founded the royal [[House of Telcontar]], he had a son, [[Eldarion]], and a number of daughters.<br />
<br />
King Elessar died after 210 years of life and 122 years of rule and was succeeded by his son [[Eldarion]]. His wife Arwen, now mortal, gave up her life shortly afterwards in year 121, aged 2,901.<br />
<br />
==Personality==<br />
<br />
Aragorn was a wise, calm, well-mannered, yet proud and stern man who held his heritage in high regard and was willing to do whatever he can to help his friends. He was the "hardiest of living Men" during his time.<br />
<br />
His reverance for his heritage was such that it nearly led to complications when arriving in Rohan and was forced to surrender his sword, ''[[Anduril]]'' ''(The King of the Golden Hall)'' and revealed himself as the Heir of ''[Isildur]]'' to ''[[Eomer]]'' when confronting him. ''(The Riders of Rohan)''. He also possessed Elven wisdom due to being raised in Rivendell, and the foresight of the Dúnedain. He also had a nigh indomitable strength of will, as he was able to psychically challenge ''[[Sauron]]'' for control of the palantir, and emerged victorious. ''(The Passing of the Grey Company)''.<br />
<br />
==Equipment and skills==<br />
<br />
Aragorn was a swordsman of extraordinary, nigh <br />
unparalleled skill, to the point that he was considered the greatest swordsman of the ''[[Third Age]]'', surpassing the likes of ''[[Boromir]]'', ''[[Faramir]]'', and possibly ''[[Elrond]]'', despite all three being skilled swordsmen in their own right. He was also trained in the use of bows and spears, despite his preference for swordplay. His skill was such that he can take on any enemy from Orcs to the Nine Ringwraiths. Aragorn was a highly skilled and well-respected leader and King to the point that he restored ''[[Minas Tirith]]'' along with the rest of ''[[Gondor]]'' to its former glory and made peace with enemies who surrendered. He was a master military tactician and commander, capable of leading his army to victory at the ''[[Black Gate]]'', and aiding in the victories at ''[[Helm's Deep]]'', and the ''[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]'', coming out unscathed after the latter ended, along with ''[[Eomer]]'', and ''[[Imrahil]]''. ''([[The Battle of the Pelennor Fields]])''. In addition to his military prowess, he was also a skilled healer, particularly with the plant ''[[athelas]]'', as he was able to heal ''[[Eowyn]] and ''[[Faramir]]'' after both of them suffered ''[[Black Breath]]''. (''[[The Houses of Healing]]''), and even sustain the effects of a ''[[Morgul blade]]'' wound on ''[[Frodo Baggins]]'' long enough for the latter to receive further treatment in ''[[Rivendell]]''.<br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
{{Pronounce|Aragorn Elessar.mp3|Ardamir}}<br />
'''''Aragorn''''' is a [[Sindarin]] name. It means "revered king".<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 31 entry S ''Ara(n)gorn''</ref><ref name=PE17Turgond>{{PE|17}}, p. 113 entry S '''Turgond-'''</ref> It contains the phonetic reduction ''ara'' of ''[[aran]]'' ("king") and the adjective ''[[gorn|(n)gorn]]'' ("dreaded, revered").<ref name=PE17Turgond/><br />
<br />
This clear etymology from Tolkien was not revealed until the publication in 2007 of "Words, Phrases & Passages in ''The Lord of the Rings''", a late 1950s manuscript. Before that, several theories were proposed:<br />
*[[Ruth S. Noel]] and several others proposed "King of the Tree",<ref>[[Ruth S. Noel]], ''[[The Languages of Tolkien's Middle-earth]]'', p. 114</ref> but Tolkien specifically said that this was not the case.<ref>{{L|347}}</ref> <br />
*[[David Salo]] deduces "Having Kingly Valor"<ref>[[David Salo]], ''[[A Gateway to Sindarin]]'', p. 341</ref> from Tolkien's cryptic "'Kingly Valour' (for so is that name interpreted)".<ref>{{PM|Foreword}}, p. xii</ref> This is still the most often cited etymology; Robert Ireland's ''[[A Tolkien Dictionary]]'' gives the variation "Royal Zeal".<ref>Robert Ireland, ''[[A Tolkien Dictionary]]'', [http://www.quicksilver899.com/Tolkien/LOTR/LOTR_AC.html The Lord of the Rings A-C].</ref><br />
*[[Carl F. Hostetter]] proposed the meanings "King of the Globe" or "King of the Hill" in his analysis of the [[King's Letter]].<ref>[[Carl F. Hostetter]], "The 'King's Letter': An Historical and Comparative Analysis", [[Vinyar Tengwar 31|''Vinyar Tengwar'' 31]], p. 18</ref><br />
<br />
The [[Quenya]] form of ''Aragorn'' was '''''Arakorno'''''.<ref name="WP">{{PE|17}}, p. 70 f. entry Q '''ar''' in the translation of the sentence into Quenya ''Sanome tarne Olórin, Arakorno, [...]''</ref><br />
<br />
==Other names==<br />
* '''Aragorn II''' - Aragorn's name as [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]. He was likely named after [[Aragorn I]].<br />
* [[Thorongil]] - [[Sindarin|S]] "Eagle of the Star", a pseudonym used in [[Gondor]] and [[Rohan]]. Pronounced {{IPA|[θoˈroŋɡil]}}.<br />
* '''Elessar''' - [[Quenya|Q]] "Elfstone", Aragorn's name as a king. Despite popular use as such, Aragorn was never known as "Aragorn Elessar", "Aragorn II Elessar" or "[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|King Aragorn]]". Pronounced {{IPA|[eˈlesːar]}}.<br />
* '''Edhelharn''' - The [[Sindarin]] equivalent of Elessar, used in the King's Letter.<ref>{{SD|XI2}}, p. 128ff</ref> Pronounced {{IPA|[eˈðel.harn]}}.<br />
* [[Elfstone]] - The [[Westron|Common Speech]] version of the previous two. <br />
* [[Envinyatar|''Envinyatar'']] - [[Quenya|Q]] "the Renewer".<br />
* [[Estel]] - [[Quenya|Q]]. Usually glossed as "Hope", the concept ''estel'' more widely means "hope, trust, a temper of mind, steady fixed in purpose, and difficult to dissuade and unlikely to fall into despair or abandon its purpose". Pronounced {{IPA|[ˈestel]}}.<br />
* [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]] - A sobriquet given by the men of [[Bree]]. Aragorn used it mockingly.<br />
* '''Wingfoot''' - An honorary name given by [[Éomer]] after the pursuit of the [[Uruk-hai]] through the [[Eastemnet]].<ref>{{TT|III2}}</ref><br />
* [[Telcontar]] - A [[Quenya]] form of "Strider", this was the name of Elessar's Royal House. It was not used independently. Pronounced {{IPA|[telˈkontar]}}.<br />
* [[Heir of Isildur|Isildur's Heir]] - A poetic address, as he was the heir of [[Isildur]]. <br />
* '''The Dúnadan''' - "[[Dúnedain|Man of the West]]", a name given by [[Bilbo Baggins]] when their friendship evolved. <br />
* '''Longshanks''' - another, though less frequently used, sobriquet in Bree, ascribed to [[Bill Ferny]]. The legs of the [[Bree-landers|Bree-men]] were shorter than the legs of the [[Dúnedain]].<br />
* '''Arakorno''' - A rare Quenya form of Aragorn, which only appeared in a discussion about the words for Quenya.<ref name="WP"/> Pronounced {{IPA|[ˌaraˈkorno]}}.<br />
<br />
==Genealogy==<br />
{{familytree/start}}<br />
{{familytree | EAR |y| ELW | | GAL |y| CEL |GAL=[[Galadriel]]|CEL=[[Celeborn]]|EAR=[[Eärendil]]|ELW=[[Elwing]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |)|-|-|-|.| | | |!| | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ROS | | RON |y| CLB | | |ROS=[[Elros]]|RON=[[Elrond]]|CLB=[[Celebrían]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | KON | | | | |!| | | | | |KON=<small>''[[Kings of Númenor]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | LOA | | | | |!| | | | | |LOA=<small>''[[Lords of Andúnië]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ELE | | | | |!| | | | | |ELE=[[Elendil]]}}<br />
{{familytree | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ISI | | ANA | | |!| | | | | |ISI=[[Isildur]]|ANA=[[Anárion]]}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |:| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | KOA | | KOG | | |!| | | | | |KOA=<small>''[[Kings of Arnor]]''</small>|KOG=<small>''[[Kings of Gondor]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |:| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | KOA | | OND | | |!| | | | | |OND=[[Ondoher]]|KOA=<small>''[[Kings of Arthedain]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |!| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ARV |V| FIR | | |!| | | | | |ARV=[[Arvedui]]|FIR=[[Fíriel]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | COD | | | | |!| | | | | |COD=<small>''[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ART |y| GIL |!| | | | | |ART=[[Arathorn II]]|GIL=[[Gilraen]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |!| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | ARA |y| ARW | | | | |ARA='''ARAGORN '''|ARW=[[Arwen]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | ELD | | SDS | | | | |ELD=[[Eldarion]]|SDS=''several sisters''}}<br />
{{familytree/end}}<br />
===Relation to Arwen===<br />
Arwen was a very distant cousin of Aragorn. By their marriage, the long-sundered lines of the [[Half-elven]] were joined.<ref name="Numenor">{{App|A1i}}</ref> Their union also served to unite and preserve the bloodlines of the kings of the three kindreds of the High Elves ([[Ingwë]], [[Finwë]], and brothers [[Elwë]], [[Olwë]], and [[Elmo]]) as well as the only line with [[Maiar]]in blood through Arwen's great-great-grandmother, [[Melian]]. There were at least two marriages between descendants of Elendil in Aragorn's ancestry, so Aragorn was related to Arwen by blood along at least three lines.<br />
<br />
Through his father, Arathorn II, Aragorn was Arwen's first cousin sixty-two times removed through his ancestor Arvedui and sixty-seven times removed through his ancestor Fíriel. Both of these lines descend through four<ref name="Numenor"/> generations of the Kings of Númenor, Silmariën, eighteen<ref>{{UT|Kings}}</ref> generations of the Lords of Andúnië, and Elendil, as well as Aranarth and fifteen<ref name="North">{{App|North}}</ref> succeeding generations of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, including Aragorn himself. Aragorn's mother Gilraen also descended from Aranarth,<ref name="North"/> but the number of generations between them is unknown.<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
In the earliest unpublished versions of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' (see ''[[The History of The Lord of the Rings]]''), the character that later became Aragorn was called '''''[[Trotter]]''''' instead of Strider, and was a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] instead of a [[Men|Man]]. He had wooden feet, because he had once traveled to Mordor and been tortured there.<br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
{{Gallery<br />
|title=Aragorn in adaptations<br />
|height=150<br />
|width=250<br />
|lines=2<br />
|File:War in Middle Earth - Aragorn and Frodo against a Nazgul.png|Aragorn with [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Strider.jpg|Strider in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]<br />
|File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Aragorn.JPG|Aragorn in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''<br />
|File:2011-12-23 00061.jpg|Aragorn in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''<br />
|File:LEGO Aragorn poster.png|Aragorn as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''<br />
}}<br />
<br />
===Films===<br />
'''1978: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]'':'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[John Hurt]]. Some critics have accused this character of looking too much like a [[wikipedia:Stereotypes_of_Native_Americans|Native American stereotype]].{{Citation needed}}<br />
<br />
'''1980: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn was voiced by [[Theodore Bikel]] in the 1980 [[Rankin/Bass]] animated film.<br />
<br />
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is played by [[Viggo Mortensen]], though [[Stuart Townsend]] was originally cast in the role. Townsend was deemed too young. Mortensen had just two weeks to train for his first scene, the standoff with the [[Nazgûl]] at [[Weathertop]]. Utilizing the modern "reluctant hero" trope, Mortensen portrays Aragorn full of self-doubt, while he is much more sure of himself in the book. <br />
<br />
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn's part is this film is largely similar to the events in book. The most significant difference is that, in the book, there was no [[Wargs|Warg]] attack on the party traveling to Helm's Deep and Aragorn did not fall down a cliff.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn finally steps into his role as king after having a lot of self-doubt beforehand. <br />
<br />
'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''<br />
:Although he is not physically present, he is mentioned by [[Thranduil]] to his son, [[Legolas]]. Thranduil tells Legolas to seek a young ranger known as "Strider" and that Legolas would have to discover Strider's true name for himself. In the continuity of the films, Aragorn would have been 27 rather than a ten-year-old child.<br />
<br />
===Television===<br />
'''1993: [[Hobitit|''Hobitit'']]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is portrayed by [[Kari Väänänen]],the same actor who played [[Gollum]] in the series.<br />
<br />
===Radio Series===<br />
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[Godfrey Kenton]].<br />
<br />
'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[Tom Luce]].<br />
<br />
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn was voiced by [[Robert Stephens]]. For his early scenes, according to [[John McAndrew]] (Pippin) Stephens adopted an accurate Bristol accent to help suggest the disguise Strider adopted in Bree.<br />
<br />
'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by Boris Farkaš.<br />
<br />
===Games===<br />
'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable character. He has brown hair and is bearded, he bears a golden sword.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:[[Daran Norris]] provided the voice of Aragorn, who is one of the three playable characters.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is one of the three playable characters, as well as narrator for most of the game. He is versatile in both melee and ranged attacks. Viggo Mortensen reprises his role from the film trilogy.<br />
<br />
'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable character, his storyline is dubbed "Path of a King". He journey through Paths of the Dead with Legolas and Gimli, later they fight on Pelennor fields and at the Black Gate. Chris Edgerly takes over for Mortensen as Aragorn's voice actor.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring|Sierra's War of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a Hero Unit for the Free People side. He is present in Lothlorien, Battle of Hornburg and Siege of the Minas Morgul.<br />
<br />
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a Hero Unit for the Rohan faction in skirmishes, he also accompanies the Fellowship in the storyline mode.<br />
<br />
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is now the Hero for the Men of the West faction.<br />
<br />
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''<br />
:In the Prologue, Aragorn saves Men/Hobbit characters from brigands, but is forced to leave soon, as he has to intercept Frodo in Bree. Later arriving at the Prancing Pony, the characters meet him again and help him looking in surrounding area for Hobbits, who did not arrive in time. When player returns, Aragorn and the Hobbits already departed, and their next meeting is in Rivendell, where Aragorn entrusts the player with defence of the North while the Fellowship is gone. Later, in [[Lothlórien]], Aragorn is seen residing in [[Caras Galadhon]]<br />
<br />
'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable hero available in several missions.<br />
<br />
'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is an important character of the game, and is mentioned as one of the much honored heroes of the [[War of the Ring]] in the introduction of the game.<ref name="Prologue">[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Prologue''</ref><br />
:He is a friend of two of the game's main characters, [[Eradan (video game character)|Eradan]] and [[Andriel]]. Aragorn had met [[Andriel]] during his visits at [[Rivendell]],<ref name="Backstory Andriel">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.warinthenorth.com/the-game/heroes/backstory#elfAnchor|articlename=Elven Character: Andriel's History|dated=|website=War in the North|accessed=25 December 2011}}</ref> while he had met Eradan, when he served as Ranger at Sarn Ford. Aragorn was impressed by his skills and bravery, and taught him much about tracking. Eradan was a companion of Aragorn on many of his journeys. Aragorn trusted Eradan much, though he never told him what the reason was behind the protection of [[the Shire]].<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.warinthenorth.com/the-game/heroes/backstory#dunedainAnchor|articlename=Human Character: Eradan's History|dated=|website=War in the North|accessed=24 December 2011}}</ref><br />
<br />
:Eradan, Andriel and [[Farin (video game character)|Farin]] meet Aragorn in the Prancing Pony to warn him, on Halbarad's request, after the Nazgûl attacked and defeated the [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] at [[Sarn Ford]], and entered the Shire. They also tell him about an conservation between the Witch-king and [[Agandaûr]], which the three heroes overheard shortly after the attack. Agandaûr summoned the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] and assembled an army in [[Fornost]], which plans to aid the Nazgûl in their search to [[the One Ring]]. Aragorn sends Eradan, Andriel and Farin to Fornost, to stop Agandaûr and his army.<ref name="Prologue"/> While Eradan, Andriel, Farin, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]] stopped Agandaûr's army,<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Chapter 1: Fornost''</ref> Aragorn met with [[Frodo Baggins]] and left Bree.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Chapter 2: The Barrow Downs'', Bree</ref><br />
<br />
'''2012: ''[[Lego|Lego The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''<br />
:A mini figure of Aragorn is included in the [[Lego#Sets|sets]] '''Attack at Weathertop''', '''The Battle of Helm's Deep''', '''The Battle at the Black gate''', and '''The Pirate ship ambush'''.<ref name="2012 sets">{{webcite|author=Calisuri|articleurl=http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/02/12/53563-more-lord-of-the-rings-lego-details-from-toy-fare-2012/|articlename=More Lord of the Rings LEGO Details from Toy Fare 2012|dated=12 February 2012|website=TORN|accessed=18 February 2012}}</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Timeline of Aragorn]]<br />
*[http://dare.ubvu.vu.nl/bitstream/1871/10975/1/Aragorn_Final.pdf "Aragorn Seen Through Different Media"] by [[Connie Veugen]], comparing the introduction of Strider in Ralph Bakshi's film, the 1981 BBC radio play, Peter Jackson's film and [[Vivendi]]'s [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|video game]] of ''The Fellowship of the Ring.<br />
{{References|notes}}<br />
<br />
==Titles==<br />
{{seq-start}}<br />
{{seq-head<br />
| race=arnorian<br />
| house=[[House of Isildur]]<small><br/>Cadet branch of [[House of Elros]]</small><br />
| born=[[1 March]], {{TA|2931}}<br />
| died={{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prow=2<br />
| prev=[[Arathorn II]]<br />
| list=16th [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2933}} – [[1 May]], {{TA|3019|n}}<br />
| next=Position abolished<br />
| nvac=None<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| list=39th [[Heir of Isildur|Heir]] of [[Isildur]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2933}} - [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
| next=[[Eldarion]]<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prev=[[Gandalf]]<br />
| list=Leader of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]<br />
| dates=[[15 January]] - [[22 August]], {{TA|3019}}<br />
| next=Position abolished<br />
| nvac=None<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Eärnur]]''', 969 years earlier<br />
| list=34th [[Kings of Gondor|King of Gondor]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
| next=[[Eldarion]]<br />
| nrow=4<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Eärendur (King of Arnor)|Eärendur]]''', 2,158 years earlier<br />
| list=11th [[Kings of Arnor|King of Arnor]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Isildur]]''', 3,017 years earlier<br />
| list=1st [[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]] of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=None<br />
| prev=New title<br />
| list=Head of the [[House of Telcontar]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq-end}}{{councilofelrond}}{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}{{northernline}}{{southernline}}<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]<br />
[[Category:Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]<br />
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]<br />
[[Category:House of Isildur]]<br />
[[Category:House of Telcontar| ]]<br />
[[Category:Mariners]]<br />
[[Category:Rulers of Arnor]]<br />
[[Category:Rulers of Gondor]]<br />
[[Category:Sindarin names]]<br />
[[Category:Third Age characters]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Aragorn II.]]<br />
[[fi:Aragorn II]]<br />
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/hommes/3adunedain/dunedain_du_nord/aragorn_ii]]</div>MikeyofGondorhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Aragorn&diff=344975Aragorn2022-04-10T02:33:17Z<p>MikeyofGondor: /* Equipment and skills */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig-two|the King of [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]]|[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]|[[Aragorn I]]}}<br />
{{sources}}<br />
{{arnorian infobox<br />
| name=Aragorn<br />
| image=[[File:John Howe - Elessar.jpg|250px]]<br />
| caption="Elessar" by [[John Howe]]<br />
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|[ˈaraɡorn]}}<br />
| othernames=Aragorn II, ''[[Elessar]]'', [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]], ''[[Thorongil]]'' (''[[Aragorn#Names and titles|see below]]'')<br />
| titles=[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]<br/>[[High King of the Dúnedain]]<br>[[King of Gondor and Arnor]]<Ref>{{S|Rings}}</ref><br>[[King of the West]]<ref>{{App|Great}}</ref><Br>Lord of the [[Westlands]]<br />
| position=[[Rangers of the North|Ranger]]<br />
| location=[[Rivendell]]<br/>[[Gondor]]<br>[[Arnor]]<br />
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]<br />
| language=[[Westron]], [[Sindarin]], [[Quenya]]<br />
| birth=[[1 March]] {{TA|2931}}<br />
| birthlocation=[[Eriador]]<br />
| rule={{TA|2933}} - {{TA|3019|n}} (Chieftain)<br/>{{TA|3019}} - {{FoA|120}} (King)<br />
| death={{FoA|120}}<br />
| deathlocation=[[Gondor]]<br />
| age=210<br />
| notablefor=Reuniting the [[Reunited Kingdom|Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor]]<br />
| house=[[House of Isildur]], founded the [[House of Telcontar]]<br />
| parentage=[[Arathorn II]], father <br/> [[Gilraen]], mother <br/> [[Elrond]], foster father<br />
| siblings=<br />
| spouse=[[Arwen]]<br />
| children=[[Eldarion]] and at least two daughters<ref name="Tale">{{App|Tale}}</ref><br />
| gender=Male<br />
| height=6'6<nowiki>''</nowiki> (198cm)<ref name="RC">{{HM|RC}}, p. 272 citing from a note written by J.R.R. Tolkien approximately in 1969</ref><br />
| hair=Dark, flecked with grey<ref name="Sign">{{FR|Sign}}</ref> <br />
| eyes=Grey<ref name="Sign"/><br />
| clothing=High leather boots, dark-green cloak (As a [[Rangers of the North|Ranger]])<ref name="Sign"/><br>Pure white mantle, black mail girt with silver (As a King)<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref><br />
| weapons=[[Andúril]]<br />
| steed=[[Roheryn]] and [[Hasufel]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
<center>{{quote|Tall as the sea-kings of old, he stood above all that were near; ancient of days he seemed and yet in the flower of manhood; and wisdom sat upon his brow, and strength and healing were in his hands, and a light was about him.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Steward and the King]]"}}</center><br />
'''Aragorn II''' was the son of [[Arathorn II]] and [[Gilraen]]. He was the last [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]] and a direct descendant through many<ref group="note">Aragorn II is of the 39th generation descended from Isildur, through 23 generations of the Kings of Arnor and Arthedain (beginning with [[Valandil]] and ending with [[Arvedui]]) and 15 generations of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain (beginning with [[Aranarth]] and ending with Arathorn II).</ref> generations of [[Isildur]], the last [[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]] of both [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Aragorn would become the greatest [[Men|Man]] of his time, leading the [[Dúnedain|Men of the West]] against [[Sauron]]'s forces, helping to destroy [[the One Ring]], and reuniting the [[Reunited Kingdom|Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor]]. <br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early Life===<br />
Aragorn was born in {{TA|2931}} to the Chieftain Arathorn, and received the name Aragorn. His grandmother, [[Ivorwen]], noted with foresight that Aragorn would one day wear on his breast a green stone.<ref>{{PM|Foreword}}</ref><br />
<br />
A legend says that the [[Wizards|Wizard]] [[Gandalf]] had brought [[Elfstone|such a stone]], called the Elessar, from [[Valinor]]. He gave the Elessar to the [[Elves|Elven]] Lady [[Galadriel]], and remarked prophetically that she would pass it to another, who will also be called Elessar.<ref>{{UT|6}}</ref> From this would come Aragorn's royal name ''Elessar'' ([[Quenya]] for "Elfstone").<br />
<br />
When Aragorn was two years old, his father was slain when an [[Orcs|Orc]] arrow pierced his eye. As was the tradition of his people, Aragorn was fostered in [[Rivendell]] by [[Elrond]] as if he was his own son. The [[Wise]] decided that his identity was to be kept secret, as he would be vulnerable to [[Sauron|the Enemy]]. Aragorn was called '''''[[Estel]]''''' ([[Sindarin]] for "Hope") instead. During his life in Rivendell he accompanied the sons of Elrond, [[Elrohir]] and [[Elladan]], on their journeys.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
[[File:Stephen Hickman - Aragorn and Arwen.jpg|thumb|left|''Aragorn and Arwen'' by [[Stephen Hickman]]]]<br />
"Estel" grew to be fair and noble, and was seemingly more mature than his age. When Aragorn was twenty-one years old, after returning from a journey with the [[twins]] in {{TA|2952}}, Elrond decided to reveal his true name and ancestry. As part of this revelation, Elrond delivered to him the heirlooms of [[House of Isildur|his House]]: the shards of [[Narsil]] and the [[Ring of Barahir]]. Elrond also said that he should earn the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]]. The next day, full of hope, Aragorn was sitting in the forest singing a part of the ''[[Lay of Leithian|Lay of Lúthien]]''; as he sang of the meeting [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]], [[Arwen]], daughter of Elrond, who had newly returned from [[Lothlórien]], appeared to him. Aragorn thought that Lúthien herself had appeared, and fell in love.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
===Life as a Ranger===<br />
Estel took up his proper name as Aragorn, sixteenth of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, and after he took leave of his mother and Elrond he went into [[The Wild]].<ref name="Tale"/> In {{TA|2953}} he was not present in Rivendell for the last meeting of the [[White Council]]. Aragorn met [[Gandalf|Gandalf the Grey]] in {{TA|2956}}, and they became great friends.<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref> At Gandalf's advice he started to become interested in [[the Shire]] and became known as '''''Strider''''' in this region.<br />
[[File:Catherine Chmiel - Ecthelion,Thorongil and Boromir study.jpg|thumb|right|''"Thorongil" with Ecthelion II'' by [[Catherine Karina Chmiel]]]]<br />
From {{TA|2957}} to {{TA|2980}} Aragorn took great journeys aiding the [[West]] against [[Sauron]] and his allies. After serving King [[Thengel]] of [[Rohan]], he went to [[Ruling Steward|Steward]] [[Ecthelion II]] of [[Gondor]],<ref name="TA"/> who was in dire need of able men to guard his realm from Mordor. Aragorn kept his identity secret but as he wore a silver star upon his cloak, and was swift and keen-eyed, the [[Gondorians]] called him '''''Thorongil''''' (Sindarin for "Eagle of the Star"). He was a great leader by land and sea and Ecthelion trusted and loved him most. Some believed that there was rivalry between him and the Steward's son, [[Denethor]], who probably knew his identity as [[Heir of Isildur]], and suspected that he and Gandalf worked to supplant him. Thorongil however saw himself only as the servant of the Steward, whom he advised to not trust [[Saruman]] and instead to welcome Gandalf (whom Denethor didn't trust or love).<br />
<br />
Ecthelion was anticipating an attack from Sauron who had just returned, and Thorongil warned him that in that event the [[Southern Fiefs]] would be vulnerable to the [[Corsairs of Umbar]]. He was allowed by Ecthelion to take few ships and lead an [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|attack against Umbar]]; at night he burned many ships, and in a fight slew the [[Captain of the Haven]] with only few casualties. Great honour awaited him in [[Minas Tirith]] but he did not return; while in [[Pelargir]], he sent a farewell message to Ecthelion, speaking of other tasks calling him, and saying that fate would not bring him again to Gondor soon. To the grief and wonder of his companions he crossed the [[Anduin]] and was last seen staring at the [[Mountains of Shadow]].<ref>{{App|Stewards}}</ref> He left Gondor to travel into the far East and South "exploring the hearts of men good and evil" and learning about the "plots and devices" of the servants of the Dark Lord. His exploits ensured the survival of the [[West]] much later during the [[War of the Ring]].<br />
<br />
Later in 2980 on his return to Rivendell he entered [[Lothlórien]], and there once again met Arwen in [[Caras Galadhon]]. For one season they wandered together in Lothlórien. At midsummer he gave her the heirloom of his House, the [[Ring of Barahir]], and Arwen pledged her hand to him in marriage.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
Elrond gave his foster-son permission to marry his daughter, on the condition that he must first become king of both Gondor and Arnor, for only a king would be worthy of Arwen's hand. This harsh condition had a precedent: King [[Thingol]]'s request that [[Beren]] obtain a [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] from [[Morgoth]] before marrying his daughter [[Lúthien]].<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
===Hunt for Gollum===<br />
In the year {{TA|3001}}, as a now revealed [[Sauron]] continued to regain power in [[Mordor]], Aragorn began assisting [[Gandalf]] in his search for news of [[Gollum]]. Gandalf suspected that the ring [[Bilbo Baggins]] found near Gollum's lake was in fact [[the One Ring]]. In {{TA|3007}}, he briefly returned to [[Eriador]] where he visited his mother for the last time. She died before that year's spring. <br />
<br />
In {{TA|3009}} Gandalf and Aragorn renewed their hunt for Gollum, searching intermittently in the [[vales of Anduin]], [[Mirkwood]], and [[Rhovanion]], even to the confines of [[Mordor]], without knowing that around that time Gollum ventured into Mordor, and was captured by Sauron.<ref name="TA"/> [[Third Age 3017|After eight years]] Gollum was released and Aragorn finally overtook him in the [[Dead Marshes]]<ref name="TA"/> on [[1 February]]. With Gollum he travelled through the northern [[Emyn Muil]], to prevent being found by Sauron's spies, and crossed the Anduin at the [[Sarn Gebir]]. He travelled further north along the edges of [[Fangorn Forest]] and through Lothlórien,<ref name="UT">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref> where the Elves sent a message to Gandalf.<ref>{{UT|Hunt}}, Note 5</ref> He travelled alongside the Anduin to the north until he arrived at the [[Carrock]]. With the aid of the [[Beornings]] he crossed the Anduin with Gollum and entered [[Mirkwood]]. He took Gollum to [[Thranduil]] to be held captive.<ref name="UT"/><ref name="TA"/> He then returned west where he met with Gandalf at [[Sarn Ford]] and learned of [[Frodo Baggins]]' plan to leave the Shire with the Ring in late September. Aragorn then continued his own journey.<ref name="Strider">{{FR|Strider}}</ref><br />
<br />
===War of the Ring===<br />
When Aragorn returned to his area, the [[Elves]] who followed [[Gildor Inglorion]] told Aragorn the [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] had been seen, and Gandalf had been missing and there were no messages from him. Aragorn and his [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] kept watch over the border of [[the Shire]] and the [[East Road]] waiting for sight of Frodo but there was no news of them leaving [[Buckland]].<ref name="Strider"/><br />
<br />
While staying in [[Bree]], Aragorn crossed the paths of four hobbits in [[The Prancing Pony]]. Aragorn watched as the hobbits clumsily hid their names and intentions, and as [[Frodo Baggins]], the leader of the party, fell from a table and disappeared as he put the ring on. Aragorn, whose name was given as Strider, seemed to show no surprise, only annoyance at Frodo’s foolish vanishing act. He arranged for an interview that night, where he warned them of the Black Riders and [[Bill Ferny]], then bluntly requested that they use him as a guide. After some consideration, and a note given them by the forgetful [[Barliman Butterbur]] from Gandalf condoning him, Frodo agreed.<br />
[[File:Jef Murray - Amon Sûl.jpg|thumb|left|[[Jef Murray]] - ''Amon Sûl'']]<br />
Aragorn’s plan to reach Rivendell was to first head toward [[Archet]] and bear right to [[Weathertop]]. After the ambush at Weathertop and the wounding of Frodo, [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] took over the position as leader of the Hobbits. After a while they met [[Glorfindel]], a friend of Aragorn’s, and it was not much later that they arrived in Rivendell.<br />
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Reforging of the Sword.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - ''The Reforging of the Sword'']]<br />
After the Council of Elrond Aragorn became a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. As a preparation for his travel, the ancient shards of [[Narsil]], the heirloom of his House, were reforged after 3 millennia. Aragorn carried the Sword Reforged, and renamed it [[Andúril]]. <br />
<br />
Aragorn's intentions were to travel with the company for a while before returning to [[Gondor]] with [[Boromir]]. Aragorn encouraged the taking of the [[Caradhras|Redhorn Pass]], which ended in disaster. He reluctantly conceded to Gandalf’s choice to pass through [[Moria]], though his sense of foresight warned him for Gandalf. Indeed, after Gandalf fell into the abyss with [[Durin's Bane]], Aragorn was naturally elected leader of the company, despite some resentment by Boromir.<br />
<br />
====Leading the Fellowship of the Ring====<br />
Aragorn again amazed the rest of the Fellowship by his apparent closeness to the people of [[Lothlórien]], and his friendship with [[Celeborn]] and [[Galadriel]]. At their departure, Galadriel offered him the [[Elfstone]] as a wedding gift from the family of the Elven bride to the groom, foretelling his marriage to Arwen.<ref>{{MR|P3II3}}</ref> It was worn by Aragorn ever after and from that he later took the name '''Elessar'''.<br />
<br />
Even at the [[Rauros|Falls of Rauros]] he was undecided, leaving it to Frodo for the final decision. For though it was obvious he wished to go to [[Minas Tirith]] with Boromir, he yet felt that it was his duty to go where the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]] chose.<br />
<br />
[[File:Inger Edelfeldt - Death of Boromir.jpg|thumb|200px|right|''Death of Boromir'' by [[Inger Edelfeldt]]]]<br />
After Frodo escaped him and Boromir perished, he with the remaining members of the Fellowship, namely [[Legolas]] and [[Gimli]], chose to try and save [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] from the [[Uruk-hai]] that had ambushed them, forming the group that would later be known as the [[Three Hunters]].<br />
<br />
He met [[Éomer]] in the fields of [[Rohan]], and an instant friendship formed, both feeling the honesty and lordliness of the other. Éomer took a risk for his sake, giving him horses, with the promise that one day soon Aragorn would return to [[Edoras]]. Aragorn, tracking the Hobbits, followed into Fangorn Forest, where he met the resurrected [[Gandalf|Gandalf the White]]. After the restoration of [[Théoden]], he rode to [[Helm's Deep]] to fight in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]]. There he, alongside his new-found “brother” Éomer, and King Théoden, marshaled the defence against [[Saruman]]’s army. His revealed majesty upon the battlements of the Hornburg as he waited for the dawn caused some of the [[Dunlendings|Wild men]] to pause and shudder, and he heralded the return of Gandalf with [[Erkenbrand]].<br />
<br />
After Pippin’s terrifying experience with the [[Orthanc-stone]], Gandalf presented it in a formal manner to Aragorn, its rightful master, who hinted that it would be used by him eventually. After the departure of Gandalf and Pippin to Minas Tirith, he rode for a while longer with Théoden, meeting up with his friend [[Halbarad]] of the North, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], and a company of staunch and fearless Rangers. Elladan and Elrohir gave him a message from Elrond: "''The days are short. If thou art in haste, remember the [[Paths of the Dead]]''". Halbarad bore a gift from the Lady Arwen – the [[Standard of Elendil]]. Aragorn knew the path set before him.<br />
<br />
====Return of the King====<br />
A little while later Aragorn took his companions and his rangers and set out for [[Dunharrow]], departing from the King’s company. His course was clear: to take the Paths of the Dead, to summon the [[Oathbreakers|Dead Men]]. In Dunharrow, he met the lady [[Éowyn]], who had fallen in love with him. After making it clear that he could not accept her love, he turned towards the evil road with the dawn.<br />
<br />
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Thus Came Aragorn.jpg|thumb|right|''Thus Came Aragorn'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]<br />
The [[Grey Company]] passed through the [[Dark Door]] and the [[Dwimorberg]], the Dead following, and coming at last to the [[Stone of Erech]], Aragorn summoned them to his aid. They drew their swords and blew their horns in answer, and swept down upon the [[Corsairs of Umbar|Corsairs]] at [[Pelargir]] drove the mariners away. Aragorn released them, and took the [[Black Ships]] north to Minas Tirith, where the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] raged. The Standard of Elendil broke forth, and his Dúnedain swept down, giving the final blow to the army of [[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]. The counter-attacked army of [[Sauron]] crumbled utterly. But Aragorn did not enter the city.<br />
<br />
Aragorn, furling his banner, appointed [[Imrahil]] the temporary lord of the City, as the law demanded. Eventually, however, Aragorn did come to the [[Houses of Healing]], where he tended and restored Merry, Éowyn, and [[Faramir]], in accordance with the prophecy “''The hands of the king are the hands of a healer, and so shall the rightful king be known''”. Many of the people of Minas Tirith came to Aragorn and followed him, asking that he heal those they knew. Aragorn worked late into the night, before finally leaving the city, hooded and cloaked. When in the morning the people saw the banner of [[Dol Amroth]], they wondered if the Return of the King had been but a dream.<ref name=Houses>{{RK|Houses}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[File:Inger Edelfeldt - The Crowning of Aragorn.jpg|thumb|left|''The Crowning of Aragorn'' by [[Inger Edelfeldt]]]]<br />
Aragorn held [[Last Debate|council]] with his trusted companions, namely Gandalf, Éomer, Imrahil, and Elrond’s sons – Halbarad had fallen in battle. He agreed to draw forth the forces of [[Mordor]] for the benefit of the [[Quest of the Ring]], and so arranged matters for the [[Battle of the Morannon]]. After the destruction of the Ring in [[Mount Doom|Orodruin]] and victory at the [[Morannon]], Aragorn returned at last in the triumphant manner that befitted his position. He was crowned at the gates of Minas Tirith, winning the hearts of the people of [[Gondor]].<br />
<br />
===Reign as Elessar===<br />
Aragorn ruled the [[Reunited Kingdom]] of Gondor and Arnor until year 120 of the [[Fourth Age]]. <br />
<br />
Some days after his coronation, Gandalf took Elessar up the slopes of Mount [[Mindolluin]], and there he found the scion of [[Nimloth of Númenor|Nimloth]], the symbol of his mastery of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]. Elrond and Arwen came to Gondor and Elrond gave Elessar the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]] signifying the Kingship of Arnor. He wedded Arwen on Midsummer's day of 3019, and then was forced to bid his old friends farewell. He turned back to his new kingdom as the [[Fourth Age]] dawned and the Ringbearers left the shores of Middle-earth forever.<br />
<br />
One of his first tasks in the re-ordering of his realm was the restoration of [[Orthanc]] and ordered the [[Orthanc-stone]] to be returned there. With this opportunity, many secrets and hoarded treasures were revealed including the [[Elendilmir]] which Saruman took from Isildur's body. Elessar received the Elemdilmir with reverence and took it with him as he established his full kingship of [[Arnor]].<ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref><br />
<br />
Elessar gave his [[Steward]] Faramir the title [[Lord of Emyn Arnen]] and created him as [[Prince of Ithilien]]<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref>. He declared the [[Drúadan Forest]] to belong to the [[Drúedain]] and a protected enclave of his Kingdom.<ref>{{RK|Partings}}</ref> He also re-established the Great [[Council of Gondor]] whose chief councellor was the Steward<ref>{{L|244}}</ref>. He also renewed the [[Oath of Cirion]] with Éomer.<br />
<br />
As for [[the Shire]], he declared it a Free Land under the protection of the Northern Sceptre and forbid Men from entering it. He appointed the [[Thain]], the [[Master of Buckland]], and the [[Mayor of Michel Delving]] Counsellors of the North-kingdom. Also he offered to the Shire the [[Westmarch|lands]] up to the [[Tower Hills|Emyn Beraid]].<ref name=later>{{App|Later}}</ref><br />
<br />
He founded the royal [[House of Telcontar]], he had a son, [[Eldarion]], and a number of daughters.<br />
<br />
King Elessar died after 210 years of life and 122 years of rule and was succeeded by his son [[Eldarion]]. His wife Arwen, now mortal, gave up her life shortly afterwards in year 121, aged 2,901.<br />
<br />
==Personality==<br />
<br />
Aragorn was a wise, calm, well-mannered, yet proud and stern man who held his heritage in high regard and was willing to do whatever he can to help his friends. He was the "hardiest of living Men" during his time.<br />
<br />
His reverance for his heritage was such that it nearly led to complications when arriving in Rohan and was forced to surrender his sword, ''[[Anduril]]'' ''(The King of the Golden Hall)'' and revealed himself as the Heir of ''[Isildur]]'' to ''[[Eomer]]'' when confronting him. ''(The Riders of Rohan)''. He also possessed Elven wisdom due to being raised in Rivendell, and the foresight of the Dúnedain. He also had a nigh indomitable strength of will, as he was able to psychically challenge ''[[Sauron]]'' for control of the palantir, and emerged victorious. ''(The Passing of the Grey Company)''.<br />
<br />
==Equipment and skills==<br />
<br />
Aragorn was a swordsman of extraordinary, nigh <br />
unparalleled skill, to the point that he was considered the greatest swordsman of the ''[[Third Age]]'', surpassing the likes of ''[[Boromir]]'', ''[[Faramir]]'', and possibly ''[[Elrond]]'', despite all three being skilled swordsmen in their own right. He was also trained in the use of bows and spears, despite his preference for swordplay. His skill was such that he can take on any enemy from Orcs to the Nine Ringwraiths. Aragorn was a highly skilled and well-respected leader and King to the point that he restored ''[[Minas Tirith]]'' along with the rest of ''[[Gondor]]'' to its former glory and made peace with enemies who surrendered. He was a master military tactician and commander, capable of leading his army to victory at the ''[[Black Gate]]'', and aiding in the victories at ''[[Helm's Deep]]'', and the ''[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]'', coming out unscathed after the latter ended, along with ''[[Eomer]]'', and ''[[Imrahil]]''. ''([[The Battle of the Pelennor Fields]])''. In addition to his military prowess, he was also a skilled healer, particularly with the plant ''[[athelas]]'', as he was able to heal ''[[Eowyn]] and ''[[Faramir]]'' after both of them suffered ''[[Black Breath]]''. (''[[The Houses of Healing]]''), and even sustain the effects of ''[[Frodo Baggins]]'''s wound by a ''[[Morgul blade]]'' long enough for the latter to receive further treatment in ''[[Rivendell]]''.<br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
{{Pronounce|Aragorn Elessar.mp3|Ardamir}}<br />
'''''Aragorn''''' is a [[Sindarin]] name. It means "revered king".<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 31 entry S ''Ara(n)gorn''</ref><ref name=PE17Turgond>{{PE|17}}, p. 113 entry S '''Turgond-'''</ref> It contains the phonetic reduction ''ara'' of ''[[aran]]'' ("king") and the adjective ''[[gorn|(n)gorn]]'' ("dreaded, revered").<ref name=PE17Turgond/><br />
<br />
This clear etymology from Tolkien was not revealed until the publication in 2007 of "Words, Phrases & Passages in ''The Lord of the Rings''", a late 1950s manuscript. Before that, several theories were proposed:<br />
*[[Ruth S. Noel]] and several others proposed "King of the Tree",<ref>[[Ruth S. Noel]], ''[[The Languages of Tolkien's Middle-earth]]'', p. 114</ref> but Tolkien specifically said that this was not the case.<ref>{{L|347}}</ref> <br />
*[[David Salo]] deduces "Having Kingly Valor"<ref>[[David Salo]], ''[[A Gateway to Sindarin]]'', p. 341</ref> from Tolkien's cryptic "'Kingly Valour' (for so is that name interpreted)".<ref>{{PM|Foreword}}, p. xii</ref> This is still the most often cited etymology; Robert Ireland's ''[[A Tolkien Dictionary]]'' gives the variation "Royal Zeal".<ref>Robert Ireland, ''[[A Tolkien Dictionary]]'', [http://www.quicksilver899.com/Tolkien/LOTR/LOTR_AC.html The Lord of the Rings A-C].</ref><br />
*[[Carl F. Hostetter]] proposed the meanings "King of the Globe" or "King of the Hill" in his analysis of the [[King's Letter]].<ref>[[Carl F. Hostetter]], "The 'King's Letter': An Historical and Comparative Analysis", [[Vinyar Tengwar 31|''Vinyar Tengwar'' 31]], p. 18</ref><br />
<br />
The [[Quenya]] form of ''Aragorn'' was '''''Arakorno'''''.<ref name="WP">{{PE|17}}, p. 70 f. entry Q '''ar''' in the translation of the sentence into Quenya ''Sanome tarne Olórin, Arakorno, [...]''</ref><br />
<br />
==Other names==<br />
* '''Aragorn II''' - Aragorn's name as [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]. He was likely named after [[Aragorn I]].<br />
* [[Thorongil]] - [[Sindarin|S]] "Eagle of the Star", a pseudonym used in [[Gondor]] and [[Rohan]]. Pronounced {{IPA|[θoˈroŋɡil]}}.<br />
* '''Elessar''' - [[Quenya|Q]] "Elfstone", Aragorn's name as a king. Despite popular use as such, Aragorn was never known as "Aragorn Elessar", "Aragorn II Elessar" or "[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|King Aragorn]]". Pronounced {{IPA|[eˈlesːar]}}.<br />
* '''Edhelharn''' - The [[Sindarin]] equivalent of Elessar, used in the King's Letter.<ref>{{SD|XI2}}, p. 128ff</ref> Pronounced {{IPA|[eˈðel.harn]}}.<br />
* [[Elfstone]] - The [[Westron|Common Speech]] version of the previous two. <br />
* [[Envinyatar|''Envinyatar'']] - [[Quenya|Q]] "the Renewer".<br />
* [[Estel]] - [[Quenya|Q]]. Usually glossed as "Hope", the concept ''estel'' more widely means "hope, trust, a temper of mind, steady fixed in purpose, and difficult to dissuade and unlikely to fall into despair or abandon its purpose". Pronounced {{IPA|[ˈestel]}}.<br />
* [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]] - A sobriquet given by the men of [[Bree]]. Aragorn used it mockingly.<br />
* '''Wingfoot''' - An honorary name given by [[Éomer]] after the pursuit of the [[Uruk-hai]] through the [[Eastemnet]].<ref>{{TT|III2}}</ref><br />
* [[Telcontar]] - A [[Quenya]] form of "Strider", this was the name of Elessar's Royal House. It was not used independently. Pronounced {{IPA|[telˈkontar]}}.<br />
* [[Heir of Isildur|Isildur's Heir]] - A poetic address, as he was the heir of [[Isildur]]. <br />
* '''The Dúnadan''' - "[[Dúnedain|Man of the West]]", a name given by [[Bilbo Baggins]] when their friendship evolved. <br />
* '''Longshanks''' - another, though less frequently used, sobriquet in Bree, ascribed to [[Bill Ferny]]. The legs of the [[Bree-landers|Bree-men]] were shorter than the legs of the [[Dúnedain]].<br />
* '''Arakorno''' - A rare Quenya form of Aragorn, which only appeared in a discussion about the words for Quenya.<ref name="WP"/> Pronounced {{IPA|[ˌaraˈkorno]}}.<br />
<br />
==Genealogy==<br />
{{familytree/start}}<br />
{{familytree | EAR |y| ELW | | GAL |y| CEL |GAL=[[Galadriel]]|CEL=[[Celeborn]]|EAR=[[Eärendil]]|ELW=[[Elwing]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |)|-|-|-|.| | | |!| | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ROS | | RON |y| CLB | | |ROS=[[Elros]]|RON=[[Elrond]]|CLB=[[Celebrían]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | KON | | | | |!| | | | | |KON=<small>''[[Kings of Númenor]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | LOA | | | | |!| | | | | |LOA=<small>''[[Lords of Andúnië]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ELE | | | | |!| | | | | |ELE=[[Elendil]]}}<br />
{{familytree | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ISI | | ANA | | |!| | | | | |ISI=[[Isildur]]|ANA=[[Anárion]]}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |:| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | KOA | | KOG | | |!| | | | | |KOA=<small>''[[Kings of Arnor]]''</small>|KOG=<small>''[[Kings of Gondor]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |:| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | KOA | | OND | | |!| | | | | |OND=[[Ondoher]]|KOA=<small>''[[Kings of Arthedain]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |!| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ARV |V| FIR | | |!| | | | | |ARV=[[Arvedui]]|FIR=[[Fíriel]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | COD | | | | |!| | | | | |COD=<small>''[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ART |y| GIL |!| | | | | |ART=[[Arathorn II]]|GIL=[[Gilraen]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |!| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | ARA |y| ARW | | | | |ARA='''ARAGORN '''|ARW=[[Arwen]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | ELD | | SDS | | | | |ELD=[[Eldarion]]|SDS=''several sisters''}}<br />
{{familytree/end}}<br />
===Relation to Arwen===<br />
Arwen was a very distant cousin of Aragorn. By their marriage, the long-sundered lines of the [[Half-elven]] were joined.<ref name="Numenor">{{App|A1i}}</ref> Their union also served to unite and preserve the bloodlines of the kings of the three kindreds of the High Elves ([[Ingwë]], [[Finwë]], and brothers [[Elwë]], [[Olwë]], and [[Elmo]]) as well as the only line with [[Maiar]]in blood through Arwen's great-great-grandmother, [[Melian]]. There were at least two marriages between descendants of Elendil in Aragorn's ancestry, so Aragorn was related to Arwen by blood along at least three lines.<br />
<br />
Through his father, Arathorn II, Aragorn was Arwen's first cousin sixty-two times removed through his ancestor Arvedui and sixty-seven times removed through his ancestor Fíriel. Both of these lines descend through four<ref name="Numenor"/> generations of the Kings of Númenor, Silmariën, eighteen<ref>{{UT|Kings}}</ref> generations of the Lords of Andúnië, and Elendil, as well as Aranarth and fifteen<ref name="North">{{App|North}}</ref> succeeding generations of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, including Aragorn himself. Aragorn's mother Gilraen also descended from Aranarth,<ref name="North"/> but the number of generations between them is unknown.<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
In the earliest unpublished versions of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' (see ''[[The History of The Lord of the Rings]]''), the character that later became Aragorn was called '''''[[Trotter]]''''' instead of Strider, and was a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] instead of a [[Men|Man]]. He had wooden feet, because he had once traveled to Mordor and been tortured there.<br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
{{Gallery<br />
|title=Aragorn in adaptations<br />
|height=150<br />
|width=250<br />
|lines=2<br />
|File:War in Middle Earth - Aragorn and Frodo against a Nazgul.png|Aragorn with [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Strider.jpg|Strider in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]<br />
|File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Aragorn.JPG|Aragorn in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''<br />
|File:2011-12-23 00061.jpg|Aragorn in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''<br />
|File:LEGO Aragorn poster.png|Aragorn as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''<br />
}}<br />
<br />
===Films===<br />
'''1978: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]'':'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[John Hurt]]. Some critics have accused this character of looking too much like a [[wikipedia:Stereotypes_of_Native_Americans|Native American stereotype]].{{Citation needed}}<br />
<br />
'''1980: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn was voiced by [[Theodore Bikel]] in the 1980 [[Rankin/Bass]] animated film.<br />
<br />
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is played by [[Viggo Mortensen]], though [[Stuart Townsend]] was originally cast in the role. Townsend was deemed too young. Mortensen had just two weeks to train for his first scene, the standoff with the [[Nazgûl]] at [[Weathertop]]. Utilizing the modern "reluctant hero" trope, Mortensen portrays Aragorn full of self-doubt, while he is much more sure of himself in the book. <br />
<br />
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn's part is this film is largely similar to the events in book. The most significant difference is that, in the book, there was no [[Wargs|Warg]] attack on the party traveling to Helm's Deep and Aragorn did not fall down a cliff.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn finally steps into his role as king after having a lot of self-doubt beforehand. <br />
<br />
'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''<br />
:Although he is not physically present, he is mentioned by [[Thranduil]] to his son, [[Legolas]]. Thranduil tells Legolas to seek a young ranger known as "Strider" and that Legolas would have to discover Strider's true name for himself. In the continuity of the films, Aragorn would have been 27 rather than a ten-year-old child.<br />
<br />
===Television===<br />
'''1993: [[Hobitit|''Hobitit'']]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is portrayed by [[Kari Väänänen]],the same actor who played [[Gollum]] in the series.<br />
<br />
===Radio Series===<br />
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[Godfrey Kenton]].<br />
<br />
'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[Tom Luce]].<br />
<br />
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn was voiced by [[Robert Stephens]]. For his early scenes, according to [[John McAndrew]] (Pippin) Stephens adopted an accurate Bristol accent to help suggest the disguise Strider adopted in Bree.<br />
<br />
'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by Boris Farkaš.<br />
<br />
===Games===<br />
'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable character. He has brown hair and is bearded, he bears a golden sword.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:[[Daran Norris]] provided the voice of Aragorn, who is one of the three playable characters.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is one of the three playable characters, as well as narrator for most of the game. He is versatile in both melee and ranged attacks. Viggo Mortensen reprises his role from the film trilogy.<br />
<br />
'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable character, his storyline is dubbed "Path of a King". He journey through Paths of the Dead with Legolas and Gimli, later they fight on Pelennor fields and at the Black Gate. Chris Edgerly takes over for Mortensen as Aragorn's voice actor.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring|Sierra's War of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a Hero Unit for the Free People side. He is present in Lothlorien, Battle of Hornburg and Siege of the Minas Morgul.<br />
<br />
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a Hero Unit for the Rohan faction in skirmishes, he also accompanies the Fellowship in the storyline mode.<br />
<br />
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is now the Hero for the Men of the West faction.<br />
<br />
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''<br />
:In the Prologue, Aragorn saves Men/Hobbit characters from brigands, but is forced to leave soon, as he has to intercept Frodo in Bree. Later arriving at the Prancing Pony, the characters meet him again and help him looking in surrounding area for Hobbits, who did not arrive in time. When player returns, Aragorn and the Hobbits already departed, and their next meeting is in Rivendell, where Aragorn entrusts the player with defence of the North while the Fellowship is gone. Later, in [[Lothlórien]], Aragorn is seen residing in [[Caras Galadhon]]<br />
<br />
'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable hero available in several missions.<br />
<br />
'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is an important character of the game, and is mentioned as one of the much honored heroes of the [[War of the Ring]] in the introduction of the game.<ref name="Prologue">[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Prologue''</ref><br />
:He is a friend of two of the game's main characters, [[Eradan (video game character)|Eradan]] and [[Andriel]]. Aragorn had met [[Andriel]] during his visits at [[Rivendell]],<ref name="Backstory Andriel">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.warinthenorth.com/the-game/heroes/backstory#elfAnchor|articlename=Elven Character: Andriel's History|dated=|website=War in the North|accessed=25 December 2011}}</ref> while he had met Eradan, when he served as Ranger at Sarn Ford. Aragorn was impressed by his skills and bravery, and taught him much about tracking. Eradan was a companion of Aragorn on many of his journeys. Aragorn trusted Eradan much, though he never told him what the reason was behind the protection of [[the Shire]].<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.warinthenorth.com/the-game/heroes/backstory#dunedainAnchor|articlename=Human Character: Eradan's History|dated=|website=War in the North|accessed=24 December 2011}}</ref><br />
<br />
:Eradan, Andriel and [[Farin (video game character)|Farin]] meet Aragorn in the Prancing Pony to warn him, on Halbarad's request, after the Nazgûl attacked and defeated the [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] at [[Sarn Ford]], and entered the Shire. They also tell him about an conservation between the Witch-king and [[Agandaûr]], which the three heroes overheard shortly after the attack. Agandaûr summoned the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] and assembled an army in [[Fornost]], which plans to aid the Nazgûl in their search to [[the One Ring]]. Aragorn sends Eradan, Andriel and Farin to Fornost, to stop Agandaûr and his army.<ref name="Prologue"/> While Eradan, Andriel, Farin, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]] stopped Agandaûr's army,<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Chapter 1: Fornost''</ref> Aragorn met with [[Frodo Baggins]] and left Bree.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Chapter 2: The Barrow Downs'', Bree</ref><br />
<br />
'''2012: ''[[Lego|Lego The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''<br />
:A mini figure of Aragorn is included in the [[Lego#Sets|sets]] '''Attack at Weathertop''', '''The Battle of Helm's Deep''', '''The Battle at the Black gate''', and '''The Pirate ship ambush'''.<ref name="2012 sets">{{webcite|author=Calisuri|articleurl=http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/02/12/53563-more-lord-of-the-rings-lego-details-from-toy-fare-2012/|articlename=More Lord of the Rings LEGO Details from Toy Fare 2012|dated=12 February 2012|website=TORN|accessed=18 February 2012}}</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Timeline of Aragorn]]<br />
*[http://dare.ubvu.vu.nl/bitstream/1871/10975/1/Aragorn_Final.pdf "Aragorn Seen Through Different Media"] by [[Connie Veugen]], comparing the introduction of Strider in Ralph Bakshi's film, the 1981 BBC radio play, Peter Jackson's film and [[Vivendi]]'s [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|video game]] of ''The Fellowship of the Ring.<br />
{{References|notes}}<br />
<br />
==Titles==<br />
{{seq-start}}<br />
{{seq-head<br />
| race=arnorian<br />
| house=[[House of Isildur]]<small><br/>Cadet branch of [[House of Elros]]</small><br />
| born=[[1 March]], {{TA|2931}}<br />
| died={{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prow=2<br />
| prev=[[Arathorn II]]<br />
| list=16th [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2933}} – [[1 May]], {{TA|3019|n}}<br />
| next=Position abolished<br />
| nvac=None<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| list=39th [[Heir of Isildur|Heir]] of [[Isildur]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2933}} - [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
| next=[[Eldarion]]<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prev=[[Gandalf]]<br />
| list=Leader of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]<br />
| dates=[[15 January]] - [[22 August]], {{TA|3019}}<br />
| next=Position abolished<br />
| nvac=None<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Eärnur]]''', 969 years earlier<br />
| list=34th [[Kings of Gondor|King of Gondor]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
| next=[[Eldarion]]<br />
| nrow=4<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Eärendur (King of Arnor)|Eärendur]]''', 2,158 years earlier<br />
| list=11th [[Kings of Arnor|King of Arnor]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Isildur]]''', 3,017 years earlier<br />
| list=1st [[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]] of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=None<br />
| prev=New title<br />
| list=Head of the [[House of Telcontar]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq-end}}{{councilofelrond}}{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}{{northernline}}{{southernline}}<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]<br />
[[Category:Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]<br />
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]<br />
[[Category:House of Isildur]]<br />
[[Category:House of Telcontar| ]]<br />
[[Category:Mariners]]<br />
[[Category:Rulers of Arnor]]<br />
[[Category:Rulers of Gondor]]<br />
[[Category:Sindarin names]]<br />
[[Category:Third Age characters]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Aragorn II.]]<br />
[[fi:Aragorn II]]<br />
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/hommes/3adunedain/dunedain_du_nord/aragorn_ii]]</div>MikeyofGondorhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Aragorn&diff=344974Aragorn2022-04-10T02:32:13Z<p>MikeyofGondor: /* Equipment and skills */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig-two|the King of [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]]|[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]|[[Aragorn I]]}}<br />
{{sources}}<br />
{{arnorian infobox<br />
| name=Aragorn<br />
| image=[[File:John Howe - Elessar.jpg|250px]]<br />
| caption="Elessar" by [[John Howe]]<br />
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|[ˈaraɡorn]}}<br />
| othernames=Aragorn II, ''[[Elessar]]'', [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]], ''[[Thorongil]]'' (''[[Aragorn#Names and titles|see below]]'')<br />
| titles=[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]<br/>[[High King of the Dúnedain]]<br>[[King of Gondor and Arnor]]<Ref>{{S|Rings}}</ref><br>[[King of the West]]<ref>{{App|Great}}</ref><Br>Lord of the [[Westlands]]<br />
| position=[[Rangers of the North|Ranger]]<br />
| location=[[Rivendell]]<br/>[[Gondor]]<br>[[Arnor]]<br />
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]<br />
| language=[[Westron]], [[Sindarin]], [[Quenya]]<br />
| birth=[[1 March]] {{TA|2931}}<br />
| birthlocation=[[Eriador]]<br />
| rule={{TA|2933}} - {{TA|3019|n}} (Chieftain)<br/>{{TA|3019}} - {{FoA|120}} (King)<br />
| death={{FoA|120}}<br />
| deathlocation=[[Gondor]]<br />
| age=210<br />
| notablefor=Reuniting the [[Reunited Kingdom|Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor]]<br />
| house=[[House of Isildur]], founded the [[House of Telcontar]]<br />
| parentage=[[Arathorn II]], father <br/> [[Gilraen]], mother <br/> [[Elrond]], foster father<br />
| siblings=<br />
| spouse=[[Arwen]]<br />
| children=[[Eldarion]] and at least two daughters<ref name="Tale">{{App|Tale}}</ref><br />
| gender=Male<br />
| height=6'6<nowiki>''</nowiki> (198cm)<ref name="RC">{{HM|RC}}, p. 272 citing from a note written by J.R.R. Tolkien approximately in 1969</ref><br />
| hair=Dark, flecked with grey<ref name="Sign">{{FR|Sign}}</ref> <br />
| eyes=Grey<ref name="Sign"/><br />
| clothing=High leather boots, dark-green cloak (As a [[Rangers of the North|Ranger]])<ref name="Sign"/><br>Pure white mantle, black mail girt with silver (As a King)<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref><br />
| weapons=[[Andúril]]<br />
| steed=[[Roheryn]] and [[Hasufel]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
<center>{{quote|Tall as the sea-kings of old, he stood above all that were near; ancient of days he seemed and yet in the flower of manhood; and wisdom sat upon his brow, and strength and healing were in his hands, and a light was about him.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Steward and the King]]"}}</center><br />
'''Aragorn II''' was the son of [[Arathorn II]] and [[Gilraen]]. He was the last [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]] and a direct descendant through many<ref group="note">Aragorn II is of the 39th generation descended from Isildur, through 23 generations of the Kings of Arnor and Arthedain (beginning with [[Valandil]] and ending with [[Arvedui]]) and 15 generations of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain (beginning with [[Aranarth]] and ending with Arathorn II).</ref> generations of [[Isildur]], the last [[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]] of both [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Aragorn would become the greatest [[Men|Man]] of his time, leading the [[Dúnedain|Men of the West]] against [[Sauron]]'s forces, helping to destroy [[the One Ring]], and reuniting the [[Reunited Kingdom|Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor]]. <br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early Life===<br />
Aragorn was born in {{TA|2931}} to the Chieftain Arathorn, and received the name Aragorn. His grandmother, [[Ivorwen]], noted with foresight that Aragorn would one day wear on his breast a green stone.<ref>{{PM|Foreword}}</ref><br />
<br />
A legend says that the [[Wizards|Wizard]] [[Gandalf]] had brought [[Elfstone|such a stone]], called the Elessar, from [[Valinor]]. He gave the Elessar to the [[Elves|Elven]] Lady [[Galadriel]], and remarked prophetically that she would pass it to another, who will also be called Elessar.<ref>{{UT|6}}</ref> From this would come Aragorn's royal name ''Elessar'' ([[Quenya]] for "Elfstone").<br />
<br />
When Aragorn was two years old, his father was slain when an [[Orcs|Orc]] arrow pierced his eye. As was the tradition of his people, Aragorn was fostered in [[Rivendell]] by [[Elrond]] as if he was his own son. The [[Wise]] decided that his identity was to be kept secret, as he would be vulnerable to [[Sauron|the Enemy]]. Aragorn was called '''''[[Estel]]''''' ([[Sindarin]] for "Hope") instead. During his life in Rivendell he accompanied the sons of Elrond, [[Elrohir]] and [[Elladan]], on their journeys.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
[[File:Stephen Hickman - Aragorn and Arwen.jpg|thumb|left|''Aragorn and Arwen'' by [[Stephen Hickman]]]]<br />
"Estel" grew to be fair and noble, and was seemingly more mature than his age. When Aragorn was twenty-one years old, after returning from a journey with the [[twins]] in {{TA|2952}}, Elrond decided to reveal his true name and ancestry. As part of this revelation, Elrond delivered to him the heirlooms of [[House of Isildur|his House]]: the shards of [[Narsil]] and the [[Ring of Barahir]]. Elrond also said that he should earn the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]]. The next day, full of hope, Aragorn was sitting in the forest singing a part of the ''[[Lay of Leithian|Lay of Lúthien]]''; as he sang of the meeting [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]], [[Arwen]], daughter of Elrond, who had newly returned from [[Lothlórien]], appeared to him. Aragorn thought that Lúthien herself had appeared, and fell in love.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
===Life as a Ranger===<br />
Estel took up his proper name as Aragorn, sixteenth of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, and after he took leave of his mother and Elrond he went into [[The Wild]].<ref name="Tale"/> In {{TA|2953}} he was not present in Rivendell for the last meeting of the [[White Council]]. Aragorn met [[Gandalf|Gandalf the Grey]] in {{TA|2956}}, and they became great friends.<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref> At Gandalf's advice he started to become interested in [[the Shire]] and became known as '''''Strider''''' in this region.<br />
[[File:Catherine Chmiel - Ecthelion,Thorongil and Boromir study.jpg|thumb|right|''"Thorongil" with Ecthelion II'' by [[Catherine Karina Chmiel]]]]<br />
From {{TA|2957}} to {{TA|2980}} Aragorn took great journeys aiding the [[West]] against [[Sauron]] and his allies. After serving King [[Thengel]] of [[Rohan]], he went to [[Ruling Steward|Steward]] [[Ecthelion II]] of [[Gondor]],<ref name="TA"/> who was in dire need of able men to guard his realm from Mordor. Aragorn kept his identity secret but as he wore a silver star upon his cloak, and was swift and keen-eyed, the [[Gondorians]] called him '''''Thorongil''''' (Sindarin for "Eagle of the Star"). He was a great leader by land and sea and Ecthelion trusted and loved him most. Some believed that there was rivalry between him and the Steward's son, [[Denethor]], who probably knew his identity as [[Heir of Isildur]], and suspected that he and Gandalf worked to supplant him. Thorongil however saw himself only as the servant of the Steward, whom he advised to not trust [[Saruman]] and instead to welcome Gandalf (whom Denethor didn't trust or love).<br />
<br />
Ecthelion was anticipating an attack from Sauron who had just returned, and Thorongil warned him that in that event the [[Southern Fiefs]] would be vulnerable to the [[Corsairs of Umbar]]. He was allowed by Ecthelion to take few ships and lead an [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|attack against Umbar]]; at night he burned many ships, and in a fight slew the [[Captain of the Haven]] with only few casualties. Great honour awaited him in [[Minas Tirith]] but he did not return; while in [[Pelargir]], he sent a farewell message to Ecthelion, speaking of other tasks calling him, and saying that fate would not bring him again to Gondor soon. To the grief and wonder of his companions he crossed the [[Anduin]] and was last seen staring at the [[Mountains of Shadow]].<ref>{{App|Stewards}}</ref> He left Gondor to travel into the far East and South "exploring the hearts of men good and evil" and learning about the "plots and devices" of the servants of the Dark Lord. His exploits ensured the survival of the [[West]] much later during the [[War of the Ring]].<br />
<br />
Later in 2980 on his return to Rivendell he entered [[Lothlórien]], and there once again met Arwen in [[Caras Galadhon]]. For one season they wandered together in Lothlórien. At midsummer he gave her the heirloom of his House, the [[Ring of Barahir]], and Arwen pledged her hand to him in marriage.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
Elrond gave his foster-son permission to marry his daughter, on the condition that he must first become king of both Gondor and Arnor, for only a king would be worthy of Arwen's hand. This harsh condition had a precedent: King [[Thingol]]'s request that [[Beren]] obtain a [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] from [[Morgoth]] before marrying his daughter [[Lúthien]].<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
===Hunt for Gollum===<br />
In the year {{TA|3001}}, as a now revealed [[Sauron]] continued to regain power in [[Mordor]], Aragorn began assisting [[Gandalf]] in his search for news of [[Gollum]]. Gandalf suspected that the ring [[Bilbo Baggins]] found near Gollum's lake was in fact [[the One Ring]]. In {{TA|3007}}, he briefly returned to [[Eriador]] where he visited his mother for the last time. She died before that year's spring. <br />
<br />
In {{TA|3009}} Gandalf and Aragorn renewed their hunt for Gollum, searching intermittently in the [[vales of Anduin]], [[Mirkwood]], and [[Rhovanion]], even to the confines of [[Mordor]], without knowing that around that time Gollum ventured into Mordor, and was captured by Sauron.<ref name="TA"/> [[Third Age 3017|After eight years]] Gollum was released and Aragorn finally overtook him in the [[Dead Marshes]]<ref name="TA"/> on [[1 February]]. With Gollum he travelled through the northern [[Emyn Muil]], to prevent being found by Sauron's spies, and crossed the Anduin at the [[Sarn Gebir]]. He travelled further north along the edges of [[Fangorn Forest]] and through Lothlórien,<ref name="UT">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref> where the Elves sent a message to Gandalf.<ref>{{UT|Hunt}}, Note 5</ref> He travelled alongside the Anduin to the north until he arrived at the [[Carrock]]. With the aid of the [[Beornings]] he crossed the Anduin with Gollum and entered [[Mirkwood]]. He took Gollum to [[Thranduil]] to be held captive.<ref name="UT"/><ref name="TA"/> He then returned west where he met with Gandalf at [[Sarn Ford]] and learned of [[Frodo Baggins]]' plan to leave the Shire with the Ring in late September. Aragorn then continued his own journey.<ref name="Strider">{{FR|Strider}}</ref><br />
<br />
===War of the Ring===<br />
When Aragorn returned to his area, the [[Elves]] who followed [[Gildor Inglorion]] told Aragorn the [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] had been seen, and Gandalf had been missing and there were no messages from him. Aragorn and his [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] kept watch over the border of [[the Shire]] and the [[East Road]] waiting for sight of Frodo but there was no news of them leaving [[Buckland]].<ref name="Strider"/><br />
<br />
While staying in [[Bree]], Aragorn crossed the paths of four hobbits in [[The Prancing Pony]]. Aragorn watched as the hobbits clumsily hid their names and intentions, and as [[Frodo Baggins]], the leader of the party, fell from a table and disappeared as he put the ring on. Aragorn, whose name was given as Strider, seemed to show no surprise, only annoyance at Frodo’s foolish vanishing act. He arranged for an interview that night, where he warned them of the Black Riders and [[Bill Ferny]], then bluntly requested that they use him as a guide. After some consideration, and a note given them by the forgetful [[Barliman Butterbur]] from Gandalf condoning him, Frodo agreed.<br />
[[File:Jef Murray - Amon Sûl.jpg|thumb|left|[[Jef Murray]] - ''Amon Sûl'']]<br />
Aragorn’s plan to reach Rivendell was to first head toward [[Archet]] and bear right to [[Weathertop]]. After the ambush at Weathertop and the wounding of Frodo, [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] took over the position as leader of the Hobbits. After a while they met [[Glorfindel]], a friend of Aragorn’s, and it was not much later that they arrived in Rivendell.<br />
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Reforging of the Sword.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - ''The Reforging of the Sword'']]<br />
After the Council of Elrond Aragorn became a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. As a preparation for his travel, the ancient shards of [[Narsil]], the heirloom of his House, were reforged after 3 millennia. Aragorn carried the Sword Reforged, and renamed it [[Andúril]]. <br />
<br />
Aragorn's intentions were to travel with the company for a while before returning to [[Gondor]] with [[Boromir]]. Aragorn encouraged the taking of the [[Caradhras|Redhorn Pass]], which ended in disaster. He reluctantly conceded to Gandalf’s choice to pass through [[Moria]], though his sense of foresight warned him for Gandalf. Indeed, after Gandalf fell into the abyss with [[Durin's Bane]], Aragorn was naturally elected leader of the company, despite some resentment by Boromir.<br />
<br />
====Leading the Fellowship of the Ring====<br />
Aragorn again amazed the rest of the Fellowship by his apparent closeness to the people of [[Lothlórien]], and his friendship with [[Celeborn]] and [[Galadriel]]. At their departure, Galadriel offered him the [[Elfstone]] as a wedding gift from the family of the Elven bride to the groom, foretelling his marriage to Arwen.<ref>{{MR|P3II3}}</ref> It was worn by Aragorn ever after and from that he later took the name '''Elessar'''.<br />
<br />
Even at the [[Rauros|Falls of Rauros]] he was undecided, leaving it to Frodo for the final decision. For though it was obvious he wished to go to [[Minas Tirith]] with Boromir, he yet felt that it was his duty to go where the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]] chose.<br />
<br />
[[File:Inger Edelfeldt - Death of Boromir.jpg|thumb|200px|right|''Death of Boromir'' by [[Inger Edelfeldt]]]]<br />
After Frodo escaped him and Boromir perished, he with the remaining members of the Fellowship, namely [[Legolas]] and [[Gimli]], chose to try and save [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] from the [[Uruk-hai]] that had ambushed them, forming the group that would later be known as the [[Three Hunters]].<br />
<br />
He met [[Éomer]] in the fields of [[Rohan]], and an instant friendship formed, both feeling the honesty and lordliness of the other. Éomer took a risk for his sake, giving him horses, with the promise that one day soon Aragorn would return to [[Edoras]]. Aragorn, tracking the Hobbits, followed into Fangorn Forest, where he met the resurrected [[Gandalf|Gandalf the White]]. After the restoration of [[Théoden]], he rode to [[Helm's Deep]] to fight in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]]. There he, alongside his new-found “brother” Éomer, and King Théoden, marshaled the defence against [[Saruman]]’s army. His revealed majesty upon the battlements of the Hornburg as he waited for the dawn caused some of the [[Dunlendings|Wild men]] to pause and shudder, and he heralded the return of Gandalf with [[Erkenbrand]].<br />
<br />
After Pippin’s terrifying experience with the [[Orthanc-stone]], Gandalf presented it in a formal manner to Aragorn, its rightful master, who hinted that it would be used by him eventually. After the departure of Gandalf and Pippin to Minas Tirith, he rode for a while longer with Théoden, meeting up with his friend [[Halbarad]] of the North, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], and a company of staunch and fearless Rangers. Elladan and Elrohir gave him a message from Elrond: "''The days are short. If thou art in haste, remember the [[Paths of the Dead]]''". Halbarad bore a gift from the Lady Arwen – the [[Standard of Elendil]]. Aragorn knew the path set before him.<br />
<br />
====Return of the King====<br />
A little while later Aragorn took his companions and his rangers and set out for [[Dunharrow]], departing from the King’s company. His course was clear: to take the Paths of the Dead, to summon the [[Oathbreakers|Dead Men]]. In Dunharrow, he met the lady [[Éowyn]], who had fallen in love with him. After making it clear that he could not accept her love, he turned towards the evil road with the dawn.<br />
<br />
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Thus Came Aragorn.jpg|thumb|right|''Thus Came Aragorn'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]<br />
The [[Grey Company]] passed through the [[Dark Door]] and the [[Dwimorberg]], the Dead following, and coming at last to the [[Stone of Erech]], Aragorn summoned them to his aid. They drew their swords and blew their horns in answer, and swept down upon the [[Corsairs of Umbar|Corsairs]] at [[Pelargir]] drove the mariners away. Aragorn released them, and took the [[Black Ships]] north to Minas Tirith, where the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] raged. The Standard of Elendil broke forth, and his Dúnedain swept down, giving the final blow to the army of [[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]. The counter-attacked army of [[Sauron]] crumbled utterly. But Aragorn did not enter the city.<br />
<br />
Aragorn, furling his banner, appointed [[Imrahil]] the temporary lord of the City, as the law demanded. Eventually, however, Aragorn did come to the [[Houses of Healing]], where he tended and restored Merry, Éowyn, and [[Faramir]], in accordance with the prophecy “''The hands of the king are the hands of a healer, and so shall the rightful king be known''”. Many of the people of Minas Tirith came to Aragorn and followed him, asking that he heal those they knew. Aragorn worked late into the night, before finally leaving the city, hooded and cloaked. When in the morning the people saw the banner of [[Dol Amroth]], they wondered if the Return of the King had been but a dream.<ref name=Houses>{{RK|Houses}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[File:Inger Edelfeldt - The Crowning of Aragorn.jpg|thumb|left|''The Crowning of Aragorn'' by [[Inger Edelfeldt]]]]<br />
Aragorn held [[Last Debate|council]] with his trusted companions, namely Gandalf, Éomer, Imrahil, and Elrond’s sons – Halbarad had fallen in battle. He agreed to draw forth the forces of [[Mordor]] for the benefit of the [[Quest of the Ring]], and so arranged matters for the [[Battle of the Morannon]]. After the destruction of the Ring in [[Mount Doom|Orodruin]] and victory at the [[Morannon]], Aragorn returned at last in the triumphant manner that befitted his position. He was crowned at the gates of Minas Tirith, winning the hearts of the people of [[Gondor]].<br />
<br />
===Reign as Elessar===<br />
Aragorn ruled the [[Reunited Kingdom]] of Gondor and Arnor until year 120 of the [[Fourth Age]]. <br />
<br />
Some days after his coronation, Gandalf took Elessar up the slopes of Mount [[Mindolluin]], and there he found the scion of [[Nimloth of Númenor|Nimloth]], the symbol of his mastery of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]. Elrond and Arwen came to Gondor and Elrond gave Elessar the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]] signifying the Kingship of Arnor. He wedded Arwen on Midsummer's day of 3019, and then was forced to bid his old friends farewell. He turned back to his new kingdom as the [[Fourth Age]] dawned and the Ringbearers left the shores of Middle-earth forever.<br />
<br />
One of his first tasks in the re-ordering of his realm was the restoration of [[Orthanc]] and ordered the [[Orthanc-stone]] to be returned there. With this opportunity, many secrets and hoarded treasures were revealed including the [[Elendilmir]] which Saruman took from Isildur's body. Elessar received the Elemdilmir with reverence and took it with him as he established his full kingship of [[Arnor]].<ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref><br />
<br />
Elessar gave his [[Steward]] Faramir the title [[Lord of Emyn Arnen]] and created him as [[Prince of Ithilien]]<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref>. He declared the [[Drúadan Forest]] to belong to the [[Drúedain]] and a protected enclave of his Kingdom.<ref>{{RK|Partings}}</ref> He also re-established the Great [[Council of Gondor]] whose chief councellor was the Steward<ref>{{L|244}}</ref>. He also renewed the [[Oath of Cirion]] with Éomer.<br />
<br />
As for [[the Shire]], he declared it a Free Land under the protection of the Northern Sceptre and forbid Men from entering it. He appointed the [[Thain]], the [[Master of Buckland]], and the [[Mayor of Michel Delving]] Counsellors of the North-kingdom. Also he offered to the Shire the [[Westmarch|lands]] up to the [[Tower Hills|Emyn Beraid]].<ref name=later>{{App|Later}}</ref><br />
<br />
He founded the royal [[House of Telcontar]], he had a son, [[Eldarion]], and a number of daughters.<br />
<br />
King Elessar died after 210 years of life and 122 years of rule and was succeeded by his son [[Eldarion]]. His wife Arwen, now mortal, gave up her life shortly afterwards in year 121, aged 2,901.<br />
<br />
==Personality==<br />
<br />
Aragorn was a wise, calm, well-mannered, yet proud and stern man who held his heritage in high regard and was willing to do whatever he can to help his friends. He was the "hardiest of living Men" during his time.<br />
<br />
His reverance for his heritage was such that it nearly led to complications when arriving in Rohan and was forced to surrender his sword, ''[[Anduril]]'' ''(The King of the Golden Hall)'' and revealed himself as the Heir of ''[Isildur]]'' to ''[[Eomer]]'' when confronting him. ''(The Riders of Rohan)''. He also possessed Elven wisdom due to being raised in Rivendell, and the foresight of the Dúnedain. He also had a nigh indomitable strength of will, as he was able to psychically challenge ''[[Sauron]]'' for control of the palantir, and emerged victorious. ''(The Passing of the Grey Company)''.<br />
<br />
==Equipment and skills==<br />
<br />
Aragorn was a swordsman of extraordinary, nigh <br />
unparalleled skill, to the point that he was considered the greatest swordsman of the ''[[Third Age]]'', surpassing the likes of ''[[Boromir]]'', ''[[Faramir]]'', and possibly ''[[Elrond]]'', despite all three being skilled swordsmen in their own right. He was also trained in the use of bows and spears, despite his preference for swordplay. His skill was such that he can take on any enemy from Orcs to the Nine Ringwraiths. Aragorn was a highly skilled and well-respected leader and King to the point that he restored ''[[Minas Tirith]]'' along with the rest of ''[[Gondor]]'' to its former glory and made peace with enemies who surrendered. He was a master military tactician and commander, capable of leading his army to victory at the ''[[Black Gate]]'', and aiding in the victories at ''[[Helm's Deep]]'', and the ''[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]'', coming out unscathed after the latter ended, along with ''[[Eomer]]'', and ''[[Imrahil]]''. ''([[The Battle of the Pelennor Fields]])''. In addition to his military prowess, he was also a skilled healer, particularly with the plant ''[[athelas]]'', as he was able to heal ''[[Eowyn]] and ''[[Faramir]]'' after both of them suffered ''[[Black Breath]]''. (''[[The Houses of Healing]]''), and even sustain the effects of ''[[Frodo']]'''s wound by a ''[[Morgul blade]]'' long enough for the latter to receive further treatment in ''[[Rivendell]]''.<br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
{{Pronounce|Aragorn Elessar.mp3|Ardamir}}<br />
'''''Aragorn''''' is a [[Sindarin]] name. It means "revered king".<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 31 entry S ''Ara(n)gorn''</ref><ref name=PE17Turgond>{{PE|17}}, p. 113 entry S '''Turgond-'''</ref> It contains the phonetic reduction ''ara'' of ''[[aran]]'' ("king") and the adjective ''[[gorn|(n)gorn]]'' ("dreaded, revered").<ref name=PE17Turgond/><br />
<br />
This clear etymology from Tolkien was not revealed until the publication in 2007 of "Words, Phrases & Passages in ''The Lord of the Rings''", a late 1950s manuscript. Before that, several theories were proposed:<br />
*[[Ruth S. Noel]] and several others proposed "King of the Tree",<ref>[[Ruth S. Noel]], ''[[The Languages of Tolkien's Middle-earth]]'', p. 114</ref> but Tolkien specifically said that this was not the case.<ref>{{L|347}}</ref> <br />
*[[David Salo]] deduces "Having Kingly Valor"<ref>[[David Salo]], ''[[A Gateway to Sindarin]]'', p. 341</ref> from Tolkien's cryptic "'Kingly Valour' (for so is that name interpreted)".<ref>{{PM|Foreword}}, p. xii</ref> This is still the most often cited etymology; Robert Ireland's ''[[A Tolkien Dictionary]]'' gives the variation "Royal Zeal".<ref>Robert Ireland, ''[[A Tolkien Dictionary]]'', [http://www.quicksilver899.com/Tolkien/LOTR/LOTR_AC.html The Lord of the Rings A-C].</ref><br />
*[[Carl F. Hostetter]] proposed the meanings "King of the Globe" or "King of the Hill" in his analysis of the [[King's Letter]].<ref>[[Carl F. Hostetter]], "The 'King's Letter': An Historical and Comparative Analysis", [[Vinyar Tengwar 31|''Vinyar Tengwar'' 31]], p. 18</ref><br />
<br />
The [[Quenya]] form of ''Aragorn'' was '''''Arakorno'''''.<ref name="WP">{{PE|17}}, p. 70 f. entry Q '''ar''' in the translation of the sentence into Quenya ''Sanome tarne Olórin, Arakorno, [...]''</ref><br />
<br />
==Other names==<br />
* '''Aragorn II''' - Aragorn's name as [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]. He was likely named after [[Aragorn I]].<br />
* [[Thorongil]] - [[Sindarin|S]] "Eagle of the Star", a pseudonym used in [[Gondor]] and [[Rohan]]. Pronounced {{IPA|[θoˈroŋɡil]}}.<br />
* '''Elessar''' - [[Quenya|Q]] "Elfstone", Aragorn's name as a king. Despite popular use as such, Aragorn was never known as "Aragorn Elessar", "Aragorn II Elessar" or "[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|King Aragorn]]". Pronounced {{IPA|[eˈlesːar]}}.<br />
* '''Edhelharn''' - The [[Sindarin]] equivalent of Elessar, used in the King's Letter.<ref>{{SD|XI2}}, p. 128ff</ref> Pronounced {{IPA|[eˈðel.harn]}}.<br />
* [[Elfstone]] - The [[Westron|Common Speech]] version of the previous two. <br />
* [[Envinyatar|''Envinyatar'']] - [[Quenya|Q]] "the Renewer".<br />
* [[Estel]] - [[Quenya|Q]]. Usually glossed as "Hope", the concept ''estel'' more widely means "hope, trust, a temper of mind, steady fixed in purpose, and difficult to dissuade and unlikely to fall into despair or abandon its purpose". Pronounced {{IPA|[ˈestel]}}.<br />
* [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]] - A sobriquet given by the men of [[Bree]]. Aragorn used it mockingly.<br />
* '''Wingfoot''' - An honorary name given by [[Éomer]] after the pursuit of the [[Uruk-hai]] through the [[Eastemnet]].<ref>{{TT|III2}}</ref><br />
* [[Telcontar]] - A [[Quenya]] form of "Strider", this was the name of Elessar's Royal House. It was not used independently. Pronounced {{IPA|[telˈkontar]}}.<br />
* [[Heir of Isildur|Isildur's Heir]] - A poetic address, as he was the heir of [[Isildur]]. <br />
* '''The Dúnadan''' - "[[Dúnedain|Man of the West]]", a name given by [[Bilbo Baggins]] when their friendship evolved. <br />
* '''Longshanks''' - another, though less frequently used, sobriquet in Bree, ascribed to [[Bill Ferny]]. The legs of the [[Bree-landers|Bree-men]] were shorter than the legs of the [[Dúnedain]].<br />
* '''Arakorno''' - A rare Quenya form of Aragorn, which only appeared in a discussion about the words for Quenya.<ref name="WP"/> Pronounced {{IPA|[ˌaraˈkorno]}}.<br />
<br />
==Genealogy==<br />
{{familytree/start}}<br />
{{familytree | EAR |y| ELW | | GAL |y| CEL |GAL=[[Galadriel]]|CEL=[[Celeborn]]|EAR=[[Eärendil]]|ELW=[[Elwing]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |)|-|-|-|.| | | |!| | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ROS | | RON |y| CLB | | |ROS=[[Elros]]|RON=[[Elrond]]|CLB=[[Celebrían]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | KON | | | | |!| | | | | |KON=<small>''[[Kings of Númenor]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | LOA | | | | |!| | | | | |LOA=<small>''[[Lords of Andúnië]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ELE | | | | |!| | | | | |ELE=[[Elendil]]}}<br />
{{familytree | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ISI | | ANA | | |!| | | | | |ISI=[[Isildur]]|ANA=[[Anárion]]}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |:| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | KOA | | KOG | | |!| | | | | |KOA=<small>''[[Kings of Arnor]]''</small>|KOG=<small>''[[Kings of Gondor]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |:| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | KOA | | OND | | |!| | | | | |OND=[[Ondoher]]|KOA=<small>''[[Kings of Arthedain]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |!| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ARV |V| FIR | | |!| | | | | |ARV=[[Arvedui]]|FIR=[[Fíriel]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | COD | | | | |!| | | | | |COD=<small>''[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ART |y| GIL |!| | | | | |ART=[[Arathorn II]]|GIL=[[Gilraen]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |!| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | ARA |y| ARW | | | | |ARA='''ARAGORN '''|ARW=[[Arwen]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | ELD | | SDS | | | | |ELD=[[Eldarion]]|SDS=''several sisters''}}<br />
{{familytree/end}}<br />
===Relation to Arwen===<br />
Arwen was a very distant cousin of Aragorn. By their marriage, the long-sundered lines of the [[Half-elven]] were joined.<ref name="Numenor">{{App|A1i}}</ref> Their union also served to unite and preserve the bloodlines of the kings of the three kindreds of the High Elves ([[Ingwë]], [[Finwë]], and brothers [[Elwë]], [[Olwë]], and [[Elmo]]) as well as the only line with [[Maiar]]in blood through Arwen's great-great-grandmother, [[Melian]]. There were at least two marriages between descendants of Elendil in Aragorn's ancestry, so Aragorn was related to Arwen by blood along at least three lines.<br />
<br />
Through his father, Arathorn II, Aragorn was Arwen's first cousin sixty-two times removed through his ancestor Arvedui and sixty-seven times removed through his ancestor Fíriel. Both of these lines descend through four<ref name="Numenor"/> generations of the Kings of Númenor, Silmariën, eighteen<ref>{{UT|Kings}}</ref> generations of the Lords of Andúnië, and Elendil, as well as Aranarth and fifteen<ref name="North">{{App|North}}</ref> succeeding generations of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, including Aragorn himself. Aragorn's mother Gilraen also descended from Aranarth,<ref name="North"/> but the number of generations between them is unknown.<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
In the earliest unpublished versions of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' (see ''[[The History of The Lord of the Rings]]''), the character that later became Aragorn was called '''''[[Trotter]]''''' instead of Strider, and was a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] instead of a [[Men|Man]]. He had wooden feet, because he had once traveled to Mordor and been tortured there.<br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
{{Gallery<br />
|title=Aragorn in adaptations<br />
|height=150<br />
|width=250<br />
|lines=2<br />
|File:War in Middle Earth - Aragorn and Frodo against a Nazgul.png|Aragorn with [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Strider.jpg|Strider in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]<br />
|File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Aragorn.JPG|Aragorn in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''<br />
|File:2011-12-23 00061.jpg|Aragorn in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''<br />
|File:LEGO Aragorn poster.png|Aragorn as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''<br />
}}<br />
<br />
===Films===<br />
'''1978: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]'':'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[John Hurt]]. Some critics have accused this character of looking too much like a [[wikipedia:Stereotypes_of_Native_Americans|Native American stereotype]].{{Citation needed}}<br />
<br />
'''1980: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn was voiced by [[Theodore Bikel]] in the 1980 [[Rankin/Bass]] animated film.<br />
<br />
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is played by [[Viggo Mortensen]], though [[Stuart Townsend]] was originally cast in the role. Townsend was deemed too young. Mortensen had just two weeks to train for his first scene, the standoff with the [[Nazgûl]] at [[Weathertop]]. Utilizing the modern "reluctant hero" trope, Mortensen portrays Aragorn full of self-doubt, while he is much more sure of himself in the book. <br />
<br />
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn's part is this film is largely similar to the events in book. The most significant difference is that, in the book, there was no [[Wargs|Warg]] attack on the party traveling to Helm's Deep and Aragorn did not fall down a cliff.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn finally steps into his role as king after having a lot of self-doubt beforehand. <br />
<br />
'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''<br />
:Although he is not physically present, he is mentioned by [[Thranduil]] to his son, [[Legolas]]. Thranduil tells Legolas to seek a young ranger known as "Strider" and that Legolas would have to discover Strider's true name for himself. In the continuity of the films, Aragorn would have been 27 rather than a ten-year-old child.<br />
<br />
===Television===<br />
'''1993: [[Hobitit|''Hobitit'']]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is portrayed by [[Kari Väänänen]],the same actor who played [[Gollum]] in the series.<br />
<br />
===Radio Series===<br />
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[Godfrey Kenton]].<br />
<br />
'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[Tom Luce]].<br />
<br />
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn was voiced by [[Robert Stephens]]. For his early scenes, according to [[John McAndrew]] (Pippin) Stephens adopted an accurate Bristol accent to help suggest the disguise Strider adopted in Bree.<br />
<br />
'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by Boris Farkaš.<br />
<br />
===Games===<br />
'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable character. He has brown hair and is bearded, he bears a golden sword.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:[[Daran Norris]] provided the voice of Aragorn, who is one of the three playable characters.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is one of the three playable characters, as well as narrator for most of the game. He is versatile in both melee and ranged attacks. Viggo Mortensen reprises his role from the film trilogy.<br />
<br />
'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable character, his storyline is dubbed "Path of a King". He journey through Paths of the Dead with Legolas and Gimli, later they fight on Pelennor fields and at the Black Gate. Chris Edgerly takes over for Mortensen as Aragorn's voice actor.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring|Sierra's War of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a Hero Unit for the Free People side. He is present in Lothlorien, Battle of Hornburg and Siege of the Minas Morgul.<br />
<br />
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a Hero Unit for the Rohan faction in skirmishes, he also accompanies the Fellowship in the storyline mode.<br />
<br />
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is now the Hero for the Men of the West faction.<br />
<br />
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''<br />
:In the Prologue, Aragorn saves Men/Hobbit characters from brigands, but is forced to leave soon, as he has to intercept Frodo in Bree. Later arriving at the Prancing Pony, the characters meet him again and help him looking in surrounding area for Hobbits, who did not arrive in time. When player returns, Aragorn and the Hobbits already departed, and their next meeting is in Rivendell, where Aragorn entrusts the player with defence of the North while the Fellowship is gone. Later, in [[Lothlórien]], Aragorn is seen residing in [[Caras Galadhon]]<br />
<br />
'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable hero available in several missions.<br />
<br />
'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is an important character of the game, and is mentioned as one of the much honored heroes of the [[War of the Ring]] in the introduction of the game.<ref name="Prologue">[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Prologue''</ref><br />
:He is a friend of two of the game's main characters, [[Eradan (video game character)|Eradan]] and [[Andriel]]. Aragorn had met [[Andriel]] during his visits at [[Rivendell]],<ref name="Backstory Andriel">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.warinthenorth.com/the-game/heroes/backstory#elfAnchor|articlename=Elven Character: Andriel's History|dated=|website=War in the North|accessed=25 December 2011}}</ref> while he had met Eradan, when he served as Ranger at Sarn Ford. Aragorn was impressed by his skills and bravery, and taught him much about tracking. Eradan was a companion of Aragorn on many of his journeys. Aragorn trusted Eradan much, though he never told him what the reason was behind the protection of [[the Shire]].<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.warinthenorth.com/the-game/heroes/backstory#dunedainAnchor|articlename=Human Character: Eradan's History|dated=|website=War in the North|accessed=24 December 2011}}</ref><br />
<br />
:Eradan, Andriel and [[Farin (video game character)|Farin]] meet Aragorn in the Prancing Pony to warn him, on Halbarad's request, after the Nazgûl attacked and defeated the [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] at [[Sarn Ford]], and entered the Shire. They also tell him about an conservation between the Witch-king and [[Agandaûr]], which the three heroes overheard shortly after the attack. Agandaûr summoned the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] and assembled an army in [[Fornost]], which plans to aid the Nazgûl in their search to [[the One Ring]]. Aragorn sends Eradan, Andriel and Farin to Fornost, to stop Agandaûr and his army.<ref name="Prologue"/> While Eradan, Andriel, Farin, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]] stopped Agandaûr's army,<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Chapter 1: Fornost''</ref> Aragorn met with [[Frodo Baggins]] and left Bree.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Chapter 2: The Barrow Downs'', Bree</ref><br />
<br />
'''2012: ''[[Lego|Lego The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''<br />
:A mini figure of Aragorn is included in the [[Lego#Sets|sets]] '''Attack at Weathertop''', '''The Battle of Helm's Deep''', '''The Battle at the Black gate''', and '''The Pirate ship ambush'''.<ref name="2012 sets">{{webcite|author=Calisuri|articleurl=http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/02/12/53563-more-lord-of-the-rings-lego-details-from-toy-fare-2012/|articlename=More Lord of the Rings LEGO Details from Toy Fare 2012|dated=12 February 2012|website=TORN|accessed=18 February 2012}}</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Timeline of Aragorn]]<br />
*[http://dare.ubvu.vu.nl/bitstream/1871/10975/1/Aragorn_Final.pdf "Aragorn Seen Through Different Media"] by [[Connie Veugen]], comparing the introduction of Strider in Ralph Bakshi's film, the 1981 BBC radio play, Peter Jackson's film and [[Vivendi]]'s [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|video game]] of ''The Fellowship of the Ring.<br />
{{References|notes}}<br />
<br />
==Titles==<br />
{{seq-start}}<br />
{{seq-head<br />
| race=arnorian<br />
| house=[[House of Isildur]]<small><br/>Cadet branch of [[House of Elros]]</small><br />
| born=[[1 March]], {{TA|2931}}<br />
| died={{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prow=2<br />
| prev=[[Arathorn II]]<br />
| list=16th [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2933}} – [[1 May]], {{TA|3019|n}}<br />
| next=Position abolished<br />
| nvac=None<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| list=39th [[Heir of Isildur|Heir]] of [[Isildur]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2933}} - [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
| next=[[Eldarion]]<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prev=[[Gandalf]]<br />
| list=Leader of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]<br />
| dates=[[15 January]] - [[22 August]], {{TA|3019}}<br />
| next=Position abolished<br />
| nvac=None<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Eärnur]]''', 969 years earlier<br />
| list=34th [[Kings of Gondor|King of Gondor]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
| next=[[Eldarion]]<br />
| nrow=4<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Eärendur (King of Arnor)|Eärendur]]''', 2,158 years earlier<br />
| list=11th [[Kings of Arnor|King of Arnor]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Isildur]]''', 3,017 years earlier<br />
| list=1st [[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]] of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=None<br />
| prev=New title<br />
| list=Head of the [[House of Telcontar]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq-end}}{{councilofelrond}}{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}{{northernline}}{{southernline}}<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]<br />
[[Category:Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]<br />
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]<br />
[[Category:House of Isildur]]<br />
[[Category:House of Telcontar| ]]<br />
[[Category:Mariners]]<br />
[[Category:Rulers of Arnor]]<br />
[[Category:Rulers of Gondor]]<br />
[[Category:Sindarin names]]<br />
[[Category:Third Age characters]]<br />
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[[de:Aragorn II.]]<br />
[[fi:Aragorn II]]<br />
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/hommes/3adunedain/dunedain_du_nord/aragorn_ii]]</div>MikeyofGondorhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Aragorn&diff=344973Aragorn2022-04-10T02:31:30Z<p>MikeyofGondor: /* Equipment and skills */</p>
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<div>{{disambig-two|the King of [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]]|[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]|[[Aragorn I]]}}<br />
{{sources}}<br />
{{arnorian infobox<br />
| name=Aragorn<br />
| image=[[File:John Howe - Elessar.jpg|250px]]<br />
| caption="Elessar" by [[John Howe]]<br />
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|[ˈaraɡorn]}}<br />
| othernames=Aragorn II, ''[[Elessar]]'', [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]], ''[[Thorongil]]'' (''[[Aragorn#Names and titles|see below]]'')<br />
| titles=[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]<br/>[[High King of the Dúnedain]]<br>[[King of Gondor and Arnor]]<Ref>{{S|Rings}}</ref><br>[[King of the West]]<ref>{{App|Great}}</ref><Br>Lord of the [[Westlands]]<br />
| position=[[Rangers of the North|Ranger]]<br />
| location=[[Rivendell]]<br/>[[Gondor]]<br>[[Arnor]]<br />
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]<br />
| language=[[Westron]], [[Sindarin]], [[Quenya]]<br />
| birth=[[1 March]] {{TA|2931}}<br />
| birthlocation=[[Eriador]]<br />
| rule={{TA|2933}} - {{TA|3019|n}} (Chieftain)<br/>{{TA|3019}} - {{FoA|120}} (King)<br />
| death={{FoA|120}}<br />
| deathlocation=[[Gondor]]<br />
| age=210<br />
| notablefor=Reuniting the [[Reunited Kingdom|Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor]]<br />
| house=[[House of Isildur]], founded the [[House of Telcontar]]<br />
| parentage=[[Arathorn II]], father <br/> [[Gilraen]], mother <br/> [[Elrond]], foster father<br />
| siblings=<br />
| spouse=[[Arwen]]<br />
| children=[[Eldarion]] and at least two daughters<ref name="Tale">{{App|Tale}}</ref><br />
| gender=Male<br />
| height=6'6<nowiki>''</nowiki> (198cm)<ref name="RC">{{HM|RC}}, p. 272 citing from a note written by J.R.R. Tolkien approximately in 1969</ref><br />
| hair=Dark, flecked with grey<ref name="Sign">{{FR|Sign}}</ref> <br />
| eyes=Grey<ref name="Sign"/><br />
| clothing=High leather boots, dark-green cloak (As a [[Rangers of the North|Ranger]])<ref name="Sign"/><br>Pure white mantle, black mail girt with silver (As a King)<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref><br />
| weapons=[[Andúril]]<br />
| steed=[[Roheryn]] and [[Hasufel]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
<center>{{quote|Tall as the sea-kings of old, he stood above all that were near; ancient of days he seemed and yet in the flower of manhood; and wisdom sat upon his brow, and strength and healing were in his hands, and a light was about him.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Steward and the King]]"}}</center><br />
'''Aragorn II''' was the son of [[Arathorn II]] and [[Gilraen]]. He was the last [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]] and a direct descendant through many<ref group="note">Aragorn II is of the 39th generation descended from Isildur, through 23 generations of the Kings of Arnor and Arthedain (beginning with [[Valandil]] and ending with [[Arvedui]]) and 15 generations of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain (beginning with [[Aranarth]] and ending with Arathorn II).</ref> generations of [[Isildur]], the last [[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]] of both [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Aragorn would become the greatest [[Men|Man]] of his time, leading the [[Dúnedain|Men of the West]] against [[Sauron]]'s forces, helping to destroy [[the One Ring]], and reuniting the [[Reunited Kingdom|Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor]]. <br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early Life===<br />
Aragorn was born in {{TA|2931}} to the Chieftain Arathorn, and received the name Aragorn. His grandmother, [[Ivorwen]], noted with foresight that Aragorn would one day wear on his breast a green stone.<ref>{{PM|Foreword}}</ref><br />
<br />
A legend says that the [[Wizards|Wizard]] [[Gandalf]] had brought [[Elfstone|such a stone]], called the Elessar, from [[Valinor]]. He gave the Elessar to the [[Elves|Elven]] Lady [[Galadriel]], and remarked prophetically that she would pass it to another, who will also be called Elessar.<ref>{{UT|6}}</ref> From this would come Aragorn's royal name ''Elessar'' ([[Quenya]] for "Elfstone").<br />
<br />
When Aragorn was two years old, his father was slain when an [[Orcs|Orc]] arrow pierced his eye. As was the tradition of his people, Aragorn was fostered in [[Rivendell]] by [[Elrond]] as if he was his own son. The [[Wise]] decided that his identity was to be kept secret, as he would be vulnerable to [[Sauron|the Enemy]]. Aragorn was called '''''[[Estel]]''''' ([[Sindarin]] for "Hope") instead. During his life in Rivendell he accompanied the sons of Elrond, [[Elrohir]] and [[Elladan]], on their journeys.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
[[File:Stephen Hickman - Aragorn and Arwen.jpg|thumb|left|''Aragorn and Arwen'' by [[Stephen Hickman]]]]<br />
"Estel" grew to be fair and noble, and was seemingly more mature than his age. When Aragorn was twenty-one years old, after returning from a journey with the [[twins]] in {{TA|2952}}, Elrond decided to reveal his true name and ancestry. As part of this revelation, Elrond delivered to him the heirlooms of [[House of Isildur|his House]]: the shards of [[Narsil]] and the [[Ring of Barahir]]. Elrond also said that he should earn the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]]. The next day, full of hope, Aragorn was sitting in the forest singing a part of the ''[[Lay of Leithian|Lay of Lúthien]]''; as he sang of the meeting [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]], [[Arwen]], daughter of Elrond, who had newly returned from [[Lothlórien]], appeared to him. Aragorn thought that Lúthien herself had appeared, and fell in love.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
===Life as a Ranger===<br />
Estel took up his proper name as Aragorn, sixteenth of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, and after he took leave of his mother and Elrond he went into [[The Wild]].<ref name="Tale"/> In {{TA|2953}} he was not present in Rivendell for the last meeting of the [[White Council]]. Aragorn met [[Gandalf|Gandalf the Grey]] in {{TA|2956}}, and they became great friends.<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref> At Gandalf's advice he started to become interested in [[the Shire]] and became known as '''''Strider''''' in this region.<br />
[[File:Catherine Chmiel - Ecthelion,Thorongil and Boromir study.jpg|thumb|right|''"Thorongil" with Ecthelion II'' by [[Catherine Karina Chmiel]]]]<br />
From {{TA|2957}} to {{TA|2980}} Aragorn took great journeys aiding the [[West]] against [[Sauron]] and his allies. After serving King [[Thengel]] of [[Rohan]], he went to [[Ruling Steward|Steward]] [[Ecthelion II]] of [[Gondor]],<ref name="TA"/> who was in dire need of able men to guard his realm from Mordor. Aragorn kept his identity secret but as he wore a silver star upon his cloak, and was swift and keen-eyed, the [[Gondorians]] called him '''''Thorongil''''' (Sindarin for "Eagle of the Star"). He was a great leader by land and sea and Ecthelion trusted and loved him most. Some believed that there was rivalry between him and the Steward's son, [[Denethor]], who probably knew his identity as [[Heir of Isildur]], and suspected that he and Gandalf worked to supplant him. Thorongil however saw himself only as the servant of the Steward, whom he advised to not trust [[Saruman]] and instead to welcome Gandalf (whom Denethor didn't trust or love).<br />
<br />
Ecthelion was anticipating an attack from Sauron who had just returned, and Thorongil warned him that in that event the [[Southern Fiefs]] would be vulnerable to the [[Corsairs of Umbar]]. He was allowed by Ecthelion to take few ships and lead an [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|attack against Umbar]]; at night he burned many ships, and in a fight slew the [[Captain of the Haven]] with only few casualties. Great honour awaited him in [[Minas Tirith]] but he did not return; while in [[Pelargir]], he sent a farewell message to Ecthelion, speaking of other tasks calling him, and saying that fate would not bring him again to Gondor soon. To the grief and wonder of his companions he crossed the [[Anduin]] and was last seen staring at the [[Mountains of Shadow]].<ref>{{App|Stewards}}</ref> He left Gondor to travel into the far East and South "exploring the hearts of men good and evil" and learning about the "plots and devices" of the servants of the Dark Lord. His exploits ensured the survival of the [[West]] much later during the [[War of the Ring]].<br />
<br />
Later in 2980 on his return to Rivendell he entered [[Lothlórien]], and there once again met Arwen in [[Caras Galadhon]]. For one season they wandered together in Lothlórien. At midsummer he gave her the heirloom of his House, the [[Ring of Barahir]], and Arwen pledged her hand to him in marriage.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
Elrond gave his foster-son permission to marry his daughter, on the condition that he must first become king of both Gondor and Arnor, for only a king would be worthy of Arwen's hand. This harsh condition had a precedent: King [[Thingol]]'s request that [[Beren]] obtain a [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] from [[Morgoth]] before marrying his daughter [[Lúthien]].<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
===Hunt for Gollum===<br />
In the year {{TA|3001}}, as a now revealed [[Sauron]] continued to regain power in [[Mordor]], Aragorn began assisting [[Gandalf]] in his search for news of [[Gollum]]. Gandalf suspected that the ring [[Bilbo Baggins]] found near Gollum's lake was in fact [[the One Ring]]. In {{TA|3007}}, he briefly returned to [[Eriador]] where he visited his mother for the last time. She died before that year's spring. <br />
<br />
In {{TA|3009}} Gandalf and Aragorn renewed their hunt for Gollum, searching intermittently in the [[vales of Anduin]], [[Mirkwood]], and [[Rhovanion]], even to the confines of [[Mordor]], without knowing that around that time Gollum ventured into Mordor, and was captured by Sauron.<ref name="TA"/> [[Third Age 3017|After eight years]] Gollum was released and Aragorn finally overtook him in the [[Dead Marshes]]<ref name="TA"/> on [[1 February]]. With Gollum he travelled through the northern [[Emyn Muil]], to prevent being found by Sauron's spies, and crossed the Anduin at the [[Sarn Gebir]]. He travelled further north along the edges of [[Fangorn Forest]] and through Lothlórien,<ref name="UT">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref> where the Elves sent a message to Gandalf.<ref>{{UT|Hunt}}, Note 5</ref> He travelled alongside the Anduin to the north until he arrived at the [[Carrock]]. With the aid of the [[Beornings]] he crossed the Anduin with Gollum and entered [[Mirkwood]]. He took Gollum to [[Thranduil]] to be held captive.<ref name="UT"/><ref name="TA"/> He then returned west where he met with Gandalf at [[Sarn Ford]] and learned of [[Frodo Baggins]]' plan to leave the Shire with the Ring in late September. Aragorn then continued his own journey.<ref name="Strider">{{FR|Strider}}</ref><br />
<br />
===War of the Ring===<br />
When Aragorn returned to his area, the [[Elves]] who followed [[Gildor Inglorion]] told Aragorn the [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] had been seen, and Gandalf had been missing and there were no messages from him. Aragorn and his [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] kept watch over the border of [[the Shire]] and the [[East Road]] waiting for sight of Frodo but there was no news of them leaving [[Buckland]].<ref name="Strider"/><br />
<br />
While staying in [[Bree]], Aragorn crossed the paths of four hobbits in [[The Prancing Pony]]. Aragorn watched as the hobbits clumsily hid their names and intentions, and as [[Frodo Baggins]], the leader of the party, fell from a table and disappeared as he put the ring on. Aragorn, whose name was given as Strider, seemed to show no surprise, only annoyance at Frodo’s foolish vanishing act. He arranged for an interview that night, where he warned them of the Black Riders and [[Bill Ferny]], then bluntly requested that they use him as a guide. After some consideration, and a note given them by the forgetful [[Barliman Butterbur]] from Gandalf condoning him, Frodo agreed.<br />
[[File:Jef Murray - Amon Sûl.jpg|thumb|left|[[Jef Murray]] - ''Amon Sûl'']]<br />
Aragorn’s plan to reach Rivendell was to first head toward [[Archet]] and bear right to [[Weathertop]]. After the ambush at Weathertop and the wounding of Frodo, [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] took over the position as leader of the Hobbits. After a while they met [[Glorfindel]], a friend of Aragorn’s, and it was not much later that they arrived in Rivendell.<br />
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Reforging of the Sword.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - ''The Reforging of the Sword'']]<br />
After the Council of Elrond Aragorn became a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. As a preparation for his travel, the ancient shards of [[Narsil]], the heirloom of his House, were reforged after 3 millennia. Aragorn carried the Sword Reforged, and renamed it [[Andúril]]. <br />
<br />
Aragorn's intentions were to travel with the company for a while before returning to [[Gondor]] with [[Boromir]]. Aragorn encouraged the taking of the [[Caradhras|Redhorn Pass]], which ended in disaster. He reluctantly conceded to Gandalf’s choice to pass through [[Moria]], though his sense of foresight warned him for Gandalf. Indeed, after Gandalf fell into the abyss with [[Durin's Bane]], Aragorn was naturally elected leader of the company, despite some resentment by Boromir.<br />
<br />
====Leading the Fellowship of the Ring====<br />
Aragorn again amazed the rest of the Fellowship by his apparent closeness to the people of [[Lothlórien]], and his friendship with [[Celeborn]] and [[Galadriel]]. At their departure, Galadriel offered him the [[Elfstone]] as a wedding gift from the family of the Elven bride to the groom, foretelling his marriage to Arwen.<ref>{{MR|P3II3}}</ref> It was worn by Aragorn ever after and from that he later took the name '''Elessar'''.<br />
<br />
Even at the [[Rauros|Falls of Rauros]] he was undecided, leaving it to Frodo for the final decision. For though it was obvious he wished to go to [[Minas Tirith]] with Boromir, he yet felt that it was his duty to go where the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]] chose.<br />
<br />
[[File:Inger Edelfeldt - Death of Boromir.jpg|thumb|200px|right|''Death of Boromir'' by [[Inger Edelfeldt]]]]<br />
After Frodo escaped him and Boromir perished, he with the remaining members of the Fellowship, namely [[Legolas]] and [[Gimli]], chose to try and save [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] from the [[Uruk-hai]] that had ambushed them, forming the group that would later be known as the [[Three Hunters]].<br />
<br />
He met [[Éomer]] in the fields of [[Rohan]], and an instant friendship formed, both feeling the honesty and lordliness of the other. Éomer took a risk for his sake, giving him horses, with the promise that one day soon Aragorn would return to [[Edoras]]. Aragorn, tracking the Hobbits, followed into Fangorn Forest, where he met the resurrected [[Gandalf|Gandalf the White]]. After the restoration of [[Théoden]], he rode to [[Helm's Deep]] to fight in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]]. There he, alongside his new-found “brother” Éomer, and King Théoden, marshaled the defence against [[Saruman]]’s army. His revealed majesty upon the battlements of the Hornburg as he waited for the dawn caused some of the [[Dunlendings|Wild men]] to pause and shudder, and he heralded the return of Gandalf with [[Erkenbrand]].<br />
<br />
After Pippin’s terrifying experience with the [[Orthanc-stone]], Gandalf presented it in a formal manner to Aragorn, its rightful master, who hinted that it would be used by him eventually. After the departure of Gandalf and Pippin to Minas Tirith, he rode for a while longer with Théoden, meeting up with his friend [[Halbarad]] of the North, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], and a company of staunch and fearless Rangers. Elladan and Elrohir gave him a message from Elrond: "''The days are short. If thou art in haste, remember the [[Paths of the Dead]]''". Halbarad bore a gift from the Lady Arwen – the [[Standard of Elendil]]. Aragorn knew the path set before him.<br />
<br />
====Return of the King====<br />
A little while later Aragorn took his companions and his rangers and set out for [[Dunharrow]], departing from the King’s company. His course was clear: to take the Paths of the Dead, to summon the [[Oathbreakers|Dead Men]]. In Dunharrow, he met the lady [[Éowyn]], who had fallen in love with him. After making it clear that he could not accept her love, he turned towards the evil road with the dawn.<br />
<br />
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Thus Came Aragorn.jpg|thumb|right|''Thus Came Aragorn'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]<br />
The [[Grey Company]] passed through the [[Dark Door]] and the [[Dwimorberg]], the Dead following, and coming at last to the [[Stone of Erech]], Aragorn summoned them to his aid. They drew their swords and blew their horns in answer, and swept down upon the [[Corsairs of Umbar|Corsairs]] at [[Pelargir]] drove the mariners away. Aragorn released them, and took the [[Black Ships]] north to Minas Tirith, where the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] raged. The Standard of Elendil broke forth, and his Dúnedain swept down, giving the final blow to the army of [[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]. The counter-attacked army of [[Sauron]] crumbled utterly. But Aragorn did not enter the city.<br />
<br />
Aragorn, furling his banner, appointed [[Imrahil]] the temporary lord of the City, as the law demanded. Eventually, however, Aragorn did come to the [[Houses of Healing]], where he tended and restored Merry, Éowyn, and [[Faramir]], in accordance with the prophecy “''The hands of the king are the hands of a healer, and so shall the rightful king be known''”. Many of the people of Minas Tirith came to Aragorn and followed him, asking that he heal those they knew. Aragorn worked late into the night, before finally leaving the city, hooded and cloaked. When in the morning the people saw the banner of [[Dol Amroth]], they wondered if the Return of the King had been but a dream.<ref name=Houses>{{RK|Houses}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[File:Inger Edelfeldt - The Crowning of Aragorn.jpg|thumb|left|''The Crowning of Aragorn'' by [[Inger Edelfeldt]]]]<br />
Aragorn held [[Last Debate|council]] with his trusted companions, namely Gandalf, Éomer, Imrahil, and Elrond’s sons – Halbarad had fallen in battle. He agreed to draw forth the forces of [[Mordor]] for the benefit of the [[Quest of the Ring]], and so arranged matters for the [[Battle of the Morannon]]. After the destruction of the Ring in [[Mount Doom|Orodruin]] and victory at the [[Morannon]], Aragorn returned at last in the triumphant manner that befitted his position. He was crowned at the gates of Minas Tirith, winning the hearts of the people of [[Gondor]].<br />
<br />
===Reign as Elessar===<br />
Aragorn ruled the [[Reunited Kingdom]] of Gondor and Arnor until year 120 of the [[Fourth Age]]. <br />
<br />
Some days after his coronation, Gandalf took Elessar up the slopes of Mount [[Mindolluin]], and there he found the scion of [[Nimloth of Númenor|Nimloth]], the symbol of his mastery of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]. Elrond and Arwen came to Gondor and Elrond gave Elessar the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]] signifying the Kingship of Arnor. He wedded Arwen on Midsummer's day of 3019, and then was forced to bid his old friends farewell. He turned back to his new kingdom as the [[Fourth Age]] dawned and the Ringbearers left the shores of Middle-earth forever.<br />
<br />
One of his first tasks in the re-ordering of his realm was the restoration of [[Orthanc]] and ordered the [[Orthanc-stone]] to be returned there. With this opportunity, many secrets and hoarded treasures were revealed including the [[Elendilmir]] which Saruman took from Isildur's body. Elessar received the Elemdilmir with reverence and took it with him as he established his full kingship of [[Arnor]].<ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref><br />
<br />
Elessar gave his [[Steward]] Faramir the title [[Lord of Emyn Arnen]] and created him as [[Prince of Ithilien]]<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref>. He declared the [[Drúadan Forest]] to belong to the [[Drúedain]] and a protected enclave of his Kingdom.<ref>{{RK|Partings}}</ref> He also re-established the Great [[Council of Gondor]] whose chief councellor was the Steward<ref>{{L|244}}</ref>. He also renewed the [[Oath of Cirion]] with Éomer.<br />
<br />
As for [[the Shire]], he declared it a Free Land under the protection of the Northern Sceptre and forbid Men from entering it. He appointed the [[Thain]], the [[Master of Buckland]], and the [[Mayor of Michel Delving]] Counsellors of the North-kingdom. Also he offered to the Shire the [[Westmarch|lands]] up to the [[Tower Hills|Emyn Beraid]].<ref name=later>{{App|Later}}</ref><br />
<br />
He founded the royal [[House of Telcontar]], he had a son, [[Eldarion]], and a number of daughters.<br />
<br />
King Elessar died after 210 years of life and 122 years of rule and was succeeded by his son [[Eldarion]]. His wife Arwen, now mortal, gave up her life shortly afterwards in year 121, aged 2,901.<br />
<br />
==Personality==<br />
<br />
Aragorn was a wise, calm, well-mannered, yet proud and stern man who held his heritage in high regard and was willing to do whatever he can to help his friends. He was the "hardiest of living Men" during his time.<br />
<br />
His reverance for his heritage was such that it nearly led to complications when arriving in Rohan and was forced to surrender his sword, ''[[Anduril]]'' ''(The King of the Golden Hall)'' and revealed himself as the Heir of ''[Isildur]]'' to ''[[Eomer]]'' when confronting him. ''(The Riders of Rohan)''. He also possessed Elven wisdom due to being raised in Rivendell, and the foresight of the Dúnedain. He also had a nigh indomitable strength of will, as he was able to psychically challenge ''[[Sauron]]'' for control of the palantir, and emerged victorious. ''(The Passing of the Grey Company)''.<br />
<br />
==Equipment and skills==<br />
<br />
Aragorn was a swordsman of extraordinary, nigh <br />
unparalleled skill, to the point that he was considered the greatest swordsman of the ''[[Third Age]]'', surpassing the likes of ''[[Boromir]]'', ''[[Faramir]]'', and possibly ''[[Elrond]]'', despite all three being skilled swordsmen in their own right. He was also trained in the use of bows and spears, despite his preference for swordplay. His skill was such that he can take on any enemy from Orcs to the Nine Ringwraiths. Aragorn was a highly skilled and well-respected leader and King to the point that he restored ''[[Minas Tirith]]'' along with the rest of ''[[Gondor]]'' to its former glory and made peace with enemies who surrendered. He was a master military tactician and commander, capable of leading his army to victory at the ''[[Black Gate]]'', and aiding in the victories at ''[[Helm's Deep]]'', and the ''[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]'', coming out unscathed after the latter ended, along with ''[[Eomer]]'', and ''[[Imrahil]]''. ''([[The Battle of the Pelennor Fields]])''. In addition to his military prowess, he was also a skilled healer, particularly with the plant ''[[athelas]]'', as he was able to heal ''[[Eowyn]] and ''[[Faramir]]'' after both of them suffered ''[[Black Breath]]''. (''[[The Houses of Healing]]''), and even sustain the effects of ''[[Frodo]]'''s wound by a ''[[Morgul blade]]'' long enough for the latter to receive further treatment in ''[[Rivendell]]''.<br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
{{Pronounce|Aragorn Elessar.mp3|Ardamir}}<br />
'''''Aragorn''''' is a [[Sindarin]] name. It means "revered king".<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 31 entry S ''Ara(n)gorn''</ref><ref name=PE17Turgond>{{PE|17}}, p. 113 entry S '''Turgond-'''</ref> It contains the phonetic reduction ''ara'' of ''[[aran]]'' ("king") and the adjective ''[[gorn|(n)gorn]]'' ("dreaded, revered").<ref name=PE17Turgond/><br />
<br />
This clear etymology from Tolkien was not revealed until the publication in 2007 of "Words, Phrases & Passages in ''The Lord of the Rings''", a late 1950s manuscript. Before that, several theories were proposed:<br />
*[[Ruth S. Noel]] and several others proposed "King of the Tree",<ref>[[Ruth S. Noel]], ''[[The Languages of Tolkien's Middle-earth]]'', p. 114</ref> but Tolkien specifically said that this was not the case.<ref>{{L|347}}</ref> <br />
*[[David Salo]] deduces "Having Kingly Valor"<ref>[[David Salo]], ''[[A Gateway to Sindarin]]'', p. 341</ref> from Tolkien's cryptic "'Kingly Valour' (for so is that name interpreted)".<ref>{{PM|Foreword}}, p. xii</ref> This is still the most often cited etymology; Robert Ireland's ''[[A Tolkien Dictionary]]'' gives the variation "Royal Zeal".<ref>Robert Ireland, ''[[A Tolkien Dictionary]]'', [http://www.quicksilver899.com/Tolkien/LOTR/LOTR_AC.html The Lord of the Rings A-C].</ref><br />
*[[Carl F. Hostetter]] proposed the meanings "King of the Globe" or "King of the Hill" in his analysis of the [[King's Letter]].<ref>[[Carl F. Hostetter]], "The 'King's Letter': An Historical and Comparative Analysis", [[Vinyar Tengwar 31|''Vinyar Tengwar'' 31]], p. 18</ref><br />
<br />
The [[Quenya]] form of ''Aragorn'' was '''''Arakorno'''''.<ref name="WP">{{PE|17}}, p. 70 f. entry Q '''ar''' in the translation of the sentence into Quenya ''Sanome tarne Olórin, Arakorno, [...]''</ref><br />
<br />
==Other names==<br />
* '''Aragorn II''' - Aragorn's name as [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]. He was likely named after [[Aragorn I]].<br />
* [[Thorongil]] - [[Sindarin|S]] "Eagle of the Star", a pseudonym used in [[Gondor]] and [[Rohan]]. Pronounced {{IPA|[θoˈroŋɡil]}}.<br />
* '''Elessar''' - [[Quenya|Q]] "Elfstone", Aragorn's name as a king. Despite popular use as such, Aragorn was never known as "Aragorn Elessar", "Aragorn II Elessar" or "[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|King Aragorn]]". Pronounced {{IPA|[eˈlesːar]}}.<br />
* '''Edhelharn''' - The [[Sindarin]] equivalent of Elessar, used in the King's Letter.<ref>{{SD|XI2}}, p. 128ff</ref> Pronounced {{IPA|[eˈðel.harn]}}.<br />
* [[Elfstone]] - The [[Westron|Common Speech]] version of the previous two. <br />
* [[Envinyatar|''Envinyatar'']] - [[Quenya|Q]] "the Renewer".<br />
* [[Estel]] - [[Quenya|Q]]. Usually glossed as "Hope", the concept ''estel'' more widely means "hope, trust, a temper of mind, steady fixed in purpose, and difficult to dissuade and unlikely to fall into despair or abandon its purpose". Pronounced {{IPA|[ˈestel]}}.<br />
* [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]] - A sobriquet given by the men of [[Bree]]. Aragorn used it mockingly.<br />
* '''Wingfoot''' - An honorary name given by [[Éomer]] after the pursuit of the [[Uruk-hai]] through the [[Eastemnet]].<ref>{{TT|III2}}</ref><br />
* [[Telcontar]] - A [[Quenya]] form of "Strider", this was the name of Elessar's Royal House. It was not used independently. Pronounced {{IPA|[telˈkontar]}}.<br />
* [[Heir of Isildur|Isildur's Heir]] - A poetic address, as he was the heir of [[Isildur]]. <br />
* '''The Dúnadan''' - "[[Dúnedain|Man of the West]]", a name given by [[Bilbo Baggins]] when their friendship evolved. <br />
* '''Longshanks''' - another, though less frequently used, sobriquet in Bree, ascribed to [[Bill Ferny]]. The legs of the [[Bree-landers|Bree-men]] were shorter than the legs of the [[Dúnedain]].<br />
* '''Arakorno''' - A rare Quenya form of Aragorn, which only appeared in a discussion about the words for Quenya.<ref name="WP"/> Pronounced {{IPA|[ˌaraˈkorno]}}.<br />
<br />
==Genealogy==<br />
{{familytree/start}}<br />
{{familytree | EAR |y| ELW | | GAL |y| CEL |GAL=[[Galadriel]]|CEL=[[Celeborn]]|EAR=[[Eärendil]]|ELW=[[Elwing]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |)|-|-|-|.| | | |!| | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ROS | | RON |y| CLB | | |ROS=[[Elros]]|RON=[[Elrond]]|CLB=[[Celebrían]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | KON | | | | |!| | | | | |KON=<small>''[[Kings of Númenor]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | LOA | | | | |!| | | | | |LOA=<small>''[[Lords of Andúnië]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ELE | | | | |!| | | | | |ELE=[[Elendil]]}}<br />
{{familytree | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ISI | | ANA | | |!| | | | | |ISI=[[Isildur]]|ANA=[[Anárion]]}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |:| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | KOA | | KOG | | |!| | | | | |KOA=<small>''[[Kings of Arnor]]''</small>|KOG=<small>''[[Kings of Gondor]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |:| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | KOA | | OND | | |!| | | | | |OND=[[Ondoher]]|KOA=<small>''[[Kings of Arthedain]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |!| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ARV |V| FIR | | |!| | | | | |ARV=[[Arvedui]]|FIR=[[Fíriel]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | COD | | | | |!| | | | | |COD=<small>''[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ART |y| GIL |!| | | | | |ART=[[Arathorn II]]|GIL=[[Gilraen]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |!| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | ARA |y| ARW | | | | |ARA='''ARAGORN '''|ARW=[[Arwen]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | ELD | | SDS | | | | |ELD=[[Eldarion]]|SDS=''several sisters''}}<br />
{{familytree/end}}<br />
===Relation to Arwen===<br />
Arwen was a very distant cousin of Aragorn. By their marriage, the long-sundered lines of the [[Half-elven]] were joined.<ref name="Numenor">{{App|A1i}}</ref> Their union also served to unite and preserve the bloodlines of the kings of the three kindreds of the High Elves ([[Ingwë]], [[Finwë]], and brothers [[Elwë]], [[Olwë]], and [[Elmo]]) as well as the only line with [[Maiar]]in blood through Arwen's great-great-grandmother, [[Melian]]. There were at least two marriages between descendants of Elendil in Aragorn's ancestry, so Aragorn was related to Arwen by blood along at least three lines.<br />
<br />
Through his father, Arathorn II, Aragorn was Arwen's first cousin sixty-two times removed through his ancestor Arvedui and sixty-seven times removed through his ancestor Fíriel. Both of these lines descend through four<ref name="Numenor"/> generations of the Kings of Númenor, Silmariën, eighteen<ref>{{UT|Kings}}</ref> generations of the Lords of Andúnië, and Elendil, as well as Aranarth and fifteen<ref name="North">{{App|North}}</ref> succeeding generations of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, including Aragorn himself. Aragorn's mother Gilraen also descended from Aranarth,<ref name="North"/> but the number of generations between them is unknown.<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
In the earliest unpublished versions of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' (see ''[[The History of The Lord of the Rings]]''), the character that later became Aragorn was called '''''[[Trotter]]''''' instead of Strider, and was a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] instead of a [[Men|Man]]. He had wooden feet, because he had once traveled to Mordor and been tortured there.<br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
{{Gallery<br />
|title=Aragorn in adaptations<br />
|height=150<br />
|width=250<br />
|lines=2<br />
|File:War in Middle Earth - Aragorn and Frodo against a Nazgul.png|Aragorn with [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Strider.jpg|Strider in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]<br />
|File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Aragorn.JPG|Aragorn in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''<br />
|File:2011-12-23 00061.jpg|Aragorn in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''<br />
|File:LEGO Aragorn poster.png|Aragorn as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''<br />
}}<br />
<br />
===Films===<br />
'''1978: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]'':'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[John Hurt]]. Some critics have accused this character of looking too much like a [[wikipedia:Stereotypes_of_Native_Americans|Native American stereotype]].{{Citation needed}}<br />
<br />
'''1980: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn was voiced by [[Theodore Bikel]] in the 1980 [[Rankin/Bass]] animated film.<br />
<br />
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is played by [[Viggo Mortensen]], though [[Stuart Townsend]] was originally cast in the role. Townsend was deemed too young. Mortensen had just two weeks to train for his first scene, the standoff with the [[Nazgûl]] at [[Weathertop]]. Utilizing the modern "reluctant hero" trope, Mortensen portrays Aragorn full of self-doubt, while he is much more sure of himself in the book. <br />
<br />
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn's part is this film is largely similar to the events in book. The most significant difference is that, in the book, there was no [[Wargs|Warg]] attack on the party traveling to Helm's Deep and Aragorn did not fall down a cliff.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn finally steps into his role as king after having a lot of self-doubt beforehand. <br />
<br />
'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''<br />
:Although he is not physically present, he is mentioned by [[Thranduil]] to his son, [[Legolas]]. Thranduil tells Legolas to seek a young ranger known as "Strider" and that Legolas would have to discover Strider's true name for himself. In the continuity of the films, Aragorn would have been 27 rather than a ten-year-old child.<br />
<br />
===Television===<br />
'''1993: [[Hobitit|''Hobitit'']]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is portrayed by [[Kari Väänänen]],the same actor who played [[Gollum]] in the series.<br />
<br />
===Radio Series===<br />
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[Godfrey Kenton]].<br />
<br />
'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[Tom Luce]].<br />
<br />
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn was voiced by [[Robert Stephens]]. For his early scenes, according to [[John McAndrew]] (Pippin) Stephens adopted an accurate Bristol accent to help suggest the disguise Strider adopted in Bree.<br />
<br />
'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by Boris Farkaš.<br />
<br />
===Games===<br />
'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable character. He has brown hair and is bearded, he bears a golden sword.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:[[Daran Norris]] provided the voice of Aragorn, who is one of the three playable characters.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is one of the three playable characters, as well as narrator for most of the game. He is versatile in both melee and ranged attacks. Viggo Mortensen reprises his role from the film trilogy.<br />
<br />
'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable character, his storyline is dubbed "Path of a King". He journey through Paths of the Dead with Legolas and Gimli, later they fight on Pelennor fields and at the Black Gate. Chris Edgerly takes over for Mortensen as Aragorn's voice actor.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring|Sierra's War of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a Hero Unit for the Free People side. He is present in Lothlorien, Battle of Hornburg and Siege of the Minas Morgul.<br />
<br />
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a Hero Unit for the Rohan faction in skirmishes, he also accompanies the Fellowship in the storyline mode.<br />
<br />
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is now the Hero for the Men of the West faction.<br />
<br />
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''<br />
:In the Prologue, Aragorn saves Men/Hobbit characters from brigands, but is forced to leave soon, as he has to intercept Frodo in Bree. Later arriving at the Prancing Pony, the characters meet him again and help him looking in surrounding area for Hobbits, who did not arrive in time. When player returns, Aragorn and the Hobbits already departed, and their next meeting is in Rivendell, where Aragorn entrusts the player with defence of the North while the Fellowship is gone. Later, in [[Lothlórien]], Aragorn is seen residing in [[Caras Galadhon]]<br />
<br />
'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable hero available in several missions.<br />
<br />
'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is an important character of the game, and is mentioned as one of the much honored heroes of the [[War of the Ring]] in the introduction of the game.<ref name="Prologue">[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Prologue''</ref><br />
:He is a friend of two of the game's main characters, [[Eradan (video game character)|Eradan]] and [[Andriel]]. Aragorn had met [[Andriel]] during his visits at [[Rivendell]],<ref name="Backstory Andriel">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.warinthenorth.com/the-game/heroes/backstory#elfAnchor|articlename=Elven Character: Andriel's History|dated=|website=War in the North|accessed=25 December 2011}}</ref> while he had met Eradan, when he served as Ranger at Sarn Ford. Aragorn was impressed by his skills and bravery, and taught him much about tracking. Eradan was a companion of Aragorn on many of his journeys. Aragorn trusted Eradan much, though he never told him what the reason was behind the protection of [[the Shire]].<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.warinthenorth.com/the-game/heroes/backstory#dunedainAnchor|articlename=Human Character: Eradan's History|dated=|website=War in the North|accessed=24 December 2011}}</ref><br />
<br />
:Eradan, Andriel and [[Farin (video game character)|Farin]] meet Aragorn in the Prancing Pony to warn him, on Halbarad's request, after the Nazgûl attacked and defeated the [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] at [[Sarn Ford]], and entered the Shire. They also tell him about an conservation between the Witch-king and [[Agandaûr]], which the three heroes overheard shortly after the attack. Agandaûr summoned the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] and assembled an army in [[Fornost]], which plans to aid the Nazgûl in their search to [[the One Ring]]. Aragorn sends Eradan, Andriel and Farin to Fornost, to stop Agandaûr and his army.<ref name="Prologue"/> While Eradan, Andriel, Farin, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]] stopped Agandaûr's army,<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Chapter 1: Fornost''</ref> Aragorn met with [[Frodo Baggins]] and left Bree.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Chapter 2: The Barrow Downs'', Bree</ref><br />
<br />
'''2012: ''[[Lego|Lego The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''<br />
:A mini figure of Aragorn is included in the [[Lego#Sets|sets]] '''Attack at Weathertop''', '''The Battle of Helm's Deep''', '''The Battle at the Black gate''', and '''The Pirate ship ambush'''.<ref name="2012 sets">{{webcite|author=Calisuri|articleurl=http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/02/12/53563-more-lord-of-the-rings-lego-details-from-toy-fare-2012/|articlename=More Lord of the Rings LEGO Details from Toy Fare 2012|dated=12 February 2012|website=TORN|accessed=18 February 2012}}</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Timeline of Aragorn]]<br />
*[http://dare.ubvu.vu.nl/bitstream/1871/10975/1/Aragorn_Final.pdf "Aragorn Seen Through Different Media"] by [[Connie Veugen]], comparing the introduction of Strider in Ralph Bakshi's film, the 1981 BBC radio play, Peter Jackson's film and [[Vivendi]]'s [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|video game]] of ''The Fellowship of the Ring.<br />
{{References|notes}}<br />
<br />
==Titles==<br />
{{seq-start}}<br />
{{seq-head<br />
| race=arnorian<br />
| house=[[House of Isildur]]<small><br/>Cadet branch of [[House of Elros]]</small><br />
| born=[[1 March]], {{TA|2931}}<br />
| died={{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prow=2<br />
| prev=[[Arathorn II]]<br />
| list=16th [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2933}} – [[1 May]], {{TA|3019|n}}<br />
| next=Position abolished<br />
| nvac=None<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| list=39th [[Heir of Isildur|Heir]] of [[Isildur]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2933}} - [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
| next=[[Eldarion]]<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prev=[[Gandalf]]<br />
| list=Leader of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]<br />
| dates=[[15 January]] - [[22 August]], {{TA|3019}}<br />
| next=Position abolished<br />
| nvac=None<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Eärnur]]''', 969 years earlier<br />
| list=34th [[Kings of Gondor|King of Gondor]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
| next=[[Eldarion]]<br />
| nrow=4<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Eärendur (King of Arnor)|Eärendur]]''', 2,158 years earlier<br />
| list=11th [[Kings of Arnor|King of Arnor]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Isildur]]''', 3,017 years earlier<br />
| list=1st [[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]] of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=None<br />
| prev=New title<br />
| list=Head of the [[House of Telcontar]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq-end}}{{councilofelrond}}{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}{{northernline}}{{southernline}}<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]<br />
[[Category:Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]<br />
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]<br />
[[Category:House of Isildur]]<br />
[[Category:House of Telcontar| ]]<br />
[[Category:Mariners]]<br />
[[Category:Rulers of Arnor]]<br />
[[Category:Rulers of Gondor]]<br />
[[Category:Sindarin names]]<br />
[[Category:Third Age characters]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Aragorn II.]]<br />
[[fi:Aragorn II]]<br />
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/hommes/3adunedain/dunedain_du_nord/aragorn_ii]]</div>MikeyofGondorhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Aragorn&diff=344972Aragorn2022-04-10T02:30:22Z<p>MikeyofGondor: /* Equipment and skills */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig-two|the King of [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]]|[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]|[[Aragorn I]]}}<br />
{{sources}}<br />
{{arnorian infobox<br />
| name=Aragorn<br />
| image=[[File:John Howe - Elessar.jpg|250px]]<br />
| caption="Elessar" by [[John Howe]]<br />
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|[ˈaraɡorn]}}<br />
| othernames=Aragorn II, ''[[Elessar]]'', [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]], ''[[Thorongil]]'' (''[[Aragorn#Names and titles|see below]]'')<br />
| titles=[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]<br/>[[High King of the Dúnedain]]<br>[[King of Gondor and Arnor]]<Ref>{{S|Rings}}</ref><br>[[King of the West]]<ref>{{App|Great}}</ref><Br>Lord of the [[Westlands]]<br />
| position=[[Rangers of the North|Ranger]]<br />
| location=[[Rivendell]]<br/>[[Gondor]]<br>[[Arnor]]<br />
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]<br />
| language=[[Westron]], [[Sindarin]], [[Quenya]]<br />
| birth=[[1 March]] {{TA|2931}}<br />
| birthlocation=[[Eriador]]<br />
| rule={{TA|2933}} - {{TA|3019|n}} (Chieftain)<br/>{{TA|3019}} - {{FoA|120}} (King)<br />
| death={{FoA|120}}<br />
| deathlocation=[[Gondor]]<br />
| age=210<br />
| notablefor=Reuniting the [[Reunited Kingdom|Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor]]<br />
| house=[[House of Isildur]], founded the [[House of Telcontar]]<br />
| parentage=[[Arathorn II]], father <br/> [[Gilraen]], mother <br/> [[Elrond]], foster father<br />
| siblings=<br />
| spouse=[[Arwen]]<br />
| children=[[Eldarion]] and at least two daughters<ref name="Tale">{{App|Tale}}</ref><br />
| gender=Male<br />
| height=6'6<nowiki>''</nowiki> (198cm)<ref name="RC">{{HM|RC}}, p. 272 citing from a note written by J.R.R. Tolkien approximately in 1969</ref><br />
| hair=Dark, flecked with grey<ref name="Sign">{{FR|Sign}}</ref> <br />
| eyes=Grey<ref name="Sign"/><br />
| clothing=High leather boots, dark-green cloak (As a [[Rangers of the North|Ranger]])<ref name="Sign"/><br>Pure white mantle, black mail girt with silver (As a King)<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref><br />
| weapons=[[Andúril]]<br />
| steed=[[Roheryn]] and [[Hasufel]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
<center>{{quote|Tall as the sea-kings of old, he stood above all that were near; ancient of days he seemed and yet in the flower of manhood; and wisdom sat upon his brow, and strength and healing were in his hands, and a light was about him.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Steward and the King]]"}}</center><br />
'''Aragorn II''' was the son of [[Arathorn II]] and [[Gilraen]]. He was the last [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]] and a direct descendant through many<ref group="note">Aragorn II is of the 39th generation descended from Isildur, through 23 generations of the Kings of Arnor and Arthedain (beginning with [[Valandil]] and ending with [[Arvedui]]) and 15 generations of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain (beginning with [[Aranarth]] and ending with Arathorn II).</ref> generations of [[Isildur]], the last [[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]] of both [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Aragorn would become the greatest [[Men|Man]] of his time, leading the [[Dúnedain|Men of the West]] against [[Sauron]]'s forces, helping to destroy [[the One Ring]], and reuniting the [[Reunited Kingdom|Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor]]. <br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early Life===<br />
Aragorn was born in {{TA|2931}} to the Chieftain Arathorn, and received the name Aragorn. His grandmother, [[Ivorwen]], noted with foresight that Aragorn would one day wear on his breast a green stone.<ref>{{PM|Foreword}}</ref><br />
<br />
A legend says that the [[Wizards|Wizard]] [[Gandalf]] had brought [[Elfstone|such a stone]], called the Elessar, from [[Valinor]]. He gave the Elessar to the [[Elves|Elven]] Lady [[Galadriel]], and remarked prophetically that she would pass it to another, who will also be called Elessar.<ref>{{UT|6}}</ref> From this would come Aragorn's royal name ''Elessar'' ([[Quenya]] for "Elfstone").<br />
<br />
When Aragorn was two years old, his father was slain when an [[Orcs|Orc]] arrow pierced his eye. As was the tradition of his people, Aragorn was fostered in [[Rivendell]] by [[Elrond]] as if he was his own son. The [[Wise]] decided that his identity was to be kept secret, as he would be vulnerable to [[Sauron|the Enemy]]. Aragorn was called '''''[[Estel]]''''' ([[Sindarin]] for "Hope") instead. During his life in Rivendell he accompanied the sons of Elrond, [[Elrohir]] and [[Elladan]], on their journeys.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
[[File:Stephen Hickman - Aragorn and Arwen.jpg|thumb|left|''Aragorn and Arwen'' by [[Stephen Hickman]]]]<br />
"Estel" grew to be fair and noble, and was seemingly more mature than his age. When Aragorn was twenty-one years old, after returning from a journey with the [[twins]] in {{TA|2952}}, Elrond decided to reveal his true name and ancestry. As part of this revelation, Elrond delivered to him the heirlooms of [[House of Isildur|his House]]: the shards of [[Narsil]] and the [[Ring of Barahir]]. Elrond also said that he should earn the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]]. The next day, full of hope, Aragorn was sitting in the forest singing a part of the ''[[Lay of Leithian|Lay of Lúthien]]''; as he sang of the meeting [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]], [[Arwen]], daughter of Elrond, who had newly returned from [[Lothlórien]], appeared to him. Aragorn thought that Lúthien herself had appeared, and fell in love.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
===Life as a Ranger===<br />
Estel took up his proper name as Aragorn, sixteenth of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, and after he took leave of his mother and Elrond he went into [[The Wild]].<ref name="Tale"/> In {{TA|2953}} he was not present in Rivendell for the last meeting of the [[White Council]]. Aragorn met [[Gandalf|Gandalf the Grey]] in {{TA|2956}}, and they became great friends.<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref> At Gandalf's advice he started to become interested in [[the Shire]] and became known as '''''Strider''''' in this region.<br />
[[File:Catherine Chmiel - Ecthelion,Thorongil and Boromir study.jpg|thumb|right|''"Thorongil" with Ecthelion II'' by [[Catherine Karina Chmiel]]]]<br />
From {{TA|2957}} to {{TA|2980}} Aragorn took great journeys aiding the [[West]] against [[Sauron]] and his allies. After serving King [[Thengel]] of [[Rohan]], he went to [[Ruling Steward|Steward]] [[Ecthelion II]] of [[Gondor]],<ref name="TA"/> who was in dire need of able men to guard his realm from Mordor. Aragorn kept his identity secret but as he wore a silver star upon his cloak, and was swift and keen-eyed, the [[Gondorians]] called him '''''Thorongil''''' (Sindarin for "Eagle of the Star"). He was a great leader by land and sea and Ecthelion trusted and loved him most. Some believed that there was rivalry between him and the Steward's son, [[Denethor]], who probably knew his identity as [[Heir of Isildur]], and suspected that he and Gandalf worked to supplant him. Thorongil however saw himself only as the servant of the Steward, whom he advised to not trust [[Saruman]] and instead to welcome Gandalf (whom Denethor didn't trust or love).<br />
<br />
Ecthelion was anticipating an attack from Sauron who had just returned, and Thorongil warned him that in that event the [[Southern Fiefs]] would be vulnerable to the [[Corsairs of Umbar]]. He was allowed by Ecthelion to take few ships and lead an [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|attack against Umbar]]; at night he burned many ships, and in a fight slew the [[Captain of the Haven]] with only few casualties. Great honour awaited him in [[Minas Tirith]] but he did not return; while in [[Pelargir]], he sent a farewell message to Ecthelion, speaking of other tasks calling him, and saying that fate would not bring him again to Gondor soon. To the grief and wonder of his companions he crossed the [[Anduin]] and was last seen staring at the [[Mountains of Shadow]].<ref>{{App|Stewards}}</ref> He left Gondor to travel into the far East and South "exploring the hearts of men good and evil" and learning about the "plots and devices" of the servants of the Dark Lord. His exploits ensured the survival of the [[West]] much later during the [[War of the Ring]].<br />
<br />
Later in 2980 on his return to Rivendell he entered [[Lothlórien]], and there once again met Arwen in [[Caras Galadhon]]. For one season they wandered together in Lothlórien. At midsummer he gave her the heirloom of his House, the [[Ring of Barahir]], and Arwen pledged her hand to him in marriage.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
Elrond gave his foster-son permission to marry his daughter, on the condition that he must first become king of both Gondor and Arnor, for only a king would be worthy of Arwen's hand. This harsh condition had a precedent: King [[Thingol]]'s request that [[Beren]] obtain a [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] from [[Morgoth]] before marrying his daughter [[Lúthien]].<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
===Hunt for Gollum===<br />
In the year {{TA|3001}}, as a now revealed [[Sauron]] continued to regain power in [[Mordor]], Aragorn began assisting [[Gandalf]] in his search for news of [[Gollum]]. Gandalf suspected that the ring [[Bilbo Baggins]] found near Gollum's lake was in fact [[the One Ring]]. In {{TA|3007}}, he briefly returned to [[Eriador]] where he visited his mother for the last time. She died before that year's spring. <br />
<br />
In {{TA|3009}} Gandalf and Aragorn renewed their hunt for Gollum, searching intermittently in the [[vales of Anduin]], [[Mirkwood]], and [[Rhovanion]], even to the confines of [[Mordor]], without knowing that around that time Gollum ventured into Mordor, and was captured by Sauron.<ref name="TA"/> [[Third Age 3017|After eight years]] Gollum was released and Aragorn finally overtook him in the [[Dead Marshes]]<ref name="TA"/> on [[1 February]]. With Gollum he travelled through the northern [[Emyn Muil]], to prevent being found by Sauron's spies, and crossed the Anduin at the [[Sarn Gebir]]. He travelled further north along the edges of [[Fangorn Forest]] and through Lothlórien,<ref name="UT">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref> where the Elves sent a message to Gandalf.<ref>{{UT|Hunt}}, Note 5</ref> He travelled alongside the Anduin to the north until he arrived at the [[Carrock]]. With the aid of the [[Beornings]] he crossed the Anduin with Gollum and entered [[Mirkwood]]. He took Gollum to [[Thranduil]] to be held captive.<ref name="UT"/><ref name="TA"/> He then returned west where he met with Gandalf at [[Sarn Ford]] and learned of [[Frodo Baggins]]' plan to leave the Shire with the Ring in late September. Aragorn then continued his own journey.<ref name="Strider">{{FR|Strider}}</ref><br />
<br />
===War of the Ring===<br />
When Aragorn returned to his area, the [[Elves]] who followed [[Gildor Inglorion]] told Aragorn the [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] had been seen, and Gandalf had been missing and there were no messages from him. Aragorn and his [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] kept watch over the border of [[the Shire]] and the [[East Road]] waiting for sight of Frodo but there was no news of them leaving [[Buckland]].<ref name="Strider"/><br />
<br />
While staying in [[Bree]], Aragorn crossed the paths of four hobbits in [[The Prancing Pony]]. Aragorn watched as the hobbits clumsily hid their names and intentions, and as [[Frodo Baggins]], the leader of the party, fell from a table and disappeared as he put the ring on. Aragorn, whose name was given as Strider, seemed to show no surprise, only annoyance at Frodo’s foolish vanishing act. He arranged for an interview that night, where he warned them of the Black Riders and [[Bill Ferny]], then bluntly requested that they use him as a guide. After some consideration, and a note given them by the forgetful [[Barliman Butterbur]] from Gandalf condoning him, Frodo agreed.<br />
[[File:Jef Murray - Amon Sûl.jpg|thumb|left|[[Jef Murray]] - ''Amon Sûl'']]<br />
Aragorn’s plan to reach Rivendell was to first head toward [[Archet]] and bear right to [[Weathertop]]. After the ambush at Weathertop and the wounding of Frodo, [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] took over the position as leader of the Hobbits. After a while they met [[Glorfindel]], a friend of Aragorn’s, and it was not much later that they arrived in Rivendell.<br />
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Reforging of the Sword.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - ''The Reforging of the Sword'']]<br />
After the Council of Elrond Aragorn became a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. As a preparation for his travel, the ancient shards of [[Narsil]], the heirloom of his House, were reforged after 3 millennia. Aragorn carried the Sword Reforged, and renamed it [[Andúril]]. <br />
<br />
Aragorn's intentions were to travel with the company for a while before returning to [[Gondor]] with [[Boromir]]. Aragorn encouraged the taking of the [[Caradhras|Redhorn Pass]], which ended in disaster. He reluctantly conceded to Gandalf’s choice to pass through [[Moria]], though his sense of foresight warned him for Gandalf. Indeed, after Gandalf fell into the abyss with [[Durin's Bane]], Aragorn was naturally elected leader of the company, despite some resentment by Boromir.<br />
<br />
====Leading the Fellowship of the Ring====<br />
Aragorn again amazed the rest of the Fellowship by his apparent closeness to the people of [[Lothlórien]], and his friendship with [[Celeborn]] and [[Galadriel]]. At their departure, Galadriel offered him the [[Elfstone]] as a wedding gift from the family of the Elven bride to the groom, foretelling his marriage to Arwen.<ref>{{MR|P3II3}}</ref> It was worn by Aragorn ever after and from that he later took the name '''Elessar'''.<br />
<br />
Even at the [[Rauros|Falls of Rauros]] he was undecided, leaving it to Frodo for the final decision. For though it was obvious he wished to go to [[Minas Tirith]] with Boromir, he yet felt that it was his duty to go where the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]] chose.<br />
<br />
[[File:Inger Edelfeldt - Death of Boromir.jpg|thumb|200px|right|''Death of Boromir'' by [[Inger Edelfeldt]]]]<br />
After Frodo escaped him and Boromir perished, he with the remaining members of the Fellowship, namely [[Legolas]] and [[Gimli]], chose to try and save [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] from the [[Uruk-hai]] that had ambushed them, forming the group that would later be known as the [[Three Hunters]].<br />
<br />
He met [[Éomer]] in the fields of [[Rohan]], and an instant friendship formed, both feeling the honesty and lordliness of the other. Éomer took a risk for his sake, giving him horses, with the promise that one day soon Aragorn would return to [[Edoras]]. Aragorn, tracking the Hobbits, followed into Fangorn Forest, where he met the resurrected [[Gandalf|Gandalf the White]]. After the restoration of [[Théoden]], he rode to [[Helm's Deep]] to fight in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]]. There he, alongside his new-found “brother” Éomer, and King Théoden, marshaled the defence against [[Saruman]]’s army. His revealed majesty upon the battlements of the Hornburg as he waited for the dawn caused some of the [[Dunlendings|Wild men]] to pause and shudder, and he heralded the return of Gandalf with [[Erkenbrand]].<br />
<br />
After Pippin’s terrifying experience with the [[Orthanc-stone]], Gandalf presented it in a formal manner to Aragorn, its rightful master, who hinted that it would be used by him eventually. After the departure of Gandalf and Pippin to Minas Tirith, he rode for a while longer with Théoden, meeting up with his friend [[Halbarad]] of the North, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], and a company of staunch and fearless Rangers. Elladan and Elrohir gave him a message from Elrond: "''The days are short. If thou art in haste, remember the [[Paths of the Dead]]''". Halbarad bore a gift from the Lady Arwen – the [[Standard of Elendil]]. Aragorn knew the path set before him.<br />
<br />
====Return of the King====<br />
A little while later Aragorn took his companions and his rangers and set out for [[Dunharrow]], departing from the King’s company. His course was clear: to take the Paths of the Dead, to summon the [[Oathbreakers|Dead Men]]. In Dunharrow, he met the lady [[Éowyn]], who had fallen in love with him. After making it clear that he could not accept her love, he turned towards the evil road with the dawn.<br />
<br />
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Thus Came Aragorn.jpg|thumb|right|''Thus Came Aragorn'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]<br />
The [[Grey Company]] passed through the [[Dark Door]] and the [[Dwimorberg]], the Dead following, and coming at last to the [[Stone of Erech]], Aragorn summoned them to his aid. They drew their swords and blew their horns in answer, and swept down upon the [[Corsairs of Umbar|Corsairs]] at [[Pelargir]] drove the mariners away. Aragorn released them, and took the [[Black Ships]] north to Minas Tirith, where the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] raged. The Standard of Elendil broke forth, and his Dúnedain swept down, giving the final blow to the army of [[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]. The counter-attacked army of [[Sauron]] crumbled utterly. But Aragorn did not enter the city.<br />
<br />
Aragorn, furling his banner, appointed [[Imrahil]] the temporary lord of the City, as the law demanded. Eventually, however, Aragorn did come to the [[Houses of Healing]], where he tended and restored Merry, Éowyn, and [[Faramir]], in accordance with the prophecy “''The hands of the king are the hands of a healer, and so shall the rightful king be known''”. Many of the people of Minas Tirith came to Aragorn and followed him, asking that he heal those they knew. Aragorn worked late into the night, before finally leaving the city, hooded and cloaked. When in the morning the people saw the banner of [[Dol Amroth]], they wondered if the Return of the King had been but a dream.<ref name=Houses>{{RK|Houses}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[File:Inger Edelfeldt - The Crowning of Aragorn.jpg|thumb|left|''The Crowning of Aragorn'' by [[Inger Edelfeldt]]]]<br />
Aragorn held [[Last Debate|council]] with his trusted companions, namely Gandalf, Éomer, Imrahil, and Elrond’s sons – Halbarad had fallen in battle. He agreed to draw forth the forces of [[Mordor]] for the benefit of the [[Quest of the Ring]], and so arranged matters for the [[Battle of the Morannon]]. After the destruction of the Ring in [[Mount Doom|Orodruin]] and victory at the [[Morannon]], Aragorn returned at last in the triumphant manner that befitted his position. He was crowned at the gates of Minas Tirith, winning the hearts of the people of [[Gondor]].<br />
<br />
===Reign as Elessar===<br />
Aragorn ruled the [[Reunited Kingdom]] of Gondor and Arnor until year 120 of the [[Fourth Age]]. <br />
<br />
Some days after his coronation, Gandalf took Elessar up the slopes of Mount [[Mindolluin]], and there he found the scion of [[Nimloth of Númenor|Nimloth]], the symbol of his mastery of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]. Elrond and Arwen came to Gondor and Elrond gave Elessar the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]] signifying the Kingship of Arnor. He wedded Arwen on Midsummer's day of 3019, and then was forced to bid his old friends farewell. He turned back to his new kingdom as the [[Fourth Age]] dawned and the Ringbearers left the shores of Middle-earth forever.<br />
<br />
One of his first tasks in the re-ordering of his realm was the restoration of [[Orthanc]] and ordered the [[Orthanc-stone]] to be returned there. With this opportunity, many secrets and hoarded treasures were revealed including the [[Elendilmir]] which Saruman took from Isildur's body. Elessar received the Elemdilmir with reverence and took it with him as he established his full kingship of [[Arnor]].<ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref><br />
<br />
Elessar gave his [[Steward]] Faramir the title [[Lord of Emyn Arnen]] and created him as [[Prince of Ithilien]]<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref>. He declared the [[Drúadan Forest]] to belong to the [[Drúedain]] and a protected enclave of his Kingdom.<ref>{{RK|Partings}}</ref> He also re-established the Great [[Council of Gondor]] whose chief councellor was the Steward<ref>{{L|244}}</ref>. He also renewed the [[Oath of Cirion]] with Éomer.<br />
<br />
As for [[the Shire]], he declared it a Free Land under the protection of the Northern Sceptre and forbid Men from entering it. He appointed the [[Thain]], the [[Master of Buckland]], and the [[Mayor of Michel Delving]] Counsellors of the North-kingdom. Also he offered to the Shire the [[Westmarch|lands]] up to the [[Tower Hills|Emyn Beraid]].<ref name=later>{{App|Later}}</ref><br />
<br />
He founded the royal [[House of Telcontar]], he had a son, [[Eldarion]], and a number of daughters.<br />
<br />
King Elessar died after 210 years of life and 122 years of rule and was succeeded by his son [[Eldarion]]. His wife Arwen, now mortal, gave up her life shortly afterwards in year 121, aged 2,901.<br />
<br />
==Personality==<br />
<br />
Aragorn was a wise, calm, well-mannered, yet proud and stern man who held his heritage in high regard and was willing to do whatever he can to help his friends. He was the "hardiest of living Men" during his time.<br />
<br />
His reverance for his heritage was such that it nearly led to complications when arriving in Rohan and was forced to surrender his sword, ''[[Anduril]]'' ''(The King of the Golden Hall)'' and revealed himself as the Heir of ''[Isildur]]'' to ''[[Eomer]]'' when confronting him. ''(The Riders of Rohan)''. He also possessed Elven wisdom due to being raised in Rivendell, and the foresight of the Dúnedain. He also had a nigh indomitable strength of will, as he was able to psychically challenge ''[[Sauron]]'' for control of the palantir, and emerged victorious. ''(The Passing of the Grey Company)''.<br />
<br />
==Equipment and skills==<br />
<br />
Aragorn was a swordsman of extraordinary, nigh <br />
unparalleled skill, to the point that he was considered the greatest swordsman of the ''[[Third Age]]'', surpassing the likes of ''[[Boromir]]'', ''[[Faramir]]'', and possibly ''[[Elrond]]'', despite all three being skilled swordsmen in their own right. He was also trained in the use of bows and spears, despite his preference for swordplay. His skill was such that he can take on any enemy from Orcs to the Nine Ringwraiths. Aragorn was a highly skilled and well-respected leader and King to the point that he restored ''[[Minas Tirith]]'' along with the rest of ''[[Gondor]]'' to its former glory and made peace with enemies who surrendered. He was a master military tactician and commander, capable of leading his army to victory at the ''[[Black Gate]]'', and aiding in the victories at ''[[Helm's Deep]]'', and the ''[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]'', coming out unscathed after the latter ended, along with ''[[Eomer]]'', and ''[[Imrahil]]''. ''([[The Battle of the Pelennor Fields]])''. In addition to his military prowess, he was also a skilled healer, particularly with the plant ''[[athelas]]'', as he was able to heal ''[[Eowyn]] and ''[[Faramir]]'' after both of them suffered the ''[[Black Breath]]''. (''[[The Houses of Healing]]''), and even sustain the effects of ''[[Frodo]]'''s wound by a ''[[Morgul blade]]'' long enough for the latter to receive further treatment in ''[[Rivendell]]''.<br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
{{Pronounce|Aragorn Elessar.mp3|Ardamir}}<br />
'''''Aragorn''''' is a [[Sindarin]] name. It means "revered king".<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 31 entry S ''Ara(n)gorn''</ref><ref name=PE17Turgond>{{PE|17}}, p. 113 entry S '''Turgond-'''</ref> It contains the phonetic reduction ''ara'' of ''[[aran]]'' ("king") and the adjective ''[[gorn|(n)gorn]]'' ("dreaded, revered").<ref name=PE17Turgond/><br />
<br />
This clear etymology from Tolkien was not revealed until the publication in 2007 of "Words, Phrases & Passages in ''The Lord of the Rings''", a late 1950s manuscript. Before that, several theories were proposed:<br />
*[[Ruth S. Noel]] and several others proposed "King of the Tree",<ref>[[Ruth S. Noel]], ''[[The Languages of Tolkien's Middle-earth]]'', p. 114</ref> but Tolkien specifically said that this was not the case.<ref>{{L|347}}</ref> <br />
*[[David Salo]] deduces "Having Kingly Valor"<ref>[[David Salo]], ''[[A Gateway to Sindarin]]'', p. 341</ref> from Tolkien's cryptic "'Kingly Valour' (for so is that name interpreted)".<ref>{{PM|Foreword}}, p. xii</ref> This is still the most often cited etymology; Robert Ireland's ''[[A Tolkien Dictionary]]'' gives the variation "Royal Zeal".<ref>Robert Ireland, ''[[A Tolkien Dictionary]]'', [http://www.quicksilver899.com/Tolkien/LOTR/LOTR_AC.html The Lord of the Rings A-C].</ref><br />
*[[Carl F. Hostetter]] proposed the meanings "King of the Globe" or "King of the Hill" in his analysis of the [[King's Letter]].<ref>[[Carl F. Hostetter]], "The 'King's Letter': An Historical and Comparative Analysis", [[Vinyar Tengwar 31|''Vinyar Tengwar'' 31]], p. 18</ref><br />
<br />
The [[Quenya]] form of ''Aragorn'' was '''''Arakorno'''''.<ref name="WP">{{PE|17}}, p. 70 f. entry Q '''ar''' in the translation of the sentence into Quenya ''Sanome tarne Olórin, Arakorno, [...]''</ref><br />
<br />
==Other names==<br />
* '''Aragorn II''' - Aragorn's name as [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]. He was likely named after [[Aragorn I]].<br />
* [[Thorongil]] - [[Sindarin|S]] "Eagle of the Star", a pseudonym used in [[Gondor]] and [[Rohan]]. Pronounced {{IPA|[θoˈroŋɡil]}}.<br />
* '''Elessar''' - [[Quenya|Q]] "Elfstone", Aragorn's name as a king. Despite popular use as such, Aragorn was never known as "Aragorn Elessar", "Aragorn II Elessar" or "[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|King Aragorn]]". Pronounced {{IPA|[eˈlesːar]}}.<br />
* '''Edhelharn''' - The [[Sindarin]] equivalent of Elessar, used in the King's Letter.<ref>{{SD|XI2}}, p. 128ff</ref> Pronounced {{IPA|[eˈðel.harn]}}.<br />
* [[Elfstone]] - The [[Westron|Common Speech]] version of the previous two. <br />
* [[Envinyatar|''Envinyatar'']] - [[Quenya|Q]] "the Renewer".<br />
* [[Estel]] - [[Quenya|Q]]. Usually glossed as "Hope", the concept ''estel'' more widely means "hope, trust, a temper of mind, steady fixed in purpose, and difficult to dissuade and unlikely to fall into despair or abandon its purpose". Pronounced {{IPA|[ˈestel]}}.<br />
* [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]] - A sobriquet given by the men of [[Bree]]. Aragorn used it mockingly.<br />
* '''Wingfoot''' - An honorary name given by [[Éomer]] after the pursuit of the [[Uruk-hai]] through the [[Eastemnet]].<ref>{{TT|III2}}</ref><br />
* [[Telcontar]] - A [[Quenya]] form of "Strider", this was the name of Elessar's Royal House. It was not used independently. Pronounced {{IPA|[telˈkontar]}}.<br />
* [[Heir of Isildur|Isildur's Heir]] - A poetic address, as he was the heir of [[Isildur]]. <br />
* '''The Dúnadan''' - "[[Dúnedain|Man of the West]]", a name given by [[Bilbo Baggins]] when their friendship evolved. <br />
* '''Longshanks''' - another, though less frequently used, sobriquet in Bree, ascribed to [[Bill Ferny]]. The legs of the [[Bree-landers|Bree-men]] were shorter than the legs of the [[Dúnedain]].<br />
* '''Arakorno''' - A rare Quenya form of Aragorn, which only appeared in a discussion about the words for Quenya.<ref name="WP"/> Pronounced {{IPA|[ˌaraˈkorno]}}.<br />
<br />
==Genealogy==<br />
{{familytree/start}}<br />
{{familytree | EAR |y| ELW | | GAL |y| CEL |GAL=[[Galadriel]]|CEL=[[Celeborn]]|EAR=[[Eärendil]]|ELW=[[Elwing]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |)|-|-|-|.| | | |!| | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ROS | | RON |y| CLB | | |ROS=[[Elros]]|RON=[[Elrond]]|CLB=[[Celebrían]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | KON | | | | |!| | | | | |KON=<small>''[[Kings of Númenor]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | LOA | | | | |!| | | | | |LOA=<small>''[[Lords of Andúnië]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ELE | | | | |!| | | | | |ELE=[[Elendil]]}}<br />
{{familytree | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ISI | | ANA | | |!| | | | | |ISI=[[Isildur]]|ANA=[[Anárion]]}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |:| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | KOA | | KOG | | |!| | | | | |KOA=<small>''[[Kings of Arnor]]''</small>|KOG=<small>''[[Kings of Gondor]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |:| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | KOA | | OND | | |!| | | | | |OND=[[Ondoher]]|KOA=<small>''[[Kings of Arthedain]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |!| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ARV |V| FIR | | |!| | | | | |ARV=[[Arvedui]]|FIR=[[Fíriel]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | COD | | | | |!| | | | | |COD=<small>''[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ART |y| GIL |!| | | | | |ART=[[Arathorn II]]|GIL=[[Gilraen]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |!| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | ARA |y| ARW | | | | |ARA='''ARAGORN '''|ARW=[[Arwen]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | ELD | | SDS | | | | |ELD=[[Eldarion]]|SDS=''several sisters''}}<br />
{{familytree/end}}<br />
===Relation to Arwen===<br />
Arwen was a very distant cousin of Aragorn. By their marriage, the long-sundered lines of the [[Half-elven]] were joined.<ref name="Numenor">{{App|A1i}}</ref> Their union also served to unite and preserve the bloodlines of the kings of the three kindreds of the High Elves ([[Ingwë]], [[Finwë]], and brothers [[Elwë]], [[Olwë]], and [[Elmo]]) as well as the only line with [[Maiar]]in blood through Arwen's great-great-grandmother, [[Melian]]. There were at least two marriages between descendants of Elendil in Aragorn's ancestry, so Aragorn was related to Arwen by blood along at least three lines.<br />
<br />
Through his father, Arathorn II, Aragorn was Arwen's first cousin sixty-two times removed through his ancestor Arvedui and sixty-seven times removed through his ancestor Fíriel. Both of these lines descend through four<ref name="Numenor"/> generations of the Kings of Númenor, Silmariën, eighteen<ref>{{UT|Kings}}</ref> generations of the Lords of Andúnië, and Elendil, as well as Aranarth and fifteen<ref name="North">{{App|North}}</ref> succeeding generations of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, including Aragorn himself. Aragorn's mother Gilraen also descended from Aranarth,<ref name="North"/> but the number of generations between them is unknown.<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
In the earliest unpublished versions of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' (see ''[[The History of The Lord of the Rings]]''), the character that later became Aragorn was called '''''[[Trotter]]''''' instead of Strider, and was a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] instead of a [[Men|Man]]. He had wooden feet, because he had once traveled to Mordor and been tortured there.<br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
{{Gallery<br />
|title=Aragorn in adaptations<br />
|height=150<br />
|width=250<br />
|lines=2<br />
|File:War in Middle Earth - Aragorn and Frodo against a Nazgul.png|Aragorn with [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Strider.jpg|Strider in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]<br />
|File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Aragorn.JPG|Aragorn in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''<br />
|File:2011-12-23 00061.jpg|Aragorn in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''<br />
|File:LEGO Aragorn poster.png|Aragorn as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''<br />
}}<br />
<br />
===Films===<br />
'''1978: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]'':'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[John Hurt]]. Some critics have accused this character of looking too much like a [[wikipedia:Stereotypes_of_Native_Americans|Native American stereotype]].{{Citation needed}}<br />
<br />
'''1980: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn was voiced by [[Theodore Bikel]] in the 1980 [[Rankin/Bass]] animated film.<br />
<br />
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is played by [[Viggo Mortensen]], though [[Stuart Townsend]] was originally cast in the role. Townsend was deemed too young. Mortensen had just two weeks to train for his first scene, the standoff with the [[Nazgûl]] at [[Weathertop]]. Utilizing the modern "reluctant hero" trope, Mortensen portrays Aragorn full of self-doubt, while he is much more sure of himself in the book. <br />
<br />
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn's part is this film is largely similar to the events in book. The most significant difference is that, in the book, there was no [[Wargs|Warg]] attack on the party traveling to Helm's Deep and Aragorn did not fall down a cliff.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn finally steps into his role as king after having a lot of self-doubt beforehand. <br />
<br />
'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''<br />
:Although he is not physically present, he is mentioned by [[Thranduil]] to his son, [[Legolas]]. Thranduil tells Legolas to seek a young ranger known as "Strider" and that Legolas would have to discover Strider's true name for himself. In the continuity of the films, Aragorn would have been 27 rather than a ten-year-old child.<br />
<br />
===Television===<br />
'''1993: [[Hobitit|''Hobitit'']]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is portrayed by [[Kari Väänänen]],the same actor who played [[Gollum]] in the series.<br />
<br />
===Radio Series===<br />
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[Godfrey Kenton]].<br />
<br />
'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[Tom Luce]].<br />
<br />
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn was voiced by [[Robert Stephens]]. For his early scenes, according to [[John McAndrew]] (Pippin) Stephens adopted an accurate Bristol accent to help suggest the disguise Strider adopted in Bree.<br />
<br />
'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by Boris Farkaš.<br />
<br />
===Games===<br />
'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable character. He has brown hair and is bearded, he bears a golden sword.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:[[Daran Norris]] provided the voice of Aragorn, who is one of the three playable characters.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is one of the three playable characters, as well as narrator for most of the game. He is versatile in both melee and ranged attacks. Viggo Mortensen reprises his role from the film trilogy.<br />
<br />
'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable character, his storyline is dubbed "Path of a King". He journey through Paths of the Dead with Legolas and Gimli, later they fight on Pelennor fields and at the Black Gate. Chris Edgerly takes over for Mortensen as Aragorn's voice actor.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring|Sierra's War of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a Hero Unit for the Free People side. He is present in Lothlorien, Battle of Hornburg and Siege of the Minas Morgul.<br />
<br />
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a Hero Unit for the Rohan faction in skirmishes, he also accompanies the Fellowship in the storyline mode.<br />
<br />
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is now the Hero for the Men of the West faction.<br />
<br />
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''<br />
:In the Prologue, Aragorn saves Men/Hobbit characters from brigands, but is forced to leave soon, as he has to intercept Frodo in Bree. Later arriving at the Prancing Pony, the characters meet him again and help him looking in surrounding area for Hobbits, who did not arrive in time. When player returns, Aragorn and the Hobbits already departed, and their next meeting is in Rivendell, where Aragorn entrusts the player with defence of the North while the Fellowship is gone. Later, in [[Lothlórien]], Aragorn is seen residing in [[Caras Galadhon]]<br />
<br />
'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable hero available in several missions.<br />
<br />
'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is an important character of the game, and is mentioned as one of the much honored heroes of the [[War of the Ring]] in the introduction of the game.<ref name="Prologue">[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Prologue''</ref><br />
:He is a friend of two of the game's main characters, [[Eradan (video game character)|Eradan]] and [[Andriel]]. Aragorn had met [[Andriel]] during his visits at [[Rivendell]],<ref name="Backstory Andriel">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.warinthenorth.com/the-game/heroes/backstory#elfAnchor|articlename=Elven Character: Andriel's History|dated=|website=War in the North|accessed=25 December 2011}}</ref> while he had met Eradan, when he served as Ranger at Sarn Ford. Aragorn was impressed by his skills and bravery, and taught him much about tracking. Eradan was a companion of Aragorn on many of his journeys. Aragorn trusted Eradan much, though he never told him what the reason was behind the protection of [[the Shire]].<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.warinthenorth.com/the-game/heroes/backstory#dunedainAnchor|articlename=Human Character: Eradan's History|dated=|website=War in the North|accessed=24 December 2011}}</ref><br />
<br />
:Eradan, Andriel and [[Farin (video game character)|Farin]] meet Aragorn in the Prancing Pony to warn him, on Halbarad's request, after the Nazgûl attacked and defeated the [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] at [[Sarn Ford]], and entered the Shire. They also tell him about an conservation between the Witch-king and [[Agandaûr]], which the three heroes overheard shortly after the attack. Agandaûr summoned the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] and assembled an army in [[Fornost]], which plans to aid the Nazgûl in their search to [[the One Ring]]. Aragorn sends Eradan, Andriel and Farin to Fornost, to stop Agandaûr and his army.<ref name="Prologue"/> While Eradan, Andriel, Farin, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]] stopped Agandaûr's army,<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Chapter 1: Fornost''</ref> Aragorn met with [[Frodo Baggins]] and left Bree.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Chapter 2: The Barrow Downs'', Bree</ref><br />
<br />
'''2012: ''[[Lego|Lego The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''<br />
:A mini figure of Aragorn is included in the [[Lego#Sets|sets]] '''Attack at Weathertop''', '''The Battle of Helm's Deep''', '''The Battle at the Black gate''', and '''The Pirate ship ambush'''.<ref name="2012 sets">{{webcite|author=Calisuri|articleurl=http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/02/12/53563-more-lord-of-the-rings-lego-details-from-toy-fare-2012/|articlename=More Lord of the Rings LEGO Details from Toy Fare 2012|dated=12 February 2012|website=TORN|accessed=18 February 2012}}</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Timeline of Aragorn]]<br />
*[http://dare.ubvu.vu.nl/bitstream/1871/10975/1/Aragorn_Final.pdf "Aragorn Seen Through Different Media"] by [[Connie Veugen]], comparing the introduction of Strider in Ralph Bakshi's film, the 1981 BBC radio play, Peter Jackson's film and [[Vivendi]]'s [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|video game]] of ''The Fellowship of the Ring.<br />
{{References|notes}}<br />
<br />
==Titles==<br />
{{seq-start}}<br />
{{seq-head<br />
| race=arnorian<br />
| house=[[House of Isildur]]<small><br/>Cadet branch of [[House of Elros]]</small><br />
| born=[[1 March]], {{TA|2931}}<br />
| died={{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prow=2<br />
| prev=[[Arathorn II]]<br />
| list=16th [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2933}} – [[1 May]], {{TA|3019|n}}<br />
| next=Position abolished<br />
| nvac=None<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| list=39th [[Heir of Isildur|Heir]] of [[Isildur]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2933}} - [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
| next=[[Eldarion]]<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prev=[[Gandalf]]<br />
| list=Leader of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]<br />
| dates=[[15 January]] - [[22 August]], {{TA|3019}}<br />
| next=Position abolished<br />
| nvac=None<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Eärnur]]''', 969 years earlier<br />
| list=34th [[Kings of Gondor|King of Gondor]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
| next=[[Eldarion]]<br />
| nrow=4<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Eärendur (King of Arnor)|Eärendur]]''', 2,158 years earlier<br />
| list=11th [[Kings of Arnor|King of Arnor]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Isildur]]''', 3,017 years earlier<br />
| list=1st [[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]] of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=None<br />
| prev=New title<br />
| list=Head of the [[House of Telcontar]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq-end}}{{councilofelrond}}{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}{{northernline}}{{southernline}}<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]<br />
[[Category:Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]<br />
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]<br />
[[Category:House of Isildur]]<br />
[[Category:House of Telcontar| ]]<br />
[[Category:Mariners]]<br />
[[Category:Rulers of Arnor]]<br />
[[Category:Rulers of Gondor]]<br />
[[Category:Sindarin names]]<br />
[[Category:Third Age characters]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Aragorn II.]]<br />
[[fi:Aragorn II]]<br />
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/hommes/3adunedain/dunedain_du_nord/aragorn_ii]]</div>MikeyofGondorhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Aragorn&diff=344971Aragorn2022-04-10T02:29:07Z<p>MikeyofGondor: /* Equipment and skills */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig-two|the King of [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]]|[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]|[[Aragorn I]]}}<br />
{{sources}}<br />
{{arnorian infobox<br />
| name=Aragorn<br />
| image=[[File:John Howe - Elessar.jpg|250px]]<br />
| caption="Elessar" by [[John Howe]]<br />
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|[ˈaraɡorn]}}<br />
| othernames=Aragorn II, ''[[Elessar]]'', [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]], ''[[Thorongil]]'' (''[[Aragorn#Names and titles|see below]]'')<br />
| titles=[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]<br/>[[High King of the Dúnedain]]<br>[[King of Gondor and Arnor]]<Ref>{{S|Rings}}</ref><br>[[King of the West]]<ref>{{App|Great}}</ref><Br>Lord of the [[Westlands]]<br />
| position=[[Rangers of the North|Ranger]]<br />
| location=[[Rivendell]]<br/>[[Gondor]]<br>[[Arnor]]<br />
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]<br />
| language=[[Westron]], [[Sindarin]], [[Quenya]]<br />
| birth=[[1 March]] {{TA|2931}}<br />
| birthlocation=[[Eriador]]<br />
| rule={{TA|2933}} - {{TA|3019|n}} (Chieftain)<br/>{{TA|3019}} - {{FoA|120}} (King)<br />
| death={{FoA|120}}<br />
| deathlocation=[[Gondor]]<br />
| age=210<br />
| notablefor=Reuniting the [[Reunited Kingdom|Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor]]<br />
| house=[[House of Isildur]], founded the [[House of Telcontar]]<br />
| parentage=[[Arathorn II]], father <br/> [[Gilraen]], mother <br/> [[Elrond]], foster father<br />
| siblings=<br />
| spouse=[[Arwen]]<br />
| children=[[Eldarion]] and at least two daughters<ref name="Tale">{{App|Tale}}</ref><br />
| gender=Male<br />
| height=6'6<nowiki>''</nowiki> (198cm)<ref name="RC">{{HM|RC}}, p. 272 citing from a note written by J.R.R. Tolkien approximately in 1969</ref><br />
| hair=Dark, flecked with grey<ref name="Sign">{{FR|Sign}}</ref> <br />
| eyes=Grey<ref name="Sign"/><br />
| clothing=High leather boots, dark-green cloak (As a [[Rangers of the North|Ranger]])<ref name="Sign"/><br>Pure white mantle, black mail girt with silver (As a King)<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref><br />
| weapons=[[Andúril]]<br />
| steed=[[Roheryn]] and [[Hasufel]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
<center>{{quote|Tall as the sea-kings of old, he stood above all that were near; ancient of days he seemed and yet in the flower of manhood; and wisdom sat upon his brow, and strength and healing were in his hands, and a light was about him.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Steward and the King]]"}}</center><br />
'''Aragorn II''' was the son of [[Arathorn II]] and [[Gilraen]]. He was the last [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]] and a direct descendant through many<ref group="note">Aragorn II is of the 39th generation descended from Isildur, through 23 generations of the Kings of Arnor and Arthedain (beginning with [[Valandil]] and ending with [[Arvedui]]) and 15 generations of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain (beginning with [[Aranarth]] and ending with Arathorn II).</ref> generations of [[Isildur]], the last [[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]] of both [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Aragorn would become the greatest [[Men|Man]] of his time, leading the [[Dúnedain|Men of the West]] against [[Sauron]]'s forces, helping to destroy [[the One Ring]], and reuniting the [[Reunited Kingdom|Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor]]. <br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early Life===<br />
Aragorn was born in {{TA|2931}} to the Chieftain Arathorn, and received the name Aragorn. His grandmother, [[Ivorwen]], noted with foresight that Aragorn would one day wear on his breast a green stone.<ref>{{PM|Foreword}}</ref><br />
<br />
A legend says that the [[Wizards|Wizard]] [[Gandalf]] had brought [[Elfstone|such a stone]], called the Elessar, from [[Valinor]]. He gave the Elessar to the [[Elves|Elven]] Lady [[Galadriel]], and remarked prophetically that she would pass it to another, who will also be called Elessar.<ref>{{UT|6}}</ref> From this would come Aragorn's royal name ''Elessar'' ([[Quenya]] for "Elfstone").<br />
<br />
When Aragorn was two years old, his father was slain when an [[Orcs|Orc]] arrow pierced his eye. As was the tradition of his people, Aragorn was fostered in [[Rivendell]] by [[Elrond]] as if he was his own son. The [[Wise]] decided that his identity was to be kept secret, as he would be vulnerable to [[Sauron|the Enemy]]. Aragorn was called '''''[[Estel]]''''' ([[Sindarin]] for "Hope") instead. During his life in Rivendell he accompanied the sons of Elrond, [[Elrohir]] and [[Elladan]], on their journeys.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
[[File:Stephen Hickman - Aragorn and Arwen.jpg|thumb|left|''Aragorn and Arwen'' by [[Stephen Hickman]]]]<br />
"Estel" grew to be fair and noble, and was seemingly more mature than his age. When Aragorn was twenty-one years old, after returning from a journey with the [[twins]] in {{TA|2952}}, Elrond decided to reveal his true name and ancestry. As part of this revelation, Elrond delivered to him the heirlooms of [[House of Isildur|his House]]: the shards of [[Narsil]] and the [[Ring of Barahir]]. Elrond also said that he should earn the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]]. The next day, full of hope, Aragorn was sitting in the forest singing a part of the ''[[Lay of Leithian|Lay of Lúthien]]''; as he sang of the meeting [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]], [[Arwen]], daughter of Elrond, who had newly returned from [[Lothlórien]], appeared to him. Aragorn thought that Lúthien herself had appeared, and fell in love.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
===Life as a Ranger===<br />
Estel took up his proper name as Aragorn, sixteenth of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, and after he took leave of his mother and Elrond he went into [[The Wild]].<ref name="Tale"/> In {{TA|2953}} he was not present in Rivendell for the last meeting of the [[White Council]]. Aragorn met [[Gandalf|Gandalf the Grey]] in {{TA|2956}}, and they became great friends.<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref> At Gandalf's advice he started to become interested in [[the Shire]] and became known as '''''Strider''''' in this region.<br />
[[File:Catherine Chmiel - Ecthelion,Thorongil and Boromir study.jpg|thumb|right|''"Thorongil" with Ecthelion II'' by [[Catherine Karina Chmiel]]]]<br />
From {{TA|2957}} to {{TA|2980}} Aragorn took great journeys aiding the [[West]] against [[Sauron]] and his allies. After serving King [[Thengel]] of [[Rohan]], he went to [[Ruling Steward|Steward]] [[Ecthelion II]] of [[Gondor]],<ref name="TA"/> who was in dire need of able men to guard his realm from Mordor. Aragorn kept his identity secret but as he wore a silver star upon his cloak, and was swift and keen-eyed, the [[Gondorians]] called him '''''Thorongil''''' (Sindarin for "Eagle of the Star"). He was a great leader by land and sea and Ecthelion trusted and loved him most. Some believed that there was rivalry between him and the Steward's son, [[Denethor]], who probably knew his identity as [[Heir of Isildur]], and suspected that he and Gandalf worked to supplant him. Thorongil however saw himself only as the servant of the Steward, whom he advised to not trust [[Saruman]] and instead to welcome Gandalf (whom Denethor didn't trust or love).<br />
<br />
Ecthelion was anticipating an attack from Sauron who had just returned, and Thorongil warned him that in that event the [[Southern Fiefs]] would be vulnerable to the [[Corsairs of Umbar]]. He was allowed by Ecthelion to take few ships and lead an [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|attack against Umbar]]; at night he burned many ships, and in a fight slew the [[Captain of the Haven]] with only few casualties. Great honour awaited him in [[Minas Tirith]] but he did not return; while in [[Pelargir]], he sent a farewell message to Ecthelion, speaking of other tasks calling him, and saying that fate would not bring him again to Gondor soon. To the grief and wonder of his companions he crossed the [[Anduin]] and was last seen staring at the [[Mountains of Shadow]].<ref>{{App|Stewards}}</ref> He left Gondor to travel into the far East and South "exploring the hearts of men good and evil" and learning about the "plots and devices" of the servants of the Dark Lord. His exploits ensured the survival of the [[West]] much later during the [[War of the Ring]].<br />
<br />
Later in 2980 on his return to Rivendell he entered [[Lothlórien]], and there once again met Arwen in [[Caras Galadhon]]. For one season they wandered together in Lothlórien. At midsummer he gave her the heirloom of his House, the [[Ring of Barahir]], and Arwen pledged her hand to him in marriage.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
Elrond gave his foster-son permission to marry his daughter, on the condition that he must first become king of both Gondor and Arnor, for only a king would be worthy of Arwen's hand. This harsh condition had a precedent: King [[Thingol]]'s request that [[Beren]] obtain a [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] from [[Morgoth]] before marrying his daughter [[Lúthien]].<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
===Hunt for Gollum===<br />
In the year {{TA|3001}}, as a now revealed [[Sauron]] continued to regain power in [[Mordor]], Aragorn began assisting [[Gandalf]] in his search for news of [[Gollum]]. Gandalf suspected that the ring [[Bilbo Baggins]] found near Gollum's lake was in fact [[the One Ring]]. In {{TA|3007}}, he briefly returned to [[Eriador]] where he visited his mother for the last time. She died before that year's spring. <br />
<br />
In {{TA|3009}} Gandalf and Aragorn renewed their hunt for Gollum, searching intermittently in the [[vales of Anduin]], [[Mirkwood]], and [[Rhovanion]], even to the confines of [[Mordor]], without knowing that around that time Gollum ventured into Mordor, and was captured by Sauron.<ref name="TA"/> [[Third Age 3017|After eight years]] Gollum was released and Aragorn finally overtook him in the [[Dead Marshes]]<ref name="TA"/> on [[1 February]]. With Gollum he travelled through the northern [[Emyn Muil]], to prevent being found by Sauron's spies, and crossed the Anduin at the [[Sarn Gebir]]. He travelled further north along the edges of [[Fangorn Forest]] and through Lothlórien,<ref name="UT">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref> where the Elves sent a message to Gandalf.<ref>{{UT|Hunt}}, Note 5</ref> He travelled alongside the Anduin to the north until he arrived at the [[Carrock]]. With the aid of the [[Beornings]] he crossed the Anduin with Gollum and entered [[Mirkwood]]. He took Gollum to [[Thranduil]] to be held captive.<ref name="UT"/><ref name="TA"/> He then returned west where he met with Gandalf at [[Sarn Ford]] and learned of [[Frodo Baggins]]' plan to leave the Shire with the Ring in late September. Aragorn then continued his own journey.<ref name="Strider">{{FR|Strider}}</ref><br />
<br />
===War of the Ring===<br />
When Aragorn returned to his area, the [[Elves]] who followed [[Gildor Inglorion]] told Aragorn the [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] had been seen, and Gandalf had been missing and there were no messages from him. Aragorn and his [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] kept watch over the border of [[the Shire]] and the [[East Road]] waiting for sight of Frodo but there was no news of them leaving [[Buckland]].<ref name="Strider"/><br />
<br />
While staying in [[Bree]], Aragorn crossed the paths of four hobbits in [[The Prancing Pony]]. Aragorn watched as the hobbits clumsily hid their names and intentions, and as [[Frodo Baggins]], the leader of the party, fell from a table and disappeared as he put the ring on. Aragorn, whose name was given as Strider, seemed to show no surprise, only annoyance at Frodo’s foolish vanishing act. He arranged for an interview that night, where he warned them of the Black Riders and [[Bill Ferny]], then bluntly requested that they use him as a guide. After some consideration, and a note given them by the forgetful [[Barliman Butterbur]] from Gandalf condoning him, Frodo agreed.<br />
[[File:Jef Murray - Amon Sûl.jpg|thumb|left|[[Jef Murray]] - ''Amon Sûl'']]<br />
Aragorn’s plan to reach Rivendell was to first head toward [[Archet]] and bear right to [[Weathertop]]. After the ambush at Weathertop and the wounding of Frodo, [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] took over the position as leader of the Hobbits. After a while they met [[Glorfindel]], a friend of Aragorn’s, and it was not much later that they arrived in Rivendell.<br />
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Reforging of the Sword.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - ''The Reforging of the Sword'']]<br />
After the Council of Elrond Aragorn became a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. As a preparation for his travel, the ancient shards of [[Narsil]], the heirloom of his House, were reforged after 3 millennia. Aragorn carried the Sword Reforged, and renamed it [[Andúril]]. <br />
<br />
Aragorn's intentions were to travel with the company for a while before returning to [[Gondor]] with [[Boromir]]. Aragorn encouraged the taking of the [[Caradhras|Redhorn Pass]], which ended in disaster. He reluctantly conceded to Gandalf’s choice to pass through [[Moria]], though his sense of foresight warned him for Gandalf. Indeed, after Gandalf fell into the abyss with [[Durin's Bane]], Aragorn was naturally elected leader of the company, despite some resentment by Boromir.<br />
<br />
====Leading the Fellowship of the Ring====<br />
Aragorn again amazed the rest of the Fellowship by his apparent closeness to the people of [[Lothlórien]], and his friendship with [[Celeborn]] and [[Galadriel]]. At their departure, Galadriel offered him the [[Elfstone]] as a wedding gift from the family of the Elven bride to the groom, foretelling his marriage to Arwen.<ref>{{MR|P3II3}}</ref> It was worn by Aragorn ever after and from that he later took the name '''Elessar'''.<br />
<br />
Even at the [[Rauros|Falls of Rauros]] he was undecided, leaving it to Frodo for the final decision. For though it was obvious he wished to go to [[Minas Tirith]] with Boromir, he yet felt that it was his duty to go where the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]] chose.<br />
<br />
[[File:Inger Edelfeldt - Death of Boromir.jpg|thumb|200px|right|''Death of Boromir'' by [[Inger Edelfeldt]]]]<br />
After Frodo escaped him and Boromir perished, he with the remaining members of the Fellowship, namely [[Legolas]] and [[Gimli]], chose to try and save [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] from the [[Uruk-hai]] that had ambushed them, forming the group that would later be known as the [[Three Hunters]].<br />
<br />
He met [[Éomer]] in the fields of [[Rohan]], and an instant friendship formed, both feeling the honesty and lordliness of the other. Éomer took a risk for his sake, giving him horses, with the promise that one day soon Aragorn would return to [[Edoras]]. Aragorn, tracking the Hobbits, followed into Fangorn Forest, where he met the resurrected [[Gandalf|Gandalf the White]]. After the restoration of [[Théoden]], he rode to [[Helm's Deep]] to fight in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]]. There he, alongside his new-found “brother” Éomer, and King Théoden, marshaled the defence against [[Saruman]]’s army. His revealed majesty upon the battlements of the Hornburg as he waited for the dawn caused some of the [[Dunlendings|Wild men]] to pause and shudder, and he heralded the return of Gandalf with [[Erkenbrand]].<br />
<br />
After Pippin’s terrifying experience with the [[Orthanc-stone]], Gandalf presented it in a formal manner to Aragorn, its rightful master, who hinted that it would be used by him eventually. After the departure of Gandalf and Pippin to Minas Tirith, he rode for a while longer with Théoden, meeting up with his friend [[Halbarad]] of the North, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], and a company of staunch and fearless Rangers. Elladan and Elrohir gave him a message from Elrond: "''The days are short. If thou art in haste, remember the [[Paths of the Dead]]''". Halbarad bore a gift from the Lady Arwen – the [[Standard of Elendil]]. Aragorn knew the path set before him.<br />
<br />
====Return of the King====<br />
A little while later Aragorn took his companions and his rangers and set out for [[Dunharrow]], departing from the King’s company. His course was clear: to take the Paths of the Dead, to summon the [[Oathbreakers|Dead Men]]. In Dunharrow, he met the lady [[Éowyn]], who had fallen in love with him. After making it clear that he could not accept her love, he turned towards the evil road with the dawn.<br />
<br />
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Thus Came Aragorn.jpg|thumb|right|''Thus Came Aragorn'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]<br />
The [[Grey Company]] passed through the [[Dark Door]] and the [[Dwimorberg]], the Dead following, and coming at last to the [[Stone of Erech]], Aragorn summoned them to his aid. They drew their swords and blew their horns in answer, and swept down upon the [[Corsairs of Umbar|Corsairs]] at [[Pelargir]] drove the mariners away. Aragorn released them, and took the [[Black Ships]] north to Minas Tirith, where the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] raged. The Standard of Elendil broke forth, and his Dúnedain swept down, giving the final blow to the army of [[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]. The counter-attacked army of [[Sauron]] crumbled utterly. But Aragorn did not enter the city.<br />
<br />
Aragorn, furling his banner, appointed [[Imrahil]] the temporary lord of the City, as the law demanded. Eventually, however, Aragorn did come to the [[Houses of Healing]], where he tended and restored Merry, Éowyn, and [[Faramir]], in accordance with the prophecy “''The hands of the king are the hands of a healer, and so shall the rightful king be known''”. Many of the people of Minas Tirith came to Aragorn and followed him, asking that he heal those they knew. Aragorn worked late into the night, before finally leaving the city, hooded and cloaked. When in the morning the people saw the banner of [[Dol Amroth]], they wondered if the Return of the King had been but a dream.<ref name=Houses>{{RK|Houses}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[File:Inger Edelfeldt - The Crowning of Aragorn.jpg|thumb|left|''The Crowning of Aragorn'' by [[Inger Edelfeldt]]]]<br />
Aragorn held [[Last Debate|council]] with his trusted companions, namely Gandalf, Éomer, Imrahil, and Elrond’s sons – Halbarad had fallen in battle. He agreed to draw forth the forces of [[Mordor]] for the benefit of the [[Quest of the Ring]], and so arranged matters for the [[Battle of the Morannon]]. After the destruction of the Ring in [[Mount Doom|Orodruin]] and victory at the [[Morannon]], Aragorn returned at last in the triumphant manner that befitted his position. He was crowned at the gates of Minas Tirith, winning the hearts of the people of [[Gondor]].<br />
<br />
===Reign as Elessar===<br />
Aragorn ruled the [[Reunited Kingdom]] of Gondor and Arnor until year 120 of the [[Fourth Age]]. <br />
<br />
Some days after his coronation, Gandalf took Elessar up the slopes of Mount [[Mindolluin]], and there he found the scion of [[Nimloth of Númenor|Nimloth]], the symbol of his mastery of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]. Elrond and Arwen came to Gondor and Elrond gave Elessar the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]] signifying the Kingship of Arnor. He wedded Arwen on Midsummer's day of 3019, and then was forced to bid his old friends farewell. He turned back to his new kingdom as the [[Fourth Age]] dawned and the Ringbearers left the shores of Middle-earth forever.<br />
<br />
One of his first tasks in the re-ordering of his realm was the restoration of [[Orthanc]] and ordered the [[Orthanc-stone]] to be returned there. With this opportunity, many secrets and hoarded treasures were revealed including the [[Elendilmir]] which Saruman took from Isildur's body. Elessar received the Elemdilmir with reverence and took it with him as he established his full kingship of [[Arnor]].<ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref><br />
<br />
Elessar gave his [[Steward]] Faramir the title [[Lord of Emyn Arnen]] and created him as [[Prince of Ithilien]]<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref>. He declared the [[Drúadan Forest]] to belong to the [[Drúedain]] and a protected enclave of his Kingdom.<ref>{{RK|Partings}}</ref> He also re-established the Great [[Council of Gondor]] whose chief councellor was the Steward<ref>{{L|244}}</ref>. He also renewed the [[Oath of Cirion]] with Éomer.<br />
<br />
As for [[the Shire]], he declared it a Free Land under the protection of the Northern Sceptre and forbid Men from entering it. He appointed the [[Thain]], the [[Master of Buckland]], and the [[Mayor of Michel Delving]] Counsellors of the North-kingdom. Also he offered to the Shire the [[Westmarch|lands]] up to the [[Tower Hills|Emyn Beraid]].<ref name=later>{{App|Later}}</ref><br />
<br />
He founded the royal [[House of Telcontar]], he had a son, [[Eldarion]], and a number of daughters.<br />
<br />
King Elessar died after 210 years of life and 122 years of rule and was succeeded by his son [[Eldarion]]. His wife Arwen, now mortal, gave up her life shortly afterwards in year 121, aged 2,901.<br />
<br />
==Personality==<br />
<br />
Aragorn was a wise, calm, well-mannered, yet proud and stern man who held his heritage in high regard and was willing to do whatever he can to help his friends. He was the "hardiest of living Men" during his time.<br />
<br />
His reverance for his heritage was such that it nearly led to complications when arriving in Rohan and was forced to surrender his sword, ''[[Anduril]]'' ''(The King of the Golden Hall)'' and revealed himself as the Heir of ''[Isildur]]'' to ''[[Eomer]]'' when confronting him. ''(The Riders of Rohan)''. He also possessed Elven wisdom due to being raised in Rivendell, and the foresight of the Dúnedain. He also had a nigh indomitable strength of will, as he was able to psychically challenge ''[[Sauron]]'' for control of the palantir, and emerged victorious. ''(The Passing of the Grey Company)''.<br />
<br />
==Equipment and skills==<br />
<br />
Aragorn was a swordsman of extraordinary, nigh <br />
unparalleled skill, to the point that he was considered the greatest swordsman of the ''[[Third Age]]'', surpassing the likes of ''[[Boromir]]'', ''[[Faramir]]'', and possibly ''[[Elrond]]'', despite all three being skilled swordsmen in their own right. He was also trained in the use of bows and spears, despite his preference for swordplay. His skill was such that he can take on any enemy from Orcs to the Nine Ringwraiths. Aragorn was a highly skilled and well-respected leader and King to the point that he restored ''[[Minas Tirith]]'' along with the rest of ''[[Gondor]]'' to its former glory and made peace with enemies who surrendered. He was a master military tactician and commander, capable of leading his army to victory at the ''[[Black Gate]]'', and aiding in the victories at ''[[Helm's Deep]]'', and the ''[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]'', coming out unscathed after the latter ended, along with ''[[Eomer]]'', and ''[[Imrahil]]''. ''([[The Battle of the Pelennor Fields]])''. In addition to his military prowess, he was also a skilled healer, particularly with the plant ''[[athelas]]'', as he was able to heal ''[[Eowyn]] and ''[[Faramir]]'' after both of them suffered the ''[[The Black Breath]]''. (''[[The Houses of Healing]]''), and even sustain the effects of ''[[Frodo]]'''s wound by a ''[[Morgul blade]]'' long enough for the latter to receive further treatment in ''[[Rivendell]]''.<br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
{{Pronounce|Aragorn Elessar.mp3|Ardamir}}<br />
'''''Aragorn''''' is a [[Sindarin]] name. It means "revered king".<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 31 entry S ''Ara(n)gorn''</ref><ref name=PE17Turgond>{{PE|17}}, p. 113 entry S '''Turgond-'''</ref> It contains the phonetic reduction ''ara'' of ''[[aran]]'' ("king") and the adjective ''[[gorn|(n)gorn]]'' ("dreaded, revered").<ref name=PE17Turgond/><br />
<br />
This clear etymology from Tolkien was not revealed until the publication in 2007 of "Words, Phrases & Passages in ''The Lord of the Rings''", a late 1950s manuscript. Before that, several theories were proposed:<br />
*[[Ruth S. Noel]] and several others proposed "King of the Tree",<ref>[[Ruth S. Noel]], ''[[The Languages of Tolkien's Middle-earth]]'', p. 114</ref> but Tolkien specifically said that this was not the case.<ref>{{L|347}}</ref> <br />
*[[David Salo]] deduces "Having Kingly Valor"<ref>[[David Salo]], ''[[A Gateway to Sindarin]]'', p. 341</ref> from Tolkien's cryptic "'Kingly Valour' (for so is that name interpreted)".<ref>{{PM|Foreword}}, p. xii</ref> This is still the most often cited etymology; Robert Ireland's ''[[A Tolkien Dictionary]]'' gives the variation "Royal Zeal".<ref>Robert Ireland, ''[[A Tolkien Dictionary]]'', [http://www.quicksilver899.com/Tolkien/LOTR/LOTR_AC.html The Lord of the Rings A-C].</ref><br />
*[[Carl F. Hostetter]] proposed the meanings "King of the Globe" or "King of the Hill" in his analysis of the [[King's Letter]].<ref>[[Carl F. Hostetter]], "The 'King's Letter': An Historical and Comparative Analysis", [[Vinyar Tengwar 31|''Vinyar Tengwar'' 31]], p. 18</ref><br />
<br />
The [[Quenya]] form of ''Aragorn'' was '''''Arakorno'''''.<ref name="WP">{{PE|17}}, p. 70 f. entry Q '''ar''' in the translation of the sentence into Quenya ''Sanome tarne Olórin, Arakorno, [...]''</ref><br />
<br />
==Other names==<br />
* '''Aragorn II''' - Aragorn's name as [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]. He was likely named after [[Aragorn I]].<br />
* [[Thorongil]] - [[Sindarin|S]] "Eagle of the Star", a pseudonym used in [[Gondor]] and [[Rohan]]. Pronounced {{IPA|[θoˈroŋɡil]}}.<br />
* '''Elessar''' - [[Quenya|Q]] "Elfstone", Aragorn's name as a king. Despite popular use as such, Aragorn was never known as "Aragorn Elessar", "Aragorn II Elessar" or "[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|King Aragorn]]". Pronounced {{IPA|[eˈlesːar]}}.<br />
* '''Edhelharn''' - The [[Sindarin]] equivalent of Elessar, used in the King's Letter.<ref>{{SD|XI2}}, p. 128ff</ref> Pronounced {{IPA|[eˈðel.harn]}}.<br />
* [[Elfstone]] - The [[Westron|Common Speech]] version of the previous two. <br />
* [[Envinyatar|''Envinyatar'']] - [[Quenya|Q]] "the Renewer".<br />
* [[Estel]] - [[Quenya|Q]]. Usually glossed as "Hope", the concept ''estel'' more widely means "hope, trust, a temper of mind, steady fixed in purpose, and difficult to dissuade and unlikely to fall into despair or abandon its purpose". Pronounced {{IPA|[ˈestel]}}.<br />
* [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]] - A sobriquet given by the men of [[Bree]]. Aragorn used it mockingly.<br />
* '''Wingfoot''' - An honorary name given by [[Éomer]] after the pursuit of the [[Uruk-hai]] through the [[Eastemnet]].<ref>{{TT|III2}}</ref><br />
* [[Telcontar]] - A [[Quenya]] form of "Strider", this was the name of Elessar's Royal House. It was not used independently. Pronounced {{IPA|[telˈkontar]}}.<br />
* [[Heir of Isildur|Isildur's Heir]] - A poetic address, as he was the heir of [[Isildur]]. <br />
* '''The Dúnadan''' - "[[Dúnedain|Man of the West]]", a name given by [[Bilbo Baggins]] when their friendship evolved. <br />
* '''Longshanks''' - another, though less frequently used, sobriquet in Bree, ascribed to [[Bill Ferny]]. The legs of the [[Bree-landers|Bree-men]] were shorter than the legs of the [[Dúnedain]].<br />
* '''Arakorno''' - A rare Quenya form of Aragorn, which only appeared in a discussion about the words for Quenya.<ref name="WP"/> Pronounced {{IPA|[ˌaraˈkorno]}}.<br />
<br />
==Genealogy==<br />
{{familytree/start}}<br />
{{familytree | EAR |y| ELW | | GAL |y| CEL |GAL=[[Galadriel]]|CEL=[[Celeborn]]|EAR=[[Eärendil]]|ELW=[[Elwing]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |)|-|-|-|.| | | |!| | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ROS | | RON |y| CLB | | |ROS=[[Elros]]|RON=[[Elrond]]|CLB=[[Celebrían]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | KON | | | | |!| | | | | |KON=<small>''[[Kings of Númenor]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | LOA | | | | |!| | | | | |LOA=<small>''[[Lords of Andúnië]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ELE | | | | |!| | | | | |ELE=[[Elendil]]}}<br />
{{familytree | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ISI | | ANA | | |!| | | | | |ISI=[[Isildur]]|ANA=[[Anárion]]}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |:| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | KOA | | KOG | | |!| | | | | |KOA=<small>''[[Kings of Arnor]]''</small>|KOG=<small>''[[Kings of Gondor]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |:| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | KOA | | OND | | |!| | | | | |OND=[[Ondoher]]|KOA=<small>''[[Kings of Arthedain]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |!| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ARV |V| FIR | | |!| | | | | |ARV=[[Arvedui]]|FIR=[[Fíriel]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | COD | | | | |!| | | | | |COD=<small>''[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ART |y| GIL |!| | | | | |ART=[[Arathorn II]]|GIL=[[Gilraen]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |!| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | ARA |y| ARW | | | | |ARA='''ARAGORN '''|ARW=[[Arwen]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | ELD | | SDS | | | | |ELD=[[Eldarion]]|SDS=''several sisters''}}<br />
{{familytree/end}}<br />
===Relation to Arwen===<br />
Arwen was a very distant cousin of Aragorn. By their marriage, the long-sundered lines of the [[Half-elven]] were joined.<ref name="Numenor">{{App|A1i}}</ref> Their union also served to unite and preserve the bloodlines of the kings of the three kindreds of the High Elves ([[Ingwë]], [[Finwë]], and brothers [[Elwë]], [[Olwë]], and [[Elmo]]) as well as the only line with [[Maiar]]in blood through Arwen's great-great-grandmother, [[Melian]]. There were at least two marriages between descendants of Elendil in Aragorn's ancestry, so Aragorn was related to Arwen by blood along at least three lines.<br />
<br />
Through his father, Arathorn II, Aragorn was Arwen's first cousin sixty-two times removed through his ancestor Arvedui and sixty-seven times removed through his ancestor Fíriel. Both of these lines descend through four<ref name="Numenor"/> generations of the Kings of Númenor, Silmariën, eighteen<ref>{{UT|Kings}}</ref> generations of the Lords of Andúnië, and Elendil, as well as Aranarth and fifteen<ref name="North">{{App|North}}</ref> succeeding generations of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, including Aragorn himself. Aragorn's mother Gilraen also descended from Aranarth,<ref name="North"/> but the number of generations between them is unknown.<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
In the earliest unpublished versions of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' (see ''[[The History of The Lord of the Rings]]''), the character that later became Aragorn was called '''''[[Trotter]]''''' instead of Strider, and was a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] instead of a [[Men|Man]]. He had wooden feet, because he had once traveled to Mordor and been tortured there.<br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
{{Gallery<br />
|title=Aragorn in adaptations<br />
|height=150<br />
|width=250<br />
|lines=2<br />
|File:War in Middle Earth - Aragorn and Frodo against a Nazgul.png|Aragorn with [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Strider.jpg|Strider in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]<br />
|File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Aragorn.JPG|Aragorn in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''<br />
|File:2011-12-23 00061.jpg|Aragorn in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''<br />
|File:LEGO Aragorn poster.png|Aragorn as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''<br />
}}<br />
<br />
===Films===<br />
'''1978: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]'':'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[John Hurt]]. Some critics have accused this character of looking too much like a [[wikipedia:Stereotypes_of_Native_Americans|Native American stereotype]].{{Citation needed}}<br />
<br />
'''1980: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn was voiced by [[Theodore Bikel]] in the 1980 [[Rankin/Bass]] animated film.<br />
<br />
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is played by [[Viggo Mortensen]], though [[Stuart Townsend]] was originally cast in the role. Townsend was deemed too young. Mortensen had just two weeks to train for his first scene, the standoff with the [[Nazgûl]] at [[Weathertop]]. Utilizing the modern "reluctant hero" trope, Mortensen portrays Aragorn full of self-doubt, while he is much more sure of himself in the book. <br />
<br />
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn's part is this film is largely similar to the events in book. The most significant difference is that, in the book, there was no [[Wargs|Warg]] attack on the party traveling to Helm's Deep and Aragorn did not fall down a cliff.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn finally steps into his role as king after having a lot of self-doubt beforehand. <br />
<br />
'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''<br />
:Although he is not physically present, he is mentioned by [[Thranduil]] to his son, [[Legolas]]. Thranduil tells Legolas to seek a young ranger known as "Strider" and that Legolas would have to discover Strider's true name for himself. In the continuity of the films, Aragorn would have been 27 rather than a ten-year-old child.<br />
<br />
===Television===<br />
'''1993: [[Hobitit|''Hobitit'']]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is portrayed by [[Kari Väänänen]],the same actor who played [[Gollum]] in the series.<br />
<br />
===Radio Series===<br />
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[Godfrey Kenton]].<br />
<br />
'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[Tom Luce]].<br />
<br />
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn was voiced by [[Robert Stephens]]. For his early scenes, according to [[John McAndrew]] (Pippin) Stephens adopted an accurate Bristol accent to help suggest the disguise Strider adopted in Bree.<br />
<br />
'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by Boris Farkaš.<br />
<br />
===Games===<br />
'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable character. He has brown hair and is bearded, he bears a golden sword.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:[[Daran Norris]] provided the voice of Aragorn, who is one of the three playable characters.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is one of the three playable characters, as well as narrator for most of the game. He is versatile in both melee and ranged attacks. Viggo Mortensen reprises his role from the film trilogy.<br />
<br />
'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable character, his storyline is dubbed "Path of a King". He journey through Paths of the Dead with Legolas and Gimli, later they fight on Pelennor fields and at the Black Gate. Chris Edgerly takes over for Mortensen as Aragorn's voice actor.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring|Sierra's War of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a Hero Unit for the Free People side. He is present in Lothlorien, Battle of Hornburg and Siege of the Minas Morgul.<br />
<br />
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a Hero Unit for the Rohan faction in skirmishes, he also accompanies the Fellowship in the storyline mode.<br />
<br />
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is now the Hero for the Men of the West faction.<br />
<br />
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''<br />
:In the Prologue, Aragorn saves Men/Hobbit characters from brigands, but is forced to leave soon, as he has to intercept Frodo in Bree. Later arriving at the Prancing Pony, the characters meet him again and help him looking in surrounding area for Hobbits, who did not arrive in time. When player returns, Aragorn and the Hobbits already departed, and their next meeting is in Rivendell, where Aragorn entrusts the player with defence of the North while the Fellowship is gone. Later, in [[Lothlórien]], Aragorn is seen residing in [[Caras Galadhon]]<br />
<br />
'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable hero available in several missions.<br />
<br />
'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is an important character of the game, and is mentioned as one of the much honored heroes of the [[War of the Ring]] in the introduction of the game.<ref name="Prologue">[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Prologue''</ref><br />
:He is a friend of two of the game's main characters, [[Eradan (video game character)|Eradan]] and [[Andriel]]. Aragorn had met [[Andriel]] during his visits at [[Rivendell]],<ref name="Backstory Andriel">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.warinthenorth.com/the-game/heroes/backstory#elfAnchor|articlename=Elven Character: Andriel's History|dated=|website=War in the North|accessed=25 December 2011}}</ref> while he had met Eradan, when he served as Ranger at Sarn Ford. Aragorn was impressed by his skills and bravery, and taught him much about tracking. Eradan was a companion of Aragorn on many of his journeys. Aragorn trusted Eradan much, though he never told him what the reason was behind the protection of [[the Shire]].<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.warinthenorth.com/the-game/heroes/backstory#dunedainAnchor|articlename=Human Character: Eradan's History|dated=|website=War in the North|accessed=24 December 2011}}</ref><br />
<br />
:Eradan, Andriel and [[Farin (video game character)|Farin]] meet Aragorn in the Prancing Pony to warn him, on Halbarad's request, after the Nazgûl attacked and defeated the [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] at [[Sarn Ford]], and entered the Shire. They also tell him about an conservation between the Witch-king and [[Agandaûr]], which the three heroes overheard shortly after the attack. Agandaûr summoned the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] and assembled an army in [[Fornost]], which plans to aid the Nazgûl in their search to [[the One Ring]]. Aragorn sends Eradan, Andriel and Farin to Fornost, to stop Agandaûr and his army.<ref name="Prologue"/> While Eradan, Andriel, Farin, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]] stopped Agandaûr's army,<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Chapter 1: Fornost''</ref> Aragorn met with [[Frodo Baggins]] and left Bree.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Chapter 2: The Barrow Downs'', Bree</ref><br />
<br />
'''2012: ''[[Lego|Lego The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''<br />
:A mini figure of Aragorn is included in the [[Lego#Sets|sets]] '''Attack at Weathertop''', '''The Battle of Helm's Deep''', '''The Battle at the Black gate''', and '''The Pirate ship ambush'''.<ref name="2012 sets">{{webcite|author=Calisuri|articleurl=http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/02/12/53563-more-lord-of-the-rings-lego-details-from-toy-fare-2012/|articlename=More Lord of the Rings LEGO Details from Toy Fare 2012|dated=12 February 2012|website=TORN|accessed=18 February 2012}}</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Timeline of Aragorn]]<br />
*[http://dare.ubvu.vu.nl/bitstream/1871/10975/1/Aragorn_Final.pdf "Aragorn Seen Through Different Media"] by [[Connie Veugen]], comparing the introduction of Strider in Ralph Bakshi's film, the 1981 BBC radio play, Peter Jackson's film and [[Vivendi]]'s [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|video game]] of ''The Fellowship of the Ring.<br />
{{References|notes}}<br />
<br />
==Titles==<br />
{{seq-start}}<br />
{{seq-head<br />
| race=arnorian<br />
| house=[[House of Isildur]]<small><br/>Cadet branch of [[House of Elros]]</small><br />
| born=[[1 March]], {{TA|2931}}<br />
| died={{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prow=2<br />
| prev=[[Arathorn II]]<br />
| list=16th [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2933}} – [[1 May]], {{TA|3019|n}}<br />
| next=Position abolished<br />
| nvac=None<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| list=39th [[Heir of Isildur|Heir]] of [[Isildur]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2933}} - [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
| next=[[Eldarion]]<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prev=[[Gandalf]]<br />
| list=Leader of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]<br />
| dates=[[15 January]] - [[22 August]], {{TA|3019}}<br />
| next=Position abolished<br />
| nvac=None<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Eärnur]]''', 969 years earlier<br />
| list=34th [[Kings of Gondor|King of Gondor]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
| next=[[Eldarion]]<br />
| nrow=4<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Eärendur (King of Arnor)|Eärendur]]''', 2,158 years earlier<br />
| list=11th [[Kings of Arnor|King of Arnor]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Isildur]]''', 3,017 years earlier<br />
| list=1st [[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]] of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=None<br />
| prev=New title<br />
| list=Head of the [[House of Telcontar]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq-end}}{{councilofelrond}}{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}{{northernline}}{{southernline}}<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]<br />
[[Category:Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]<br />
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]<br />
[[Category:House of Isildur]]<br />
[[Category:House of Telcontar| ]]<br />
[[Category:Mariners]]<br />
[[Category:Rulers of Arnor]]<br />
[[Category:Rulers of Gondor]]<br />
[[Category:Sindarin names]]<br />
[[Category:Third Age characters]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Aragorn II.]]<br />
[[fi:Aragorn II]]<br />
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/hommes/3adunedain/dunedain_du_nord/aragorn_ii]]</div>MikeyofGondorhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Aragorn&diff=344965Aragorn2022-04-09T22:43:00Z<p>MikeyofGondor: /* Equipment and skills */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig-two|the King of [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]]|[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]|[[Aragorn I]]}}<br />
{{sources}}<br />
{{arnorian infobox<br />
| name=Aragorn<br />
| image=[[File:John Howe - Elessar.jpg|250px]]<br />
| caption="Elessar" by [[John Howe]]<br />
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|[ˈaraɡorn]}}<br />
| othernames=Aragorn II, ''[[Elessar]]'', [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]], ''[[Thorongil]]'' (''[[Aragorn#Names and titles|see below]]'')<br />
| titles=[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]<br/>[[High King of the Dúnedain]]<br>[[King of Gondor and Arnor]]<Ref>{{S|Rings}}</ref><br>[[King of the West]]<ref>{{App|Great}}</ref><Br>Lord of the [[Westlands]]<br />
| position=[[Rangers of the North|Ranger]]<br />
| location=[[Rivendell]]<br/>[[Gondor]]<br>[[Arnor]]<br />
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]<br />
| language=[[Westron]], [[Sindarin]], [[Quenya]]<br />
| birth=[[1 March]] {{TA|2931}}<br />
| birthlocation=[[Eriador]]<br />
| rule={{TA|2933}} - {{TA|3019|n}} (Chieftain)<br/>{{TA|3019}} - {{FoA|120}} (King)<br />
| death={{FoA|120}}<br />
| deathlocation=[[Gondor]]<br />
| age=210<br />
| notablefor=Reuniting the [[Reunited Kingdom|Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor]]<br />
| house=[[House of Isildur]], founded the [[House of Telcontar]]<br />
| parentage=[[Arathorn II]], father <br/> [[Gilraen]], mother <br/> [[Elrond]], foster father<br />
| siblings=<br />
| spouse=[[Arwen]]<br />
| children=[[Eldarion]] and at least two daughters<ref name="Tale">{{App|Tale}}</ref><br />
| gender=Male<br />
| height=6'6<nowiki>''</nowiki> (198cm)<ref name="RC">{{HM|RC}}, p. 272 citing from a note written by J.R.R. Tolkien approximately in 1969</ref><br />
| hair=Dark, flecked with grey<ref name="Sign">{{FR|Sign}}</ref> <br />
| eyes=Grey<ref name="Sign"/><br />
| clothing=High leather boots, dark-green cloak (As a [[Rangers of the North|Ranger]])<ref name="Sign"/><br>Pure white mantle, black mail girt with silver (As a King)<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref><br />
| weapons=[[Andúril]]<br />
| steed=[[Roheryn]] and [[Hasufel]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
<center>{{quote|Tall as the sea-kings of old, he stood above all that were near; ancient of days he seemed and yet in the flower of manhood; and wisdom sat upon his brow, and strength and healing were in his hands, and a light was about him.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Steward and the King]]"}}</center><br />
'''Aragorn II''' was the son of [[Arathorn II]] and [[Gilraen]]. He was the last [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]] and a direct descendant through many<ref group="note">Aragorn II is of the 39th generation descended from Isildur, through 23 generations of the Kings of Arnor and Arthedain (beginning with [[Valandil]] and ending with [[Arvedui]]) and 15 generations of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain (beginning with [[Aranarth]] and ending with Arathorn II).</ref> generations of [[Isildur]], the last [[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]] of both [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Aragorn would become the greatest [[Men|Man]] of his time, leading the [[Dúnedain|Men of the West]] against [[Sauron]]'s forces, helping to destroy [[the One Ring]], and reuniting the [[Reunited Kingdom|Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor]]. <br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early Life===<br />
Aragorn was born in {{TA|2931}} to the Chieftain Arathorn, and received the name Aragorn. His grandmother, [[Ivorwen]], noted with foresight that Aragorn would one day wear on his breast a green stone.<ref>{{PM|Foreword}}</ref><br />
<br />
A legend says that the [[Wizards|Wizard]] [[Gandalf]] had brought [[Elfstone|such a stone]], called the Elessar, from [[Valinor]]. He gave the Elessar to the [[Elves|Elven]] Lady [[Galadriel]], and remarked prophetically that she would pass it to another, who will also be called Elessar.<ref>{{UT|6}}</ref> From this would come Aragorn's royal name ''Elessar'' ([[Quenya]] for "Elfstone").<br />
<br />
When Aragorn was two years old, his father was slain when an [[Orcs|Orc]] arrow pierced his eye. As was the tradition of his people, Aragorn was fostered in [[Rivendell]] by [[Elrond]] as if he was his own son. The [[Wise]] decided that his identity was to be kept secret, as he would be vulnerable to [[Sauron|the Enemy]]. Aragorn was called '''''[[Estel]]''''' ([[Sindarin]] for "Hope") instead. During his life in Rivendell he accompanied the sons of Elrond, [[Elrohir]] and [[Elladan]], on their journeys.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
[[File:Stephen Hickman - Aragorn and Arwen.jpg|thumb|left|''Aragorn and Arwen'' by [[Stephen Hickman]]]]<br />
"Estel" grew to be fair and noble, and was seemingly more mature than his age. When Aragorn was twenty-one years old, after returning from a journey with the [[twins]] in {{TA|2952}}, Elrond decided to reveal his true name and ancestry. As part of this revelation, Elrond delivered to him the heirlooms of [[House of Isildur|his House]]: the shards of [[Narsil]] and the [[Ring of Barahir]]. Elrond also said that he should earn the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]]. The next day, full of hope, Aragorn was sitting in the forest singing a part of the ''[[Lay of Leithian|Lay of Lúthien]]''; as he sang of the meeting [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]], [[Arwen]], daughter of Elrond, who had newly returned from [[Lothlórien]], appeared to him. Aragorn thought that Lúthien herself had appeared, and fell in love.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
===Life as a Ranger===<br />
Estel took up his proper name as Aragorn, sixteenth of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, and after he took leave of his mother and Elrond he went into [[The Wild]].<ref name="Tale"/> In {{TA|2953}} he was not present in Rivendell for the last meeting of the [[White Council]]. Aragorn met [[Gandalf|Gandalf the Grey]] in {{TA|2956}}, and they became great friends.<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref> At Gandalf's advice he started to become interested in [[the Shire]] and became known as '''''Strider''''' in this region.<br />
[[File:Catherine Chmiel - Ecthelion,Thorongil and Boromir study.jpg|thumb|right|''"Thorongil" with Ecthelion II'' by [[Catherine Karina Chmiel]]]]<br />
From {{TA|2957}} to {{TA|2980}} Aragorn took great journeys aiding the [[West]] against [[Sauron]] and his allies. After serving King [[Thengel]] of [[Rohan]], he went to [[Ruling Steward|Steward]] [[Ecthelion II]] of [[Gondor]],<ref name="TA"/> who was in dire need of able men to guard his realm from Mordor. Aragorn kept his identity secret but as he wore a silver star upon his cloak, and was swift and keen-eyed, the [[Gondorians]] called him '''''Thorongil''''' (Sindarin for "Eagle of the Star"). He was a great leader by land and sea and Ecthelion trusted and loved him most. Some believed that there was rivalry between him and the Steward's son, [[Denethor]], who probably knew his identity as [[Heir of Isildur]], and suspected that he and Gandalf worked to supplant him. Thorongil however saw himself only as the servant of the Steward, whom he advised to not trust [[Saruman]] and instead to welcome Gandalf (whom Denethor didn't trust or love).<br />
<br />
Ecthelion was anticipating an attack from Sauron who had just returned, and Thorongil warned him that in that event the [[Southern Fiefs]] would be vulnerable to the [[Corsairs of Umbar]]. He was allowed by Ecthelion to take few ships and lead an [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|attack against Umbar]]; at night he burned many ships, and in a fight slew the [[Captain of the Haven]] with only few casualties. Great honour awaited him in [[Minas Tirith]] but he did not return; while in [[Pelargir]], he sent a farewell message to Ecthelion, speaking of other tasks calling him, and saying that fate would not bring him again to Gondor soon. To the grief and wonder of his companions he crossed the [[Anduin]] and was last seen staring at the [[Mountains of Shadow]].<ref>{{App|Stewards}}</ref> He left Gondor to travel into the far East and South "exploring the hearts of men good and evil" and learning about the "plots and devices" of the servants of the Dark Lord. His exploits ensured the survival of the [[West]] much later during the [[War of the Ring]].<br />
<br />
Later in 2980 on his return to Rivendell he entered [[Lothlórien]], and there once again met Arwen in [[Caras Galadhon]]. For one season they wandered together in Lothlórien. At midsummer he gave her the heirloom of his House, the [[Ring of Barahir]], and Arwen pledged her hand to him in marriage.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
Elrond gave his foster-son permission to marry his daughter, on the condition that he must first become king of both Gondor and Arnor, for only a king would be worthy of Arwen's hand. This harsh condition had a precedent: King [[Thingol]]'s request that [[Beren]] obtain a [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] from [[Morgoth]] before marrying his daughter [[Lúthien]].<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
===Hunt for Gollum===<br />
In the year {{TA|3001}}, as a now revealed [[Sauron]] continued to regain power in [[Mordor]], Aragorn began assisting [[Gandalf]] in his search for news of [[Gollum]]. Gandalf suspected that the ring [[Bilbo Baggins]] found near Gollum's lake was in fact [[the One Ring]]. In {{TA|3007}}, he briefly returned to [[Eriador]] where he visited his mother for the last time. She died before that year's spring. <br />
<br />
In {{TA|3009}} Gandalf and Aragorn renewed their hunt for Gollum, searching intermittently in the [[vales of Anduin]], [[Mirkwood]], and [[Rhovanion]], even to the confines of [[Mordor]], without knowing that around that time Gollum ventured into Mordor, and was captured by Sauron.<ref name="TA"/> [[Third Age 3017|After eight years]] Gollum was released and Aragorn finally overtook him in the [[Dead Marshes]]<ref name="TA"/> on [[1 February]]. With Gollum he travelled through the northern [[Emyn Muil]], to prevent being found by Sauron's spies, and crossed the Anduin at the [[Sarn Gebir]]. He travelled further north along the edges of [[Fangorn Forest]] and through Lothlórien,<ref name="UT">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref> where the Elves sent a message to Gandalf.<ref>{{UT|Hunt}}, Note 5</ref> He travelled alongside the Anduin to the north until he arrived at the [[Carrock]]. With the aid of the [[Beornings]] he crossed the Anduin with Gollum and entered [[Mirkwood]]. He took Gollum to [[Thranduil]] to be held captive.<ref name="UT"/><ref name="TA"/> He then returned west where he met with Gandalf at [[Sarn Ford]] and learned of [[Frodo Baggins]]' plan to leave the Shire with the Ring in late September. Aragorn then continued his own journey.<ref name="Strider">{{FR|Strider}}</ref><br />
<br />
===War of the Ring===<br />
When Aragorn returned to his area, the [[Elves]] who followed [[Gildor Inglorion]] told Aragorn the [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] had been seen, and Gandalf had been missing and there were no messages from him. Aragorn and his [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] kept watch over the border of [[the Shire]] and the [[East Road]] waiting for sight of Frodo but there was no news of them leaving [[Buckland]].<ref name="Strider"/><br />
<br />
While staying in [[Bree]], Aragorn crossed the paths of four hobbits in [[The Prancing Pony]]. Aragorn watched as the hobbits clumsily hid their names and intentions, and as [[Frodo Baggins]], the leader of the party, fell from a table and disappeared as he put the ring on. Aragorn, whose name was given as Strider, seemed to show no surprise, only annoyance at Frodo’s foolish vanishing act. He arranged for an interview that night, where he warned them of the Black Riders and [[Bill Ferny]], then bluntly requested that they use him as a guide. After some consideration, and a note given them by the forgetful [[Barliman Butterbur]] from Gandalf condoning him, Frodo agreed.<br />
[[File:Jef Murray - Amon Sûl.jpg|thumb|left|[[Jef Murray]] - ''Amon Sûl'']]<br />
Aragorn’s plan to reach Rivendell was to first head toward [[Archet]] and bear right to [[Weathertop]]. After the ambush at Weathertop and the wounding of Frodo, [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] took over the position as leader of the Hobbits. After a while they met [[Glorfindel]], a friend of Aragorn’s, and it was not much later that they arrived in Rivendell.<br />
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Reforging of the Sword.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - ''The Reforging of the Sword'']]<br />
After the Council of Elrond Aragorn became a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. As a preparation for his travel, the ancient shards of [[Narsil]], the heirloom of his House, were reforged after 3 millennia. Aragorn carried the Sword Reforged, and renamed it [[Andúril]]. <br />
<br />
Aragorn's intentions were to travel with the company for a while before returning to [[Gondor]] with [[Boromir]]. Aragorn encouraged the taking of the [[Caradhras|Redhorn Pass]], which ended in disaster. He reluctantly conceded to Gandalf’s choice to pass through [[Moria]], though his sense of foresight warned him for Gandalf. Indeed, after Gandalf fell into the abyss with [[Durin's Bane]], Aragorn was naturally elected leader of the company, despite some resentment by Boromir.<br />
<br />
====Leading the Fellowship of the Ring====<br />
Aragorn again amazed the rest of the Fellowship by his apparent closeness to the people of [[Lothlórien]], and his friendship with [[Celeborn]] and [[Galadriel]]. At their departure, Galadriel offered him the [[Elfstone]] as a wedding gift from the family of the Elven bride to the groom, foretelling his marriage to Arwen.<ref>{{MR|P3II3}}</ref> It was worn by Aragorn ever after and from that he later took the name '''Elessar'''.<br />
<br />
Even at the [[Rauros|Falls of Rauros]] he was undecided, leaving it to Frodo for the final decision. For though it was obvious he wished to go to [[Minas Tirith]] with Boromir, he yet felt that it was his duty to go where the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]] chose.<br />
<br />
[[File:Inger Edelfeldt - Death of Boromir.jpg|thumb|200px|right|''Death of Boromir'' by [[Inger Edelfeldt]]]]<br />
After Frodo escaped him and Boromir perished, he with the remaining members of the Fellowship, namely [[Legolas]] and [[Gimli]], chose to try and save [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] from the [[Uruk-hai]] that had ambushed them, forming the group that would later be known as the [[Three Hunters]].<br />
<br />
He met [[Éomer]] in the fields of [[Rohan]], and an instant friendship formed, both feeling the honesty and lordliness of the other. Éomer took a risk for his sake, giving him horses, with the promise that one day soon Aragorn would return to [[Edoras]]. Aragorn, tracking the Hobbits, followed into Fangorn Forest, where he met the resurrected [[Gandalf|Gandalf the White]]. After the restoration of [[Théoden]], he rode to [[Helm's Deep]] to fight in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]]. There he, alongside his new-found “brother” Éomer, and King Théoden, marshaled the defence against [[Saruman]]’s army. His revealed majesty upon the battlements of the Hornburg as he waited for the dawn caused some of the [[Dunlendings|Wild men]] to pause and shudder, and he heralded the return of Gandalf with [[Erkenbrand]].<br />
<br />
After Pippin’s terrifying experience with the [[Orthanc-stone]], Gandalf presented it in a formal manner to Aragorn, its rightful master, who hinted that it would be used by him eventually. After the departure of Gandalf and Pippin to Minas Tirith, he rode for a while longer with Théoden, meeting up with his friend [[Halbarad]] of the North, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], and a company of staunch and fearless Rangers. Elladan and Elrohir gave him a message from Elrond: "''The days are short. If thou art in haste, remember the [[Paths of the Dead]]''". Halbarad bore a gift from the Lady Arwen – the [[Standard of Elendil]]. Aragorn knew the path set before him.<br />
<br />
====Return of the King====<br />
A little while later Aragorn took his companions and his rangers and set out for [[Dunharrow]], departing from the King’s company. His course was clear: to take the Paths of the Dead, to summon the [[Oathbreakers|Dead Men]]. In Dunharrow, he met the lady [[Éowyn]], who had fallen in love with him. After making it clear that he could not accept her love, he turned towards the evil road with the dawn.<br />
<br />
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Thus Came Aragorn.jpg|thumb|right|''Thus Came Aragorn'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]<br />
The [[Grey Company]] passed through the [[Dark Door]] and the [[Dwimorberg]], the Dead following, and coming at last to the [[Stone of Erech]], Aragorn summoned them to his aid. They drew their swords and blew their horns in answer, and swept down upon the [[Corsairs of Umbar|Corsairs]] at [[Pelargir]] drove the mariners away. Aragorn released them, and took the [[Black Ships]] north to Minas Tirith, where the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] raged. The Standard of Elendil broke forth, and his Dúnedain swept down, giving the final blow to the army of [[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]. The counter-attacked army of [[Sauron]] crumbled utterly. But Aragorn did not enter the city.<br />
<br />
Aragorn, furling his banner, appointed [[Imrahil]] the temporary lord of the City, as the law demanded. Eventually, however, Aragorn did come to the [[Houses of Healing]], where he tended and restored Merry, Éowyn, and [[Faramir]], in accordance with the prophecy “''The hands of the king are the hands of a healer, and so shall the rightful king be known''”. Many of the people of Minas Tirith came to Aragorn and followed him, asking that he heal those they knew. Aragorn worked late into the night, before finally leaving the city, hooded and cloaked. When in the morning the people saw the banner of [[Dol Amroth]], they wondered if the Return of the King had been but a dream.<ref name=Houses>{{RK|Houses}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[File:Inger Edelfeldt - The Crowning of Aragorn.jpg|thumb|left|''The Crowning of Aragorn'' by [[Inger Edelfeldt]]]]<br />
Aragorn held [[Last Debate|council]] with his trusted companions, namely Gandalf, Éomer, Imrahil, and Elrond’s sons – Halbarad had fallen in battle. He agreed to draw forth the forces of [[Mordor]] for the benefit of the [[Quest of the Ring]], and so arranged matters for the [[Battle of the Morannon]]. After the destruction of the Ring in [[Mount Doom|Orodruin]] and victory at the [[Morannon]], Aragorn returned at last in the triumphant manner that befitted his position. He was crowned at the gates of Minas Tirith, winning the hearts of the people of [[Gondor]].<br />
<br />
===Reign as Elessar===<br />
Aragorn ruled the [[Reunited Kingdom]] of Gondor and Arnor until year 120 of the [[Fourth Age]]. <br />
<br />
Some days after his coronation, Gandalf took Elessar up the slopes of Mount [[Mindolluin]], and there he found the scion of [[Nimloth of Númenor|Nimloth]], the symbol of his mastery of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]. Elrond and Arwen came to Gondor and Elrond gave Elessar the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]] signifying the Kingship of Arnor. He wedded Arwen on Midsummer's day of 3019, and then was forced to bid his old friends farewell. He turned back to his new kingdom as the [[Fourth Age]] dawned and the Ringbearers left the shores of Middle-earth forever.<br />
<br />
One of his first tasks in the re-ordering of his realm was the restoration of [[Orthanc]] and ordered the [[Orthanc-stone]] to be returned there. With this opportunity, many secrets and hoarded treasures were revealed including the [[Elendilmir]] which Saruman took from Isildur's body. Elessar received the Elemdilmir with reverence and took it with him as he established his full kingship of [[Arnor]].<ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref><br />
<br />
Elessar gave his [[Steward]] Faramir the title [[Lord of Emyn Arnen]] and created him as [[Prince of Ithilien]]<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref>. He declared the [[Drúadan Forest]] to belong to the [[Drúedain]] and a protected enclave of his Kingdom.<ref>{{RK|Partings}}</ref> He also re-established the Great [[Council of Gondor]] whose chief councellor was the Steward<ref>{{L|244}}</ref>. He also renewed the [[Oath of Cirion]] with Éomer.<br />
<br />
As for [[the Shire]], he declared it a Free Land under the protection of the Northern Sceptre and forbid Men from entering it. He appointed the [[Thain]], the [[Master of Buckland]], and the [[Mayor of Michel Delving]] Counsellors of the North-kingdom. Also he offered to the Shire the [[Westmarch|lands]] up to the [[Tower Hills|Emyn Beraid]].<ref name=later>{{App|Later}}</ref><br />
<br />
He founded the royal [[House of Telcontar]], he had a son, [[Eldarion]], and a number of daughters.<br />
<br />
King Elessar died after 210 years of life and 122 years of rule and was succeeded by his son [[Eldarion]]. His wife Arwen, now mortal, gave up her life shortly afterwards in year 121, aged 2,901.<br />
<br />
==Personality==<br />
<br />
Aragorn was a wise, calm, well-mannered, yet proud and stern man who held his heritage in high regard and was willing to do whatever he can to help his friends. He was the "hardiest of living Men" during his time.<br />
<br />
His reverance for his heritage was such that it nearly led to complications when arriving in Rohan and was forced to surrender his sword, ''[[Anduril]]'' ''(The King of the Golden Hall)'' and revealed himself as the Heir of ''[Isildur]]'' to ''[[Eomer]]'' when confronting him. ''(The Riders of Rohan)''. He also possessed Elven wisdom due to being raised in Rivendell, and the foresight of the Dúnedain. He also had a nigh indomitable strength of will, as he was able to psychically challenge ''[[Sauron]]'' for control of the palantir, and emerged victorious. ''(The Passing of the Grey Company)''.<br />
<br />
==Equipment and skills==<br />
<br />
Aragorn was a swordsman of extraordinary, nigh <br />
unparalleled skill, to the point that he was considered the greatest swordsman of the ''[[Third Age]]'', surpassing the likes of ''[[Boromir]]'', ''[[Faramir]]'', and possibly ''[[Elrond]]'', despite all three being skilled swordsmen in their own right. He was also trained in the use of bows and spears, despite his preference for swordplay. His skill was such that he can take on any enemy from Orcs to the Nine Ringwraiths. Aragorn was a highly skilled and well-respected leader and King to the point that he restored ''[[Minas Tirith]]'' along with the rest of ''[[Gondor]]'' to its former glory and made peace with enemies who surrendered. He was a master military tactician and commander, capable of leading his army to victory at the ''[[Black Gate]]'', and aiding in the victories at ''[[Helm's Deep]]'', and the ''[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]'', coming out unscathed after the latter ended, along with ''[[Eomer]]'', and ''[[Imrahil]]''. ''([[The Battle of the Pelennor Fields]])''.<br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
{{Pronounce|Aragorn Elessar.mp3|Ardamir}}<br />
'''''Aragorn''''' is a [[Sindarin]] name. It means "revered king".<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 31 entry S ''Ara(n)gorn''</ref><ref name=PE17Turgond>{{PE|17}}, p. 113 entry S '''Turgond-'''</ref> It contains the phonetic reduction ''ara'' of ''[[aran]]'' ("king") and the adjective ''[[gorn|(n)gorn]]'' ("dreaded, revered").<ref name=PE17Turgond/><br />
<br />
This clear etymology from Tolkien was not revealed until the publication in 2007 of "Words, Phrases & Passages in ''The Lord of the Rings''", a late 1950s manuscript. Before that, several theories were proposed:<br />
*[[Ruth S. Noel]] and several others proposed "King of the Tree",<ref>[[Ruth S. Noel]], ''[[The Languages of Tolkien's Middle-earth]]'', p. 114</ref> but Tolkien specifically said that this was not the case.<ref>{{L|347}}</ref> <br />
*[[David Salo]] deduces "Having Kingly Valor"<ref>[[David Salo]], ''[[A Gateway to Sindarin]]'', p. 341</ref> from Tolkien's cryptic "'Kingly Valour' (for so is that name interpreted)".<ref>{{PM|Foreword}}, p. xii</ref> This is still the most often cited etymology; Robert Ireland's ''[[A Tolkien Dictionary]]'' gives the variation "Royal Zeal".<ref>Robert Ireland, ''[[A Tolkien Dictionary]]'', [http://www.quicksilver899.com/Tolkien/LOTR/LOTR_AC.html The Lord of the Rings A-C].</ref><br />
*[[Carl F. Hostetter]] proposed the meanings "King of the Globe" or "King of the Hill" in his analysis of the [[King's Letter]].<ref>[[Carl F. Hostetter]], "The 'King's Letter': An Historical and Comparative Analysis", [[Vinyar Tengwar 31|''Vinyar Tengwar'' 31]], p. 18</ref><br />
<br />
The [[Quenya]] form of ''Aragorn'' was '''''Arakorno'''''.<ref name="WP">{{PE|17}}, p. 70 f. entry Q '''ar''' in the translation of the sentence into Quenya ''Sanome tarne Olórin, Arakorno, [...]''</ref><br />
<br />
==Other names==<br />
* '''Aragorn II''' - Aragorn's name as [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]. He was likely named after [[Aragorn I]].<br />
* [[Thorongil]] - [[Sindarin|S]] "Eagle of the Star", a pseudonym used in [[Gondor]] and [[Rohan]]. Pronounced {{IPA|[θoˈroŋɡil]}}.<br />
* '''Elessar''' - [[Quenya|Q]] "Elfstone", Aragorn's name as a king. Despite popular use as such, Aragorn was never known as "Aragorn Elessar", "Aragorn II Elessar" or "[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|King Aragorn]]". Pronounced {{IPA|[eˈlesːar]}}.<br />
* '''Edhelharn''' - The [[Sindarin]] equivalent of Elessar, used in the King's Letter.<ref>{{SD|XI2}}, p. 128ff</ref> Pronounced {{IPA|[eˈðel.harn]}}.<br />
* [[Elfstone]] - The [[Westron|Common Speech]] version of the previous two. <br />
* [[Envinyatar|''Envinyatar'']] - [[Quenya|Q]] "the Renewer".<br />
* [[Estel]] - [[Quenya|Q]]. Usually glossed as "Hope", the concept ''estel'' more widely means "hope, trust, a temper of mind, steady fixed in purpose, and difficult to dissuade and unlikely to fall into despair or abandon its purpose". Pronounced {{IPA|[ˈestel]}}.<br />
* [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]] - A sobriquet given by the men of [[Bree]]. Aragorn used it mockingly.<br />
* '''Wingfoot''' - An honorary name given by [[Éomer]] after the pursuit of the [[Uruk-hai]] through the [[Eastemnet]].<ref>{{TT|III2}}</ref><br />
* [[Telcontar]] - A [[Quenya]] form of "Strider", this was the name of Elessar's Royal House. It was not used independently. Pronounced {{IPA|[telˈkontar]}}.<br />
* [[Heir of Isildur|Isildur's Heir]] - A poetic address, as he was the heir of [[Isildur]]. <br />
* '''The Dúnadan''' - "[[Dúnedain|Man of the West]]", a name given by [[Bilbo Baggins]] when their friendship evolved. <br />
* '''Longshanks''' - another, though less frequently used, sobriquet in Bree, ascribed to [[Bill Ferny]]. The legs of the [[Bree-landers|Bree-men]] were shorter than the legs of the [[Dúnedain]].<br />
* '''Arakorno''' - A rare Quenya form of Aragorn, which only appeared in a discussion about the words for Quenya.<ref name="WP"/> Pronounced {{IPA|[ˌaraˈkorno]}}.<br />
<br />
==Genealogy==<br />
{{familytree/start}}<br />
{{familytree | EAR |y| ELW | | GAL |y| CEL |GAL=[[Galadriel]]|CEL=[[Celeborn]]|EAR=[[Eärendil]]|ELW=[[Elwing]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |)|-|-|-|.| | | |!| | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ROS | | RON |y| CLB | | |ROS=[[Elros]]|RON=[[Elrond]]|CLB=[[Celebrían]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | KON | | | | |!| | | | | |KON=<small>''[[Kings of Númenor]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | LOA | | | | |!| | | | | |LOA=<small>''[[Lords of Andúnië]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ELE | | | | |!| | | | | |ELE=[[Elendil]]}}<br />
{{familytree | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ISI | | ANA | | |!| | | | | |ISI=[[Isildur]]|ANA=[[Anárion]]}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |:| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | KOA | | KOG | | |!| | | | | |KOA=<small>''[[Kings of Arnor]]''</small>|KOG=<small>''[[Kings of Gondor]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |:| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | KOA | | OND | | |!| | | | | |OND=[[Ondoher]]|KOA=<small>''[[Kings of Arthedain]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |!| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ARV |V| FIR | | |!| | | | | |ARV=[[Arvedui]]|FIR=[[Fíriel]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | COD | | | | |!| | | | | |COD=<small>''[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ART |y| GIL |!| | | | | |ART=[[Arathorn II]]|GIL=[[Gilraen]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |!| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | ARA |y| ARW | | | | |ARA='''ARAGORN '''|ARW=[[Arwen]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | ELD | | SDS | | | | |ELD=[[Eldarion]]|SDS=''several sisters''}}<br />
{{familytree/end}}<br />
===Relation to Arwen===<br />
Arwen was a very distant cousin of Aragorn. By their marriage, the long-sundered lines of the [[Half-elven]] were joined.<ref name="Numenor">{{App|A1i}}</ref> Their union also served to unite and preserve the bloodlines of the kings of the three kindreds of the High Elves ([[Ingwë]], [[Finwë]], and brothers [[Elwë]], [[Olwë]], and [[Elmo]]) as well as the only line with [[Maiar]]in blood through Arwen's great-great-grandmother, [[Melian]]. There were at least two marriages between descendants of Elendil in Aragorn's ancestry, so Aragorn was related to Arwen by blood along at least three lines.<br />
<br />
Through his father, Arathorn II, Aragorn was Arwen's first cousin sixty-two times removed through his ancestor Arvedui and sixty-seven times removed through his ancestor Fíriel. Both of these lines descend through four<ref name="Numenor"/> generations of the Kings of Númenor, Silmariën, eighteen<ref>{{UT|Kings}}</ref> generations of the Lords of Andúnië, and Elendil, as well as Aranarth and fifteen<ref name="North">{{App|North}}</ref> succeeding generations of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, including Aragorn himself. Aragorn's mother Gilraen also descended from Aranarth,<ref name="North"/> but the number of generations between them is unknown.<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
In the earliest unpublished versions of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' (see ''[[The History of The Lord of the Rings]]''), the character that later became Aragorn was called '''''[[Trotter]]''''' instead of Strider, and was a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] instead of a [[Men|Man]]. He had wooden feet, because he had once traveled to Mordor and been tortured there.<br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
{{Gallery<br />
|title=Aragorn in adaptations<br />
|height=150<br />
|width=250<br />
|lines=2<br />
|File:War in Middle Earth - Aragorn and Frodo against a Nazgul.png|Aragorn with [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Strider.jpg|Strider in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]<br />
|File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Aragorn.JPG|Aragorn in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''<br />
|File:2011-12-23 00061.jpg|Aragorn in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''<br />
|File:LEGO Aragorn poster.png|Aragorn as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''<br />
}}<br />
<br />
===Films===<br />
'''1978: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]'':'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[John Hurt]]. Some critics have accused this character of looking too much like a [[wikipedia:Stereotypes_of_Native_Americans|Native American stereotype]].{{Citation needed}}<br />
<br />
'''1980: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn was voiced by [[Theodore Bikel]] in the 1980 [[Rankin/Bass]] animated film.<br />
<br />
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is played by [[Viggo Mortensen]], though [[Stuart Townsend]] was originally cast in the role. Townsend was deemed too young. Mortensen had just two weeks to train for his first scene, the standoff with the [[Nazgûl]] at [[Weathertop]]. Utilizing the modern "reluctant hero" trope, Mortensen portrays Aragorn full of self-doubt, while he is much more sure of himself in the book. <br />
<br />
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn's part is this film is largely similar to the events in book. The most significant difference is that, in the book, there was no [[Wargs|Warg]] attack on the party traveling to Helm's Deep and Aragorn did not fall down a cliff.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn finally steps into his role as king after having a lot of self-doubt beforehand. <br />
<br />
'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''<br />
:Although he is not physically present, he is mentioned by [[Thranduil]] to his son, [[Legolas]]. Thranduil tells Legolas to seek a young ranger known as "Strider" and that Legolas would have to discover Strider's true name for himself. In the continuity of the films, Aragorn would have been 27 rather than a ten-year-old child.<br />
<br />
===Television===<br />
'''1993: [[Hobitit|''Hobitit'']]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is portrayed by [[Kari Väänänen]],the same actor who played [[Gollum]] in the series.<br />
<br />
===Radio Series===<br />
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[Godfrey Kenton]].<br />
<br />
'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[Tom Luce]].<br />
<br />
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn was voiced by [[Robert Stephens]]. For his early scenes, according to [[John McAndrew]] (Pippin) Stephens adopted an accurate Bristol accent to help suggest the disguise Strider adopted in Bree.<br />
<br />
'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by Boris Farkaš.<br />
<br />
===Games===<br />
'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable character. He has brown hair and is bearded, he bears a golden sword.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:[[Daran Norris]] provided the voice of Aragorn, who is one of the three playable characters.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is one of the three playable characters, as well as narrator for most of the game. He is versatile in both melee and ranged attacks. Viggo Mortensen reprises his role from the film trilogy.<br />
<br />
'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable character, his storyline is dubbed "Path of a King". He journey through Paths of the Dead with Legolas and Gimli, later they fight on Pelennor fields and at the Black Gate. Chris Edgerly takes over for Mortensen as Aragorn's voice actor.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring|Sierra's War of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a Hero Unit for the Free People side. He is present in Lothlorien, Battle of Hornburg and Siege of the Minas Morgul.<br />
<br />
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a Hero Unit for the Rohan faction in skirmishes, he also accompanies the Fellowship in the storyline mode.<br />
<br />
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is now the Hero for the Men of the West faction.<br />
<br />
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''<br />
:In the Prologue, Aragorn saves Men/Hobbit characters from brigands, but is forced to leave soon, as he has to intercept Frodo in Bree. Later arriving at the Prancing Pony, the characters meet him again and help him looking in surrounding area for Hobbits, who did not arrive in time. When player returns, Aragorn and the Hobbits already departed, and their next meeting is in Rivendell, where Aragorn entrusts the player with defence of the North while the Fellowship is gone. Later, in [[Lothlórien]], Aragorn is seen residing in [[Caras Galadhon]]<br />
<br />
'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable hero available in several missions.<br />
<br />
'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is an important character of the game, and is mentioned as one of the much honored heroes of the [[War of the Ring]] in the introduction of the game.<ref name="Prologue">[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Prologue''</ref><br />
:He is a friend of two of the game's main characters, [[Eradan (video game character)|Eradan]] and [[Andriel]]. Aragorn had met [[Andriel]] during his visits at [[Rivendell]],<ref name="Backstory Andriel">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.warinthenorth.com/the-game/heroes/backstory#elfAnchor|articlename=Elven Character: Andriel's History|dated=|website=War in the North|accessed=25 December 2011}}</ref> while he had met Eradan, when he served as Ranger at Sarn Ford. Aragorn was impressed by his skills and bravery, and taught him much about tracking. Eradan was a companion of Aragorn on many of his journeys. Aragorn trusted Eradan much, though he never told him what the reason was behind the protection of [[the Shire]].<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.warinthenorth.com/the-game/heroes/backstory#dunedainAnchor|articlename=Human Character: Eradan's History|dated=|website=War in the North|accessed=24 December 2011}}</ref><br />
<br />
:Eradan, Andriel and [[Farin (video game character)|Farin]] meet Aragorn in the Prancing Pony to warn him, on Halbarad's request, after the Nazgûl attacked and defeated the [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] at [[Sarn Ford]], and entered the Shire. They also tell him about an conservation between the Witch-king and [[Agandaûr]], which the three heroes overheard shortly after the attack. Agandaûr summoned the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] and assembled an army in [[Fornost]], which plans to aid the Nazgûl in their search to [[the One Ring]]. Aragorn sends Eradan, Andriel and Farin to Fornost, to stop Agandaûr and his army.<ref name="Prologue"/> While Eradan, Andriel, Farin, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]] stopped Agandaûr's army,<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Chapter 1: Fornost''</ref> Aragorn met with [[Frodo Baggins]] and left Bree.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Chapter 2: The Barrow Downs'', Bree</ref><br />
<br />
'''2012: ''[[Lego|Lego The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''<br />
:A mini figure of Aragorn is included in the [[Lego#Sets|sets]] '''Attack at Weathertop''', '''The Battle of Helm's Deep''', '''The Battle at the Black gate''', and '''The Pirate ship ambush'''.<ref name="2012 sets">{{webcite|author=Calisuri|articleurl=http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/02/12/53563-more-lord-of-the-rings-lego-details-from-toy-fare-2012/|articlename=More Lord of the Rings LEGO Details from Toy Fare 2012|dated=12 February 2012|website=TORN|accessed=18 February 2012}}</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Timeline of Aragorn]]<br />
*[http://dare.ubvu.vu.nl/bitstream/1871/10975/1/Aragorn_Final.pdf "Aragorn Seen Through Different Media"] by [[Connie Veugen]], comparing the introduction of Strider in Ralph Bakshi's film, the 1981 BBC radio play, Peter Jackson's film and [[Vivendi]]'s [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|video game]] of ''The Fellowship of the Ring.<br />
{{References|notes}}<br />
<br />
==Titles==<br />
{{seq-start}}<br />
{{seq-head<br />
| race=arnorian<br />
| house=[[House of Isildur]]<small><br/>Cadet branch of [[House of Elros]]</small><br />
| born=[[1 March]], {{TA|2931}}<br />
| died={{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prow=2<br />
| prev=[[Arathorn II]]<br />
| list=16th [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2933}} – [[1 May]], {{TA|3019|n}}<br />
| next=Position abolished<br />
| nvac=None<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| list=39th [[Heir of Isildur|Heir]] of [[Isildur]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2933}} - [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
| next=[[Eldarion]]<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prev=[[Gandalf]]<br />
| list=Leader of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]<br />
| dates=[[15 January]] - [[22 August]], {{TA|3019}}<br />
| next=Position abolished<br />
| nvac=None<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Eärnur]]''', 969 years earlier<br />
| list=34th [[Kings of Gondor|King of Gondor]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
| next=[[Eldarion]]<br />
| nrow=4<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Eärendur (King of Arnor)|Eärendur]]''', 2,158 years earlier<br />
| list=11th [[Kings of Arnor|King of Arnor]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Isildur]]''', 3,017 years earlier<br />
| list=1st [[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]] of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=None<br />
| prev=New title<br />
| list=Head of the [[House of Telcontar]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq-end}}{{councilofelrond}}{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}{{northernline}}{{southernline}}<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]<br />
[[Category:Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]<br />
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]<br />
[[Category:House of Isildur]]<br />
[[Category:House of Telcontar| ]]<br />
[[Category:Mariners]]<br />
[[Category:Rulers of Arnor]]<br />
[[Category:Rulers of Gondor]]<br />
[[Category:Sindarin names]]<br />
[[Category:Third Age characters]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Aragorn II.]]<br />
[[fi:Aragorn II]]<br />
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/hommes/3adunedain/dunedain_du_nord/aragorn_ii]]</div>MikeyofGondorhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Aragorn&diff=344964Aragorn2022-04-09T22:42:00Z<p>MikeyofGondor: /* Personality */</p>
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<div>{{disambig-two|the King of [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]]|[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]|[[Aragorn I]]}}<br />
{{sources}}<br />
{{arnorian infobox<br />
| name=Aragorn<br />
| image=[[File:John Howe - Elessar.jpg|250px]]<br />
| caption="Elessar" by [[John Howe]]<br />
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|[ˈaraɡorn]}}<br />
| othernames=Aragorn II, ''[[Elessar]]'', [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]], ''[[Thorongil]]'' (''[[Aragorn#Names and titles|see below]]'')<br />
| titles=[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]<br/>[[High King of the Dúnedain]]<br>[[King of Gondor and Arnor]]<Ref>{{S|Rings}}</ref><br>[[King of the West]]<ref>{{App|Great}}</ref><Br>Lord of the [[Westlands]]<br />
| position=[[Rangers of the North|Ranger]]<br />
| location=[[Rivendell]]<br/>[[Gondor]]<br>[[Arnor]]<br />
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]<br />
| language=[[Westron]], [[Sindarin]], [[Quenya]]<br />
| birth=[[1 March]] {{TA|2931}}<br />
| birthlocation=[[Eriador]]<br />
| rule={{TA|2933}} - {{TA|3019|n}} (Chieftain)<br/>{{TA|3019}} - {{FoA|120}} (King)<br />
| death={{FoA|120}}<br />
| deathlocation=[[Gondor]]<br />
| age=210<br />
| notablefor=Reuniting the [[Reunited Kingdom|Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor]]<br />
| house=[[House of Isildur]], founded the [[House of Telcontar]]<br />
| parentage=[[Arathorn II]], father <br/> [[Gilraen]], mother <br/> [[Elrond]], foster father<br />
| siblings=<br />
| spouse=[[Arwen]]<br />
| children=[[Eldarion]] and at least two daughters<ref name="Tale">{{App|Tale}}</ref><br />
| gender=Male<br />
| height=6'6<nowiki>''</nowiki> (198cm)<ref name="RC">{{HM|RC}}, p. 272 citing from a note written by J.R.R. Tolkien approximately in 1969</ref><br />
| hair=Dark, flecked with grey<ref name="Sign">{{FR|Sign}}</ref> <br />
| eyes=Grey<ref name="Sign"/><br />
| clothing=High leather boots, dark-green cloak (As a [[Rangers of the North|Ranger]])<ref name="Sign"/><br>Pure white mantle, black mail girt with silver (As a King)<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref><br />
| weapons=[[Andúril]]<br />
| steed=[[Roheryn]] and [[Hasufel]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
<center>{{quote|Tall as the sea-kings of old, he stood above all that were near; ancient of days he seemed and yet in the flower of manhood; and wisdom sat upon his brow, and strength and healing were in his hands, and a light was about him.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Steward and the King]]"}}</center><br />
'''Aragorn II''' was the son of [[Arathorn II]] and [[Gilraen]]. He was the last [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]] and a direct descendant through many<ref group="note">Aragorn II is of the 39th generation descended from Isildur, through 23 generations of the Kings of Arnor and Arthedain (beginning with [[Valandil]] and ending with [[Arvedui]]) and 15 generations of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain (beginning with [[Aranarth]] and ending with Arathorn II).</ref> generations of [[Isildur]], the last [[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]] of both [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Aragorn would become the greatest [[Men|Man]] of his time, leading the [[Dúnedain|Men of the West]] against [[Sauron]]'s forces, helping to destroy [[the One Ring]], and reuniting the [[Reunited Kingdom|Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor]]. <br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early Life===<br />
Aragorn was born in {{TA|2931}} to the Chieftain Arathorn, and received the name Aragorn. His grandmother, [[Ivorwen]], noted with foresight that Aragorn would one day wear on his breast a green stone.<ref>{{PM|Foreword}}</ref><br />
<br />
A legend says that the [[Wizards|Wizard]] [[Gandalf]] had brought [[Elfstone|such a stone]], called the Elessar, from [[Valinor]]. He gave the Elessar to the [[Elves|Elven]] Lady [[Galadriel]], and remarked prophetically that she would pass it to another, who will also be called Elessar.<ref>{{UT|6}}</ref> From this would come Aragorn's royal name ''Elessar'' ([[Quenya]] for "Elfstone").<br />
<br />
When Aragorn was two years old, his father was slain when an [[Orcs|Orc]] arrow pierced his eye. As was the tradition of his people, Aragorn was fostered in [[Rivendell]] by [[Elrond]] as if he was his own son. The [[Wise]] decided that his identity was to be kept secret, as he would be vulnerable to [[Sauron|the Enemy]]. Aragorn was called '''''[[Estel]]''''' ([[Sindarin]] for "Hope") instead. During his life in Rivendell he accompanied the sons of Elrond, [[Elrohir]] and [[Elladan]], on their journeys.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
[[File:Stephen Hickman - Aragorn and Arwen.jpg|thumb|left|''Aragorn and Arwen'' by [[Stephen Hickman]]]]<br />
"Estel" grew to be fair and noble, and was seemingly more mature than his age. When Aragorn was twenty-one years old, after returning from a journey with the [[twins]] in {{TA|2952}}, Elrond decided to reveal his true name and ancestry. As part of this revelation, Elrond delivered to him the heirlooms of [[House of Isildur|his House]]: the shards of [[Narsil]] and the [[Ring of Barahir]]. Elrond also said that he should earn the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]]. The next day, full of hope, Aragorn was sitting in the forest singing a part of the ''[[Lay of Leithian|Lay of Lúthien]]''; as he sang of the meeting [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]], [[Arwen]], daughter of Elrond, who had newly returned from [[Lothlórien]], appeared to him. Aragorn thought that Lúthien herself had appeared, and fell in love.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
===Life as a Ranger===<br />
Estel took up his proper name as Aragorn, sixteenth of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, and after he took leave of his mother and Elrond he went into [[The Wild]].<ref name="Tale"/> In {{TA|2953}} he was not present in Rivendell for the last meeting of the [[White Council]]. Aragorn met [[Gandalf|Gandalf the Grey]] in {{TA|2956}}, and they became great friends.<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref> At Gandalf's advice he started to become interested in [[the Shire]] and became known as '''''Strider''''' in this region.<br />
[[File:Catherine Chmiel - Ecthelion,Thorongil and Boromir study.jpg|thumb|right|''"Thorongil" with Ecthelion II'' by [[Catherine Karina Chmiel]]]]<br />
From {{TA|2957}} to {{TA|2980}} Aragorn took great journeys aiding the [[West]] against [[Sauron]] and his allies. After serving King [[Thengel]] of [[Rohan]], he went to [[Ruling Steward|Steward]] [[Ecthelion II]] of [[Gondor]],<ref name="TA"/> who was in dire need of able men to guard his realm from Mordor. Aragorn kept his identity secret but as he wore a silver star upon his cloak, and was swift and keen-eyed, the [[Gondorians]] called him '''''Thorongil''''' (Sindarin for "Eagle of the Star"). He was a great leader by land and sea and Ecthelion trusted and loved him most. Some believed that there was rivalry between him and the Steward's son, [[Denethor]], who probably knew his identity as [[Heir of Isildur]], and suspected that he and Gandalf worked to supplant him. Thorongil however saw himself only as the servant of the Steward, whom he advised to not trust [[Saruman]] and instead to welcome Gandalf (whom Denethor didn't trust or love).<br />
<br />
Ecthelion was anticipating an attack from Sauron who had just returned, and Thorongil warned him that in that event the [[Southern Fiefs]] would be vulnerable to the [[Corsairs of Umbar]]. He was allowed by Ecthelion to take few ships and lead an [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|attack against Umbar]]; at night he burned many ships, and in a fight slew the [[Captain of the Haven]] with only few casualties. Great honour awaited him in [[Minas Tirith]] but he did not return; while in [[Pelargir]], he sent a farewell message to Ecthelion, speaking of other tasks calling him, and saying that fate would not bring him again to Gondor soon. To the grief and wonder of his companions he crossed the [[Anduin]] and was last seen staring at the [[Mountains of Shadow]].<ref>{{App|Stewards}}</ref> He left Gondor to travel into the far East and South "exploring the hearts of men good and evil" and learning about the "plots and devices" of the servants of the Dark Lord. His exploits ensured the survival of the [[West]] much later during the [[War of the Ring]].<br />
<br />
Later in 2980 on his return to Rivendell he entered [[Lothlórien]], and there once again met Arwen in [[Caras Galadhon]]. For one season they wandered together in Lothlórien. At midsummer he gave her the heirloom of his House, the [[Ring of Barahir]], and Arwen pledged her hand to him in marriage.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
Elrond gave his foster-son permission to marry his daughter, on the condition that he must first become king of both Gondor and Arnor, for only a king would be worthy of Arwen's hand. This harsh condition had a precedent: King [[Thingol]]'s request that [[Beren]] obtain a [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] from [[Morgoth]] before marrying his daughter [[Lúthien]].<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
===Hunt for Gollum===<br />
In the year {{TA|3001}}, as a now revealed [[Sauron]] continued to regain power in [[Mordor]], Aragorn began assisting [[Gandalf]] in his search for news of [[Gollum]]. Gandalf suspected that the ring [[Bilbo Baggins]] found near Gollum's lake was in fact [[the One Ring]]. In {{TA|3007}}, he briefly returned to [[Eriador]] where he visited his mother for the last time. She died before that year's spring. <br />
<br />
In {{TA|3009}} Gandalf and Aragorn renewed their hunt for Gollum, searching intermittently in the [[vales of Anduin]], [[Mirkwood]], and [[Rhovanion]], even to the confines of [[Mordor]], without knowing that around that time Gollum ventured into Mordor, and was captured by Sauron.<ref name="TA"/> [[Third Age 3017|After eight years]] Gollum was released and Aragorn finally overtook him in the [[Dead Marshes]]<ref name="TA"/> on [[1 February]]. With Gollum he travelled through the northern [[Emyn Muil]], to prevent being found by Sauron's spies, and crossed the Anduin at the [[Sarn Gebir]]. He travelled further north along the edges of [[Fangorn Forest]] and through Lothlórien,<ref name="UT">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref> where the Elves sent a message to Gandalf.<ref>{{UT|Hunt}}, Note 5</ref> He travelled alongside the Anduin to the north until he arrived at the [[Carrock]]. With the aid of the [[Beornings]] he crossed the Anduin with Gollum and entered [[Mirkwood]]. He took Gollum to [[Thranduil]] to be held captive.<ref name="UT"/><ref name="TA"/> He then returned west where he met with Gandalf at [[Sarn Ford]] and learned of [[Frodo Baggins]]' plan to leave the Shire with the Ring in late September. Aragorn then continued his own journey.<ref name="Strider">{{FR|Strider}}</ref><br />
<br />
===War of the Ring===<br />
When Aragorn returned to his area, the [[Elves]] who followed [[Gildor Inglorion]] told Aragorn the [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] had been seen, and Gandalf had been missing and there were no messages from him. Aragorn and his [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] kept watch over the border of [[the Shire]] and the [[East Road]] waiting for sight of Frodo but there was no news of them leaving [[Buckland]].<ref name="Strider"/><br />
<br />
While staying in [[Bree]], Aragorn crossed the paths of four hobbits in [[The Prancing Pony]]. Aragorn watched as the hobbits clumsily hid their names and intentions, and as [[Frodo Baggins]], the leader of the party, fell from a table and disappeared as he put the ring on. Aragorn, whose name was given as Strider, seemed to show no surprise, only annoyance at Frodo’s foolish vanishing act. He arranged for an interview that night, where he warned them of the Black Riders and [[Bill Ferny]], then bluntly requested that they use him as a guide. After some consideration, and a note given them by the forgetful [[Barliman Butterbur]] from Gandalf condoning him, Frodo agreed.<br />
[[File:Jef Murray - Amon Sûl.jpg|thumb|left|[[Jef Murray]] - ''Amon Sûl'']]<br />
Aragorn’s plan to reach Rivendell was to first head toward [[Archet]] and bear right to [[Weathertop]]. After the ambush at Weathertop and the wounding of Frodo, [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] took over the position as leader of the Hobbits. After a while they met [[Glorfindel]], a friend of Aragorn’s, and it was not much later that they arrived in Rivendell.<br />
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Reforging of the Sword.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - ''The Reforging of the Sword'']]<br />
After the Council of Elrond Aragorn became a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. As a preparation for his travel, the ancient shards of [[Narsil]], the heirloom of his House, were reforged after 3 millennia. Aragorn carried the Sword Reforged, and renamed it [[Andúril]]. <br />
<br />
Aragorn's intentions were to travel with the company for a while before returning to [[Gondor]] with [[Boromir]]. Aragorn encouraged the taking of the [[Caradhras|Redhorn Pass]], which ended in disaster. He reluctantly conceded to Gandalf’s choice to pass through [[Moria]], though his sense of foresight warned him for Gandalf. Indeed, after Gandalf fell into the abyss with [[Durin's Bane]], Aragorn was naturally elected leader of the company, despite some resentment by Boromir.<br />
<br />
====Leading the Fellowship of the Ring====<br />
Aragorn again amazed the rest of the Fellowship by his apparent closeness to the people of [[Lothlórien]], and his friendship with [[Celeborn]] and [[Galadriel]]. At their departure, Galadriel offered him the [[Elfstone]] as a wedding gift from the family of the Elven bride to the groom, foretelling his marriage to Arwen.<ref>{{MR|P3II3}}</ref> It was worn by Aragorn ever after and from that he later took the name '''Elessar'''.<br />
<br />
Even at the [[Rauros|Falls of Rauros]] he was undecided, leaving it to Frodo for the final decision. For though it was obvious he wished to go to [[Minas Tirith]] with Boromir, he yet felt that it was his duty to go where the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]] chose.<br />
<br />
[[File:Inger Edelfeldt - Death of Boromir.jpg|thumb|200px|right|''Death of Boromir'' by [[Inger Edelfeldt]]]]<br />
After Frodo escaped him and Boromir perished, he with the remaining members of the Fellowship, namely [[Legolas]] and [[Gimli]], chose to try and save [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] from the [[Uruk-hai]] that had ambushed them, forming the group that would later be known as the [[Three Hunters]].<br />
<br />
He met [[Éomer]] in the fields of [[Rohan]], and an instant friendship formed, both feeling the honesty and lordliness of the other. Éomer took a risk for his sake, giving him horses, with the promise that one day soon Aragorn would return to [[Edoras]]. Aragorn, tracking the Hobbits, followed into Fangorn Forest, where he met the resurrected [[Gandalf|Gandalf the White]]. After the restoration of [[Théoden]], he rode to [[Helm's Deep]] to fight in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]]. There he, alongside his new-found “brother” Éomer, and King Théoden, marshaled the defence against [[Saruman]]’s army. His revealed majesty upon the battlements of the Hornburg as he waited for the dawn caused some of the [[Dunlendings|Wild men]] to pause and shudder, and he heralded the return of Gandalf with [[Erkenbrand]].<br />
<br />
After Pippin’s terrifying experience with the [[Orthanc-stone]], Gandalf presented it in a formal manner to Aragorn, its rightful master, who hinted that it would be used by him eventually. After the departure of Gandalf and Pippin to Minas Tirith, he rode for a while longer with Théoden, meeting up with his friend [[Halbarad]] of the North, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], and a company of staunch and fearless Rangers. Elladan and Elrohir gave him a message from Elrond: "''The days are short. If thou art in haste, remember the [[Paths of the Dead]]''". Halbarad bore a gift from the Lady Arwen – the [[Standard of Elendil]]. Aragorn knew the path set before him.<br />
<br />
====Return of the King====<br />
A little while later Aragorn took his companions and his rangers and set out for [[Dunharrow]], departing from the King’s company. His course was clear: to take the Paths of the Dead, to summon the [[Oathbreakers|Dead Men]]. In Dunharrow, he met the lady [[Éowyn]], who had fallen in love with him. After making it clear that he could not accept her love, he turned towards the evil road with the dawn.<br />
<br />
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Thus Came Aragorn.jpg|thumb|right|''Thus Came Aragorn'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]<br />
The [[Grey Company]] passed through the [[Dark Door]] and the [[Dwimorberg]], the Dead following, and coming at last to the [[Stone of Erech]], Aragorn summoned them to his aid. They drew their swords and blew their horns in answer, and swept down upon the [[Corsairs of Umbar|Corsairs]] at [[Pelargir]] drove the mariners away. Aragorn released them, and took the [[Black Ships]] north to Minas Tirith, where the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] raged. The Standard of Elendil broke forth, and his Dúnedain swept down, giving the final blow to the army of [[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]. The counter-attacked army of [[Sauron]] crumbled utterly. But Aragorn did not enter the city.<br />
<br />
Aragorn, furling his banner, appointed [[Imrahil]] the temporary lord of the City, as the law demanded. Eventually, however, Aragorn did come to the [[Houses of Healing]], where he tended and restored Merry, Éowyn, and [[Faramir]], in accordance with the prophecy “''The hands of the king are the hands of a healer, and so shall the rightful king be known''”. Many of the people of Minas Tirith came to Aragorn and followed him, asking that he heal those they knew. Aragorn worked late into the night, before finally leaving the city, hooded and cloaked. When in the morning the people saw the banner of [[Dol Amroth]], they wondered if the Return of the King had been but a dream.<ref name=Houses>{{RK|Houses}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[File:Inger Edelfeldt - The Crowning of Aragorn.jpg|thumb|left|''The Crowning of Aragorn'' by [[Inger Edelfeldt]]]]<br />
Aragorn held [[Last Debate|council]] with his trusted companions, namely Gandalf, Éomer, Imrahil, and Elrond’s sons – Halbarad had fallen in battle. He agreed to draw forth the forces of [[Mordor]] for the benefit of the [[Quest of the Ring]], and so arranged matters for the [[Battle of the Morannon]]. After the destruction of the Ring in [[Mount Doom|Orodruin]] and victory at the [[Morannon]], Aragorn returned at last in the triumphant manner that befitted his position. He was crowned at the gates of Minas Tirith, winning the hearts of the people of [[Gondor]].<br />
<br />
===Reign as Elessar===<br />
Aragorn ruled the [[Reunited Kingdom]] of Gondor and Arnor until year 120 of the [[Fourth Age]]. <br />
<br />
Some days after his coronation, Gandalf took Elessar up the slopes of Mount [[Mindolluin]], and there he found the scion of [[Nimloth of Númenor|Nimloth]], the symbol of his mastery of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]. Elrond and Arwen came to Gondor and Elrond gave Elessar the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]] signifying the Kingship of Arnor. He wedded Arwen on Midsummer's day of 3019, and then was forced to bid his old friends farewell. He turned back to his new kingdom as the [[Fourth Age]] dawned and the Ringbearers left the shores of Middle-earth forever.<br />
<br />
One of his first tasks in the re-ordering of his realm was the restoration of [[Orthanc]] and ordered the [[Orthanc-stone]] to be returned there. With this opportunity, many secrets and hoarded treasures were revealed including the [[Elendilmir]] which Saruman took from Isildur's body. Elessar received the Elemdilmir with reverence and took it with him as he established his full kingship of [[Arnor]].<ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref><br />
<br />
Elessar gave his [[Steward]] Faramir the title [[Lord of Emyn Arnen]] and created him as [[Prince of Ithilien]]<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref>. He declared the [[Drúadan Forest]] to belong to the [[Drúedain]] and a protected enclave of his Kingdom.<ref>{{RK|Partings}}</ref> He also re-established the Great [[Council of Gondor]] whose chief councellor was the Steward<ref>{{L|244}}</ref>. He also renewed the [[Oath of Cirion]] with Éomer.<br />
<br />
As for [[the Shire]], he declared it a Free Land under the protection of the Northern Sceptre and forbid Men from entering it. He appointed the [[Thain]], the [[Master of Buckland]], and the [[Mayor of Michel Delving]] Counsellors of the North-kingdom. Also he offered to the Shire the [[Westmarch|lands]] up to the [[Tower Hills|Emyn Beraid]].<ref name=later>{{App|Later}}</ref><br />
<br />
He founded the royal [[House of Telcontar]], he had a son, [[Eldarion]], and a number of daughters.<br />
<br />
King Elessar died after 210 years of life and 122 years of rule and was succeeded by his son [[Eldarion]]. His wife Arwen, now mortal, gave up her life shortly afterwards in year 121, aged 2,901.<br />
<br />
==Personality==<br />
<br />
Aragorn was a wise, calm, well-mannered, yet proud and stern man who held his heritage in high regard and was willing to do whatever he can to help his friends. He was the "hardiest of living Men" during his time.<br />
<br />
His reverance for his heritage was such that it nearly led to complications when arriving in Rohan and was forced to surrender his sword, ''[[Anduril]]'' ''(The King of the Golden Hall)'' and revealed himself as the Heir of ''[Isildur]]'' to ''[[Eomer]]'' when confronting him. ''(The Riders of Rohan)''. He also possessed Elven wisdom due to being raised in Rivendell, and the foresight of the Dúnedain. He also had a nigh indomitable strength of will, as he was able to psychically challenge ''[[Sauron]]'' for control of the palantir, and emerged victorious. ''(The Passing of the Grey Company)''.<br />
<br />
==Equipment and skills==<br />
<br />
Aragorn was a swordsman of extraordinary, nigh <br />
unparalleled skill, to the point that he was considered the greatest swordsman of the ''[[Third Age]]'', surpassing the likes of ''[[Boromir]]'', ''[[Faramir]]'', and possibly ''[[Elrond]]'', despite all three being skilled swordsmen in their own right. He was also trained in the use of bows and spears, despite his preference for swordplay. His skill was such that he can take on any enemy from Orcs to the Nine Ringwraiths. Aragorn was a highly skilled and well-respected leader and King to the point that he restored ''[[Minas Tirith]]'' along with the rest of ''[[Gondor]]'' to its former glory and made peace with enemies who surrendered. He was a master military tactician and commander, capable of leading his army to victory at the ''[[Black Gate]]'', and aiding in the victories at ''[[Helm's Deep]]'', and the ''[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]'', coming out unscathed after the latter ended, along with ''[[Eomer]]'', and ''[[Prince Imrahil]]''. ''([[The Battle of the Pelennor Fields]])''.<br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
{{Pronounce|Aragorn Elessar.mp3|Ardamir}}<br />
'''''Aragorn''''' is a [[Sindarin]] name. It means "revered king".<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 31 entry S ''Ara(n)gorn''</ref><ref name=PE17Turgond>{{PE|17}}, p. 113 entry S '''Turgond-'''</ref> It contains the phonetic reduction ''ara'' of ''[[aran]]'' ("king") and the adjective ''[[gorn|(n)gorn]]'' ("dreaded, revered").<ref name=PE17Turgond/><br />
<br />
This clear etymology from Tolkien was not revealed until the publication in 2007 of "Words, Phrases & Passages in ''The Lord of the Rings''", a late 1950s manuscript. Before that, several theories were proposed:<br />
*[[Ruth S. Noel]] and several others proposed "King of the Tree",<ref>[[Ruth S. Noel]], ''[[The Languages of Tolkien's Middle-earth]]'', p. 114</ref> but Tolkien specifically said that this was not the case.<ref>{{L|347}}</ref> <br />
*[[David Salo]] deduces "Having Kingly Valor"<ref>[[David Salo]], ''[[A Gateway to Sindarin]]'', p. 341</ref> from Tolkien's cryptic "'Kingly Valour' (for so is that name interpreted)".<ref>{{PM|Foreword}}, p. xii</ref> This is still the most often cited etymology; Robert Ireland's ''[[A Tolkien Dictionary]]'' gives the variation "Royal Zeal".<ref>Robert Ireland, ''[[A Tolkien Dictionary]]'', [http://www.quicksilver899.com/Tolkien/LOTR/LOTR_AC.html The Lord of the Rings A-C].</ref><br />
*[[Carl F. Hostetter]] proposed the meanings "King of the Globe" or "King of the Hill" in his analysis of the [[King's Letter]].<ref>[[Carl F. Hostetter]], "The 'King's Letter': An Historical and Comparative Analysis", [[Vinyar Tengwar 31|''Vinyar Tengwar'' 31]], p. 18</ref><br />
<br />
The [[Quenya]] form of ''Aragorn'' was '''''Arakorno'''''.<ref name="WP">{{PE|17}}, p. 70 f. entry Q '''ar''' in the translation of the sentence into Quenya ''Sanome tarne Olórin, Arakorno, [...]''</ref><br />
<br />
==Other names==<br />
* '''Aragorn II''' - Aragorn's name as [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]. He was likely named after [[Aragorn I]].<br />
* [[Thorongil]] - [[Sindarin|S]] "Eagle of the Star", a pseudonym used in [[Gondor]] and [[Rohan]]. Pronounced {{IPA|[θoˈroŋɡil]}}.<br />
* '''Elessar''' - [[Quenya|Q]] "Elfstone", Aragorn's name as a king. Despite popular use as such, Aragorn was never known as "Aragorn Elessar", "Aragorn II Elessar" or "[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|King Aragorn]]". Pronounced {{IPA|[eˈlesːar]}}.<br />
* '''Edhelharn''' - The [[Sindarin]] equivalent of Elessar, used in the King's Letter.<ref>{{SD|XI2}}, p. 128ff</ref> Pronounced {{IPA|[eˈðel.harn]}}.<br />
* [[Elfstone]] - The [[Westron|Common Speech]] version of the previous two. <br />
* [[Envinyatar|''Envinyatar'']] - [[Quenya|Q]] "the Renewer".<br />
* [[Estel]] - [[Quenya|Q]]. Usually glossed as "Hope", the concept ''estel'' more widely means "hope, trust, a temper of mind, steady fixed in purpose, and difficult to dissuade and unlikely to fall into despair or abandon its purpose". Pronounced {{IPA|[ˈestel]}}.<br />
* [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]] - A sobriquet given by the men of [[Bree]]. Aragorn used it mockingly.<br />
* '''Wingfoot''' - An honorary name given by [[Éomer]] after the pursuit of the [[Uruk-hai]] through the [[Eastemnet]].<ref>{{TT|III2}}</ref><br />
* [[Telcontar]] - A [[Quenya]] form of "Strider", this was the name of Elessar's Royal House. It was not used independently. Pronounced {{IPA|[telˈkontar]}}.<br />
* [[Heir of Isildur|Isildur's Heir]] - A poetic address, as he was the heir of [[Isildur]]. <br />
* '''The Dúnadan''' - "[[Dúnedain|Man of the West]]", a name given by [[Bilbo Baggins]] when their friendship evolved. <br />
* '''Longshanks''' - another, though less frequently used, sobriquet in Bree, ascribed to [[Bill Ferny]]. The legs of the [[Bree-landers|Bree-men]] were shorter than the legs of the [[Dúnedain]].<br />
* '''Arakorno''' - A rare Quenya form of Aragorn, which only appeared in a discussion about the words for Quenya.<ref name="WP"/> Pronounced {{IPA|[ˌaraˈkorno]}}.<br />
<br />
==Genealogy==<br />
{{familytree/start}}<br />
{{familytree | EAR |y| ELW | | GAL |y| CEL |GAL=[[Galadriel]]|CEL=[[Celeborn]]|EAR=[[Eärendil]]|ELW=[[Elwing]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |)|-|-|-|.| | | |!| | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ROS | | RON |y| CLB | | |ROS=[[Elros]]|RON=[[Elrond]]|CLB=[[Celebrían]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | KON | | | | |!| | | | | |KON=<small>''[[Kings of Númenor]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | LOA | | | | |!| | | | | |LOA=<small>''[[Lords of Andúnië]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ELE | | | | |!| | | | | |ELE=[[Elendil]]}}<br />
{{familytree | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ISI | | ANA | | |!| | | | | |ISI=[[Isildur]]|ANA=[[Anárion]]}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |:| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | KOA | | KOG | | |!| | | | | |KOA=<small>''[[Kings of Arnor]]''</small>|KOG=<small>''[[Kings of Gondor]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |:| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | KOA | | OND | | |!| | | | | |OND=[[Ondoher]]|KOA=<small>''[[Kings of Arthedain]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |!| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ARV |V| FIR | | |!| | | | | |ARV=[[Arvedui]]|FIR=[[Fíriel]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | COD | | | | |!| | | | | |COD=<small>''[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ART |y| GIL |!| | | | | |ART=[[Arathorn II]]|GIL=[[Gilraen]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |!| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | ARA |y| ARW | | | | |ARA='''ARAGORN '''|ARW=[[Arwen]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | ELD | | SDS | | | | |ELD=[[Eldarion]]|SDS=''several sisters''}}<br />
{{familytree/end}}<br />
===Relation to Arwen===<br />
Arwen was a very distant cousin of Aragorn. By their marriage, the long-sundered lines of the [[Half-elven]] were joined.<ref name="Numenor">{{App|A1i}}</ref> Their union also served to unite and preserve the bloodlines of the kings of the three kindreds of the High Elves ([[Ingwë]], [[Finwë]], and brothers [[Elwë]], [[Olwë]], and [[Elmo]]) as well as the only line with [[Maiar]]in blood through Arwen's great-great-grandmother, [[Melian]]. There were at least two marriages between descendants of Elendil in Aragorn's ancestry, so Aragorn was related to Arwen by blood along at least three lines.<br />
<br />
Through his father, Arathorn II, Aragorn was Arwen's first cousin sixty-two times removed through his ancestor Arvedui and sixty-seven times removed through his ancestor Fíriel. Both of these lines descend through four<ref name="Numenor"/> generations of the Kings of Númenor, Silmariën, eighteen<ref>{{UT|Kings}}</ref> generations of the Lords of Andúnië, and Elendil, as well as Aranarth and fifteen<ref name="North">{{App|North}}</ref> succeeding generations of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, including Aragorn himself. Aragorn's mother Gilraen also descended from Aranarth,<ref name="North"/> but the number of generations between them is unknown.<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
In the earliest unpublished versions of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' (see ''[[The History of The Lord of the Rings]]''), the character that later became Aragorn was called '''''[[Trotter]]''''' instead of Strider, and was a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] instead of a [[Men|Man]]. He had wooden feet, because he had once traveled to Mordor and been tortured there.<br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
{{Gallery<br />
|title=Aragorn in adaptations<br />
|height=150<br />
|width=250<br />
|lines=2<br />
|File:War in Middle Earth - Aragorn and Frodo against a Nazgul.png|Aragorn with [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Strider.jpg|Strider in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]<br />
|File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Aragorn.JPG|Aragorn in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''<br />
|File:2011-12-23 00061.jpg|Aragorn in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''<br />
|File:LEGO Aragorn poster.png|Aragorn as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''<br />
}}<br />
<br />
===Films===<br />
'''1978: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]'':'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[John Hurt]]. Some critics have accused this character of looking too much like a [[wikipedia:Stereotypes_of_Native_Americans|Native American stereotype]].{{Citation needed}}<br />
<br />
'''1980: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn was voiced by [[Theodore Bikel]] in the 1980 [[Rankin/Bass]] animated film.<br />
<br />
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is played by [[Viggo Mortensen]], though [[Stuart Townsend]] was originally cast in the role. Townsend was deemed too young. Mortensen had just two weeks to train for his first scene, the standoff with the [[Nazgûl]] at [[Weathertop]]. Utilizing the modern "reluctant hero" trope, Mortensen portrays Aragorn full of self-doubt, while he is much more sure of himself in the book. <br />
<br />
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn's part is this film is largely similar to the events in book. The most significant difference is that, in the book, there was no [[Wargs|Warg]] attack on the party traveling to Helm's Deep and Aragorn did not fall down a cliff.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn finally steps into his role as king after having a lot of self-doubt beforehand. <br />
<br />
'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''<br />
:Although he is not physically present, he is mentioned by [[Thranduil]] to his son, [[Legolas]]. Thranduil tells Legolas to seek a young ranger known as "Strider" and that Legolas would have to discover Strider's true name for himself. In the continuity of the films, Aragorn would have been 27 rather than a ten-year-old child.<br />
<br />
===Television===<br />
'''1993: [[Hobitit|''Hobitit'']]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is portrayed by [[Kari Väänänen]],the same actor who played [[Gollum]] in the series.<br />
<br />
===Radio Series===<br />
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[Godfrey Kenton]].<br />
<br />
'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[Tom Luce]].<br />
<br />
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn was voiced by [[Robert Stephens]]. For his early scenes, according to [[John McAndrew]] (Pippin) Stephens adopted an accurate Bristol accent to help suggest the disguise Strider adopted in Bree.<br />
<br />
'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by Boris Farkaš.<br />
<br />
===Games===<br />
'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable character. He has brown hair and is bearded, he bears a golden sword.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:[[Daran Norris]] provided the voice of Aragorn, who is one of the three playable characters.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is one of the three playable characters, as well as narrator for most of the game. He is versatile in both melee and ranged attacks. Viggo Mortensen reprises his role from the film trilogy.<br />
<br />
'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable character, his storyline is dubbed "Path of a King". He journey through Paths of the Dead with Legolas and Gimli, later they fight on Pelennor fields and at the Black Gate. Chris Edgerly takes over for Mortensen as Aragorn's voice actor.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring|Sierra's War of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a Hero Unit for the Free People side. He is present in Lothlorien, Battle of Hornburg and Siege of the Minas Morgul.<br />
<br />
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a Hero Unit for the Rohan faction in skirmishes, he also accompanies the Fellowship in the storyline mode.<br />
<br />
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is now the Hero for the Men of the West faction.<br />
<br />
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''<br />
:In the Prologue, Aragorn saves Men/Hobbit characters from brigands, but is forced to leave soon, as he has to intercept Frodo in Bree. Later arriving at the Prancing Pony, the characters meet him again and help him looking in surrounding area for Hobbits, who did not arrive in time. When player returns, Aragorn and the Hobbits already departed, and their next meeting is in Rivendell, where Aragorn entrusts the player with defence of the North while the Fellowship is gone. Later, in [[Lothlórien]], Aragorn is seen residing in [[Caras Galadhon]]<br />
<br />
'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable hero available in several missions.<br />
<br />
'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is an important character of the game, and is mentioned as one of the much honored heroes of the [[War of the Ring]] in the introduction of the game.<ref name="Prologue">[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Prologue''</ref><br />
:He is a friend of two of the game's main characters, [[Eradan (video game character)|Eradan]] and [[Andriel]]. Aragorn had met [[Andriel]] during his visits at [[Rivendell]],<ref name="Backstory Andriel">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.warinthenorth.com/the-game/heroes/backstory#elfAnchor|articlename=Elven Character: Andriel's History|dated=|website=War in the North|accessed=25 December 2011}}</ref> while he had met Eradan, when he served as Ranger at Sarn Ford. Aragorn was impressed by his skills and bravery, and taught him much about tracking. Eradan was a companion of Aragorn on many of his journeys. Aragorn trusted Eradan much, though he never told him what the reason was behind the protection of [[the Shire]].<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.warinthenorth.com/the-game/heroes/backstory#dunedainAnchor|articlename=Human Character: Eradan's History|dated=|website=War in the North|accessed=24 December 2011}}</ref><br />
<br />
:Eradan, Andriel and [[Farin (video game character)|Farin]] meet Aragorn in the Prancing Pony to warn him, on Halbarad's request, after the Nazgûl attacked and defeated the [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] at [[Sarn Ford]], and entered the Shire. They also tell him about an conservation between the Witch-king and [[Agandaûr]], which the three heroes overheard shortly after the attack. Agandaûr summoned the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] and assembled an army in [[Fornost]], which plans to aid the Nazgûl in their search to [[the One Ring]]. Aragorn sends Eradan, Andriel and Farin to Fornost, to stop Agandaûr and his army.<ref name="Prologue"/> While Eradan, Andriel, Farin, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]] stopped Agandaûr's army,<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Chapter 1: Fornost''</ref> Aragorn met with [[Frodo Baggins]] and left Bree.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Chapter 2: The Barrow Downs'', Bree</ref><br />
<br />
'''2012: ''[[Lego|Lego The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''<br />
:A mini figure of Aragorn is included in the [[Lego#Sets|sets]] '''Attack at Weathertop''', '''The Battle of Helm's Deep''', '''The Battle at the Black gate''', and '''The Pirate ship ambush'''.<ref name="2012 sets">{{webcite|author=Calisuri|articleurl=http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/02/12/53563-more-lord-of-the-rings-lego-details-from-toy-fare-2012/|articlename=More Lord of the Rings LEGO Details from Toy Fare 2012|dated=12 February 2012|website=TORN|accessed=18 February 2012}}</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Timeline of Aragorn]]<br />
*[http://dare.ubvu.vu.nl/bitstream/1871/10975/1/Aragorn_Final.pdf "Aragorn Seen Through Different Media"] by [[Connie Veugen]], comparing the introduction of Strider in Ralph Bakshi's film, the 1981 BBC radio play, Peter Jackson's film and [[Vivendi]]'s [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|video game]] of ''The Fellowship of the Ring.<br />
{{References|notes}}<br />
<br />
==Titles==<br />
{{seq-start}}<br />
{{seq-head<br />
| race=arnorian<br />
| house=[[House of Isildur]]<small><br/>Cadet branch of [[House of Elros]]</small><br />
| born=[[1 March]], {{TA|2931}}<br />
| died={{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prow=2<br />
| prev=[[Arathorn II]]<br />
| list=16th [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2933}} – [[1 May]], {{TA|3019|n}}<br />
| next=Position abolished<br />
| nvac=None<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| list=39th [[Heir of Isildur|Heir]] of [[Isildur]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2933}} - [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
| next=[[Eldarion]]<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prev=[[Gandalf]]<br />
| list=Leader of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]<br />
| dates=[[15 January]] - [[22 August]], {{TA|3019}}<br />
| next=Position abolished<br />
| nvac=None<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Eärnur]]''', 969 years earlier<br />
| list=34th [[Kings of Gondor|King of Gondor]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
| next=[[Eldarion]]<br />
| nrow=4<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Eärendur (King of Arnor)|Eärendur]]''', 2,158 years earlier<br />
| list=11th [[Kings of Arnor|King of Arnor]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Isildur]]''', 3,017 years earlier<br />
| list=1st [[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]] of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=None<br />
| prev=New title<br />
| list=Head of the [[House of Telcontar]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq-end}}{{councilofelrond}}{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}{{northernline}}{{southernline}}<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]<br />
[[Category:Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]<br />
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]<br />
[[Category:House of Isildur]]<br />
[[Category:House of Telcontar| ]]<br />
[[Category:Mariners]]<br />
[[Category:Rulers of Arnor]]<br />
[[Category:Rulers of Gondor]]<br />
[[Category:Sindarin names]]<br />
[[Category:Third Age characters]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Aragorn II.]]<br />
[[fi:Aragorn II]]<br />
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/hommes/3adunedain/dunedain_du_nord/aragorn_ii]]</div>MikeyofGondorhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Aragorn&diff=344963Aragorn2022-04-09T22:40:02Z<p>MikeyofGondor: /* Equipment and skills */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig-two|the King of [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]]|[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]|[[Aragorn I]]}}<br />
{{sources}}<br />
{{arnorian infobox<br />
| name=Aragorn<br />
| image=[[File:John Howe - Elessar.jpg|250px]]<br />
| caption="Elessar" by [[John Howe]]<br />
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|[ˈaraɡorn]}}<br />
| othernames=Aragorn II, ''[[Elessar]]'', [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]], ''[[Thorongil]]'' (''[[Aragorn#Names and titles|see below]]'')<br />
| titles=[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]<br/>[[High King of the Dúnedain]]<br>[[King of Gondor and Arnor]]<Ref>{{S|Rings}}</ref><br>[[King of the West]]<ref>{{App|Great}}</ref><Br>Lord of the [[Westlands]]<br />
| position=[[Rangers of the North|Ranger]]<br />
| location=[[Rivendell]]<br/>[[Gondor]]<br>[[Arnor]]<br />
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]<br />
| language=[[Westron]], [[Sindarin]], [[Quenya]]<br />
| birth=[[1 March]] {{TA|2931}}<br />
| birthlocation=[[Eriador]]<br />
| rule={{TA|2933}} - {{TA|3019|n}} (Chieftain)<br/>{{TA|3019}} - {{FoA|120}} (King)<br />
| death={{FoA|120}}<br />
| deathlocation=[[Gondor]]<br />
| age=210<br />
| notablefor=Reuniting the [[Reunited Kingdom|Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor]]<br />
| house=[[House of Isildur]], founded the [[House of Telcontar]]<br />
| parentage=[[Arathorn II]], father <br/> [[Gilraen]], mother <br/> [[Elrond]], foster father<br />
| siblings=<br />
| spouse=[[Arwen]]<br />
| children=[[Eldarion]] and at least two daughters<ref name="Tale">{{App|Tale}}</ref><br />
| gender=Male<br />
| height=6'6<nowiki>''</nowiki> (198cm)<ref name="RC">{{HM|RC}}, p. 272 citing from a note written by J.R.R. Tolkien approximately in 1969</ref><br />
| hair=Dark, flecked with grey<ref name="Sign">{{FR|Sign}}</ref> <br />
| eyes=Grey<ref name="Sign"/><br />
| clothing=High leather boots, dark-green cloak (As a [[Rangers of the North|Ranger]])<ref name="Sign"/><br>Pure white mantle, black mail girt with silver (As a King)<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref><br />
| weapons=[[Andúril]]<br />
| steed=[[Roheryn]] and [[Hasufel]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
<center>{{quote|Tall as the sea-kings of old, he stood above all that were near; ancient of days he seemed and yet in the flower of manhood; and wisdom sat upon his brow, and strength and healing were in his hands, and a light was about him.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Steward and the King]]"}}</center><br />
'''Aragorn II''' was the son of [[Arathorn II]] and [[Gilraen]]. He was the last [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]] and a direct descendant through many<ref group="note">Aragorn II is of the 39th generation descended from Isildur, through 23 generations of the Kings of Arnor and Arthedain (beginning with [[Valandil]] and ending with [[Arvedui]]) and 15 generations of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain (beginning with [[Aranarth]] and ending with Arathorn II).</ref> generations of [[Isildur]], the last [[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]] of both [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Aragorn would become the greatest [[Men|Man]] of his time, leading the [[Dúnedain|Men of the West]] against [[Sauron]]'s forces, helping to destroy [[the One Ring]], and reuniting the [[Reunited Kingdom|Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor]]. <br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early Life===<br />
Aragorn was born in {{TA|2931}} to the Chieftain Arathorn, and received the name Aragorn. His grandmother, [[Ivorwen]], noted with foresight that Aragorn would one day wear on his breast a green stone.<ref>{{PM|Foreword}}</ref><br />
<br />
A legend says that the [[Wizards|Wizard]] [[Gandalf]] had brought [[Elfstone|such a stone]], called the Elessar, from [[Valinor]]. He gave the Elessar to the [[Elves|Elven]] Lady [[Galadriel]], and remarked prophetically that she would pass it to another, who will also be called Elessar.<ref>{{UT|6}}</ref> From this would come Aragorn's royal name ''Elessar'' ([[Quenya]] for "Elfstone").<br />
<br />
When Aragorn was two years old, his father was slain when an [[Orcs|Orc]] arrow pierced his eye. As was the tradition of his people, Aragorn was fostered in [[Rivendell]] by [[Elrond]] as if he was his own son. The [[Wise]] decided that his identity was to be kept secret, as he would be vulnerable to [[Sauron|the Enemy]]. Aragorn was called '''''[[Estel]]''''' ([[Sindarin]] for "Hope") instead. During his life in Rivendell he accompanied the sons of Elrond, [[Elrohir]] and [[Elladan]], on their journeys.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
[[File:Stephen Hickman - Aragorn and Arwen.jpg|thumb|left|''Aragorn and Arwen'' by [[Stephen Hickman]]]]<br />
"Estel" grew to be fair and noble, and was seemingly more mature than his age. When Aragorn was twenty-one years old, after returning from a journey with the [[twins]] in {{TA|2952}}, Elrond decided to reveal his true name and ancestry. As part of this revelation, Elrond delivered to him the heirlooms of [[House of Isildur|his House]]: the shards of [[Narsil]] and the [[Ring of Barahir]]. Elrond also said that he should earn the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]]. The next day, full of hope, Aragorn was sitting in the forest singing a part of the ''[[Lay of Leithian|Lay of Lúthien]]''; as he sang of the meeting [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]], [[Arwen]], daughter of Elrond, who had newly returned from [[Lothlórien]], appeared to him. Aragorn thought that Lúthien herself had appeared, and fell in love.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
===Life as a Ranger===<br />
Estel took up his proper name as Aragorn, sixteenth of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, and after he took leave of his mother and Elrond he went into [[The Wild]].<ref name="Tale"/> In {{TA|2953}} he was not present in Rivendell for the last meeting of the [[White Council]]. Aragorn met [[Gandalf|Gandalf the Grey]] in {{TA|2956}}, and they became great friends.<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref> At Gandalf's advice he started to become interested in [[the Shire]] and became known as '''''Strider''''' in this region.<br />
[[File:Catherine Chmiel - Ecthelion,Thorongil and Boromir study.jpg|thumb|right|''"Thorongil" with Ecthelion II'' by [[Catherine Karina Chmiel]]]]<br />
From {{TA|2957}} to {{TA|2980}} Aragorn took great journeys aiding the [[West]] against [[Sauron]] and his allies. After serving King [[Thengel]] of [[Rohan]], he went to [[Ruling Steward|Steward]] [[Ecthelion II]] of [[Gondor]],<ref name="TA"/> who was in dire need of able men to guard his realm from Mordor. Aragorn kept his identity secret but as he wore a silver star upon his cloak, and was swift and keen-eyed, the [[Gondorians]] called him '''''Thorongil''''' (Sindarin for "Eagle of the Star"). He was a great leader by land and sea and Ecthelion trusted and loved him most. Some believed that there was rivalry between him and the Steward's son, [[Denethor]], who probably knew his identity as [[Heir of Isildur]], and suspected that he and Gandalf worked to supplant him. Thorongil however saw himself only as the servant of the Steward, whom he advised to not trust [[Saruman]] and instead to welcome Gandalf (whom Denethor didn't trust or love).<br />
<br />
Ecthelion was anticipating an attack from Sauron who had just returned, and Thorongil warned him that in that event the [[Southern Fiefs]] would be vulnerable to the [[Corsairs of Umbar]]. He was allowed by Ecthelion to take few ships and lead an [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|attack against Umbar]]; at night he burned many ships, and in a fight slew the [[Captain of the Haven]] with only few casualties. Great honour awaited him in [[Minas Tirith]] but he did not return; while in [[Pelargir]], he sent a farewell message to Ecthelion, speaking of other tasks calling him, and saying that fate would not bring him again to Gondor soon. To the grief and wonder of his companions he crossed the [[Anduin]] and was last seen staring at the [[Mountains of Shadow]].<ref>{{App|Stewards}}</ref> He left Gondor to travel into the far East and South "exploring the hearts of men good and evil" and learning about the "plots and devices" of the servants of the Dark Lord. His exploits ensured the survival of the [[West]] much later during the [[War of the Ring]].<br />
<br />
Later in 2980 on his return to Rivendell he entered [[Lothlórien]], and there once again met Arwen in [[Caras Galadhon]]. For one season they wandered together in Lothlórien. At midsummer he gave her the heirloom of his House, the [[Ring of Barahir]], and Arwen pledged her hand to him in marriage.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
Elrond gave his foster-son permission to marry his daughter, on the condition that he must first become king of both Gondor and Arnor, for only a king would be worthy of Arwen's hand. This harsh condition had a precedent: King [[Thingol]]'s request that [[Beren]] obtain a [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] from [[Morgoth]] before marrying his daughter [[Lúthien]].<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
===Hunt for Gollum===<br />
In the year {{TA|3001}}, as a now revealed [[Sauron]] continued to regain power in [[Mordor]], Aragorn began assisting [[Gandalf]] in his search for news of [[Gollum]]. Gandalf suspected that the ring [[Bilbo Baggins]] found near Gollum's lake was in fact [[the One Ring]]. In {{TA|3007}}, he briefly returned to [[Eriador]] where he visited his mother for the last time. She died before that year's spring. <br />
<br />
In {{TA|3009}} Gandalf and Aragorn renewed their hunt for Gollum, searching intermittently in the [[vales of Anduin]], [[Mirkwood]], and [[Rhovanion]], even to the confines of [[Mordor]], without knowing that around that time Gollum ventured into Mordor, and was captured by Sauron.<ref name="TA"/> [[Third Age 3017|After eight years]] Gollum was released and Aragorn finally overtook him in the [[Dead Marshes]]<ref name="TA"/> on [[1 February]]. With Gollum he travelled through the northern [[Emyn Muil]], to prevent being found by Sauron's spies, and crossed the Anduin at the [[Sarn Gebir]]. He travelled further north along the edges of [[Fangorn Forest]] and through Lothlórien,<ref name="UT">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref> where the Elves sent a message to Gandalf.<ref>{{UT|Hunt}}, Note 5</ref> He travelled alongside the Anduin to the north until he arrived at the [[Carrock]]. With the aid of the [[Beornings]] he crossed the Anduin with Gollum and entered [[Mirkwood]]. He took Gollum to [[Thranduil]] to be held captive.<ref name="UT"/><ref name="TA"/> He then returned west where he met with Gandalf at [[Sarn Ford]] and learned of [[Frodo Baggins]]' plan to leave the Shire with the Ring in late September. Aragorn then continued his own journey.<ref name="Strider">{{FR|Strider}}</ref><br />
<br />
===War of the Ring===<br />
When Aragorn returned to his area, the [[Elves]] who followed [[Gildor Inglorion]] told Aragorn the [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] had been seen, and Gandalf had been missing and there were no messages from him. Aragorn and his [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] kept watch over the border of [[the Shire]] and the [[East Road]] waiting for sight of Frodo but there was no news of them leaving [[Buckland]].<ref name="Strider"/><br />
<br />
While staying in [[Bree]], Aragorn crossed the paths of four hobbits in [[The Prancing Pony]]. Aragorn watched as the hobbits clumsily hid their names and intentions, and as [[Frodo Baggins]], the leader of the party, fell from a table and disappeared as he put the ring on. Aragorn, whose name was given as Strider, seemed to show no surprise, only annoyance at Frodo’s foolish vanishing act. He arranged for an interview that night, where he warned them of the Black Riders and [[Bill Ferny]], then bluntly requested that they use him as a guide. After some consideration, and a note given them by the forgetful [[Barliman Butterbur]] from Gandalf condoning him, Frodo agreed.<br />
[[File:Jef Murray - Amon Sûl.jpg|thumb|left|[[Jef Murray]] - ''Amon Sûl'']]<br />
Aragorn’s plan to reach Rivendell was to first head toward [[Archet]] and bear right to [[Weathertop]]. After the ambush at Weathertop and the wounding of Frodo, [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] took over the position as leader of the Hobbits. After a while they met [[Glorfindel]], a friend of Aragorn’s, and it was not much later that they arrived in Rivendell.<br />
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Reforging of the Sword.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - ''The Reforging of the Sword'']]<br />
After the Council of Elrond Aragorn became a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. As a preparation for his travel, the ancient shards of [[Narsil]], the heirloom of his House, were reforged after 3 millennia. Aragorn carried the Sword Reforged, and renamed it [[Andúril]]. <br />
<br />
Aragorn's intentions were to travel with the company for a while before returning to [[Gondor]] with [[Boromir]]. Aragorn encouraged the taking of the [[Caradhras|Redhorn Pass]], which ended in disaster. He reluctantly conceded to Gandalf’s choice to pass through [[Moria]], though his sense of foresight warned him for Gandalf. Indeed, after Gandalf fell into the abyss with [[Durin's Bane]], Aragorn was naturally elected leader of the company, despite some resentment by Boromir.<br />
<br />
====Leading the Fellowship of the Ring====<br />
Aragorn again amazed the rest of the Fellowship by his apparent closeness to the people of [[Lothlórien]], and his friendship with [[Celeborn]] and [[Galadriel]]. At their departure, Galadriel offered him the [[Elfstone]] as a wedding gift from the family of the Elven bride to the groom, foretelling his marriage to Arwen.<ref>{{MR|P3II3}}</ref> It was worn by Aragorn ever after and from that he later took the name '''Elessar'''.<br />
<br />
Even at the [[Rauros|Falls of Rauros]] he was undecided, leaving it to Frodo for the final decision. For though it was obvious he wished to go to [[Minas Tirith]] with Boromir, he yet felt that it was his duty to go where the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]] chose.<br />
<br />
[[File:Inger Edelfeldt - Death of Boromir.jpg|thumb|200px|right|''Death of Boromir'' by [[Inger Edelfeldt]]]]<br />
After Frodo escaped him and Boromir perished, he with the remaining members of the Fellowship, namely [[Legolas]] and [[Gimli]], chose to try and save [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] from the [[Uruk-hai]] that had ambushed them, forming the group that would later be known as the [[Three Hunters]].<br />
<br />
He met [[Éomer]] in the fields of [[Rohan]], and an instant friendship formed, both feeling the honesty and lordliness of the other. Éomer took a risk for his sake, giving him horses, with the promise that one day soon Aragorn would return to [[Edoras]]. Aragorn, tracking the Hobbits, followed into Fangorn Forest, where he met the resurrected [[Gandalf|Gandalf the White]]. After the restoration of [[Théoden]], he rode to [[Helm's Deep]] to fight in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]]. There he, alongside his new-found “brother” Éomer, and King Théoden, marshaled the defence against [[Saruman]]’s army. His revealed majesty upon the battlements of the Hornburg as he waited for the dawn caused some of the [[Dunlendings|Wild men]] to pause and shudder, and he heralded the return of Gandalf with [[Erkenbrand]].<br />
<br />
After Pippin’s terrifying experience with the [[Orthanc-stone]], Gandalf presented it in a formal manner to Aragorn, its rightful master, who hinted that it would be used by him eventually. After the departure of Gandalf and Pippin to Minas Tirith, he rode for a while longer with Théoden, meeting up with his friend [[Halbarad]] of the North, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], and a company of staunch and fearless Rangers. Elladan and Elrohir gave him a message from Elrond: "''The days are short. If thou art in haste, remember the [[Paths of the Dead]]''". Halbarad bore a gift from the Lady Arwen – the [[Standard of Elendil]]. Aragorn knew the path set before him.<br />
<br />
====Return of the King====<br />
A little while later Aragorn took his companions and his rangers and set out for [[Dunharrow]], departing from the King’s company. His course was clear: to take the Paths of the Dead, to summon the [[Oathbreakers|Dead Men]]. In Dunharrow, he met the lady [[Éowyn]], who had fallen in love with him. After making it clear that he could not accept her love, he turned towards the evil road with the dawn.<br />
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[[File:Ted Nasmith - Thus Came Aragorn.jpg|thumb|right|''Thus Came Aragorn'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]<br />
The [[Grey Company]] passed through the [[Dark Door]] and the [[Dwimorberg]], the Dead following, and coming at last to the [[Stone of Erech]], Aragorn summoned them to his aid. They drew their swords and blew their horns in answer, and swept down upon the [[Corsairs of Umbar|Corsairs]] at [[Pelargir]] drove the mariners away. Aragorn released them, and took the [[Black Ships]] north to Minas Tirith, where the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] raged. The Standard of Elendil broke forth, and his Dúnedain swept down, giving the final blow to the army of [[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]. The counter-attacked army of [[Sauron]] crumbled utterly. But Aragorn did not enter the city.<br />
<br />
Aragorn, furling his banner, appointed [[Imrahil]] the temporary lord of the City, as the law demanded. Eventually, however, Aragorn did come to the [[Houses of Healing]], where he tended and restored Merry, Éowyn, and [[Faramir]], in accordance with the prophecy “''The hands of the king are the hands of a healer, and so shall the rightful king be known''”. Many of the people of Minas Tirith came to Aragorn and followed him, asking that he heal those they knew. Aragorn worked late into the night, before finally leaving the city, hooded and cloaked. When in the morning the people saw the banner of [[Dol Amroth]], they wondered if the Return of the King had been but a dream.<ref name=Houses>{{RK|Houses}}</ref><br />
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[[File:Inger Edelfeldt - The Crowning of Aragorn.jpg|thumb|left|''The Crowning of Aragorn'' by [[Inger Edelfeldt]]]]<br />
Aragorn held [[Last Debate|council]] with his trusted companions, namely Gandalf, Éomer, Imrahil, and Elrond’s sons – Halbarad had fallen in battle. He agreed to draw forth the forces of [[Mordor]] for the benefit of the [[Quest of the Ring]], and so arranged matters for the [[Battle of the Morannon]]. After the destruction of the Ring in [[Mount Doom|Orodruin]] and victory at the [[Morannon]], Aragorn returned at last in the triumphant manner that befitted his position. He was crowned at the gates of Minas Tirith, winning the hearts of the people of [[Gondor]].<br />
<br />
===Reign as Elessar===<br />
Aragorn ruled the [[Reunited Kingdom]] of Gondor and Arnor until year 120 of the [[Fourth Age]]. <br />
<br />
Some days after his coronation, Gandalf took Elessar up the slopes of Mount [[Mindolluin]], and there he found the scion of [[Nimloth of Númenor|Nimloth]], the symbol of his mastery of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]. Elrond and Arwen came to Gondor and Elrond gave Elessar the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]] signifying the Kingship of Arnor. He wedded Arwen on Midsummer's day of 3019, and then was forced to bid his old friends farewell. He turned back to his new kingdom as the [[Fourth Age]] dawned and the Ringbearers left the shores of Middle-earth forever.<br />
<br />
One of his first tasks in the re-ordering of his realm was the restoration of [[Orthanc]] and ordered the [[Orthanc-stone]] to be returned there. With this opportunity, many secrets and hoarded treasures were revealed including the [[Elendilmir]] which Saruman took from Isildur's body. Elessar received the Elemdilmir with reverence and took it with him as he established his full kingship of [[Arnor]].<ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref><br />
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Elessar gave his [[Steward]] Faramir the title [[Lord of Emyn Arnen]] and created him as [[Prince of Ithilien]]<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref>. He declared the [[Drúadan Forest]] to belong to the [[Drúedain]] and a protected enclave of his Kingdom.<ref>{{RK|Partings}}</ref> He also re-established the Great [[Council of Gondor]] whose chief councellor was the Steward<ref>{{L|244}}</ref>. He also renewed the [[Oath of Cirion]] with Éomer.<br />
<br />
As for [[the Shire]], he declared it a Free Land under the protection of the Northern Sceptre and forbid Men from entering it. He appointed the [[Thain]], the [[Master of Buckland]], and the [[Mayor of Michel Delving]] Counsellors of the North-kingdom. Also he offered to the Shire the [[Westmarch|lands]] up to the [[Tower Hills|Emyn Beraid]].<ref name=later>{{App|Later}}</ref><br />
<br />
He founded the royal [[House of Telcontar]], he had a son, [[Eldarion]], and a number of daughters.<br />
<br />
King Elessar died after 210 years of life and 122 years of rule and was succeeded by his son [[Eldarion]]. His wife Arwen, now mortal, gave up her life shortly afterwards in year 121, aged 2,901.<br />
<br />
==Personality==<br />
<br />
Aragorn was a wise, calm, well-mannered, yet proud and stern man who held his heritage in high regard and was willing to do whatever he can to help his friends. He was the "hardiest of living Men" during his time.<br />
<br />
His reverance for his heritage was such that it nearly led to complications when arriving in Rohan and was forced to surrender his sword, ''[[Anduril]]'' ''(The King of the Golden Hall)'' and revealed himself as the Heir of ''[Isildur]]'' to ''[[Eomer]]'' when confronting him. ''(The Riders of Rohan)''. He also possessed Elven wisdom due to being raised in Rivendell, and the foresight of the Dúnedain. He also had a nigh indomitable strength of will, as he was able to psychicallychallenge ''[[Sauron]]'' for control of the palantir, and emerged victorious. ''(The Passing of the Grey Company)''. <br />
<br />
<br />
==Equipment and skills==<br />
<br />
Aragorn was a swordsman of extraordinary, nigh <br />
unparalleled skill, to the point that he was considered the greatest swordsman of the ''[[Third Age]]'', surpassing the likes of ''[[Boromir]]'', ''[[Faramir]]'', and possibly ''[[Elrond]]'', despite all three being skilled swordsmen in their own right. He was also trained in the use of bows and spears, despite his preference for swordplay. His skill was such that he can take on any enemy from Orcs to the Nine Ringwraiths. Aragorn was a highly skilled and well-respected leader and King to the point that he restored ''[[Minas Tirith]]'' along with the rest of ''[[Gondor]]'' to its former glory and made peace with enemies who surrendered. He was a master military tactician and commander, capable of leading his army to victory at the ''[[Black Gate]]'', and aiding in the victories at ''[[Helm's Deep]]'', and the ''[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]'', coming out unscathed after the latter ended, along with ''[[Eomer]]'', and ''[[Prince Imrahil]]''. ''([[The Battle of the Pelennor Fields]])''.<br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
{{Pronounce|Aragorn Elessar.mp3|Ardamir}}<br />
'''''Aragorn''''' is a [[Sindarin]] name. It means "revered king".<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 31 entry S ''Ara(n)gorn''</ref><ref name=PE17Turgond>{{PE|17}}, p. 113 entry S '''Turgond-'''</ref> It contains the phonetic reduction ''ara'' of ''[[aran]]'' ("king") and the adjective ''[[gorn|(n)gorn]]'' ("dreaded, revered").<ref name=PE17Turgond/><br />
<br />
This clear etymology from Tolkien was not revealed until the publication in 2007 of "Words, Phrases & Passages in ''The Lord of the Rings''", a late 1950s manuscript. Before that, several theories were proposed:<br />
*[[Ruth S. Noel]] and several others proposed "King of the Tree",<ref>[[Ruth S. Noel]], ''[[The Languages of Tolkien's Middle-earth]]'', p. 114</ref> but Tolkien specifically said that this was not the case.<ref>{{L|347}}</ref> <br />
*[[David Salo]] deduces "Having Kingly Valor"<ref>[[David Salo]], ''[[A Gateway to Sindarin]]'', p. 341</ref> from Tolkien's cryptic "'Kingly Valour' (for so is that name interpreted)".<ref>{{PM|Foreword}}, p. xii</ref> This is still the most often cited etymology; Robert Ireland's ''[[A Tolkien Dictionary]]'' gives the variation "Royal Zeal".<ref>Robert Ireland, ''[[A Tolkien Dictionary]]'', [http://www.quicksilver899.com/Tolkien/LOTR/LOTR_AC.html The Lord of the Rings A-C].</ref><br />
*[[Carl F. Hostetter]] proposed the meanings "King of the Globe" or "King of the Hill" in his analysis of the [[King's Letter]].<ref>[[Carl F. Hostetter]], "The 'King's Letter': An Historical and Comparative Analysis", [[Vinyar Tengwar 31|''Vinyar Tengwar'' 31]], p. 18</ref><br />
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The [[Quenya]] form of ''Aragorn'' was '''''Arakorno'''''.<ref name="WP">{{PE|17}}, p. 70 f. entry Q '''ar''' in the translation of the sentence into Quenya ''Sanome tarne Olórin, Arakorno, [...]''</ref><br />
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==Other names==<br />
* '''Aragorn II''' - Aragorn's name as [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]. He was likely named after [[Aragorn I]].<br />
* [[Thorongil]] - [[Sindarin|S]] "Eagle of the Star", a pseudonym used in [[Gondor]] and [[Rohan]]. Pronounced {{IPA|[θoˈroŋɡil]}}.<br />
* '''Elessar''' - [[Quenya|Q]] "Elfstone", Aragorn's name as a king. Despite popular use as such, Aragorn was never known as "Aragorn Elessar", "Aragorn II Elessar" or "[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|King Aragorn]]". Pronounced {{IPA|[eˈlesːar]}}.<br />
* '''Edhelharn''' - The [[Sindarin]] equivalent of Elessar, used in the King's Letter.<ref>{{SD|XI2}}, p. 128ff</ref> Pronounced {{IPA|[eˈðel.harn]}}.<br />
* [[Elfstone]] - The [[Westron|Common Speech]] version of the previous two. <br />
* [[Envinyatar|''Envinyatar'']] - [[Quenya|Q]] "the Renewer".<br />
* [[Estel]] - [[Quenya|Q]]. Usually glossed as "Hope", the concept ''estel'' more widely means "hope, trust, a temper of mind, steady fixed in purpose, and difficult to dissuade and unlikely to fall into despair or abandon its purpose". Pronounced {{IPA|[ˈestel]}}.<br />
* [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]] - A sobriquet given by the men of [[Bree]]. Aragorn used it mockingly.<br />
* '''Wingfoot''' - An honorary name given by [[Éomer]] after the pursuit of the [[Uruk-hai]] through the [[Eastemnet]].<ref>{{TT|III2}}</ref><br />
* [[Telcontar]] - A [[Quenya]] form of "Strider", this was the name of Elessar's Royal House. It was not used independently. Pronounced {{IPA|[telˈkontar]}}.<br />
* [[Heir of Isildur|Isildur's Heir]] - A poetic address, as he was the heir of [[Isildur]]. <br />
* '''The Dúnadan''' - "[[Dúnedain|Man of the West]]", a name given by [[Bilbo Baggins]] when their friendship evolved. <br />
* '''Longshanks''' - another, though less frequently used, sobriquet in Bree, ascribed to [[Bill Ferny]]. The legs of the [[Bree-landers|Bree-men]] were shorter than the legs of the [[Dúnedain]].<br />
* '''Arakorno''' - A rare Quenya form of Aragorn, which only appeared in a discussion about the words for Quenya.<ref name="WP"/> Pronounced {{IPA|[ˌaraˈkorno]}}.<br />
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==Genealogy==<br />
{{familytree/start}}<br />
{{familytree | EAR |y| ELW | | GAL |y| CEL |GAL=[[Galadriel]]|CEL=[[Celeborn]]|EAR=[[Eärendil]]|ELW=[[Elwing]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |)|-|-|-|.| | | |!| | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ROS | | RON |y| CLB | | |ROS=[[Elros]]|RON=[[Elrond]]|CLB=[[Celebrían]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | KON | | | | |!| | | | | |KON=<small>''[[Kings of Númenor]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | LOA | | | | |!| | | | | |LOA=<small>''[[Lords of Andúnië]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ELE | | | | |!| | | | | |ELE=[[Elendil]]}}<br />
{{familytree | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ISI | | ANA | | |!| | | | | |ISI=[[Isildur]]|ANA=[[Anárion]]}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |:| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | KOA | | KOG | | |!| | | | | |KOA=<small>''[[Kings of Arnor]]''</small>|KOG=<small>''[[Kings of Gondor]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |:| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | KOA | | OND | | |!| | | | | |OND=[[Ondoher]]|KOA=<small>''[[Kings of Arthedain]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |!| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ARV |V| FIR | | |!| | | | | |ARV=[[Arvedui]]|FIR=[[Fíriel]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | COD | | | | |!| | | | | |COD=<small>''[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ART |y| GIL |!| | | | | |ART=[[Arathorn II]]|GIL=[[Gilraen]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |!| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | ARA |y| ARW | | | | |ARA='''ARAGORN '''|ARW=[[Arwen]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | ELD | | SDS | | | | |ELD=[[Eldarion]]|SDS=''several sisters''}}<br />
{{familytree/end}}<br />
===Relation to Arwen===<br />
Arwen was a very distant cousin of Aragorn. By their marriage, the long-sundered lines of the [[Half-elven]] were joined.<ref name="Numenor">{{App|A1i}}</ref> Their union also served to unite and preserve the bloodlines of the kings of the three kindreds of the High Elves ([[Ingwë]], [[Finwë]], and brothers [[Elwë]], [[Olwë]], and [[Elmo]]) as well as the only line with [[Maiar]]in blood through Arwen's great-great-grandmother, [[Melian]]. There were at least two marriages between descendants of Elendil in Aragorn's ancestry, so Aragorn was related to Arwen by blood along at least three lines.<br />
<br />
Through his father, Arathorn II, Aragorn was Arwen's first cousin sixty-two times removed through his ancestor Arvedui and sixty-seven times removed through his ancestor Fíriel. Both of these lines descend through four<ref name="Numenor"/> generations of the Kings of Númenor, Silmariën, eighteen<ref>{{UT|Kings}}</ref> generations of the Lords of Andúnië, and Elendil, as well as Aranarth and fifteen<ref name="North">{{App|North}}</ref> succeeding generations of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, including Aragorn himself. Aragorn's mother Gilraen also descended from Aranarth,<ref name="North"/> but the number of generations between them is unknown.<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
In the earliest unpublished versions of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' (see ''[[The History of The Lord of the Rings]]''), the character that later became Aragorn was called '''''[[Trotter]]''''' instead of Strider, and was a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] instead of a [[Men|Man]]. He had wooden feet, because he had once traveled to Mordor and been tortured there.<br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
{{Gallery<br />
|title=Aragorn in adaptations<br />
|height=150<br />
|width=250<br />
|lines=2<br />
|File:War in Middle Earth - Aragorn and Frodo against a Nazgul.png|Aragorn with [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Strider.jpg|Strider in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]<br />
|File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Aragorn.JPG|Aragorn in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''<br />
|File:2011-12-23 00061.jpg|Aragorn in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''<br />
|File:LEGO Aragorn poster.png|Aragorn as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''<br />
}}<br />
<br />
===Films===<br />
'''1978: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]'':'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[John Hurt]]. Some critics have accused this character of looking too much like a [[wikipedia:Stereotypes_of_Native_Americans|Native American stereotype]].{{Citation needed}}<br />
<br />
'''1980: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn was voiced by [[Theodore Bikel]] in the 1980 [[Rankin/Bass]] animated film.<br />
<br />
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is played by [[Viggo Mortensen]], though [[Stuart Townsend]] was originally cast in the role. Townsend was deemed too young. Mortensen had just two weeks to train for his first scene, the standoff with the [[Nazgûl]] at [[Weathertop]]. Utilizing the modern "reluctant hero" trope, Mortensen portrays Aragorn full of self-doubt, while he is much more sure of himself in the book. <br />
<br />
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn's part is this film is largely similar to the events in book. The most significant difference is that, in the book, there was no [[Wargs|Warg]] attack on the party traveling to Helm's Deep and Aragorn did not fall down a cliff.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn finally steps into his role as king after having a lot of self-doubt beforehand. <br />
<br />
'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''<br />
:Although he is not physically present, he is mentioned by [[Thranduil]] to his son, [[Legolas]]. Thranduil tells Legolas to seek a young ranger known as "Strider" and that Legolas would have to discover Strider's true name for himself. In the continuity of the films, Aragorn would have been 27 rather than a ten-year-old child.<br />
<br />
===Television===<br />
'''1993: [[Hobitit|''Hobitit'']]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is portrayed by [[Kari Väänänen]],the same actor who played [[Gollum]] in the series.<br />
<br />
===Radio Series===<br />
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[Godfrey Kenton]].<br />
<br />
'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[Tom Luce]].<br />
<br />
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn was voiced by [[Robert Stephens]]. For his early scenes, according to [[John McAndrew]] (Pippin) Stephens adopted an accurate Bristol accent to help suggest the disguise Strider adopted in Bree.<br />
<br />
'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by Boris Farkaš.<br />
<br />
===Games===<br />
'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable character. He has brown hair and is bearded, he bears a golden sword.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:[[Daran Norris]] provided the voice of Aragorn, who is one of the three playable characters.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is one of the three playable characters, as well as narrator for most of the game. He is versatile in both melee and ranged attacks. Viggo Mortensen reprises his role from the film trilogy.<br />
<br />
'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable character, his storyline is dubbed "Path of a King". He journey through Paths of the Dead with Legolas and Gimli, later they fight on Pelennor fields and at the Black Gate. Chris Edgerly takes over for Mortensen as Aragorn's voice actor.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring|Sierra's War of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a Hero Unit for the Free People side. He is present in Lothlorien, Battle of Hornburg and Siege of the Minas Morgul.<br />
<br />
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a Hero Unit for the Rohan faction in skirmishes, he also accompanies the Fellowship in the storyline mode.<br />
<br />
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is now the Hero for the Men of the West faction.<br />
<br />
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''<br />
:In the Prologue, Aragorn saves Men/Hobbit characters from brigands, but is forced to leave soon, as he has to intercept Frodo in Bree. Later arriving at the Prancing Pony, the characters meet him again and help him looking in surrounding area for Hobbits, who did not arrive in time. When player returns, Aragorn and the Hobbits already departed, and their next meeting is in Rivendell, where Aragorn entrusts the player with defence of the North while the Fellowship is gone. Later, in [[Lothlórien]], Aragorn is seen residing in [[Caras Galadhon]]<br />
<br />
'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable hero available in several missions.<br />
<br />
'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is an important character of the game, and is mentioned as one of the much honored heroes of the [[War of the Ring]] in the introduction of the game.<ref name="Prologue">[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Prologue''</ref><br />
:He is a friend of two of the game's main characters, [[Eradan (video game character)|Eradan]] and [[Andriel]]. Aragorn had met [[Andriel]] during his visits at [[Rivendell]],<ref name="Backstory Andriel">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.warinthenorth.com/the-game/heroes/backstory#elfAnchor|articlename=Elven Character: Andriel's History|dated=|website=War in the North|accessed=25 December 2011}}</ref> while he had met Eradan, when he served as Ranger at Sarn Ford. Aragorn was impressed by his skills and bravery, and taught him much about tracking. Eradan was a companion of Aragorn on many of his journeys. Aragorn trusted Eradan much, though he never told him what the reason was behind the protection of [[the Shire]].<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.warinthenorth.com/the-game/heroes/backstory#dunedainAnchor|articlename=Human Character: Eradan's History|dated=|website=War in the North|accessed=24 December 2011}}</ref><br />
<br />
:Eradan, Andriel and [[Farin (video game character)|Farin]] meet Aragorn in the Prancing Pony to warn him, on Halbarad's request, after the Nazgûl attacked and defeated the [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] at [[Sarn Ford]], and entered the Shire. They also tell him about an conservation between the Witch-king and [[Agandaûr]], which the three heroes overheard shortly after the attack. Agandaûr summoned the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] and assembled an army in [[Fornost]], which plans to aid the Nazgûl in their search to [[the One Ring]]. Aragorn sends Eradan, Andriel and Farin to Fornost, to stop Agandaûr and his army.<ref name="Prologue"/> While Eradan, Andriel, Farin, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]] stopped Agandaûr's army,<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Chapter 1: Fornost''</ref> Aragorn met with [[Frodo Baggins]] and left Bree.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Chapter 2: The Barrow Downs'', Bree</ref><br />
<br />
'''2012: ''[[Lego|Lego The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''<br />
:A mini figure of Aragorn is included in the [[Lego#Sets|sets]] '''Attack at Weathertop''', '''The Battle of Helm's Deep''', '''The Battle at the Black gate''', and '''The Pirate ship ambush'''.<ref name="2012 sets">{{webcite|author=Calisuri|articleurl=http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/02/12/53563-more-lord-of-the-rings-lego-details-from-toy-fare-2012/|articlename=More Lord of the Rings LEGO Details from Toy Fare 2012|dated=12 February 2012|website=TORN|accessed=18 February 2012}}</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Timeline of Aragorn]]<br />
*[http://dare.ubvu.vu.nl/bitstream/1871/10975/1/Aragorn_Final.pdf "Aragorn Seen Through Different Media"] by [[Connie Veugen]], comparing the introduction of Strider in Ralph Bakshi's film, the 1981 BBC radio play, Peter Jackson's film and [[Vivendi]]'s [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|video game]] of ''The Fellowship of the Ring.<br />
{{References|notes}}<br />
<br />
==Titles==<br />
{{seq-start}}<br />
{{seq-head<br />
| race=arnorian<br />
| house=[[House of Isildur]]<small><br/>Cadet branch of [[House of Elros]]</small><br />
| born=[[1 March]], {{TA|2931}}<br />
| died={{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prow=2<br />
| prev=[[Arathorn II]]<br />
| list=16th [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2933}} – [[1 May]], {{TA|3019|n}}<br />
| next=Position abolished<br />
| nvac=None<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| list=39th [[Heir of Isildur|Heir]] of [[Isildur]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2933}} - [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
| next=[[Eldarion]]<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prev=[[Gandalf]]<br />
| list=Leader of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]<br />
| dates=[[15 January]] - [[22 August]], {{TA|3019}}<br />
| next=Position abolished<br />
| nvac=None<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Eärnur]]''', 969 years earlier<br />
| list=34th [[Kings of Gondor|King of Gondor]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
| next=[[Eldarion]]<br />
| nrow=4<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Eärendur (King of Arnor)|Eärendur]]''', 2,158 years earlier<br />
| list=11th [[Kings of Arnor|King of Arnor]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Isildur]]''', 3,017 years earlier<br />
| list=1st [[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]] of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=None<br />
| prev=New title<br />
| list=Head of the [[House of Telcontar]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq-end}}{{councilofelrond}}{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}{{northernline}}{{southernline}}<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]<br />
[[Category:Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]<br />
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]<br />
[[Category:House of Isildur]]<br />
[[Category:House of Telcontar| ]]<br />
[[Category:Mariners]]<br />
[[Category:Rulers of Arnor]]<br />
[[Category:Rulers of Gondor]]<br />
[[Category:Sindarin names]]<br />
[[Category:Third Age characters]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Aragorn II.]]<br />
[[fi:Aragorn II]]<br />
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/hommes/3adunedain/dunedain_du_nord/aragorn_ii]]</div>MikeyofGondorhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Aragorn&diff=344962Aragorn2022-04-09T22:36:09Z<p>MikeyofGondor: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{disambig-two|the King of [[Gondor]] and [[Arnor]]|[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]|[[Aragorn I]]}}<br />
{{sources}}<br />
{{arnorian infobox<br />
| name=Aragorn<br />
| image=[[File:John Howe - Elessar.jpg|250px]]<br />
| caption="Elessar" by [[John Howe]]<br />
| pronun=[[Sindarin|S]], {{IPA|[ˈaraɡorn]}}<br />
| othernames=Aragorn II, ''[[Elessar]]'', [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]], ''[[Thorongil]]'' (''[[Aragorn#Names and titles|see below]]'')<br />
| titles=[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]<br/>[[High King of the Dúnedain]]<br>[[King of Gondor and Arnor]]<Ref>{{S|Rings}}</ref><br>[[King of the West]]<ref>{{App|Great}}</ref><Br>Lord of the [[Westlands]]<br />
| position=[[Rangers of the North|Ranger]]<br />
| location=[[Rivendell]]<br/>[[Gondor]]<br>[[Arnor]]<br />
| affiliation=[[Fellowship of the Ring]]<br />
| language=[[Westron]], [[Sindarin]], [[Quenya]]<br />
| birth=[[1 March]] {{TA|2931}}<br />
| birthlocation=[[Eriador]]<br />
| rule={{TA|2933}} - {{TA|3019|n}} (Chieftain)<br/>{{TA|3019}} - {{FoA|120}} (King)<br />
| death={{FoA|120}}<br />
| deathlocation=[[Gondor]]<br />
| age=210<br />
| notablefor=Reuniting the [[Reunited Kingdom|Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor]]<br />
| house=[[House of Isildur]], founded the [[House of Telcontar]]<br />
| parentage=[[Arathorn II]], father <br/> [[Gilraen]], mother <br/> [[Elrond]], foster father<br />
| siblings=<br />
| spouse=[[Arwen]]<br />
| children=[[Eldarion]] and at least two daughters<ref name="Tale">{{App|Tale}}</ref><br />
| gender=Male<br />
| height=6'6<nowiki>''</nowiki> (198cm)<ref name="RC">{{HM|RC}}, p. 272 citing from a note written by J.R.R. Tolkien approximately in 1969</ref><br />
| hair=Dark, flecked with grey<ref name="Sign">{{FR|Sign}}</ref> <br />
| eyes=Grey<ref name="Sign"/><br />
| clothing=High leather boots, dark-green cloak (As a [[Rangers of the North|Ranger]])<ref name="Sign"/><br>Pure white mantle, black mail girt with silver (As a King)<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref><br />
| weapons=[[Andúril]]<br />
| steed=[[Roheryn]] and [[Hasufel]]<br />
}}<br />
<br />
<center>{{quote|Tall as the sea-kings of old, he stood above all that were near; ancient of days he seemed and yet in the flower of manhood; and wisdom sat upon his brow, and strength and healing were in his hands, and a light was about him.|''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Steward and the King]]"}}</center><br />
'''Aragorn II''' was the son of [[Arathorn II]] and [[Gilraen]]. He was the last [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]] and a direct descendant through many<ref group="note">Aragorn II is of the 39th generation descended from Isildur, through 23 generations of the Kings of Arnor and Arthedain (beginning with [[Valandil]] and ending with [[Arvedui]]) and 15 generations of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain (beginning with [[Aranarth]] and ending with Arathorn II).</ref> generations of [[Isildur]], the last [[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]] of both [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Aragorn would become the greatest [[Men|Man]] of his time, leading the [[Dúnedain|Men of the West]] against [[Sauron]]'s forces, helping to destroy [[the One Ring]], and reuniting the [[Reunited Kingdom|Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor]]. <br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early Life===<br />
Aragorn was born in {{TA|2931}} to the Chieftain Arathorn, and received the name Aragorn. His grandmother, [[Ivorwen]], noted with foresight that Aragorn would one day wear on his breast a green stone.<ref>{{PM|Foreword}}</ref><br />
<br />
A legend says that the [[Wizards|Wizard]] [[Gandalf]] had brought [[Elfstone|such a stone]], called the Elessar, from [[Valinor]]. He gave the Elessar to the [[Elves|Elven]] Lady [[Galadriel]], and remarked prophetically that she would pass it to another, who will also be called Elessar.<ref>{{UT|6}}</ref> From this would come Aragorn's royal name ''Elessar'' ([[Quenya]] for "Elfstone").<br />
<br />
When Aragorn was two years old, his father was slain when an [[Orcs|Orc]] arrow pierced his eye. As was the tradition of his people, Aragorn was fostered in [[Rivendell]] by [[Elrond]] as if he was his own son. The [[Wise]] decided that his identity was to be kept secret, as he would be vulnerable to [[Sauron|the Enemy]]. Aragorn was called '''''[[Estel]]''''' ([[Sindarin]] for "Hope") instead. During his life in Rivendell he accompanied the sons of Elrond, [[Elrohir]] and [[Elladan]], on their journeys.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
[[File:Stephen Hickman - Aragorn and Arwen.jpg|thumb|left|''Aragorn and Arwen'' by [[Stephen Hickman]]]]<br />
"Estel" grew to be fair and noble, and was seemingly more mature than his age. When Aragorn was twenty-one years old, after returning from a journey with the [[twins]] in {{TA|2952}}, Elrond decided to reveal his true name and ancestry. As part of this revelation, Elrond delivered to him the heirlooms of [[House of Isildur|his House]]: the shards of [[Narsil]] and the [[Ring of Barahir]]. Elrond also said that he should earn the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]]. The next day, full of hope, Aragorn was sitting in the forest singing a part of the ''[[Lay of Leithian|Lay of Lúthien]]''; as he sang of the meeting [[Beren]] and [[Lúthien]], [[Arwen]], daughter of Elrond, who had newly returned from [[Lothlórien]], appeared to him. Aragorn thought that Lúthien herself had appeared, and fell in love.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
===Life as a Ranger===<br />
Estel took up his proper name as Aragorn, sixteenth of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, and after he took leave of his mother and Elrond he went into [[The Wild]].<ref name="Tale"/> In {{TA|2953}} he was not present in Rivendell for the last meeting of the [[White Council]]. Aragorn met [[Gandalf|Gandalf the Grey]] in {{TA|2956}}, and they became great friends.<ref name="TA">{{App|TA}}</ref> At Gandalf's advice he started to become interested in [[the Shire]] and became known as '''''Strider''''' in this region.<br />
[[File:Catherine Chmiel - Ecthelion,Thorongil and Boromir study.jpg|thumb|right|''"Thorongil" with Ecthelion II'' by [[Catherine Karina Chmiel]]]]<br />
From {{TA|2957}} to {{TA|2980}} Aragorn took great journeys aiding the [[West]] against [[Sauron]] and his allies. After serving King [[Thengel]] of [[Rohan]], he went to [[Ruling Steward|Steward]] [[Ecthelion II]] of [[Gondor]],<ref name="TA"/> who was in dire need of able men to guard his realm from Mordor. Aragorn kept his identity secret but as he wore a silver star upon his cloak, and was swift and keen-eyed, the [[Gondorians]] called him '''''Thorongil''''' (Sindarin for "Eagle of the Star"). He was a great leader by land and sea and Ecthelion trusted and loved him most. Some believed that there was rivalry between him and the Steward's son, [[Denethor]], who probably knew his identity as [[Heir of Isildur]], and suspected that he and Gandalf worked to supplant him. Thorongil however saw himself only as the servant of the Steward, whom he advised to not trust [[Saruman]] and instead to welcome Gandalf (whom Denethor didn't trust or love).<br />
<br />
Ecthelion was anticipating an attack from Sauron who had just returned, and Thorongil warned him that in that event the [[Southern Fiefs]] would be vulnerable to the [[Corsairs of Umbar]]. He was allowed by Ecthelion to take few ships and lead an [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|attack against Umbar]]; at night he burned many ships, and in a fight slew the [[Captain of the Haven]] with only few casualties. Great honour awaited him in [[Minas Tirith]] but he did not return; while in [[Pelargir]], he sent a farewell message to Ecthelion, speaking of other tasks calling him, and saying that fate would not bring him again to Gondor soon. To the grief and wonder of his companions he crossed the [[Anduin]] and was last seen staring at the [[Mountains of Shadow]].<ref>{{App|Stewards}}</ref> He left Gondor to travel into the far East and South "exploring the hearts of men good and evil" and learning about the "plots and devices" of the servants of the Dark Lord. His exploits ensured the survival of the [[West]] much later during the [[War of the Ring]].<br />
<br />
Later in 2980 on his return to Rivendell he entered [[Lothlórien]], and there once again met Arwen in [[Caras Galadhon]]. For one season they wandered together in Lothlórien. At midsummer he gave her the heirloom of his House, the [[Ring of Barahir]], and Arwen pledged her hand to him in marriage.<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
Elrond gave his foster-son permission to marry his daughter, on the condition that he must first become king of both Gondor and Arnor, for only a king would be worthy of Arwen's hand. This harsh condition had a precedent: King [[Thingol]]'s request that [[Beren]] obtain a [[Silmarils|Silmaril]] from [[Morgoth]] before marrying his daughter [[Lúthien]].<ref name="Tale"/><br />
<br />
===Hunt for Gollum===<br />
In the year {{TA|3001}}, as a now revealed [[Sauron]] continued to regain power in [[Mordor]], Aragorn began assisting [[Gandalf]] in his search for news of [[Gollum]]. Gandalf suspected that the ring [[Bilbo Baggins]] found near Gollum's lake was in fact [[the One Ring]]. In {{TA|3007}}, he briefly returned to [[Eriador]] where he visited his mother for the last time. She died before that year's spring. <br />
<br />
In {{TA|3009}} Gandalf and Aragorn renewed their hunt for Gollum, searching intermittently in the [[vales of Anduin]], [[Mirkwood]], and [[Rhovanion]], even to the confines of [[Mordor]], without knowing that around that time Gollum ventured into Mordor, and was captured by Sauron.<ref name="TA"/> [[Third Age 3017|After eight years]] Gollum was released and Aragorn finally overtook him in the [[Dead Marshes]]<ref name="TA"/> on [[1 February]]. With Gollum he travelled through the northern [[Emyn Muil]], to prevent being found by Sauron's spies, and crossed the Anduin at the [[Sarn Gebir]]. He travelled further north along the edges of [[Fangorn Forest]] and through Lothlórien,<ref name="UT">{{UT|Hunt}}</ref> where the Elves sent a message to Gandalf.<ref>{{UT|Hunt}}, Note 5</ref> He travelled alongside the Anduin to the north until he arrived at the [[Carrock]]. With the aid of the [[Beornings]] he crossed the Anduin with Gollum and entered [[Mirkwood]]. He took Gollum to [[Thranduil]] to be held captive.<ref name="UT"/><ref name="TA"/> He then returned west where he met with Gandalf at [[Sarn Ford]] and learned of [[Frodo Baggins]]' plan to leave the Shire with the Ring in late September. Aragorn then continued his own journey.<ref name="Strider">{{FR|Strider}}</ref><br />
<br />
===War of the Ring===<br />
When Aragorn returned to his area, the [[Elves]] who followed [[Gildor Inglorion]] told Aragorn the [[Nazgûl|Black Riders]] had been seen, and Gandalf had been missing and there were no messages from him. Aragorn and his [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] kept watch over the border of [[the Shire]] and the [[East Road]] waiting for sight of Frodo but there was no news of them leaving [[Buckland]].<ref name="Strider"/><br />
<br />
While staying in [[Bree]], Aragorn crossed the paths of four hobbits in [[The Prancing Pony]]. Aragorn watched as the hobbits clumsily hid their names and intentions, and as [[Frodo Baggins]], the leader of the party, fell from a table and disappeared as he put the ring on. Aragorn, whose name was given as Strider, seemed to show no surprise, only annoyance at Frodo’s foolish vanishing act. He arranged for an interview that night, where he warned them of the Black Riders and [[Bill Ferny]], then bluntly requested that they use him as a guide. After some consideration, and a note given them by the forgetful [[Barliman Butterbur]] from Gandalf condoning him, Frodo agreed.<br />
[[File:Jef Murray - Amon Sûl.jpg|thumb|left|[[Jef Murray]] - ''Amon Sûl'']]<br />
Aragorn’s plan to reach Rivendell was to first head toward [[Archet]] and bear right to [[Weathertop]]. After the ambush at Weathertop and the wounding of Frodo, [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] took over the position as leader of the Hobbits. After a while they met [[Glorfindel]], a friend of Aragorn’s, and it was not much later that they arrived in Rivendell.<br />
[[File:Darrell Sweet - The Reforging of the Sword.jpg|thumb|[[Darrell Sweet]] - ''The Reforging of the Sword'']]<br />
After the Council of Elrond Aragorn became a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. As a preparation for his travel, the ancient shards of [[Narsil]], the heirloom of his House, were reforged after 3 millennia. Aragorn carried the Sword Reforged, and renamed it [[Andúril]]. <br />
<br />
Aragorn's intentions were to travel with the company for a while before returning to [[Gondor]] with [[Boromir]]. Aragorn encouraged the taking of the [[Caradhras|Redhorn Pass]], which ended in disaster. He reluctantly conceded to Gandalf’s choice to pass through [[Moria]], though his sense of foresight warned him for Gandalf. Indeed, after Gandalf fell into the abyss with [[Durin's Bane]], Aragorn was naturally elected leader of the company, despite some resentment by Boromir.<br />
<br />
====Leading the Fellowship of the Ring====<br />
Aragorn again amazed the rest of the Fellowship by his apparent closeness to the people of [[Lothlórien]], and his friendship with [[Celeborn]] and [[Galadriel]]. At their departure, Galadriel offered him the [[Elfstone]] as a wedding gift from the family of the Elven bride to the groom, foretelling his marriage to Arwen.<ref>{{MR|P3II3}}</ref> It was worn by Aragorn ever after and from that he later took the name '''Elessar'''.<br />
<br />
Even at the [[Rauros|Falls of Rauros]] he was undecided, leaving it to Frodo for the final decision. For though it was obvious he wished to go to [[Minas Tirith]] with Boromir, he yet felt that it was his duty to go where the [[Ring-bearers|Ring-bearer]] chose.<br />
<br />
[[File:Inger Edelfeldt - Death of Boromir.jpg|thumb|200px|right|''Death of Boromir'' by [[Inger Edelfeldt]]]]<br />
After Frodo escaped him and Boromir perished, he with the remaining members of the Fellowship, namely [[Legolas]] and [[Gimli]], chose to try and save [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]] and [[Peregrin Took|Pippin]] from the [[Uruk-hai]] that had ambushed them, forming the group that would later be known as the [[Three Hunters]].<br />
<br />
He met [[Éomer]] in the fields of [[Rohan]], and an instant friendship formed, both feeling the honesty and lordliness of the other. Éomer took a risk for his sake, giving him horses, with the promise that one day soon Aragorn would return to [[Edoras]]. Aragorn, tracking the Hobbits, followed into Fangorn Forest, where he met the resurrected [[Gandalf|Gandalf the White]]. After the restoration of [[Théoden]], he rode to [[Helm's Deep]] to fight in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]]. There he, alongside his new-found “brother” Éomer, and King Théoden, marshaled the defence against [[Saruman]]’s army. His revealed majesty upon the battlements of the Hornburg as he waited for the dawn caused some of the [[Dunlendings|Wild men]] to pause and shudder, and he heralded the return of Gandalf with [[Erkenbrand]].<br />
<br />
After Pippin’s terrifying experience with the [[Orthanc-stone]], Gandalf presented it in a formal manner to Aragorn, its rightful master, who hinted that it would be used by him eventually. After the departure of Gandalf and Pippin to Minas Tirith, he rode for a while longer with Théoden, meeting up with his friend [[Halbarad]] of the North, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], and a company of staunch and fearless Rangers. Elladan and Elrohir gave him a message from Elrond: "''The days are short. If thou art in haste, remember the [[Paths of the Dead]]''". Halbarad bore a gift from the Lady Arwen – the [[Standard of Elendil]]. Aragorn knew the path set before him.<br />
<br />
====Return of the King====<br />
A little while later Aragorn took his companions and his rangers and set out for [[Dunharrow]], departing from the King’s company. His course was clear: to take the Paths of the Dead, to summon the [[Oathbreakers|Dead Men]]. In Dunharrow, he met the lady [[Éowyn]], who had fallen in love with him. After making it clear that he could not accept her love, he turned towards the evil road with the dawn.<br />
<br />
[[File:Ted Nasmith - Thus Came Aragorn.jpg|thumb|right|''Thus Came Aragorn'' by [[Ted Nasmith]]]]<br />
The [[Grey Company]] passed through the [[Dark Door]] and the [[Dwimorberg]], the Dead following, and coming at last to the [[Stone of Erech]], Aragorn summoned them to his aid. They drew their swords and blew their horns in answer, and swept down upon the [[Corsairs of Umbar|Corsairs]] at [[Pelargir]] drove the mariners away. Aragorn released them, and took the [[Black Ships]] north to Minas Tirith, where the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]] raged. The Standard of Elendil broke forth, and his Dúnedain swept down, giving the final blow to the army of [[Gothmog (Lieutenant of Morgul)|Gothmog]]. The counter-attacked army of [[Sauron]] crumbled utterly. But Aragorn did not enter the city.<br />
<br />
Aragorn, furling his banner, appointed [[Imrahil]] the temporary lord of the City, as the law demanded. Eventually, however, Aragorn did come to the [[Houses of Healing]], where he tended and restored Merry, Éowyn, and [[Faramir]], in accordance with the prophecy “''The hands of the king are the hands of a healer, and so shall the rightful king be known''”. Many of the people of Minas Tirith came to Aragorn and followed him, asking that he heal those they knew. Aragorn worked late into the night, before finally leaving the city, hooded and cloaked. When in the morning the people saw the banner of [[Dol Amroth]], they wondered if the Return of the King had been but a dream.<ref name=Houses>{{RK|Houses}}</ref><br />
<br />
[[File:Inger Edelfeldt - The Crowning of Aragorn.jpg|thumb|left|''The Crowning of Aragorn'' by [[Inger Edelfeldt]]]]<br />
Aragorn held [[Last Debate|council]] with his trusted companions, namely Gandalf, Éomer, Imrahil, and Elrond’s sons – Halbarad had fallen in battle. He agreed to draw forth the forces of [[Mordor]] for the benefit of the [[Quest of the Ring]], and so arranged matters for the [[Battle of the Morannon]]. After the destruction of the Ring in [[Mount Doom|Orodruin]] and victory at the [[Morannon]], Aragorn returned at last in the triumphant manner that befitted his position. He was crowned at the gates of Minas Tirith, winning the hearts of the people of [[Gondor]].<br />
<br />
===Reign as Elessar===<br />
Aragorn ruled the [[Reunited Kingdom]] of Gondor and Arnor until year 120 of the [[Fourth Age]]. <br />
<br />
Some days after his coronation, Gandalf took Elessar up the slopes of Mount [[Mindolluin]], and there he found the scion of [[Nimloth of Númenor|Nimloth]], the symbol of his mastery of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]. Elrond and Arwen came to Gondor and Elrond gave Elessar the [[Sceptre of Annúminas]] signifying the Kingship of Arnor. He wedded Arwen on Midsummer's day of 3019, and then was forced to bid his old friends farewell. He turned back to his new kingdom as the [[Fourth Age]] dawned and the Ringbearers left the shores of Middle-earth forever.<br />
<br />
One of his first tasks in the re-ordering of his realm was the restoration of [[Orthanc]] and ordered the [[Orthanc-stone]] to be returned there. With this opportunity, many secrets and hoarded treasures were revealed including the [[Elendilmir]] which Saruman took from Isildur's body. Elessar received the Elemdilmir with reverence and took it with him as he established his full kingship of [[Arnor]].<ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref><br />
<br />
Elessar gave his [[Steward]] Faramir the title [[Lord of Emyn Arnen]] and created him as [[Prince of Ithilien]]<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref>. He declared the [[Drúadan Forest]] to belong to the [[Drúedain]] and a protected enclave of his Kingdom.<ref>{{RK|Partings}}</ref> He also re-established the Great [[Council of Gondor]] whose chief councellor was the Steward<ref>{{L|244}}</ref>. He also renewed the [[Oath of Cirion]] with Éomer.<br />
<br />
As for [[the Shire]], he declared it a Free Land under the protection of the Northern Sceptre and forbid Men from entering it. He appointed the [[Thain]], the [[Master of Buckland]], and the [[Mayor of Michel Delving]] Counsellors of the North-kingdom. Also he offered to the Shire the [[Westmarch|lands]] up to the [[Tower Hills|Emyn Beraid]].<ref name=later>{{App|Later}}</ref><br />
<br />
He founded the royal [[House of Telcontar]], he had a son, [[Eldarion]], and a number of daughters.<br />
<br />
King Elessar died after 210 years of life and 122 years of rule and was succeeded by his son [[Eldarion]]. His wife Arwen, now mortal, gave up her life shortly afterwards in year 121, aged 2,901.<br />
<br />
==Personality==<br />
<br />
Aragorn was a wise, calm, well-mannered, yet proud and stern man who held his heritage in high regard and was willing to do whatever he can to help his friends. He was the "hardiest of living Men" during his time.<br />
<br />
His reverance for his heritage was such that it nearly led to complications when arriving in Rohan and was forced to surrender his sword, ''[[Anduril]]'' ''(The King of the Golden Hall)'' and revealed himself as the Heir of ''[Isildur]]'' to ''[[Eomer]]'' when confronting him. ''(The Riders of Rohan)''. He also possessed Elven wisdom due to being raised in Rivendell, and the foresight of the Dúnedain. He also had a nigh indomitable strength of will, as he was able to psychicallychallenge ''[[Sauron]]'' for control of the palantir, and emerged victorious. ''(The Passing of the Grey Company)''. <br />
<br />
<br />
==Equipment and skills==<br />
<br />
Aragorn was a swordsman of extraordinary, nigh <br />
unparalleled skill, to the point that he was considered the greatest swordsman of the ''[[Third Age]]'', surpassing the likes of ''[[Boromir]]'', ''[[Faramir]]'', and possibly ''[[Elrond]]'', despite all three being skilled swordsmen in their own right. He was also trained in the use of bows and spears, despite his preference for swordplay. His skill was such that he can take on any enemy from Orcs to the Nine Ringwraiths. Aragorn was a highly skilled and well-respected leader and King to the point that he restored ''[[Minas Tirith]]'' along with the rest of ''[[Gondor]]'' to its former glory and made peace with enemies who surrendered. He was a master military tactician and commander, capable of leading his army to victory at the ''[[Black Gate]]'', and aiding in the victories at ''[[Helm's Deep]]'', and the ''[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]'', coming out unscathed after the latter ended. ''(The Battle of the Pelennor Fields)''. <br />
<br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
{{Pronounce|Aragorn Elessar.mp3|Ardamir}}<br />
'''''Aragorn''''' is a [[Sindarin]] name. It means "revered king".<ref>{{PE|17}}, p. 31 entry S ''Ara(n)gorn''</ref><ref name=PE17Turgond>{{PE|17}}, p. 113 entry S '''Turgond-'''</ref> It contains the phonetic reduction ''ara'' of ''[[aran]]'' ("king") and the adjective ''[[gorn|(n)gorn]]'' ("dreaded, revered").<ref name=PE17Turgond/><br />
<br />
This clear etymology from Tolkien was not revealed until the publication in 2007 of "Words, Phrases & Passages in ''The Lord of the Rings''", a late 1950s manuscript. Before that, several theories were proposed:<br />
*[[Ruth S. Noel]] and several others proposed "King of the Tree",<ref>[[Ruth S. Noel]], ''[[The Languages of Tolkien's Middle-earth]]'', p. 114</ref> but Tolkien specifically said that this was not the case.<ref>{{L|347}}</ref> <br />
*[[David Salo]] deduces "Having Kingly Valor"<ref>[[David Salo]], ''[[A Gateway to Sindarin]]'', p. 341</ref> from Tolkien's cryptic "'Kingly Valour' (for so is that name interpreted)".<ref>{{PM|Foreword}}, p. xii</ref> This is still the most often cited etymology; Robert Ireland's ''[[A Tolkien Dictionary]]'' gives the variation "Royal Zeal".<ref>Robert Ireland, ''[[A Tolkien Dictionary]]'', [http://www.quicksilver899.com/Tolkien/LOTR/LOTR_AC.html The Lord of the Rings A-C].</ref><br />
*[[Carl F. Hostetter]] proposed the meanings "King of the Globe" or "King of the Hill" in his analysis of the [[King's Letter]].<ref>[[Carl F. Hostetter]], "The 'King's Letter': An Historical and Comparative Analysis", [[Vinyar Tengwar 31|''Vinyar Tengwar'' 31]], p. 18</ref><br />
<br />
The [[Quenya]] form of ''Aragorn'' was '''''Arakorno'''''.<ref name="WP">{{PE|17}}, p. 70 f. entry Q '''ar''' in the translation of the sentence into Quenya ''Sanome tarne Olórin, Arakorno, [...]''</ref><br />
<br />
==Other names==<br />
* '''Aragorn II''' - Aragorn's name as [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]. He was likely named after [[Aragorn I]].<br />
* [[Thorongil]] - [[Sindarin|S]] "Eagle of the Star", a pseudonym used in [[Gondor]] and [[Rohan]]. Pronounced {{IPA|[θoˈroŋɡil]}}.<br />
* '''Elessar''' - [[Quenya|Q]] "Elfstone", Aragorn's name as a king. Despite popular use as such, Aragorn was never known as "Aragorn Elessar", "Aragorn II Elessar" or "[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|King Aragorn]]". Pronounced {{IPA|[eˈlesːar]}}.<br />
* '''Edhelharn''' - The [[Sindarin]] equivalent of Elessar, used in the King's Letter.<ref>{{SD|XI2}}, p. 128ff</ref> Pronounced {{IPA|[eˈðel.harn]}}.<br />
* [[Elfstone]] - The [[Westron|Common Speech]] version of the previous two. <br />
* [[Envinyatar|''Envinyatar'']] - [[Quenya|Q]] "the Renewer".<br />
* [[Estel]] - [[Quenya|Q]]. Usually glossed as "Hope", the concept ''estel'' more widely means "hope, trust, a temper of mind, steady fixed in purpose, and difficult to dissuade and unlikely to fall into despair or abandon its purpose". Pronounced {{IPA|[ˈestel]}}.<br />
* [[Strider (Aragorn)|Strider]] - A sobriquet given by the men of [[Bree]]. Aragorn used it mockingly.<br />
* '''Wingfoot''' - An honorary name given by [[Éomer]] after the pursuit of the [[Uruk-hai]] through the [[Eastemnet]].<ref>{{TT|III2}}</ref><br />
* [[Telcontar]] - A [[Quenya]] form of "Strider", this was the name of Elessar's Royal House. It was not used independently. Pronounced {{IPA|[telˈkontar]}}.<br />
* [[Heir of Isildur|Isildur's Heir]] - A poetic address, as he was the heir of [[Isildur]]. <br />
* '''The Dúnadan''' - "[[Dúnedain|Man of the West]]", a name given by [[Bilbo Baggins]] when their friendship evolved. <br />
* '''Longshanks''' - another, though less frequently used, sobriquet in Bree, ascribed to [[Bill Ferny]]. The legs of the [[Bree-landers|Bree-men]] were shorter than the legs of the [[Dúnedain]].<br />
* '''Arakorno''' - A rare Quenya form of Aragorn, which only appeared in a discussion about the words for Quenya.<ref name="WP"/> Pronounced {{IPA|[ˌaraˈkorno]}}.<br />
<br />
==Genealogy==<br />
{{familytree/start}}<br />
{{familytree | EAR |y| ELW | | GAL |y| CEL |GAL=[[Galadriel]]|CEL=[[Celeborn]]|EAR=[[Eärendil]]|ELW=[[Elwing]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |)|-|-|-|.| | | |!| | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ROS | | RON |y| CLB | | |ROS=[[Elros]]|RON=[[Elrond]]|CLB=[[Celebrían]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | KON | | | | |!| | | | | |KON=<small>''[[Kings of Númenor]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | LOA | | | | |!| | | | | |LOA=<small>''[[Lords of Andúnië]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ELE | | | | |!| | | | | |ELE=[[Elendil]]}}<br />
{{familytree | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ISI | | ANA | | |!| | | | | |ISI=[[Isildur]]|ANA=[[Anárion]]}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |:| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | KOA | | KOG | | |!| | | | | |KOA=<small>''[[Kings of Arnor]]''</small>|KOG=<small>''[[Kings of Gondor]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |:| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | KOA | | OND | | |!| | | | | |OND=[[Ondoher]]|KOA=<small>''[[Kings of Arthedain]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | |:| | | |!| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ARV |V| FIR | | |!| | | | | |ARV=[[Arvedui]]|FIR=[[Fíriel]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | COD | | | | |!| | | | | |COD=<small>''[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |:| | | | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | ART |y| GIL |!| | | | | |ART=[[Arathorn II]]|GIL=[[Gilraen]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |!| | | |!| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | ARA |y| ARW | | | | |ARA='''ARAGORN '''|ARW=[[Arwen]]}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |,|-|^|-|.| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | ELD | | SDS | | | | |ELD=[[Eldarion]]|SDS=''several sisters''}}<br />
{{familytree/end}}<br />
===Relation to Arwen===<br />
Arwen was a very distant cousin of Aragorn. By their marriage, the long-sundered lines of the [[Half-elven]] were joined.<ref name="Numenor">{{App|A1i}}</ref> Their union also served to unite and preserve the bloodlines of the kings of the three kindreds of the High Elves ([[Ingwë]], [[Finwë]], and brothers [[Elwë]], [[Olwë]], and [[Elmo]]) as well as the only line with [[Maiar]]in blood through Arwen's great-great-grandmother, [[Melian]]. There were at least two marriages between descendants of Elendil in Aragorn's ancestry, so Aragorn was related to Arwen by blood along at least three lines.<br />
<br />
Through his father, Arathorn II, Aragorn was Arwen's first cousin sixty-two times removed through his ancestor Arvedui and sixty-seven times removed through his ancestor Fíriel. Both of these lines descend through four<ref name="Numenor"/> generations of the Kings of Númenor, Silmariën, eighteen<ref>{{UT|Kings}}</ref> generations of the Lords of Andúnië, and Elendil, as well as Aranarth and fifteen<ref name="North">{{App|North}}</ref> succeeding generations of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, including Aragorn himself. Aragorn's mother Gilraen also descended from Aranarth,<ref name="North"/> but the number of generations between them is unknown.<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
In the earliest unpublished versions of ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' (see ''[[The History of The Lord of the Rings]]''), the character that later became Aragorn was called '''''[[Trotter]]''''' instead of Strider, and was a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] instead of a [[Men|Man]]. He had wooden feet, because he had once traveled to Mordor and been tortured there.<br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
{{Gallery<br />
|title=Aragorn in adaptations<br />
|height=150<br />
|width=250<br />
|lines=2<br />
|File:War in Middle Earth - Aragorn and Frodo against a Nazgul.png|Aragorn with [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo]] in ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]''<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Strider.jpg|Strider in [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]<br />
|File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings (film series) - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring (video game) - Aragorn.JPG|Aragorn in [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]<br />
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Aragorn.jpg|Aragorn in ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]''<br />
|File:2011-12-23 00061.jpg|Aragorn in ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]''<br />
|File:LEGO Aragorn poster.png|Aragorn as a ''[[Lego]] mini figure''<br />
}}<br />
<br />
===Films===<br />
'''1978: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)]]'':'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[John Hurt]]. Some critics have accused this character of looking too much like a [[wikipedia:Stereotypes_of_Native_Americans|Native American stereotype]].{{Citation needed}}<br />
<br />
'''1980: ''[[The Return of the King (1980 film)]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn was voiced by [[Theodore Bikel]] in the 1980 [[Rankin/Bass]] animated film.<br />
<br />
'''2001: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is played by [[Viggo Mortensen]], though [[Stuart Townsend]] was originally cast in the role. Townsend was deemed too young. Mortensen had just two weeks to train for his first scene, the standoff with the [[Nazgûl]] at [[Weathertop]]. Utilizing the modern "reluctant hero" trope, Mortensen portrays Aragorn full of self-doubt, while he is much more sure of himself in the book. <br />
<br />
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn's part is this film is largely similar to the events in book. The most significant difference is that, in the book, there was no [[Wargs|Warg]] attack on the party traveling to Helm's Deep and Aragorn did not fall down a cliff.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn finally steps into his role as king after having a lot of self-doubt beforehand. <br />
<br />
'''2014: ''[[The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies]]'':'''<br />
:Although he is not physically present, he is mentioned by [[Thranduil]] to his son, [[Legolas]]. Thranduil tells Legolas to seek a young ranger known as "Strider" and that Legolas would have to discover Strider's true name for himself. In the continuity of the films, Aragorn would have been 27 rather than a ten-year-old child.<br />
<br />
===Television===<br />
'''1993: [[Hobitit|''Hobitit'']]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is portrayed by [[Kari Väänänen]],the same actor who played [[Gollum]] in the series.<br />
<br />
===Radio Series===<br />
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[Godfrey Kenton]].<br />
<br />
'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by [[Tom Luce]].<br />
<br />
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn was voiced by [[Robert Stephens]]. For his early scenes, according to [[John McAndrew]] (Pippin) Stephens adopted an accurate Bristol accent to help suggest the disguise Strider adopted in Bree.<br />
<br />
'''2001-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Aragorn is provided by Boris Farkaš.<br />
<br />
===Games===<br />
'''1988: ''[[J.R.R. Tolkien's War in Middle Earth]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable character. He has brown hair and is bearded, he bears a golden sword.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:[[Daran Norris]] provided the voice of Aragorn, who is one of the three playable characters.<br />
<br />
'''2002: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is one of the three playable characters, as well as narrator for most of the game. He is versatile in both melee and ranged attacks. Viggo Mortensen reprises his role from the film trilogy.<br />
<br />
'''2003: [[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' (video game)]]:'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable character, his storyline is dubbed "Path of a King". He journey through Paths of the Dead with Legolas and Gimli, later they fight on Pelennor fields and at the Black Gate. Chris Edgerly takes over for Mortensen as Aragorn's voice actor.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War of the Ring|Sierra's War of the Ring]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a Hero Unit for the Free People side. He is present in Lothlorien, Battle of Hornburg and Siege of the Minas Morgul.<br />
<br />
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a Hero Unit for the Rohan faction in skirmishes, he also accompanies the Fellowship in the storyline mode.<br />
<br />
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is now the Hero for the Men of the West faction.<br />
<br />
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''<br />
:In the Prologue, Aragorn saves Men/Hobbit characters from brigands, but is forced to leave soon, as he has to intercept Frodo in Bree. Later arriving at the Prancing Pony, the characters meet him again and help him looking in surrounding area for Hobbits, who did not arrive in time. When player returns, Aragorn and the Hobbits already departed, and their next meeting is in Rivendell, where Aragorn entrusts the player with defence of the North while the Fellowship is gone. Later, in [[Lothlórien]], Aragorn is seen residing in [[Caras Galadhon]]<br />
<br />
'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is a playable hero available in several missions.<br />
<br />
'''2011: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]]'':'''<br />
:Aragorn is an important character of the game, and is mentioned as one of the much honored heroes of the [[War of the Ring]] in the introduction of the game.<ref name="Prologue">[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Prologue''</ref><br />
:He is a friend of two of the game's main characters, [[Eradan (video game character)|Eradan]] and [[Andriel]]. Aragorn had met [[Andriel]] during his visits at [[Rivendell]],<ref name="Backstory Andriel">{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.warinthenorth.com/the-game/heroes/backstory#elfAnchor|articlename=Elven Character: Andriel's History|dated=|website=War in the North|accessed=25 December 2011}}</ref> while he had met Eradan, when he served as Ranger at Sarn Ford. Aragorn was impressed by his skills and bravery, and taught him much about tracking. Eradan was a companion of Aragorn on many of his journeys. Aragorn trusted Eradan much, though he never told him what the reason was behind the protection of [[the Shire]].<ref>{{webcite|author=|articleurl=http://www.warinthenorth.com/the-game/heroes/backstory#dunedainAnchor|articlename=Human Character: Eradan's History|dated=|website=War in the North|accessed=24 December 2011}}</ref><br />
<br />
:Eradan, Andriel and [[Farin (video game character)|Farin]] meet Aragorn in the Prancing Pony to warn him, on Halbarad's request, after the Nazgûl attacked and defeated the [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] at [[Sarn Ford]], and entered the Shire. They also tell him about an conservation between the Witch-king and [[Agandaûr]], which the three heroes overheard shortly after the attack. Agandaûr summoned the [[Orcs of the Misty Mountains]] and assembled an army in [[Fornost]], which plans to aid the Nazgûl in their search to [[the One Ring]]. Aragorn sends Eradan, Andriel and Farin to Fornost, to stop Agandaûr and his army.<ref name="Prologue"/> While Eradan, Andriel, Farin, [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]] stopped Agandaûr's army,<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Chapter 1: Fornost''</ref> Aragorn met with [[Frodo Baggins]] and left Bree.<ref>[[The Lord of the Rings: War in the North]], ''Chapter 2: The Barrow Downs'', Bree</ref><br />
<br />
'''2012: ''[[Lego|Lego The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''<br />
:A mini figure of Aragorn is included in the [[Lego#Sets|sets]] '''Attack at Weathertop''', '''The Battle of Helm's Deep''', '''The Battle at the Black gate''', and '''The Pirate ship ambush'''.<ref name="2012 sets">{{webcite|author=Calisuri|articleurl=http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/02/12/53563-more-lord-of-the-rings-lego-details-from-toy-fare-2012/|articlename=More Lord of the Rings LEGO Details from Toy Fare 2012|dated=12 February 2012|website=TORN|accessed=18 February 2012}}</ref><br />
<br />
==See also==<br />
*[[Timeline of Aragorn]]<br />
*[http://dare.ubvu.vu.nl/bitstream/1871/10975/1/Aragorn_Final.pdf "Aragorn Seen Through Different Media"] by [[Connie Veugen]], comparing the introduction of Strider in Ralph Bakshi's film, the 1981 BBC radio play, Peter Jackson's film and [[Vivendi]]'s [[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|video game]] of ''The Fellowship of the Ring.<br />
{{References|notes}}<br />
<br />
==Titles==<br />
{{seq-start}}<br />
{{seq-head<br />
| race=arnorian<br />
| house=[[House of Isildur]]<small><br/>Cadet branch of [[House of Elros]]</small><br />
| born=[[1 March]], {{TA|2931}}<br />
| died={{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prow=2<br />
| prev=[[Arathorn II]]<br />
| list=16th [[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2933}} – [[1 May]], {{TA|3019|n}}<br />
| next=Position abolished<br />
| nvac=None<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| list=39th [[Heir of Isildur|Heir]] of [[Isildur]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2933}} - [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
| next=[[Eldarion]]<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prev=[[Gandalf]]<br />
| list=Leader of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]<br />
| dates=[[15 January]] - [[22 August]], {{TA|3019}}<br />
| next=Position abolished<br />
| nvac=None<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Eärnur]]''', 969 years earlier<br />
| list=34th [[Kings of Gondor|King of Gondor]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
| next=[[Eldarion]]<br />
| nrow=4<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Eärendur (King of Arnor)|Eärendur]]''', 2,158 years earlier<br />
| list=11th [[Kings of Arnor|King of Arnor]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=Vacant<br />
| prev=Last held by:<br/>'''[[Isildur]]''', 3,017 years earlier<br />
| list=1st [[High King of the Dúnedain|High King]] of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| pvac=None<br />
| prev=New title<br />
| list=Head of the [[House of Telcontar]]<br />
| dates=[[1 May]], {{TA|3019}} – [[1 March]], {{FoA|120}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq-end}}{{councilofelrond}}{{fellowship}}{{FellowshipRoute}}{{northernline}}{{southernline}}<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Silmarillion]]<br />
[[Category:Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]<br />
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]<br />
[[Category:House of Isildur]]<br />
[[Category:House of Telcontar| ]]<br />
[[Category:Mariners]]<br />
[[Category:Rulers of Arnor]]<br />
[[Category:Rulers of Gondor]]<br />
[[Category:Sindarin names]]<br />
[[Category:Third Age characters]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Aragorn II.]]<br />
[[fi:Aragorn II]]<br />
[[fr:/encyclo/personnages/hommes/3adunedain/dunedain_du_nord/aragorn_ii]]</div>MikeyofGondorhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Th%C3%A9oden&diff=344961Théoden2022-04-09T21:55:22Z<p>MikeyofGondor: /* Equipment */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{rohirrim infobox<br />
| name=Théoden<br />
| image=[[File:Jenny Dolfen - Theoden King.jpg|250px]]<br />
| caption="Theoden King" by [[:Category:Images by Jenny Dolfen|Jenny Dolfen]]<br />
| pronun=<br />
| othernames=''Ednew'', [[Horsemaster]]<br />
| titles=[[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]]<br />
| position=<br />
| location=[[Rohan]]<br />
| affiliation=<br />
| language=[[Rohirric]], [[Westron]], [[Sindarin]]<br />
| birth={{TA|2948}}<br />
| birthlocation=[[Gondor]]<ref name="Mark"/><br />
| rule={{TA|2980}} - {{TA|3019|n}}<br />
| death=[[15 March]] {{TA|3019}}<br />
| deathlocation=[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]<br />
| age=71<br />
| notablefor=<br />
| house=[[House of Eorl]]<br />
| parentage=[[Thengel]] & [[Morwen Steelsheen|Morwen]]<br />
| siblings=[[Théodwyn]], three unnamed sisters<ref name="Mark"/><ref group="note">Under [[Thengel]] in [[Appendix A]] it states: "She bore him three children in Gondor, of whom Théoden, the second, was his only son. [...] Morwen bore him two more daughters in Rohan"</ref><br />
| spouse=[[Elfhild]]<br />
| children=[[Théodred]]<br />
| gender=Male<br />
| height=Tall<br />
| hair=Long, thick, braided white hair<ref name="Hall"/><br />
| eyes=Blue<ref name="Hall"/><br />
| clothing=<br />
| weapons=[[Herugrim]]<br />
| steed=[[Snowmane]]<br />
}}<br />
{{quote|Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day's rising<br>he rode singing in the sun, sword unsheathing.<br>Hope he rekindled, and in hope ended;<br>over death, over dread, over doom lifted<br>out of loss, out of life, unto long glory.|[[Gléowine]]'s [[Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day’s rising|poem]] in ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Many Partings]]"}}<br />
<br />
'''Théoden''' was the seventeenth [[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]], ruling for 39 years, from {{TA|2980}} until his death. He was the last of the Second Line.<ref name="Mark">{{App|Mark}}</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early life===<br />
Théoden was the only son of [[Thengel]], the heir of king [[Fengel]] of [[Rohan]], and [[Morwen of Lossarnach]], a descendant of a former prince of the fief of Belfalas.<ref name="Mark"/><ref>{{UT|Linear}}</ref> His father left Rohan when he came to manhood and lived long in Gondor. Théoden had been born in [[Gondor]] and spent at least the first five years of his life there with his mother and father until his father was called back to Rohan after the death of Théoden's grandfather, Fengel. The "speech of Gondor" was used in his father's house in Rohan.<ref name="Mark"/> As a result, Théoden probably spoke [[Westron]] and [[Rohirric]] as his native languages and he possibly spoke [[Sindarin]] as an acquired language.<br />
<br />
Théoden loved his sister [[Théodwyn]] dearly. After she and her husband both died he adopted her children [[Éomer]] and [[Éowyn]] as his own. He had a son, [[Théodred]], whose mother [[Elfhild]] died in childbirth.<ref name="Mark"/><br />
<br />
Théoden became king after the death of his father in {{TA|2980}}.<ref name="Mark"/><br />
<br />
In {{TA|3014}} Théoden's health began to fail. This was caused by the spells of [[Saruman|Saruman the White]].<ref name="Mark"/> This may also have been due to natural causes (he was sixty-six) or it may have been induced or increased by subtle poisons administered by [[Gríma]]. Gríma (or ''Wormtongue'' as most others in the [[Riddermark|Mark]] called him), was secretly in the employ of Saruman.<ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref><br />
<br />
===War of the Ring===<br />
As the war approached Théoden was increasingly misled by his chief adviser Gríma. In the last years before the War of the Ring, Théoden let his rule slip out of his hands completely, and Gríma became increasingly powerful. Rohan was troubled again by [[Orcs]] and [[Dunlendings]], who operated under the will of Saruman, ruling from [[Isengard]]. <br />
<br />
His only son, Théodred, had only recently been slain by Saruman's forces during the [[First Battle of the Fords of Isen]]. Théoden ordered Éomer against hunting Orcs that crossed Rohan but Éomer went to the foray against his orders.<Ref name=appB>{{App|Great}}</ref> On Gríma's orders Éomer had been arrested and imprisoned for this.<ref name="Hall">{{TT|III6}}</ref><br />
<br />
When [[Gandalf]] and [[Aragorn]] appeared before him on [[2 March]], the [[Wizards|Wizard]] healed the king. He then restored his nephew, who would become his heir, took up his [[Herugrim|sword]], and led the [[Rohirrim|Riders of Rohan]] to the [[Fords of Isen]], against Saruman.<Ref name=appB/> <br />
<br />
On their way, they received news that [[Second Battle of the Fords of Isen|the border was lost]] and he retreated into [[Helm's Deep]] where they were attacked by Saruman's forces on [[3 March]].<Ref name=appB/> Théoden won the [[Battle of the Hornburg]] and after this he became known as '''Théoden Ednew''', the Renewed,<ref name="Mark"/> because he had thrown off the yoke of Saruman.<br />
<br />
After the battle he visited [[Isengard]] where he witnessed as [[Gandalf]] deposed Saruman from [[Wizards|their order]]. On their way back to Rohan, they stopped by the [[Helm's Deep]], where he noticed that the lonely [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] of their company, [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] felt out of place, and offered to ride with him for the rest of the journey. The hobbit was delighted, as he felt useless among the Riders and offered Théoden his sword in service of Rohan.<ref>{{RK|V2}}</ref><br />
<br />
On [[6 March]] Théoden and the Riders left Hornburg for [[Harrowdale]] taking a safe path to Edoras, and soon after [[Aragorn]] left the Rohirrim's company for [[Dunharrow]].<Ref name=appB/> Near the outer hills of Rohan, Théoden dismissed Éomer's urge not to go to the war, and with the remaining Riders he rode to the Hold of Dunharrow where his people took shelter at [[Dunharrow]].<ref name=muster>{{RK|V3}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Fulfilling the Oath of Eorl===<br />
[[File:Paula DiSante - The Red Arrow.JPG|thumb|[[Paula DiSante]] - ''The Red Arrow'']]<br />
After reuniting with Éowyn and while resting, a [[Gondorian]] named [[Hirgon]] entered his tent, bringing the [[Red Arrow]] from [[Denethor]] II. Théoden responded to him that 6000 Riders would reach [[Minas Tirith]] in the week. Indeed they set off the next morning ([[the Dawnless Day]]); before leaving he ordered his squire, Meriadoc, to stay behind at Edoras.<ref name=muster/><br />
<br />
On their way to Minas Tirith, Théoden's forces were alerted to a host of Orcs upon the road from the city moving towards them. A leader of the [[Woses]], [[Ghân-buri-Ghân]], offered to lead the Rohirrim by secret paths through the [[Drúadan Forest]] so they could avoid the Orcs. Taking the forgotten road down [[Stonewain Valley]] the riders of Rohan were able to come to the [[Pelennor Fields]] undetected.<br />
[[File:Abe Papakhian - The Ride of the Rohirrim.jpg|thumb|left|[[Abe Papakhian]] - ''The Ride of the Rohirrim'']]<br />
To his dismay, they found Hirgon dead and understood that the Gondorians were unaware of their arrival; Minas Tirith [[Siege of Gondor|was being destroyed]]. Théoden was reinvigorated by a sudden great flash of light from the city. He ordered to charge as [[the Darkness]] was fading. He led the Rohirrim to the aid of Gondor at the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]. In that battle he challenged a chieftain of the [[Haradrim]] who led their cavalry and had a standard with a "black serpent upon scarlet", and unhorsed him and hewed down his standard-bearer. <ref>{{RK|V5}}</ref><br />
[[File:Angus McBride - Eowyn against Witch-king.gif|thumb|[[Angus McBride]] - ''Eowyn against Witch-king'']]<br />
The [[Witch-king|Lord of the Nazgûl]] attacked him, and he was mortally wounded when his horse [[Snowmane]] fell upon him after being frightened by the Ringwraith's [[Fell beasts|Fell beast]].<br />
<br />
He was immediately avenged by Éowyn and the [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]], both of whom had ridden to war in secret. He claimed to Merry at his death on the field that he was satisfied, for he had felled the Black Serpent.<ref>{{RK|V6}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Legacy==<br />
The body of Théoden the Renowned remained in the [[Hallows]] of Minas Tirith<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref> while [[Snowmane]] was buried where they fell.<br />
<br />
His nephew Éomer succeeded him as King of Rohan. In [[July]] he returned to Minas Tirith and brought Théoden's body back to [[Edoras]]. On [[10 August]], the funeral of Théoden took place. [[Gléowine]] composed a poem for him and other Kings of the line of [[Eorl]].<ref name=partings>{{RK|VI6}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Characteristics==<br />
===Appearance===<br />
Theoden was described as "being bent with age" under the influence of Grima Wormtoungue and Saruman, having a long white beard, mustache, and hair. After being freed by Gandalf, he was able to stand up to his true height, and was described as being tall, and having his strength return to him after grasping a sword from one of his men.{{fact}}<br />
<br />
===Personality===<br />
Theoden was a just leader and ruler of his people. He also expressed a keen interest in the Shire after seeing Merry and Pippin, as well as Shire pipe-weed. In times of danger, he was fearless and showed great courage, evidenced during the ''[[Battle of Helm's Deep]]'' when he would rather go down fighting than be captured. He also was capable of strong willpower, enough to resist the voice of ''[[Saruman]]'' at Isengard, despite the latter being one of the Istari. ''([[The Voice of Saruman]])''<br />
<br />
===Equipment===<br />
Theoden was an adept military leader and skilled swordsman, capable of killing many orcs and Haradrim whether on horseback, or on foot, and even slaying the leader of the Haradrim during the battle of Pelennor Fields, and leading his men in combat. His weapon was ''[[Herugrim]]'', an ancient blade that was passed down to every ruler of Rohan. ''([[The King of the Golden Hall]])''<br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
The [[Old English]] word ''[[Wiktionary:þeoden|þeoden]]'', means "lord, king", and contains the element ''þeod'' "people" (''[[éothéod]]'' "horse-people"). It is related to the Old Norse word ''þjóðann'', meaning "Leader of the People" (i.e. "King").{{fact}}<br />
<br />
In Tolkien's fictional etymology, the name ''Théoden'' is an Old English translation of the original [[Rohirric]] ''Tûrac'', an old word for King.<ref name="PM">{{PM|Languages}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Genealogy==<br />
{{familytree/start}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | FEN | | | | | | | | | | | | |FEN=[[Fengel]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2870|n}} - {{TA|2953|n}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |,|-|-|-|(| | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | DAU | | THE |y| MOR | | | | | | | | |DAU=''two daughters''<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|THE=[[Thengel]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2905|n}} - {{TA|2980|n}}''</small>|MOR=[[Morwen Steelsheen]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2922|n}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ELF |y| THE | | DAU | | THW |y| EOM | | |ELF=[[Elfhild]]<br/><small>''d. {{TA|2978|n}}''</small>|THE='''THÉODEN'''<br/><small>''{{TA|2948|n}} - {{TA|3019|n}}''†</small>|DAU=''three daughters''<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|THW=[[Théodwyn]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2963|n}} - {{TA|3002|n}}''</small>|EOM=[[Éomund]]<br/><small>''d. {{TA|3002|n}}''†</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |!| | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|(| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | THE | | LOT |y| EOM | | EOW |y| FAR |THE=[[Théodred]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2978|n}} - {{TA|3019|n}}''†</small>|LOT=[[Lothíriel]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2999|n}}''</small>|EOM=[[Éomer]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2991|n}} - {{FoA|63}}''</small>|EOW=[[Éowyn]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2995|n}}''</small>|FAR=[[Faramir]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2983|n}} - {{FoA|82}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | ELF | | | | | | ELB | | |ELF=[[Elfwine]]<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|ELB=[[Elboron]]<br/><small>''unknown''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree/end}}<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
In one of Tolkien's early drafts, Théoden also had a daughter by the name of [[Idis]], but she was eventually removed when her character was eclipsed by that of Éowyn.<br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
<center><gallery><br />
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Théoden.JPG|<center><small>[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]</center></small><br />
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Théoden.png|<center><small>[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]</center></small><br />
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers - Théoden.jpeg|<center><small>[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]</center></small><br />
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Théoden.jpg|<center><small>''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Riders of Rohan]]''</center></small><br />
</gallery></center><br />
<br />
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[Valentine Dyall]] voiced the part of Théoden.<br />
<br />
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Théoden was provided by [[Philip Stone]].<br />
<br />
'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[Erik Bauersfeld]] provided the voice of Théoden.<br />
<br />
'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''<br />
:Théoden is voiced by [[Don Messick]], though he speaks very little. His death is narrated by [[John Huston]] as Gandalf.<br />
<br />
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:Theoden played by [[Jack May]] appears much earlier in the narrative than in the book, allowing Gandalf to borrow a horse on his escape from Isengard.<br />
<br />
'''1992: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''<br />
:Théoden is played by Werner Rundshagen.<br />
<br />
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''<br />
:This film deviates from Tolkien's story by having Théoden (played by [[Bernard Hill]]) actually possessed by Saruman rather than simply deceived by Gríma. He then goes to [[Helm's Deep]] to take his people to safety rather than to make a stand against the enemy.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden at first refuses to come to the aid of Gondor saying that Gondor did not come to the aid of Rohan at the [[Battle of the Hornburg]]. His death is placed after the coming of the [[Haradrim]], and is depicted differently; he is not crushed by [[Snowmane]], but wounded by the [[Fell beasts|fell beast]]. In general, his personality is changed from a "kindly old man" to that of a callous and somewhat obstinate character, though he has several tender moments at the grave of his son and near Éowyn.<br />
<br />
'''2002-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Théoden is provided by Ladislav Chudík.<br />
<br />
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden is a hero in the Rohan faction. He is voiced by [[Phil Proctor]].<br />
<br />
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden is a hero in the Men faction. He is voiced by [[Phil Proctor]].<br />
<br />
'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden is voiced by [[Brian George]].<br />
<br />
{{references|Notes}}<br />
{{seq-start}}<br />
{{seq-head<br />
| race=rohirrim<br />
| house=[[House of Eorl]]<br />
| born={{TA|2948}}<br />
| died={{TA|3019}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prev=[[Thengel]]<br />
| list=17th [[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2980}} – {{TA|3019|n}}<br />
| next=[[Éomer]]<br />
}}<br />
{{seq-end}}<br />
{{rohankings}}<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Theoden}}<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]<br />
[[Category:Kings of Rohan]]<br />
[[Category:Old English names]]<br />
[[Category:Rohirrim]]<br />
[[Category:Third Age characters]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Théoden]]<br />
[[fi:Théoden]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/hommes_du_nord/rohirrim/theoden]]</div>MikeyofGondorhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Th%C3%A9oden&diff=344960Théoden2022-04-09T21:54:38Z<p>MikeyofGondor: /* Equipment */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{rohirrim infobox<br />
| name=Théoden<br />
| image=[[File:Jenny Dolfen - Theoden King.jpg|250px]]<br />
| caption="Theoden King" by [[:Category:Images by Jenny Dolfen|Jenny Dolfen]]<br />
| pronun=<br />
| othernames=''Ednew'', [[Horsemaster]]<br />
| titles=[[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]]<br />
| position=<br />
| location=[[Rohan]]<br />
| affiliation=<br />
| language=[[Rohirric]], [[Westron]], [[Sindarin]]<br />
| birth={{TA|2948}}<br />
| birthlocation=[[Gondor]]<ref name="Mark"/><br />
| rule={{TA|2980}} - {{TA|3019|n}}<br />
| death=[[15 March]] {{TA|3019}}<br />
| deathlocation=[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]<br />
| age=71<br />
| notablefor=<br />
| house=[[House of Eorl]]<br />
| parentage=[[Thengel]] & [[Morwen Steelsheen|Morwen]]<br />
| siblings=[[Théodwyn]], three unnamed sisters<ref name="Mark"/><ref group="note">Under [[Thengel]] in [[Appendix A]] it states: "She bore him three children in Gondor, of whom Théoden, the second, was his only son. [...] Morwen bore him two more daughters in Rohan"</ref><br />
| spouse=[[Elfhild]]<br />
| children=[[Théodred]]<br />
| gender=Male<br />
| height=Tall<br />
| hair=Long, thick, braided white hair<ref name="Hall"/><br />
| eyes=Blue<ref name="Hall"/><br />
| clothing=<br />
| weapons=[[Herugrim]]<br />
| steed=[[Snowmane]]<br />
}}<br />
{{quote|Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day's rising<br>he rode singing in the sun, sword unsheathing.<br>Hope he rekindled, and in hope ended;<br>over death, over dread, over doom lifted<br>out of loss, out of life, unto long glory.|[[Gléowine]]'s [[Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day’s rising|poem]] in ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Many Partings]]"}}<br />
<br />
'''Théoden''' was the seventeenth [[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]], ruling for 39 years, from {{TA|2980}} until his death. He was the last of the Second Line.<ref name="Mark">{{App|Mark}}</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early life===<br />
Théoden was the only son of [[Thengel]], the heir of king [[Fengel]] of [[Rohan]], and [[Morwen of Lossarnach]], a descendant of a former prince of the fief of Belfalas.<ref name="Mark"/><ref>{{UT|Linear}}</ref> His father left Rohan when he came to manhood and lived long in Gondor. Théoden had been born in [[Gondor]] and spent at least the first five years of his life there with his mother and father until his father was called back to Rohan after the death of Théoden's grandfather, Fengel. The "speech of Gondor" was used in his father's house in Rohan.<ref name="Mark"/> As a result, Théoden probably spoke [[Westron]] and [[Rohirric]] as his native languages and he possibly spoke [[Sindarin]] as an acquired language.<br />
<br />
Théoden loved his sister [[Théodwyn]] dearly. After she and her husband both died he adopted her children [[Éomer]] and [[Éowyn]] as his own. He had a son, [[Théodred]], whose mother [[Elfhild]] died in childbirth.<ref name="Mark"/><br />
<br />
Théoden became king after the death of his father in {{TA|2980}}.<ref name="Mark"/><br />
<br />
In {{TA|3014}} Théoden's health began to fail. This was caused by the spells of [[Saruman|Saruman the White]].<ref name="Mark"/> This may also have been due to natural causes (he was sixty-six) or it may have been induced or increased by subtle poisons administered by [[Gríma]]. Gríma (or ''Wormtongue'' as most others in the [[Riddermark|Mark]] called him), was secretly in the employ of Saruman.<ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref><br />
<br />
===War of the Ring===<br />
As the war approached Théoden was increasingly misled by his chief adviser Gríma. In the last years before the War of the Ring, Théoden let his rule slip out of his hands completely, and Gríma became increasingly powerful. Rohan was troubled again by [[Orcs]] and [[Dunlendings]], who operated under the will of Saruman, ruling from [[Isengard]]. <br />
<br />
His only son, Théodred, had only recently been slain by Saruman's forces during the [[First Battle of the Fords of Isen]]. Théoden ordered Éomer against hunting Orcs that crossed Rohan but Éomer went to the foray against his orders.<Ref name=appB>{{App|Great}}</ref> On Gríma's orders Éomer had been arrested and imprisoned for this.<ref name="Hall">{{TT|III6}}</ref><br />
<br />
When [[Gandalf]] and [[Aragorn]] appeared before him on [[2 March]], the [[Wizards|Wizard]] healed the king. He then restored his nephew, who would become his heir, took up his [[Herugrim|sword]], and led the [[Rohirrim|Riders of Rohan]] to the [[Fords of Isen]], against Saruman.<Ref name=appB/> <br />
<br />
On their way, they received news that [[Second Battle of the Fords of Isen|the border was lost]] and he retreated into [[Helm's Deep]] where they were attacked by Saruman's forces on [[3 March]].<Ref name=appB/> Théoden won the [[Battle of the Hornburg]] and after this he became known as '''Théoden Ednew''', the Renewed,<ref name="Mark"/> because he had thrown off the yoke of Saruman.<br />
<br />
After the battle he visited [[Isengard]] where he witnessed as [[Gandalf]] deposed Saruman from [[Wizards|their order]]. On their way back to Rohan, they stopped by the [[Helm's Deep]], where he noticed that the lonely [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] of their company, [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] felt out of place, and offered to ride with him for the rest of the journey. The hobbit was delighted, as he felt useless among the Riders and offered Théoden his sword in service of Rohan.<ref>{{RK|V2}}</ref><br />
<br />
On [[6 March]] Théoden and the Riders left Hornburg for [[Harrowdale]] taking a safe path to Edoras, and soon after [[Aragorn]] left the Rohirrim's company for [[Dunharrow]].<Ref name=appB/> Near the outer hills of Rohan, Théoden dismissed Éomer's urge not to go to the war, and with the remaining Riders he rode to the Hold of Dunharrow where his people took shelter at [[Dunharrow]].<ref name=muster>{{RK|V3}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Fulfilling the Oath of Eorl===<br />
[[File:Paula DiSante - The Red Arrow.JPG|thumb|[[Paula DiSante]] - ''The Red Arrow'']]<br />
After reuniting with Éowyn and while resting, a [[Gondorian]] named [[Hirgon]] entered his tent, bringing the [[Red Arrow]] from [[Denethor]] II. Théoden responded to him that 6000 Riders would reach [[Minas Tirith]] in the week. Indeed they set off the next morning ([[the Dawnless Day]]); before leaving he ordered his squire, Meriadoc, to stay behind at Edoras.<ref name=muster/><br />
<br />
On their way to Minas Tirith, Théoden's forces were alerted to a host of Orcs upon the road from the city moving towards them. A leader of the [[Woses]], [[Ghân-buri-Ghân]], offered to lead the Rohirrim by secret paths through the [[Drúadan Forest]] so they could avoid the Orcs. Taking the forgotten road down [[Stonewain Valley]] the riders of Rohan were able to come to the [[Pelennor Fields]] undetected.<br />
[[File:Abe Papakhian - The Ride of the Rohirrim.jpg|thumb|left|[[Abe Papakhian]] - ''The Ride of the Rohirrim'']]<br />
To his dismay, they found Hirgon dead and understood that the Gondorians were unaware of their arrival; Minas Tirith [[Siege of Gondor|was being destroyed]]. Théoden was reinvigorated by a sudden great flash of light from the city. He ordered to charge as [[the Darkness]] was fading. He led the Rohirrim to the aid of Gondor at the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]. In that battle he challenged a chieftain of the [[Haradrim]] who led their cavalry and had a standard with a "black serpent upon scarlet", and unhorsed him and hewed down his standard-bearer. <ref>{{RK|V5}}</ref><br />
[[File:Angus McBride - Eowyn against Witch-king.gif|thumb|[[Angus McBride]] - ''Eowyn against Witch-king'']]<br />
The [[Witch-king|Lord of the Nazgûl]] attacked him, and he was mortally wounded when his horse [[Snowmane]] fell upon him after being frightened by the Ringwraith's [[Fell beasts|Fell beast]].<br />
<br />
He was immediately avenged by Éowyn and the [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]], both of whom had ridden to war in secret. He claimed to Merry at his death on the field that he was satisfied, for he had felled the Black Serpent.<ref>{{RK|V6}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Legacy==<br />
The body of Théoden the Renowned remained in the [[Hallows]] of Minas Tirith<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref> while [[Snowmane]] was buried where they fell.<br />
<br />
His nephew Éomer succeeded him as King of Rohan. In [[July]] he returned to Minas Tirith and brought Théoden's body back to [[Edoras]]. On [[10 August]], the funeral of Théoden took place. [[Gléowine]] composed a poem for him and other Kings of the line of [[Eorl]].<ref name=partings>{{RK|VI6}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Characteristics==<br />
===Appearance===<br />
Theoden was described as "being bent with age" under the influence of Grima Wormtoungue and Saruman, having a long white beard, mustache, and hair. After being freed by Gandalf, he was able to stand up to his true height, and was described as being tall, and having his strength return to him after grasping a sword from one of his men.{{fact}}<br />
<br />
===Personality===<br />
Theoden was a just leader and ruler of his people. He also expressed a keen interest in the Shire after seeing Merry and Pippin, as well as Shire pipe-weed. In times of danger, he was fearless and showed great courage, evidenced during the ''[[Battle of Helm's Deep]]'' when he would rather go down fighting than be captured. He also was capable of strong willpower, enough to resist the voice of ''[[Saruman]]'' at Isengard, despite the latter being one of the Istari. ''([[The Voice of Saruman]])''<br />
<br />
===Equipment===<br />
Theoden was an adept military leader and skilled swordsman, capable of killing many orcs and Haradrim whether on horseback, or on foot, and even slaying the leader of the Haradrim during the battle of Pelennor Fields, and leading his men in combat. His weapon was ''[[Herugrim]]'', an ancient blade that was passed down to every ruler of Rohan. ''(The King of the Golden Hall)''<br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
The [[Old English]] word ''[[Wiktionary:þeoden|þeoden]]'', means "lord, king", and contains the element ''þeod'' "people" (''[[éothéod]]'' "horse-people"). It is related to the Old Norse word ''þjóðann'', meaning "Leader of the People" (i.e. "King").{{fact}}<br />
<br />
In Tolkien's fictional etymology, the name ''Théoden'' is an Old English translation of the original [[Rohirric]] ''Tûrac'', an old word for King.<ref name="PM">{{PM|Languages}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Genealogy==<br />
{{familytree/start}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | FEN | | | | | | | | | | | | |FEN=[[Fengel]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2870|n}} - {{TA|2953|n}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |,|-|-|-|(| | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | DAU | | THE |y| MOR | | | | | | | | |DAU=''two daughters''<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|THE=[[Thengel]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2905|n}} - {{TA|2980|n}}''</small>|MOR=[[Morwen Steelsheen]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2922|n}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ELF |y| THE | | DAU | | THW |y| EOM | | |ELF=[[Elfhild]]<br/><small>''d. {{TA|2978|n}}''</small>|THE='''THÉODEN'''<br/><small>''{{TA|2948|n}} - {{TA|3019|n}}''†</small>|DAU=''three daughters''<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|THW=[[Théodwyn]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2963|n}} - {{TA|3002|n}}''</small>|EOM=[[Éomund]]<br/><small>''d. {{TA|3002|n}}''†</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |!| | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|(| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | THE | | LOT |y| EOM | | EOW |y| FAR |THE=[[Théodred]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2978|n}} - {{TA|3019|n}}''†</small>|LOT=[[Lothíriel]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2999|n}}''</small>|EOM=[[Éomer]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2991|n}} - {{FoA|63}}''</small>|EOW=[[Éowyn]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2995|n}}''</small>|FAR=[[Faramir]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2983|n}} - {{FoA|82}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | ELF | | | | | | ELB | | |ELF=[[Elfwine]]<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|ELB=[[Elboron]]<br/><small>''unknown''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree/end}}<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
In one of Tolkien's early drafts, Théoden also had a daughter by the name of [[Idis]], but she was eventually removed when her character was eclipsed by that of Éowyn.<br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
<center><gallery><br />
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Théoden.JPG|<center><small>[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]</center></small><br />
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Théoden.png|<center><small>[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]</center></small><br />
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers - Théoden.jpeg|<center><small>[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]</center></small><br />
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Théoden.jpg|<center><small>''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Riders of Rohan]]''</center></small><br />
</gallery></center><br />
<br />
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[Valentine Dyall]] voiced the part of Théoden.<br />
<br />
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Théoden was provided by [[Philip Stone]].<br />
<br />
'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[Erik Bauersfeld]] provided the voice of Théoden.<br />
<br />
'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''<br />
:Théoden is voiced by [[Don Messick]], though he speaks very little. His death is narrated by [[John Huston]] as Gandalf.<br />
<br />
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:Theoden played by [[Jack May]] appears much earlier in the narrative than in the book, allowing Gandalf to borrow a horse on his escape from Isengard.<br />
<br />
'''1992: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''<br />
:Théoden is played by Werner Rundshagen.<br />
<br />
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''<br />
:This film deviates from Tolkien's story by having Théoden (played by [[Bernard Hill]]) actually possessed by Saruman rather than simply deceived by Gríma. He then goes to [[Helm's Deep]] to take his people to safety rather than to make a stand against the enemy.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden at first refuses to come to the aid of Gondor saying that Gondor did not come to the aid of Rohan at the [[Battle of the Hornburg]]. His death is placed after the coming of the [[Haradrim]], and is depicted differently; he is not crushed by [[Snowmane]], but wounded by the [[Fell beasts|fell beast]]. In general, his personality is changed from a "kindly old man" to that of a callous and somewhat obstinate character, though he has several tender moments at the grave of his son and near Éowyn.<br />
<br />
'''2002-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Théoden is provided by Ladislav Chudík.<br />
<br />
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden is a hero in the Rohan faction. He is voiced by [[Phil Proctor]].<br />
<br />
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden is a hero in the Men faction. He is voiced by [[Phil Proctor]].<br />
<br />
'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden is voiced by [[Brian George]].<br />
<br />
{{references|Notes}}<br />
{{seq-start}}<br />
{{seq-head<br />
| race=rohirrim<br />
| house=[[House of Eorl]]<br />
| born={{TA|2948}}<br />
| died={{TA|3019}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prev=[[Thengel]]<br />
| list=17th [[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2980}} – {{TA|3019|n}}<br />
| next=[[Éomer]]<br />
}}<br />
{{seq-end}}<br />
{{rohankings}}<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Theoden}}<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]<br />
[[Category:Kings of Rohan]]<br />
[[Category:Old English names]]<br />
[[Category:Rohirrim]]<br />
[[Category:Third Age characters]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Théoden]]<br />
[[fi:Théoden]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/hommes_du_nord/rohirrim/theoden]]</div>MikeyofGondorhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Th%C3%A9oden&diff=344959Théoden2022-04-09T21:51:58Z<p>MikeyofGondor: /* Personality */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{rohirrim infobox<br />
| name=Théoden<br />
| image=[[File:Jenny Dolfen - Theoden King.jpg|250px]]<br />
| caption="Theoden King" by [[:Category:Images by Jenny Dolfen|Jenny Dolfen]]<br />
| pronun=<br />
| othernames=''Ednew'', [[Horsemaster]]<br />
| titles=[[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]]<br />
| position=<br />
| location=[[Rohan]]<br />
| affiliation=<br />
| language=[[Rohirric]], [[Westron]], [[Sindarin]]<br />
| birth={{TA|2948}}<br />
| birthlocation=[[Gondor]]<ref name="Mark"/><br />
| rule={{TA|2980}} - {{TA|3019|n}}<br />
| death=[[15 March]] {{TA|3019}}<br />
| deathlocation=[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]<br />
| age=71<br />
| notablefor=<br />
| house=[[House of Eorl]]<br />
| parentage=[[Thengel]] & [[Morwen Steelsheen|Morwen]]<br />
| siblings=[[Théodwyn]], three unnamed sisters<ref name="Mark"/><ref group="note">Under [[Thengel]] in [[Appendix A]] it states: "She bore him three children in Gondor, of whom Théoden, the second, was his only son. [...] Morwen bore him two more daughters in Rohan"</ref><br />
| spouse=[[Elfhild]]<br />
| children=[[Théodred]]<br />
| gender=Male<br />
| height=Tall<br />
| hair=Long, thick, braided white hair<ref name="Hall"/><br />
| eyes=Blue<ref name="Hall"/><br />
| clothing=<br />
| weapons=[[Herugrim]]<br />
| steed=[[Snowmane]]<br />
}}<br />
{{quote|Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day's rising<br>he rode singing in the sun, sword unsheathing.<br>Hope he rekindled, and in hope ended;<br>over death, over dread, over doom lifted<br>out of loss, out of life, unto long glory.|[[Gléowine]]'s [[Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day’s rising|poem]] in ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Many Partings]]"}}<br />
<br />
'''Théoden''' was the seventeenth [[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]], ruling for 39 years, from {{TA|2980}} until his death. He was the last of the Second Line.<ref name="Mark">{{App|Mark}}</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early life===<br />
Théoden was the only son of [[Thengel]], the heir of king [[Fengel]] of [[Rohan]], and [[Morwen of Lossarnach]], a descendant of a former prince of the fief of Belfalas.<ref name="Mark"/><ref>{{UT|Linear}}</ref> His father left Rohan when he came to manhood and lived long in Gondor. Théoden had been born in [[Gondor]] and spent at least the first five years of his life there with his mother and father until his father was called back to Rohan after the death of Théoden's grandfather, Fengel. The "speech of Gondor" was used in his father's house in Rohan.<ref name="Mark"/> As a result, Théoden probably spoke [[Westron]] and [[Rohirric]] as his native languages and he possibly spoke [[Sindarin]] as an acquired language.<br />
<br />
Théoden loved his sister [[Théodwyn]] dearly. After she and her husband both died he adopted her children [[Éomer]] and [[Éowyn]] as his own. He had a son, [[Théodred]], whose mother [[Elfhild]] died in childbirth.<ref name="Mark"/><br />
<br />
Théoden became king after the death of his father in {{TA|2980}}.<ref name="Mark"/><br />
<br />
In {{TA|3014}} Théoden's health began to fail. This was caused by the spells of [[Saruman|Saruman the White]].<ref name="Mark"/> This may also have been due to natural causes (he was sixty-six) or it may have been induced or increased by subtle poisons administered by [[Gríma]]. Gríma (or ''Wormtongue'' as most others in the [[Riddermark|Mark]] called him), was secretly in the employ of Saruman.<ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref><br />
<br />
===War of the Ring===<br />
As the war approached Théoden was increasingly misled by his chief adviser Gríma. In the last years before the War of the Ring, Théoden let his rule slip out of his hands completely, and Gríma became increasingly powerful. Rohan was troubled again by [[Orcs]] and [[Dunlendings]], who operated under the will of Saruman, ruling from [[Isengard]]. <br />
<br />
His only son, Théodred, had only recently been slain by Saruman's forces during the [[First Battle of the Fords of Isen]]. Théoden ordered Éomer against hunting Orcs that crossed Rohan but Éomer went to the foray against his orders.<Ref name=appB>{{App|Great}}</ref> On Gríma's orders Éomer had been arrested and imprisoned for this.<ref name="Hall">{{TT|III6}}</ref><br />
<br />
When [[Gandalf]] and [[Aragorn]] appeared before him on [[2 March]], the [[Wizards|Wizard]] healed the king. He then restored his nephew, who would become his heir, took up his [[Herugrim|sword]], and led the [[Rohirrim|Riders of Rohan]] to the [[Fords of Isen]], against Saruman.<Ref name=appB/> <br />
<br />
On their way, they received news that [[Second Battle of the Fords of Isen|the border was lost]] and he retreated into [[Helm's Deep]] where they were attacked by Saruman's forces on [[3 March]].<Ref name=appB/> Théoden won the [[Battle of the Hornburg]] and after this he became known as '''Théoden Ednew''', the Renewed,<ref name="Mark"/> because he had thrown off the yoke of Saruman.<br />
<br />
After the battle he visited [[Isengard]] where he witnessed as [[Gandalf]] deposed Saruman from [[Wizards|their order]]. On their way back to Rohan, they stopped by the [[Helm's Deep]], where he noticed that the lonely [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] of their company, [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] felt out of place, and offered to ride with him for the rest of the journey. The hobbit was delighted, as he felt useless among the Riders and offered Théoden his sword in service of Rohan.<ref>{{RK|V2}}</ref><br />
<br />
On [[6 March]] Théoden and the Riders left Hornburg for [[Harrowdale]] taking a safe path to Edoras, and soon after [[Aragorn]] left the Rohirrim's company for [[Dunharrow]].<Ref name=appB/> Near the outer hills of Rohan, Théoden dismissed Éomer's urge not to go to the war, and with the remaining Riders he rode to the Hold of Dunharrow where his people took shelter at [[Dunharrow]].<ref name=muster>{{RK|V3}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Fulfilling the Oath of Eorl===<br />
[[File:Paula DiSante - The Red Arrow.JPG|thumb|[[Paula DiSante]] - ''The Red Arrow'']]<br />
After reuniting with Éowyn and while resting, a [[Gondorian]] named [[Hirgon]] entered his tent, bringing the [[Red Arrow]] from [[Denethor]] II. Théoden responded to him that 6000 Riders would reach [[Minas Tirith]] in the week. Indeed they set off the next morning ([[the Dawnless Day]]); before leaving he ordered his squire, Meriadoc, to stay behind at Edoras.<ref name=muster/><br />
<br />
On their way to Minas Tirith, Théoden's forces were alerted to a host of Orcs upon the road from the city moving towards them. A leader of the [[Woses]], [[Ghân-buri-Ghân]], offered to lead the Rohirrim by secret paths through the [[Drúadan Forest]] so they could avoid the Orcs. Taking the forgotten road down [[Stonewain Valley]] the riders of Rohan were able to come to the [[Pelennor Fields]] undetected.<br />
[[File:Abe Papakhian - The Ride of the Rohirrim.jpg|thumb|left|[[Abe Papakhian]] - ''The Ride of the Rohirrim'']]<br />
To his dismay, they found Hirgon dead and understood that the Gondorians were unaware of their arrival; Minas Tirith [[Siege of Gondor|was being destroyed]]. Théoden was reinvigorated by a sudden great flash of light from the city. He ordered to charge as [[the Darkness]] was fading. He led the Rohirrim to the aid of Gondor at the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]. In that battle he challenged a chieftain of the [[Haradrim]] who led their cavalry and had a standard with a "black serpent upon scarlet", and unhorsed him and hewed down his standard-bearer. <ref>{{RK|V5}}</ref><br />
[[File:Angus McBride - Eowyn against Witch-king.gif|thumb|[[Angus McBride]] - ''Eowyn against Witch-king'']]<br />
The [[Witch-king|Lord of the Nazgûl]] attacked him, and he was mortally wounded when his horse [[Snowmane]] fell upon him after being frightened by the Ringwraith's [[Fell beasts|Fell beast]].<br />
<br />
He was immediately avenged by Éowyn and the [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]], both of whom had ridden to war in secret. He claimed to Merry at his death on the field that he was satisfied, for he had felled the Black Serpent.<ref>{{RK|V6}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Legacy==<br />
The body of Théoden the Renowned remained in the [[Hallows]] of Minas Tirith<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref> while [[Snowmane]] was buried where they fell.<br />
<br />
His nephew Éomer succeeded him as King of Rohan. In [[July]] he returned to Minas Tirith and brought Théoden's body back to [[Edoras]]. On [[10 August]], the funeral of Théoden took place. [[Gléowine]] composed a poem for him and other Kings of the line of [[Eorl]].<ref name=partings>{{RK|VI6}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Characteristics==<br />
===Appearance===<br />
Theoden was described as "being bent with age" under the influence of Grima Wormtoungue and Saruman, having a long white beard, mustache, and hair. After being freed by Gandalf, he was able to stand up to his true height, and was described as being tall, and having his strength return to him after grasping a sword from one of his men.{{fact}}<br />
<br />
===Personality===<br />
Theoden was a just leader and ruler of his people. He also expressed a keen interest in the Shire after seeing Merry and Pippin, as well as Shire pipe-weed. In times of danger, he was fearless and showed great courage, evidenced during the ''[[Battle of Helm's Deep]]'' when he would rather go down fighting than be captured. He also was capable of strong willpower, enough to resist the voice of ''[[Saruman]]'' at Isengard, despite the latter being one of the Istari. ''([[The Voice of Saruman]])''<br />
<br />
===Equipment===<br />
Theoden was an adept military leader and skilled swordsman, capable of killing many orcs and Haradrim whether on horseback, or on foot, and even slaying the leader of the Haradrim during the battle of Pelennor Fields, and leading his men in combat. His weapon was Herugrim, an ancient blade that was passed down to every ruler of Rohan. {{fact}}<br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
The [[Old English]] word ''[[Wiktionary:þeoden|þeoden]]'', means "lord, king", and contains the element ''þeod'' "people" (''[[éothéod]]'' "horse-people"). It is related to the Old Norse word ''þjóðann'', meaning "Leader of the People" (i.e. "King").{{fact}}<br />
<br />
In Tolkien's fictional etymology, the name ''Théoden'' is an Old English translation of the original [[Rohirric]] ''Tûrac'', an old word for King.<ref name="PM">{{PM|Languages}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Genealogy==<br />
{{familytree/start}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | FEN | | | | | | | | | | | | |FEN=[[Fengel]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2870|n}} - {{TA|2953|n}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |,|-|-|-|(| | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | DAU | | THE |y| MOR | | | | | | | | |DAU=''two daughters''<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|THE=[[Thengel]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2905|n}} - {{TA|2980|n}}''</small>|MOR=[[Morwen Steelsheen]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2922|n}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ELF |y| THE | | DAU | | THW |y| EOM | | |ELF=[[Elfhild]]<br/><small>''d. {{TA|2978|n}}''</small>|THE='''THÉODEN'''<br/><small>''{{TA|2948|n}} - {{TA|3019|n}}''†</small>|DAU=''three daughters''<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|THW=[[Théodwyn]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2963|n}} - {{TA|3002|n}}''</small>|EOM=[[Éomund]]<br/><small>''d. {{TA|3002|n}}''†</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |!| | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|(| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | THE | | LOT |y| EOM | | EOW |y| FAR |THE=[[Théodred]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2978|n}} - {{TA|3019|n}}''†</small>|LOT=[[Lothíriel]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2999|n}}''</small>|EOM=[[Éomer]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2991|n}} - {{FoA|63}}''</small>|EOW=[[Éowyn]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2995|n}}''</small>|FAR=[[Faramir]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2983|n}} - {{FoA|82}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | ELF | | | | | | ELB | | |ELF=[[Elfwine]]<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|ELB=[[Elboron]]<br/><small>''unknown''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree/end}}<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
In one of Tolkien's early drafts, Théoden also had a daughter by the name of [[Idis]], but she was eventually removed when her character was eclipsed by that of Éowyn.<br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
<center><gallery><br />
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Théoden.JPG|<center><small>[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]</center></small><br />
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Théoden.png|<center><small>[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]</center></small><br />
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers - Théoden.jpeg|<center><small>[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]</center></small><br />
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Théoden.jpg|<center><small>''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Riders of Rohan]]''</center></small><br />
</gallery></center><br />
<br />
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[Valentine Dyall]] voiced the part of Théoden.<br />
<br />
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Théoden was provided by [[Philip Stone]].<br />
<br />
'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[Erik Bauersfeld]] provided the voice of Théoden.<br />
<br />
'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''<br />
:Théoden is voiced by [[Don Messick]], though he speaks very little. His death is narrated by [[John Huston]] as Gandalf.<br />
<br />
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:Theoden played by [[Jack May]] appears much earlier in the narrative than in the book, allowing Gandalf to borrow a horse on his escape from Isengard.<br />
<br />
'''1992: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''<br />
:Théoden is played by Werner Rundshagen.<br />
<br />
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''<br />
:This film deviates from Tolkien's story by having Théoden (played by [[Bernard Hill]]) actually possessed by Saruman rather than simply deceived by Gríma. He then goes to [[Helm's Deep]] to take his people to safety rather than to make a stand against the enemy.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden at first refuses to come to the aid of Gondor saying that Gondor did not come to the aid of Rohan at the [[Battle of the Hornburg]]. His death is placed after the coming of the [[Haradrim]], and is depicted differently; he is not crushed by [[Snowmane]], but wounded by the [[Fell beasts|fell beast]]. In general, his personality is changed from a "kindly old man" to that of a callous and somewhat obstinate character, though he has several tender moments at the grave of his son and near Éowyn.<br />
<br />
'''2002-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Théoden is provided by Ladislav Chudík.<br />
<br />
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden is a hero in the Rohan faction. He is voiced by [[Phil Proctor]].<br />
<br />
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden is a hero in the Men faction. He is voiced by [[Phil Proctor]].<br />
<br />
'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden is voiced by [[Brian George]].<br />
<br />
{{references|Notes}}<br />
{{seq-start}}<br />
{{seq-head<br />
| race=rohirrim<br />
| house=[[House of Eorl]]<br />
| born={{TA|2948}}<br />
| died={{TA|3019}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prev=[[Thengel]]<br />
| list=17th [[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2980}} – {{TA|3019|n}}<br />
| next=[[Éomer]]<br />
}}<br />
{{seq-end}}<br />
{{rohankings}}<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Theoden}}<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]<br />
[[Category:Kings of Rohan]]<br />
[[Category:Old English names]]<br />
[[Category:Rohirrim]]<br />
[[Category:Third Age characters]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Théoden]]<br />
[[fi:Théoden]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/hommes_du_nord/rohirrim/theoden]]</div>MikeyofGondorhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Th%C3%A9oden&diff=344958Théoden2022-04-09T21:50:58Z<p>MikeyofGondor: /* Personality */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{rohirrim infobox<br />
| name=Théoden<br />
| image=[[File:Jenny Dolfen - Theoden King.jpg|250px]]<br />
| caption="Theoden King" by [[:Category:Images by Jenny Dolfen|Jenny Dolfen]]<br />
| pronun=<br />
| othernames=''Ednew'', [[Horsemaster]]<br />
| titles=[[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]]<br />
| position=<br />
| location=[[Rohan]]<br />
| affiliation=<br />
| language=[[Rohirric]], [[Westron]], [[Sindarin]]<br />
| birth={{TA|2948}}<br />
| birthlocation=[[Gondor]]<ref name="Mark"/><br />
| rule={{TA|2980}} - {{TA|3019|n}}<br />
| death=[[15 March]] {{TA|3019}}<br />
| deathlocation=[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]<br />
| age=71<br />
| notablefor=<br />
| house=[[House of Eorl]]<br />
| parentage=[[Thengel]] & [[Morwen Steelsheen|Morwen]]<br />
| siblings=[[Théodwyn]], three unnamed sisters<ref name="Mark"/><ref group="note">Under [[Thengel]] in [[Appendix A]] it states: "She bore him three children in Gondor, of whom Théoden, the second, was his only son. [...] Morwen bore him two more daughters in Rohan"</ref><br />
| spouse=[[Elfhild]]<br />
| children=[[Théodred]]<br />
| gender=Male<br />
| height=Tall<br />
| hair=Long, thick, braided white hair<ref name="Hall"/><br />
| eyes=Blue<ref name="Hall"/><br />
| clothing=<br />
| weapons=[[Herugrim]]<br />
| steed=[[Snowmane]]<br />
}}<br />
{{quote|Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day's rising<br>he rode singing in the sun, sword unsheathing.<br>Hope he rekindled, and in hope ended;<br>over death, over dread, over doom lifted<br>out of loss, out of life, unto long glory.|[[Gléowine]]'s [[Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day’s rising|poem]] in ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Many Partings]]"}}<br />
<br />
'''Théoden''' was the seventeenth [[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]], ruling for 39 years, from {{TA|2980}} until his death. He was the last of the Second Line.<ref name="Mark">{{App|Mark}}</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early life===<br />
Théoden was the only son of [[Thengel]], the heir of king [[Fengel]] of [[Rohan]], and [[Morwen of Lossarnach]], a descendant of a former prince of the fief of Belfalas.<ref name="Mark"/><ref>{{UT|Linear}}</ref> His father left Rohan when he came to manhood and lived long in Gondor. Théoden had been born in [[Gondor]] and spent at least the first five years of his life there with his mother and father until his father was called back to Rohan after the death of Théoden's grandfather, Fengel. The "speech of Gondor" was used in his father's house in Rohan.<ref name="Mark"/> As a result, Théoden probably spoke [[Westron]] and [[Rohirric]] as his native languages and he possibly spoke [[Sindarin]] as an acquired language.<br />
<br />
Théoden loved his sister [[Théodwyn]] dearly. After she and her husband both died he adopted her children [[Éomer]] and [[Éowyn]] as his own. He had a son, [[Théodred]], whose mother [[Elfhild]] died in childbirth.<ref name="Mark"/><br />
<br />
Théoden became king after the death of his father in {{TA|2980}}.<ref name="Mark"/><br />
<br />
In {{TA|3014}} Théoden's health began to fail. This was caused by the spells of [[Saruman|Saruman the White]].<ref name="Mark"/> This may also have been due to natural causes (he was sixty-six) or it may have been induced or increased by subtle poisons administered by [[Gríma]]. Gríma (or ''Wormtongue'' as most others in the [[Riddermark|Mark]] called him), was secretly in the employ of Saruman.<ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref><br />
<br />
===War of the Ring===<br />
As the war approached Théoden was increasingly misled by his chief adviser Gríma. In the last years before the War of the Ring, Théoden let his rule slip out of his hands completely, and Gríma became increasingly powerful. Rohan was troubled again by [[Orcs]] and [[Dunlendings]], who operated under the will of Saruman, ruling from [[Isengard]]. <br />
<br />
His only son, Théodred, had only recently been slain by Saruman's forces during the [[First Battle of the Fords of Isen]]. Théoden ordered Éomer against hunting Orcs that crossed Rohan but Éomer went to the foray against his orders.<Ref name=appB>{{App|Great}}</ref> On Gríma's orders Éomer had been arrested and imprisoned for this.<ref name="Hall">{{TT|III6}}</ref><br />
<br />
When [[Gandalf]] and [[Aragorn]] appeared before him on [[2 March]], the [[Wizards|Wizard]] healed the king. He then restored his nephew, who would become his heir, took up his [[Herugrim|sword]], and led the [[Rohirrim|Riders of Rohan]] to the [[Fords of Isen]], against Saruman.<Ref name=appB/> <br />
<br />
On their way, they received news that [[Second Battle of the Fords of Isen|the border was lost]] and he retreated into [[Helm's Deep]] where they were attacked by Saruman's forces on [[3 March]].<Ref name=appB/> Théoden won the [[Battle of the Hornburg]] and after this he became known as '''Théoden Ednew''', the Renewed,<ref name="Mark"/> because he had thrown off the yoke of Saruman.<br />
<br />
After the battle he visited [[Isengard]] where he witnessed as [[Gandalf]] deposed Saruman from [[Wizards|their order]]. On their way back to Rohan, they stopped by the [[Helm's Deep]], where he noticed that the lonely [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] of their company, [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] felt out of place, and offered to ride with him for the rest of the journey. The hobbit was delighted, as he felt useless among the Riders and offered Théoden his sword in service of Rohan.<ref>{{RK|V2}}</ref><br />
<br />
On [[6 March]] Théoden and the Riders left Hornburg for [[Harrowdale]] taking a safe path to Edoras, and soon after [[Aragorn]] left the Rohirrim's company for [[Dunharrow]].<Ref name=appB/> Near the outer hills of Rohan, Théoden dismissed Éomer's urge not to go to the war, and with the remaining Riders he rode to the Hold of Dunharrow where his people took shelter at [[Dunharrow]].<ref name=muster>{{RK|V3}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Fulfilling the Oath of Eorl===<br />
[[File:Paula DiSante - The Red Arrow.JPG|thumb|[[Paula DiSante]] - ''The Red Arrow'']]<br />
After reuniting with Éowyn and while resting, a [[Gondorian]] named [[Hirgon]] entered his tent, bringing the [[Red Arrow]] from [[Denethor]] II. Théoden responded to him that 6000 Riders would reach [[Minas Tirith]] in the week. Indeed they set off the next morning ([[the Dawnless Day]]); before leaving he ordered his squire, Meriadoc, to stay behind at Edoras.<ref name=muster/><br />
<br />
On their way to Minas Tirith, Théoden's forces were alerted to a host of Orcs upon the road from the city moving towards them. A leader of the [[Woses]], [[Ghân-buri-Ghân]], offered to lead the Rohirrim by secret paths through the [[Drúadan Forest]] so they could avoid the Orcs. Taking the forgotten road down [[Stonewain Valley]] the riders of Rohan were able to come to the [[Pelennor Fields]] undetected.<br />
[[File:Abe Papakhian - The Ride of the Rohirrim.jpg|thumb|left|[[Abe Papakhian]] - ''The Ride of the Rohirrim'']]<br />
To his dismay, they found Hirgon dead and understood that the Gondorians were unaware of their arrival; Minas Tirith [[Siege of Gondor|was being destroyed]]. Théoden was reinvigorated by a sudden great flash of light from the city. He ordered to charge as [[the Darkness]] was fading. He led the Rohirrim to the aid of Gondor at the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]. In that battle he challenged a chieftain of the [[Haradrim]] who led their cavalry and had a standard with a "black serpent upon scarlet", and unhorsed him and hewed down his standard-bearer. <ref>{{RK|V5}}</ref><br />
[[File:Angus McBride - Eowyn against Witch-king.gif|thumb|[[Angus McBride]] - ''Eowyn against Witch-king'']]<br />
The [[Witch-king|Lord of the Nazgûl]] attacked him, and he was mortally wounded when his horse [[Snowmane]] fell upon him after being frightened by the Ringwraith's [[Fell beasts|Fell beast]].<br />
<br />
He was immediately avenged by Éowyn and the [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]], both of whom had ridden to war in secret. He claimed to Merry at his death on the field that he was satisfied, for he had felled the Black Serpent.<ref>{{RK|V6}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Legacy==<br />
The body of Théoden the Renowned remained in the [[Hallows]] of Minas Tirith<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref> while [[Snowmane]] was buried where they fell.<br />
<br />
His nephew Éomer succeeded him as King of Rohan. In [[July]] he returned to Minas Tirith and brought Théoden's body back to [[Edoras]]. On [[10 August]], the funeral of Théoden took place. [[Gléowine]] composed a poem for him and other Kings of the line of [[Eorl]].<ref name=partings>{{RK|VI6}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Characteristics==<br />
===Appearance===<br />
Theoden was described as "being bent with age" under the influence of Grima Wormtoungue and Saruman, having a long white beard, mustache, and hair. After being freed by Gandalf, he was able to stand up to his true height, and was described as being tall, and having his strength return to him after grasping a sword from one of his men.{{fact}}<br />
<br />
===Personality===<br />
Theoden was a just leader and ruler of his people. He also expressed a keen interest in the Shire after seeing Merry and Pippin, as well as Shire pipe-weed. In times of danger, he was fearless and showed great courage, evidenced during the ''[[Battle of Helm's Deep]]'' when he would rather go down fighting than be captured. He also was capable of strong willpower, enough to resist the voice of ''[[Saruman]]'' at Isengard, despite the latter being one of the Istari. ''[[The Voice of Saruman]]''<br />
<br />
===Equipment===<br />
Theoden was an adept military leader and skilled swordsman, capable of killing many orcs and Haradrim whether on horseback, or on foot, and even slaying the leader of the Haradrim during the battle of Pelennor Fields, and leading his men in combat. His weapon was Herugrim, an ancient blade that was passed down to every ruler of Rohan. {{fact}}<br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
The [[Old English]] word ''[[Wiktionary:þeoden|þeoden]]'', means "lord, king", and contains the element ''þeod'' "people" (''[[éothéod]]'' "horse-people"). It is related to the Old Norse word ''þjóðann'', meaning "Leader of the People" (i.e. "King").{{fact}}<br />
<br />
In Tolkien's fictional etymology, the name ''Théoden'' is an Old English translation of the original [[Rohirric]] ''Tûrac'', an old word for King.<ref name="PM">{{PM|Languages}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Genealogy==<br />
{{familytree/start}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | FEN | | | | | | | | | | | | |FEN=[[Fengel]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2870|n}} - {{TA|2953|n}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |,|-|-|-|(| | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | DAU | | THE |y| MOR | | | | | | | | |DAU=''two daughters''<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|THE=[[Thengel]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2905|n}} - {{TA|2980|n}}''</small>|MOR=[[Morwen Steelsheen]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2922|n}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ELF |y| THE | | DAU | | THW |y| EOM | | |ELF=[[Elfhild]]<br/><small>''d. {{TA|2978|n}}''</small>|THE='''THÉODEN'''<br/><small>''{{TA|2948|n}} - {{TA|3019|n}}''†</small>|DAU=''three daughters''<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|THW=[[Théodwyn]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2963|n}} - {{TA|3002|n}}''</small>|EOM=[[Éomund]]<br/><small>''d. {{TA|3002|n}}''†</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |!| | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|(| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | THE | | LOT |y| EOM | | EOW |y| FAR |THE=[[Théodred]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2978|n}} - {{TA|3019|n}}''†</small>|LOT=[[Lothíriel]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2999|n}}''</small>|EOM=[[Éomer]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2991|n}} - {{FoA|63}}''</small>|EOW=[[Éowyn]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2995|n}}''</small>|FAR=[[Faramir]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2983|n}} - {{FoA|82}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | ELF | | | | | | ELB | | |ELF=[[Elfwine]]<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|ELB=[[Elboron]]<br/><small>''unknown''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree/end}}<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
In one of Tolkien's early drafts, Théoden also had a daughter by the name of [[Idis]], but she was eventually removed when her character was eclipsed by that of Éowyn.<br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
<center><gallery><br />
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Théoden.JPG|<center><small>[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]</center></small><br />
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Théoden.png|<center><small>[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]</center></small><br />
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers - Théoden.jpeg|<center><small>[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]</center></small><br />
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Théoden.jpg|<center><small>''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Riders of Rohan]]''</center></small><br />
</gallery></center><br />
<br />
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[Valentine Dyall]] voiced the part of Théoden.<br />
<br />
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Théoden was provided by [[Philip Stone]].<br />
<br />
'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[Erik Bauersfeld]] provided the voice of Théoden.<br />
<br />
'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''<br />
:Théoden is voiced by [[Don Messick]], though he speaks very little. His death is narrated by [[John Huston]] as Gandalf.<br />
<br />
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:Theoden played by [[Jack May]] appears much earlier in the narrative than in the book, allowing Gandalf to borrow a horse on his escape from Isengard.<br />
<br />
'''1992: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''<br />
:Théoden is played by Werner Rundshagen.<br />
<br />
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''<br />
:This film deviates from Tolkien's story by having Théoden (played by [[Bernard Hill]]) actually possessed by Saruman rather than simply deceived by Gríma. He then goes to [[Helm's Deep]] to take his people to safety rather than to make a stand against the enemy.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden at first refuses to come to the aid of Gondor saying that Gondor did not come to the aid of Rohan at the [[Battle of the Hornburg]]. His death is placed after the coming of the [[Haradrim]], and is depicted differently; he is not crushed by [[Snowmane]], but wounded by the [[Fell beasts|fell beast]]. In general, his personality is changed from a "kindly old man" to that of a callous and somewhat obstinate character, though he has several tender moments at the grave of his son and near Éowyn.<br />
<br />
'''2002-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Théoden is provided by Ladislav Chudík.<br />
<br />
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden is a hero in the Rohan faction. He is voiced by [[Phil Proctor]].<br />
<br />
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden is a hero in the Men faction. He is voiced by [[Phil Proctor]].<br />
<br />
'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden is voiced by [[Brian George]].<br />
<br />
{{references|Notes}}<br />
{{seq-start}}<br />
{{seq-head<br />
| race=rohirrim<br />
| house=[[House of Eorl]]<br />
| born={{TA|2948}}<br />
| died={{TA|3019}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prev=[[Thengel]]<br />
| list=17th [[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2980}} – {{TA|3019|n}}<br />
| next=[[Éomer]]<br />
}}<br />
{{seq-end}}<br />
{{rohankings}}<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Theoden}}<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]<br />
[[Category:Kings of Rohan]]<br />
[[Category:Old English names]]<br />
[[Category:Rohirrim]]<br />
[[Category:Third Age characters]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Théoden]]<br />
[[fi:Théoden]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/hommes_du_nord/rohirrim/theoden]]</div>MikeyofGondorhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Th%C3%A9oden&diff=344957Théoden2022-04-09T21:50:10Z<p>MikeyofGondor: /* Personality */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{rohirrim infobox<br />
| name=Théoden<br />
| image=[[File:Jenny Dolfen - Theoden King.jpg|250px]]<br />
| caption="Theoden King" by [[:Category:Images by Jenny Dolfen|Jenny Dolfen]]<br />
| pronun=<br />
| othernames=''Ednew'', [[Horsemaster]]<br />
| titles=[[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]]<br />
| position=<br />
| location=[[Rohan]]<br />
| affiliation=<br />
| language=[[Rohirric]], [[Westron]], [[Sindarin]]<br />
| birth={{TA|2948}}<br />
| birthlocation=[[Gondor]]<ref name="Mark"/><br />
| rule={{TA|2980}} - {{TA|3019|n}}<br />
| death=[[15 March]] {{TA|3019}}<br />
| deathlocation=[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]<br />
| age=71<br />
| notablefor=<br />
| house=[[House of Eorl]]<br />
| parentage=[[Thengel]] & [[Morwen Steelsheen|Morwen]]<br />
| siblings=[[Théodwyn]], three unnamed sisters<ref name="Mark"/><ref group="note">Under [[Thengel]] in [[Appendix A]] it states: "She bore him three children in Gondor, of whom Théoden, the second, was his only son. [...] Morwen bore him two more daughters in Rohan"</ref><br />
| spouse=[[Elfhild]]<br />
| children=[[Théodred]]<br />
| gender=Male<br />
| height=Tall<br />
| hair=Long, thick, braided white hair<ref name="Hall"/><br />
| eyes=Blue<ref name="Hall"/><br />
| clothing=<br />
| weapons=[[Herugrim]]<br />
| steed=[[Snowmane]]<br />
}}<br />
{{quote|Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day's rising<br>he rode singing in the sun, sword unsheathing.<br>Hope he rekindled, and in hope ended;<br>over death, over dread, over doom lifted<br>out of loss, out of life, unto long glory.|[[Gléowine]]'s [[Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day’s rising|poem]] in ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Many Partings]]"}}<br />
<br />
'''Théoden''' was the seventeenth [[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]], ruling for 39 years, from {{TA|2980}} until his death. He was the last of the Second Line.<ref name="Mark">{{App|Mark}}</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early life===<br />
Théoden was the only son of [[Thengel]], the heir of king [[Fengel]] of [[Rohan]], and [[Morwen of Lossarnach]], a descendant of a former prince of the fief of Belfalas.<ref name="Mark"/><ref>{{UT|Linear}}</ref> His father left Rohan when he came to manhood and lived long in Gondor. Théoden had been born in [[Gondor]] and spent at least the first five years of his life there with his mother and father until his father was called back to Rohan after the death of Théoden's grandfather, Fengel. The "speech of Gondor" was used in his father's house in Rohan.<ref name="Mark"/> As a result, Théoden probably spoke [[Westron]] and [[Rohirric]] as his native languages and he possibly spoke [[Sindarin]] as an acquired language.<br />
<br />
Théoden loved his sister [[Théodwyn]] dearly. After she and her husband both died he adopted her children [[Éomer]] and [[Éowyn]] as his own. He had a son, [[Théodred]], whose mother [[Elfhild]] died in childbirth.<ref name="Mark"/><br />
<br />
Théoden became king after the death of his father in {{TA|2980}}.<ref name="Mark"/><br />
<br />
In {{TA|3014}} Théoden's health began to fail. This was caused by the spells of [[Saruman|Saruman the White]].<ref name="Mark"/> This may also have been due to natural causes (he was sixty-six) or it may have been induced or increased by subtle poisons administered by [[Gríma]]. Gríma (or ''Wormtongue'' as most others in the [[Riddermark|Mark]] called him), was secretly in the employ of Saruman.<ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref><br />
<br />
===War of the Ring===<br />
As the war approached Théoden was increasingly misled by his chief adviser Gríma. In the last years before the War of the Ring, Théoden let his rule slip out of his hands completely, and Gríma became increasingly powerful. Rohan was troubled again by [[Orcs]] and [[Dunlendings]], who operated under the will of Saruman, ruling from [[Isengard]]. <br />
<br />
His only son, Théodred, had only recently been slain by Saruman's forces during the [[First Battle of the Fords of Isen]]. Théoden ordered Éomer against hunting Orcs that crossed Rohan but Éomer went to the foray against his orders.<Ref name=appB>{{App|Great}}</ref> On Gríma's orders Éomer had been arrested and imprisoned for this.<ref name="Hall">{{TT|III6}}</ref><br />
<br />
When [[Gandalf]] and [[Aragorn]] appeared before him on [[2 March]], the [[Wizards|Wizard]] healed the king. He then restored his nephew, who would become his heir, took up his [[Herugrim|sword]], and led the [[Rohirrim|Riders of Rohan]] to the [[Fords of Isen]], against Saruman.<Ref name=appB/> <br />
<br />
On their way, they received news that [[Second Battle of the Fords of Isen|the border was lost]] and he retreated into [[Helm's Deep]] where they were attacked by Saruman's forces on [[3 March]].<Ref name=appB/> Théoden won the [[Battle of the Hornburg]] and after this he became known as '''Théoden Ednew''', the Renewed,<ref name="Mark"/> because he had thrown off the yoke of Saruman.<br />
<br />
After the battle he visited [[Isengard]] where he witnessed as [[Gandalf]] deposed Saruman from [[Wizards|their order]]. On their way back to Rohan, they stopped by the [[Helm's Deep]], where he noticed that the lonely [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] of their company, [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] felt out of place, and offered to ride with him for the rest of the journey. The hobbit was delighted, as he felt useless among the Riders and offered Théoden his sword in service of Rohan.<ref>{{RK|V2}}</ref><br />
<br />
On [[6 March]] Théoden and the Riders left Hornburg for [[Harrowdale]] taking a safe path to Edoras, and soon after [[Aragorn]] left the Rohirrim's company for [[Dunharrow]].<Ref name=appB/> Near the outer hills of Rohan, Théoden dismissed Éomer's urge not to go to the war, and with the remaining Riders he rode to the Hold of Dunharrow where his people took shelter at [[Dunharrow]].<ref name=muster>{{RK|V3}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Fulfilling the Oath of Eorl===<br />
[[File:Paula DiSante - The Red Arrow.JPG|thumb|[[Paula DiSante]] - ''The Red Arrow'']]<br />
After reuniting with Éowyn and while resting, a [[Gondorian]] named [[Hirgon]] entered his tent, bringing the [[Red Arrow]] from [[Denethor]] II. Théoden responded to him that 6000 Riders would reach [[Minas Tirith]] in the week. Indeed they set off the next morning ([[the Dawnless Day]]); before leaving he ordered his squire, Meriadoc, to stay behind at Edoras.<ref name=muster/><br />
<br />
On their way to Minas Tirith, Théoden's forces were alerted to a host of Orcs upon the road from the city moving towards them. A leader of the [[Woses]], [[Ghân-buri-Ghân]], offered to lead the Rohirrim by secret paths through the [[Drúadan Forest]] so they could avoid the Orcs. Taking the forgotten road down [[Stonewain Valley]] the riders of Rohan were able to come to the [[Pelennor Fields]] undetected.<br />
[[File:Abe Papakhian - The Ride of the Rohirrim.jpg|thumb|left|[[Abe Papakhian]] - ''The Ride of the Rohirrim'']]<br />
To his dismay, they found Hirgon dead and understood that the Gondorians were unaware of their arrival; Minas Tirith [[Siege of Gondor|was being destroyed]]. Théoden was reinvigorated by a sudden great flash of light from the city. He ordered to charge as [[the Darkness]] was fading. He led the Rohirrim to the aid of Gondor at the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]. In that battle he challenged a chieftain of the [[Haradrim]] who led their cavalry and had a standard with a "black serpent upon scarlet", and unhorsed him and hewed down his standard-bearer. <ref>{{RK|V5}}</ref><br />
[[File:Angus McBride - Eowyn against Witch-king.gif|thumb|[[Angus McBride]] - ''Eowyn against Witch-king'']]<br />
The [[Witch-king|Lord of the Nazgûl]] attacked him, and he was mortally wounded when his horse [[Snowmane]] fell upon him after being frightened by the Ringwraith's [[Fell beasts|Fell beast]].<br />
<br />
He was immediately avenged by Éowyn and the [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]], both of whom had ridden to war in secret. He claimed to Merry at his death on the field that he was satisfied, for he had felled the Black Serpent.<ref>{{RK|V6}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Legacy==<br />
The body of Théoden the Renowned remained in the [[Hallows]] of Minas Tirith<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref> while [[Snowmane]] was buried where they fell.<br />
<br />
His nephew Éomer succeeded him as King of Rohan. In [[July]] he returned to Minas Tirith and brought Théoden's body back to [[Edoras]]. On [[10 August]], the funeral of Théoden took place. [[Gléowine]] composed a poem for him and other Kings of the line of [[Eorl]].<ref name=partings>{{RK|VI6}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Characteristics==<br />
===Appearance===<br />
Theoden was described as "being bent with age" under the influence of Grima Wormtoungue and Saruman, having a long white beard, mustache, and hair. After being freed by Gandalf, he was able to stand up to his true height, and was described as being tall, and having his strength return to him after grasping a sword from one of his men.{{fact}}<br />
<br />
===Personality===<br />
Theoden was a just leader and ruler of his people. He also expressed a keen interest in the Shire after seeing Merry and Pippin, as well as Shire pipe-weed. In times of danger, he was fearless and showed great courage, evidenced during the ''[[Battle of Helm's Deep]]'' when he would rather go down fighting than be captured. He also was capable of strong willpower, enough to resist the voice of ''[[Saruman]]'' at Isengard, despite the latter being one of the Istari. {{The Voice of Saruman}}<br />
<br />
===Equipment===<br />
Theoden was an adept military leader and skilled swordsman, capable of killing many orcs and Haradrim whether on horseback, or on foot, and even slaying the leader of the Haradrim during the battle of Pelennor Fields, and leading his men in combat. His weapon was Herugrim, an ancient blade that was passed down to every ruler of Rohan. {{fact}}<br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
The [[Old English]] word ''[[Wiktionary:þeoden|þeoden]]'', means "lord, king", and contains the element ''þeod'' "people" (''[[éothéod]]'' "horse-people"). It is related to the Old Norse word ''þjóðann'', meaning "Leader of the People" (i.e. "King").{{fact}}<br />
<br />
In Tolkien's fictional etymology, the name ''Théoden'' is an Old English translation of the original [[Rohirric]] ''Tûrac'', an old word for King.<ref name="PM">{{PM|Languages}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Genealogy==<br />
{{familytree/start}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | FEN | | | | | | | | | | | | |FEN=[[Fengel]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2870|n}} - {{TA|2953|n}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |,|-|-|-|(| | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | DAU | | THE |y| MOR | | | | | | | | |DAU=''two daughters''<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|THE=[[Thengel]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2905|n}} - {{TA|2980|n}}''</small>|MOR=[[Morwen Steelsheen]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2922|n}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ELF |y| THE | | DAU | | THW |y| EOM | | |ELF=[[Elfhild]]<br/><small>''d. {{TA|2978|n}}''</small>|THE='''THÉODEN'''<br/><small>''{{TA|2948|n}} - {{TA|3019|n}}''†</small>|DAU=''three daughters''<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|THW=[[Théodwyn]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2963|n}} - {{TA|3002|n}}''</small>|EOM=[[Éomund]]<br/><small>''d. {{TA|3002|n}}''†</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |!| | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|(| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | THE | | LOT |y| EOM | | EOW |y| FAR |THE=[[Théodred]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2978|n}} - {{TA|3019|n}}''†</small>|LOT=[[Lothíriel]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2999|n}}''</small>|EOM=[[Éomer]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2991|n}} - {{FoA|63}}''</small>|EOW=[[Éowyn]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2995|n}}''</small>|FAR=[[Faramir]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2983|n}} - {{FoA|82}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | ELF | | | | | | ELB | | |ELF=[[Elfwine]]<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|ELB=[[Elboron]]<br/><small>''unknown''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree/end}}<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
In one of Tolkien's early drafts, Théoden also had a daughter by the name of [[Idis]], but she was eventually removed when her character was eclipsed by that of Éowyn.<br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
<center><gallery><br />
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Théoden.JPG|<center><small>[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]</center></small><br />
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Théoden.png|<center><small>[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]</center></small><br />
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers - Théoden.jpeg|<center><small>[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]</center></small><br />
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Théoden.jpg|<center><small>''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Riders of Rohan]]''</center></small><br />
</gallery></center><br />
<br />
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[Valentine Dyall]] voiced the part of Théoden.<br />
<br />
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Théoden was provided by [[Philip Stone]].<br />
<br />
'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[Erik Bauersfeld]] provided the voice of Théoden.<br />
<br />
'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''<br />
:Théoden is voiced by [[Don Messick]], though he speaks very little. His death is narrated by [[John Huston]] as Gandalf.<br />
<br />
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:Theoden played by [[Jack May]] appears much earlier in the narrative than in the book, allowing Gandalf to borrow a horse on his escape from Isengard.<br />
<br />
'''1992: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''<br />
:Théoden is played by Werner Rundshagen.<br />
<br />
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''<br />
:This film deviates from Tolkien's story by having Théoden (played by [[Bernard Hill]]) actually possessed by Saruman rather than simply deceived by Gríma. He then goes to [[Helm's Deep]] to take his people to safety rather than to make a stand against the enemy.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden at first refuses to come to the aid of Gondor saying that Gondor did not come to the aid of Rohan at the [[Battle of the Hornburg]]. His death is placed after the coming of the [[Haradrim]], and is depicted differently; he is not crushed by [[Snowmane]], but wounded by the [[Fell beasts|fell beast]]. In general, his personality is changed from a "kindly old man" to that of a callous and somewhat obstinate character, though he has several tender moments at the grave of his son and near Éowyn.<br />
<br />
'''2002-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Théoden is provided by Ladislav Chudík.<br />
<br />
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden is a hero in the Rohan faction. He is voiced by [[Phil Proctor]].<br />
<br />
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden is a hero in the Men faction. He is voiced by [[Phil Proctor]].<br />
<br />
'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden is voiced by [[Brian George]].<br />
<br />
{{references|Notes}}<br />
{{seq-start}}<br />
{{seq-head<br />
| race=rohirrim<br />
| house=[[House of Eorl]]<br />
| born={{TA|2948}}<br />
| died={{TA|3019}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prev=[[Thengel]]<br />
| list=17th [[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2980}} – {{TA|3019|n}}<br />
| next=[[Éomer]]<br />
}}<br />
{{seq-end}}<br />
{{rohankings}}<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Theoden}}<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]<br />
[[Category:Kings of Rohan]]<br />
[[Category:Old English names]]<br />
[[Category:Rohirrim]]<br />
[[Category:Third Age characters]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Théoden]]<br />
[[fi:Théoden]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/hommes_du_nord/rohirrim/theoden]]</div>MikeyofGondorhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Th%C3%A9oden&diff=344956Théoden2022-04-09T21:49:05Z<p>MikeyofGondor: /* Personality */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{rohirrim infobox<br />
| name=Théoden<br />
| image=[[File:Jenny Dolfen - Theoden King.jpg|250px]]<br />
| caption="Theoden King" by [[:Category:Images by Jenny Dolfen|Jenny Dolfen]]<br />
| pronun=<br />
| othernames=''Ednew'', [[Horsemaster]]<br />
| titles=[[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]]<br />
| position=<br />
| location=[[Rohan]]<br />
| affiliation=<br />
| language=[[Rohirric]], [[Westron]], [[Sindarin]]<br />
| birth={{TA|2948}}<br />
| birthlocation=[[Gondor]]<ref name="Mark"/><br />
| rule={{TA|2980}} - {{TA|3019|n}}<br />
| death=[[15 March]] {{TA|3019}}<br />
| deathlocation=[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]<br />
| age=71<br />
| notablefor=<br />
| house=[[House of Eorl]]<br />
| parentage=[[Thengel]] & [[Morwen Steelsheen|Morwen]]<br />
| siblings=[[Théodwyn]], three unnamed sisters<ref name="Mark"/><ref group="note">Under [[Thengel]] in [[Appendix A]] it states: "She bore him three children in Gondor, of whom Théoden, the second, was his only son. [...] Morwen bore him two more daughters in Rohan"</ref><br />
| spouse=[[Elfhild]]<br />
| children=[[Théodred]]<br />
| gender=Male<br />
| height=Tall<br />
| hair=Long, thick, braided white hair<ref name="Hall"/><br />
| eyes=Blue<ref name="Hall"/><br />
| clothing=<br />
| weapons=[[Herugrim]]<br />
| steed=[[Snowmane]]<br />
}}<br />
{{quote|Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day's rising<br>he rode singing in the sun, sword unsheathing.<br>Hope he rekindled, and in hope ended;<br>over death, over dread, over doom lifted<br>out of loss, out of life, unto long glory.|[[Gléowine]]'s [[Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day’s rising|poem]] in ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Many Partings]]"}}<br />
<br />
'''Théoden''' was the seventeenth [[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]], ruling for 39 years, from {{TA|2980}} until his death. He was the last of the Second Line.<ref name="Mark">{{App|Mark}}</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early life===<br />
Théoden was the only son of [[Thengel]], the heir of king [[Fengel]] of [[Rohan]], and [[Morwen of Lossarnach]], a descendant of a former prince of the fief of Belfalas.<ref name="Mark"/><ref>{{UT|Linear}}</ref> His father left Rohan when he came to manhood and lived long in Gondor. Théoden had been born in [[Gondor]] and spent at least the first five years of his life there with his mother and father until his father was called back to Rohan after the death of Théoden's grandfather, Fengel. The "speech of Gondor" was used in his father's house in Rohan.<ref name="Mark"/> As a result, Théoden probably spoke [[Westron]] and [[Rohirric]] as his native languages and he possibly spoke [[Sindarin]] as an acquired language.<br />
<br />
Théoden loved his sister [[Théodwyn]] dearly. After she and her husband both died he adopted her children [[Éomer]] and [[Éowyn]] as his own. He had a son, [[Théodred]], whose mother [[Elfhild]] died in childbirth.<ref name="Mark"/><br />
<br />
Théoden became king after the death of his father in {{TA|2980}}.<ref name="Mark"/><br />
<br />
In {{TA|3014}} Théoden's health began to fail. This was caused by the spells of [[Saruman|Saruman the White]].<ref name="Mark"/> This may also have been due to natural causes (he was sixty-six) or it may have been induced or increased by subtle poisons administered by [[Gríma]]. Gríma (or ''Wormtongue'' as most others in the [[Riddermark|Mark]] called him), was secretly in the employ of Saruman.<ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref><br />
<br />
===War of the Ring===<br />
As the war approached Théoden was increasingly misled by his chief adviser Gríma. In the last years before the War of the Ring, Théoden let his rule slip out of his hands completely, and Gríma became increasingly powerful. Rohan was troubled again by [[Orcs]] and [[Dunlendings]], who operated under the will of Saruman, ruling from [[Isengard]]. <br />
<br />
His only son, Théodred, had only recently been slain by Saruman's forces during the [[First Battle of the Fords of Isen]]. Théoden ordered Éomer against hunting Orcs that crossed Rohan but Éomer went to the foray against his orders.<Ref name=appB>{{App|Great}}</ref> On Gríma's orders Éomer had been arrested and imprisoned for this.<ref name="Hall">{{TT|III6}}</ref><br />
<br />
When [[Gandalf]] and [[Aragorn]] appeared before him on [[2 March]], the [[Wizards|Wizard]] healed the king. He then restored his nephew, who would become his heir, took up his [[Herugrim|sword]], and led the [[Rohirrim|Riders of Rohan]] to the [[Fords of Isen]], against Saruman.<Ref name=appB/> <br />
<br />
On their way, they received news that [[Second Battle of the Fords of Isen|the border was lost]] and he retreated into [[Helm's Deep]] where they were attacked by Saruman's forces on [[3 March]].<Ref name=appB/> Théoden won the [[Battle of the Hornburg]] and after this he became known as '''Théoden Ednew''', the Renewed,<ref name="Mark"/> because he had thrown off the yoke of Saruman.<br />
<br />
After the battle he visited [[Isengard]] where he witnessed as [[Gandalf]] deposed Saruman from [[Wizards|their order]]. On their way back to Rohan, they stopped by the [[Helm's Deep]], where he noticed that the lonely [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] of their company, [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] felt out of place, and offered to ride with him for the rest of the journey. The hobbit was delighted, as he felt useless among the Riders and offered Théoden his sword in service of Rohan.<ref>{{RK|V2}}</ref><br />
<br />
On [[6 March]] Théoden and the Riders left Hornburg for [[Harrowdale]] taking a safe path to Edoras, and soon after [[Aragorn]] left the Rohirrim's company for [[Dunharrow]].<Ref name=appB/> Near the outer hills of Rohan, Théoden dismissed Éomer's urge not to go to the war, and with the remaining Riders he rode to the Hold of Dunharrow where his people took shelter at [[Dunharrow]].<ref name=muster>{{RK|V3}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Fulfilling the Oath of Eorl===<br />
[[File:Paula DiSante - The Red Arrow.JPG|thumb|[[Paula DiSante]] - ''The Red Arrow'']]<br />
After reuniting with Éowyn and while resting, a [[Gondorian]] named [[Hirgon]] entered his tent, bringing the [[Red Arrow]] from [[Denethor]] II. Théoden responded to him that 6000 Riders would reach [[Minas Tirith]] in the week. Indeed they set off the next morning ([[the Dawnless Day]]); before leaving he ordered his squire, Meriadoc, to stay behind at Edoras.<ref name=muster/><br />
<br />
On their way to Minas Tirith, Théoden's forces were alerted to a host of Orcs upon the road from the city moving towards them. A leader of the [[Woses]], [[Ghân-buri-Ghân]], offered to lead the Rohirrim by secret paths through the [[Drúadan Forest]] so they could avoid the Orcs. Taking the forgotten road down [[Stonewain Valley]] the riders of Rohan were able to come to the [[Pelennor Fields]] undetected.<br />
[[File:Abe Papakhian - The Ride of the Rohirrim.jpg|thumb|left|[[Abe Papakhian]] - ''The Ride of the Rohirrim'']]<br />
To his dismay, they found Hirgon dead and understood that the Gondorians were unaware of their arrival; Minas Tirith [[Siege of Gondor|was being destroyed]]. Théoden was reinvigorated by a sudden great flash of light from the city. He ordered to charge as [[the Darkness]] was fading. He led the Rohirrim to the aid of Gondor at the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]. In that battle he challenged a chieftain of the [[Haradrim]] who led their cavalry and had a standard with a "black serpent upon scarlet", and unhorsed him and hewed down his standard-bearer. <ref>{{RK|V5}}</ref><br />
[[File:Angus McBride - Eowyn against Witch-king.gif|thumb|[[Angus McBride]] - ''Eowyn against Witch-king'']]<br />
The [[Witch-king|Lord of the Nazgûl]] attacked him, and he was mortally wounded when his horse [[Snowmane]] fell upon him after being frightened by the Ringwraith's [[Fell beasts|Fell beast]].<br />
<br />
He was immediately avenged by Éowyn and the [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]], both of whom had ridden to war in secret. He claimed to Merry at his death on the field that he was satisfied, for he had felled the Black Serpent.<ref>{{RK|V6}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Legacy==<br />
The body of Théoden the Renowned remained in the [[Hallows]] of Minas Tirith<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref> while [[Snowmane]] was buried where they fell.<br />
<br />
His nephew Éomer succeeded him as King of Rohan. In [[July]] he returned to Minas Tirith and brought Théoden's body back to [[Edoras]]. On [[10 August]], the funeral of Théoden took place. [[Gléowine]] composed a poem for him and other Kings of the line of [[Eorl]].<ref name=partings>{{RK|VI6}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Characteristics==<br />
===Appearance===<br />
Theoden was described as "being bent with age" under the influence of Grima Wormtoungue and Saruman, having a long white beard, mustache, and hair. After being freed by Gandalf, he was able to stand up to his true height, and was described as being tall, and having his strength return to him after grasping a sword from one of his men.{{fact}}<br />
<br />
===Personality===<br />
Theoden was a just leader and ruler of his people. He also expressed a keen interest in the Shire after seeing Merry and Pippin, as well as Shire pipe-weed. In times of danger, he was fearless and showed great courage, evidenced during the ''[[Battle of Helm's Deep]]'' when he would rather go down fighting than be captured. He also was capable of strong willpower, enough to resist the voice of ''[[Saruman]]'' at Isengard, despite the latter being one of the Istari.''[[The Voice of Saruman]]''<br />
<br />
===Equipment===<br />
Theoden was an adept military leader and skilled swordsman, capable of killing many orcs and Haradrim whether on horseback, or on foot, and even slaying the leader of the Haradrim during the battle of Pelennor Fields, and leading his men in combat. His weapon was Herugrim, an ancient blade that was passed down to every ruler of Rohan. {{fact}}<br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
The [[Old English]] word ''[[Wiktionary:þeoden|þeoden]]'', means "lord, king", and contains the element ''þeod'' "people" (''[[éothéod]]'' "horse-people"). It is related to the Old Norse word ''þjóðann'', meaning "Leader of the People" (i.e. "King").{{fact}}<br />
<br />
In Tolkien's fictional etymology, the name ''Théoden'' is an Old English translation of the original [[Rohirric]] ''Tûrac'', an old word for King.<ref name="PM">{{PM|Languages}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Genealogy==<br />
{{familytree/start}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | FEN | | | | | | | | | | | | |FEN=[[Fengel]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2870|n}} - {{TA|2953|n}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |,|-|-|-|(| | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | DAU | | THE |y| MOR | | | | | | | | |DAU=''two daughters''<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|THE=[[Thengel]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2905|n}} - {{TA|2980|n}}''</small>|MOR=[[Morwen Steelsheen]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2922|n}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ELF |y| THE | | DAU | | THW |y| EOM | | |ELF=[[Elfhild]]<br/><small>''d. {{TA|2978|n}}''</small>|THE='''THÉODEN'''<br/><small>''{{TA|2948|n}} - {{TA|3019|n}}''†</small>|DAU=''three daughters''<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|THW=[[Théodwyn]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2963|n}} - {{TA|3002|n}}''</small>|EOM=[[Éomund]]<br/><small>''d. {{TA|3002|n}}''†</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |!| | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|(| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | THE | | LOT |y| EOM | | EOW |y| FAR |THE=[[Théodred]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2978|n}} - {{TA|3019|n}}''†</small>|LOT=[[Lothíriel]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2999|n}}''</small>|EOM=[[Éomer]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2991|n}} - {{FoA|63}}''</small>|EOW=[[Éowyn]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2995|n}}''</small>|FAR=[[Faramir]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2983|n}} - {{FoA|82}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | ELF | | | | | | ELB | | |ELF=[[Elfwine]]<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|ELB=[[Elboron]]<br/><small>''unknown''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree/end}}<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
In one of Tolkien's early drafts, Théoden also had a daughter by the name of [[Idis]], but she was eventually removed when her character was eclipsed by that of Éowyn.<br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
<center><gallery><br />
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Théoden.JPG|<center><small>[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]</center></small><br />
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Théoden.png|<center><small>[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]</center></small><br />
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers - Théoden.jpeg|<center><small>[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]</center></small><br />
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Théoden.jpg|<center><small>''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Riders of Rohan]]''</center></small><br />
</gallery></center><br />
<br />
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[Valentine Dyall]] voiced the part of Théoden.<br />
<br />
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Théoden was provided by [[Philip Stone]].<br />
<br />
'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[Erik Bauersfeld]] provided the voice of Théoden.<br />
<br />
'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''<br />
:Théoden is voiced by [[Don Messick]], though he speaks very little. His death is narrated by [[John Huston]] as Gandalf.<br />
<br />
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:Theoden played by [[Jack May]] appears much earlier in the narrative than in the book, allowing Gandalf to borrow a horse on his escape from Isengard.<br />
<br />
'''1992: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''<br />
:Théoden is played by Werner Rundshagen.<br />
<br />
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''<br />
:This film deviates from Tolkien's story by having Théoden (played by [[Bernard Hill]]) actually possessed by Saruman rather than simply deceived by Gríma. He then goes to [[Helm's Deep]] to take his people to safety rather than to make a stand against the enemy.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden at first refuses to come to the aid of Gondor saying that Gondor did not come to the aid of Rohan at the [[Battle of the Hornburg]]. His death is placed after the coming of the [[Haradrim]], and is depicted differently; he is not crushed by [[Snowmane]], but wounded by the [[Fell beasts|fell beast]]. In general, his personality is changed from a "kindly old man" to that of a callous and somewhat obstinate character, though he has several tender moments at the grave of his son and near Éowyn.<br />
<br />
'''2002-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Théoden is provided by Ladislav Chudík.<br />
<br />
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden is a hero in the Rohan faction. He is voiced by [[Phil Proctor]].<br />
<br />
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden is a hero in the Men faction. He is voiced by [[Phil Proctor]].<br />
<br />
'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden is voiced by [[Brian George]].<br />
<br />
{{references|Notes}}<br />
{{seq-start}}<br />
{{seq-head<br />
| race=rohirrim<br />
| house=[[House of Eorl]]<br />
| born={{TA|2948}}<br />
| died={{TA|3019}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prev=[[Thengel]]<br />
| list=17th [[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2980}} – {{TA|3019|n}}<br />
| next=[[Éomer]]<br />
}}<br />
{{seq-end}}<br />
{{rohankings}}<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Theoden}}<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]<br />
[[Category:Kings of Rohan]]<br />
[[Category:Old English names]]<br />
[[Category:Rohirrim]]<br />
[[Category:Third Age characters]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Théoden]]<br />
[[fi:Théoden]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/hommes_du_nord/rohirrim/theoden]]</div>MikeyofGondorhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Th%C3%A9oden&diff=344955Théoden2022-04-09T21:48:12Z<p>MikeyofGondor: /* Personality */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{rohirrim infobox<br />
| name=Théoden<br />
| image=[[File:Jenny Dolfen - Theoden King.jpg|250px]]<br />
| caption="Theoden King" by [[:Category:Images by Jenny Dolfen|Jenny Dolfen]]<br />
| pronun=<br />
| othernames=''Ednew'', [[Horsemaster]]<br />
| titles=[[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]]<br />
| position=<br />
| location=[[Rohan]]<br />
| affiliation=<br />
| language=[[Rohirric]], [[Westron]], [[Sindarin]]<br />
| birth={{TA|2948}}<br />
| birthlocation=[[Gondor]]<ref name="Mark"/><br />
| rule={{TA|2980}} - {{TA|3019|n}}<br />
| death=[[15 March]] {{TA|3019}}<br />
| deathlocation=[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]<br />
| age=71<br />
| notablefor=<br />
| house=[[House of Eorl]]<br />
| parentage=[[Thengel]] & [[Morwen Steelsheen|Morwen]]<br />
| siblings=[[Théodwyn]], three unnamed sisters<ref name="Mark"/><ref group="note">Under [[Thengel]] in [[Appendix A]] it states: "She bore him three children in Gondor, of whom Théoden, the second, was his only son. [...] Morwen bore him two more daughters in Rohan"</ref><br />
| spouse=[[Elfhild]]<br />
| children=[[Théodred]]<br />
| gender=Male<br />
| height=Tall<br />
| hair=Long, thick, braided white hair<ref name="Hall"/><br />
| eyes=Blue<ref name="Hall"/><br />
| clothing=<br />
| weapons=[[Herugrim]]<br />
| steed=[[Snowmane]]<br />
}}<br />
{{quote|Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day's rising<br>he rode singing in the sun, sword unsheathing.<br>Hope he rekindled, and in hope ended;<br>over death, over dread, over doom lifted<br>out of loss, out of life, unto long glory.|[[Gléowine]]'s [[Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day’s rising|poem]] in ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Many Partings]]"}}<br />
<br />
'''Théoden''' was the seventeenth [[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]], ruling for 39 years, from {{TA|2980}} until his death. He was the last of the Second Line.<ref name="Mark">{{App|Mark}}</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early life===<br />
Théoden was the only son of [[Thengel]], the heir of king [[Fengel]] of [[Rohan]], and [[Morwen of Lossarnach]], a descendant of a former prince of the fief of Belfalas.<ref name="Mark"/><ref>{{UT|Linear}}</ref> His father left Rohan when he came to manhood and lived long in Gondor. Théoden had been born in [[Gondor]] and spent at least the first five years of his life there with his mother and father until his father was called back to Rohan after the death of Théoden's grandfather, Fengel. The "speech of Gondor" was used in his father's house in Rohan.<ref name="Mark"/> As a result, Théoden probably spoke [[Westron]] and [[Rohirric]] as his native languages and he possibly spoke [[Sindarin]] as an acquired language.<br />
<br />
Théoden loved his sister [[Théodwyn]] dearly. After she and her husband both died he adopted her children [[Éomer]] and [[Éowyn]] as his own. He had a son, [[Théodred]], whose mother [[Elfhild]] died in childbirth.<ref name="Mark"/><br />
<br />
Théoden became king after the death of his father in {{TA|2980}}.<ref name="Mark"/><br />
<br />
In {{TA|3014}} Théoden's health began to fail. This was caused by the spells of [[Saruman|Saruman the White]].<ref name="Mark"/> This may also have been due to natural causes (he was sixty-six) or it may have been induced or increased by subtle poisons administered by [[Gríma]]. Gríma (or ''Wormtongue'' as most others in the [[Riddermark|Mark]] called him), was secretly in the employ of Saruman.<ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref><br />
<br />
===War of the Ring===<br />
As the war approached Théoden was increasingly misled by his chief adviser Gríma. In the last years before the War of the Ring, Théoden let his rule slip out of his hands completely, and Gríma became increasingly powerful. Rohan was troubled again by [[Orcs]] and [[Dunlendings]], who operated under the will of Saruman, ruling from [[Isengard]]. <br />
<br />
His only son, Théodred, had only recently been slain by Saruman's forces during the [[First Battle of the Fords of Isen]]. Théoden ordered Éomer against hunting Orcs that crossed Rohan but Éomer went to the foray against his orders.<Ref name=appB>{{App|Great}}</ref> On Gríma's orders Éomer had been arrested and imprisoned for this.<ref name="Hall">{{TT|III6}}</ref><br />
<br />
When [[Gandalf]] and [[Aragorn]] appeared before him on [[2 March]], the [[Wizards|Wizard]] healed the king. He then restored his nephew, who would become his heir, took up his [[Herugrim|sword]], and led the [[Rohirrim|Riders of Rohan]] to the [[Fords of Isen]], against Saruman.<Ref name=appB/> <br />
<br />
On their way, they received news that [[Second Battle of the Fords of Isen|the border was lost]] and he retreated into [[Helm's Deep]] where they were attacked by Saruman's forces on [[3 March]].<Ref name=appB/> Théoden won the [[Battle of the Hornburg]] and after this he became known as '''Théoden Ednew''', the Renewed,<ref name="Mark"/> because he had thrown off the yoke of Saruman.<br />
<br />
After the battle he visited [[Isengard]] where he witnessed as [[Gandalf]] deposed Saruman from [[Wizards|their order]]. On their way back to Rohan, they stopped by the [[Helm's Deep]], where he noticed that the lonely [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] of their company, [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] felt out of place, and offered to ride with him for the rest of the journey. The hobbit was delighted, as he felt useless among the Riders and offered Théoden his sword in service of Rohan.<ref>{{RK|V2}}</ref><br />
<br />
On [[6 March]] Théoden and the Riders left Hornburg for [[Harrowdale]] taking a safe path to Edoras, and soon after [[Aragorn]] left the Rohirrim's company for [[Dunharrow]].<Ref name=appB/> Near the outer hills of Rohan, Théoden dismissed Éomer's urge not to go to the war, and with the remaining Riders he rode to the Hold of Dunharrow where his people took shelter at [[Dunharrow]].<ref name=muster>{{RK|V3}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Fulfilling the Oath of Eorl===<br />
[[File:Paula DiSante - The Red Arrow.JPG|thumb|[[Paula DiSante]] - ''The Red Arrow'']]<br />
After reuniting with Éowyn and while resting, a [[Gondorian]] named [[Hirgon]] entered his tent, bringing the [[Red Arrow]] from [[Denethor]] II. Théoden responded to him that 6000 Riders would reach [[Minas Tirith]] in the week. Indeed they set off the next morning ([[the Dawnless Day]]); before leaving he ordered his squire, Meriadoc, to stay behind at Edoras.<ref name=muster/><br />
<br />
On their way to Minas Tirith, Théoden's forces were alerted to a host of Orcs upon the road from the city moving towards them. A leader of the [[Woses]], [[Ghân-buri-Ghân]], offered to lead the Rohirrim by secret paths through the [[Drúadan Forest]] so they could avoid the Orcs. Taking the forgotten road down [[Stonewain Valley]] the riders of Rohan were able to come to the [[Pelennor Fields]] undetected.<br />
[[File:Abe Papakhian - The Ride of the Rohirrim.jpg|thumb|left|[[Abe Papakhian]] - ''The Ride of the Rohirrim'']]<br />
To his dismay, they found Hirgon dead and understood that the Gondorians were unaware of their arrival; Minas Tirith [[Siege of Gondor|was being destroyed]]. Théoden was reinvigorated by a sudden great flash of light from the city. He ordered to charge as [[the Darkness]] was fading. He led the Rohirrim to the aid of Gondor at the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]. In that battle he challenged a chieftain of the [[Haradrim]] who led their cavalry and had a standard with a "black serpent upon scarlet", and unhorsed him and hewed down his standard-bearer. <ref>{{RK|V5}}</ref><br />
[[File:Angus McBride - Eowyn against Witch-king.gif|thumb|[[Angus McBride]] - ''Eowyn against Witch-king'']]<br />
The [[Witch-king|Lord of the Nazgûl]] attacked him, and he was mortally wounded when his horse [[Snowmane]] fell upon him after being frightened by the Ringwraith's [[Fell beasts|Fell beast]].<br />
<br />
He was immediately avenged by Éowyn and the [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]], both of whom had ridden to war in secret. He claimed to Merry at his death on the field that he was satisfied, for he had felled the Black Serpent.<ref>{{RK|V6}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Legacy==<br />
The body of Théoden the Renowned remained in the [[Hallows]] of Minas Tirith<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref> while [[Snowmane]] was buried where they fell.<br />
<br />
His nephew Éomer succeeded him as King of Rohan. In [[July]] he returned to Minas Tirith and brought Théoden's body back to [[Edoras]]. On [[10 August]], the funeral of Théoden took place. [[Gléowine]] composed a poem for him and other Kings of the line of [[Eorl]].<ref name=partings>{{RK|VI6}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Characteristics==<br />
===Appearance===<br />
Theoden was described as "being bent with age" under the influence of Grima Wormtoungue and Saruman, having a long white beard, mustache, and hair. After being freed by Gandalf, he was able to stand up to his true height, and was described as being tall, and having his strength return to him after grasping a sword from one of his men.{{fact}}<br />
<br />
===Personality===<br />
Theoden was a just leader and ruler of his people. He also expressed a keen interest in the Shire after seeing Merry and Pippin, as well as Shire pipe-weed. In times of danger, he was fearless and showed great courage, evidenced during the ''[[Battle of Helm's Deep]]'' when he would rather go down fighting than be captured. He also was capable of strong willpower, enough to resist the voice of ''[[Saruman]]'' at Isengard, despite the latter being one of the Istari.{{The Voice of Saruman}}<br />
<br />
===Equipment===<br />
Theoden was an adept military leader and skilled swordsman, capable of killing many orcs and Haradrim whether on horseback, or on foot, and even slaying the leader of the Haradrim during the battle of Pelennor Fields, and leading his men in combat. His weapon was Herugrim, an ancient blade that was passed down to every ruler of Rohan. {{fact}}<br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
The [[Old English]] word ''[[Wiktionary:þeoden|þeoden]]'', means "lord, king", and contains the element ''þeod'' "people" (''[[éothéod]]'' "horse-people"). It is related to the Old Norse word ''þjóðann'', meaning "Leader of the People" (i.e. "King").{{fact}}<br />
<br />
In Tolkien's fictional etymology, the name ''Théoden'' is an Old English translation of the original [[Rohirric]] ''Tûrac'', an old word for King.<ref name="PM">{{PM|Languages}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Genealogy==<br />
{{familytree/start}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | FEN | | | | | | | | | | | | |FEN=[[Fengel]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2870|n}} - {{TA|2953|n}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |,|-|-|-|(| | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | DAU | | THE |y| MOR | | | | | | | | |DAU=''two daughters''<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|THE=[[Thengel]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2905|n}} - {{TA|2980|n}}''</small>|MOR=[[Morwen Steelsheen]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2922|n}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ELF |y| THE | | DAU | | THW |y| EOM | | |ELF=[[Elfhild]]<br/><small>''d. {{TA|2978|n}}''</small>|THE='''THÉODEN'''<br/><small>''{{TA|2948|n}} - {{TA|3019|n}}''†</small>|DAU=''three daughters''<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|THW=[[Théodwyn]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2963|n}} - {{TA|3002|n}}''</small>|EOM=[[Éomund]]<br/><small>''d. {{TA|3002|n}}''†</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |!| | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|(| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | THE | | LOT |y| EOM | | EOW |y| FAR |THE=[[Théodred]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2978|n}} - {{TA|3019|n}}''†</small>|LOT=[[Lothíriel]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2999|n}}''</small>|EOM=[[Éomer]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2991|n}} - {{FoA|63}}''</small>|EOW=[[Éowyn]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2995|n}}''</small>|FAR=[[Faramir]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2983|n}} - {{FoA|82}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | ELF | | | | | | ELB | | |ELF=[[Elfwine]]<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|ELB=[[Elboron]]<br/><small>''unknown''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree/end}}<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
In one of Tolkien's early drafts, Théoden also had a daughter by the name of [[Idis]], but she was eventually removed when her character was eclipsed by that of Éowyn.<br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
<center><gallery><br />
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Théoden.JPG|<center><small>[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]</center></small><br />
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Théoden.png|<center><small>[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]</center></small><br />
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers - Théoden.jpeg|<center><small>[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]</center></small><br />
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Théoden.jpg|<center><small>''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Riders of Rohan]]''</center></small><br />
</gallery></center><br />
<br />
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[Valentine Dyall]] voiced the part of Théoden.<br />
<br />
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Théoden was provided by [[Philip Stone]].<br />
<br />
'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[Erik Bauersfeld]] provided the voice of Théoden.<br />
<br />
'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''<br />
:Théoden is voiced by [[Don Messick]], though he speaks very little. His death is narrated by [[John Huston]] as Gandalf.<br />
<br />
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:Theoden played by [[Jack May]] appears much earlier in the narrative than in the book, allowing Gandalf to borrow a horse on his escape from Isengard.<br />
<br />
'''1992: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''<br />
:Théoden is played by Werner Rundshagen.<br />
<br />
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''<br />
:This film deviates from Tolkien's story by having Théoden (played by [[Bernard Hill]]) actually possessed by Saruman rather than simply deceived by Gríma. He then goes to [[Helm's Deep]] to take his people to safety rather than to make a stand against the enemy.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden at first refuses to come to the aid of Gondor saying that Gondor did not come to the aid of Rohan at the [[Battle of the Hornburg]]. His death is placed after the coming of the [[Haradrim]], and is depicted differently; he is not crushed by [[Snowmane]], but wounded by the [[Fell beasts|fell beast]]. In general, his personality is changed from a "kindly old man" to that of a callous and somewhat obstinate character, though he has several tender moments at the grave of his son and near Éowyn.<br />
<br />
'''2002-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Théoden is provided by Ladislav Chudík.<br />
<br />
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden is a hero in the Rohan faction. He is voiced by [[Phil Proctor]].<br />
<br />
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden is a hero in the Men faction. He is voiced by [[Phil Proctor]].<br />
<br />
'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden is voiced by [[Brian George]].<br />
<br />
{{references|Notes}}<br />
{{seq-start}}<br />
{{seq-head<br />
| race=rohirrim<br />
| house=[[House of Eorl]]<br />
| born={{TA|2948}}<br />
| died={{TA|3019}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prev=[[Thengel]]<br />
| list=17th [[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2980}} – {{TA|3019|n}}<br />
| next=[[Éomer]]<br />
}}<br />
{{seq-end}}<br />
{{rohankings}}<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Theoden}}<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]<br />
[[Category:Kings of Rohan]]<br />
[[Category:Old English names]]<br />
[[Category:Rohirrim]]<br />
[[Category:Third Age characters]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Théoden]]<br />
[[fi:Théoden]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/hommes_du_nord/rohirrim/theoden]]</div>MikeyofGondorhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Th%C3%A9oden&diff=344954Théoden2022-04-09T21:46:56Z<p>MikeyofGondor: /* Personality */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{rohirrim infobox<br />
| name=Théoden<br />
| image=[[File:Jenny Dolfen - Theoden King.jpg|250px]]<br />
| caption="Theoden King" by [[:Category:Images by Jenny Dolfen|Jenny Dolfen]]<br />
| pronun=<br />
| othernames=''Ednew'', [[Horsemaster]]<br />
| titles=[[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]]<br />
| position=<br />
| location=[[Rohan]]<br />
| affiliation=<br />
| language=[[Rohirric]], [[Westron]], [[Sindarin]]<br />
| birth={{TA|2948}}<br />
| birthlocation=[[Gondor]]<ref name="Mark"/><br />
| rule={{TA|2980}} - {{TA|3019|n}}<br />
| death=[[15 March]] {{TA|3019}}<br />
| deathlocation=[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]<br />
| age=71<br />
| notablefor=<br />
| house=[[House of Eorl]]<br />
| parentage=[[Thengel]] & [[Morwen Steelsheen|Morwen]]<br />
| siblings=[[Théodwyn]], three unnamed sisters<ref name="Mark"/><ref group="note">Under [[Thengel]] in [[Appendix A]] it states: "She bore him three children in Gondor, of whom Théoden, the second, was his only son. [...] Morwen bore him two more daughters in Rohan"</ref><br />
| spouse=[[Elfhild]]<br />
| children=[[Théodred]]<br />
| gender=Male<br />
| height=Tall<br />
| hair=Long, thick, braided white hair<ref name="Hall"/><br />
| eyes=Blue<ref name="Hall"/><br />
| clothing=<br />
| weapons=[[Herugrim]]<br />
| steed=[[Snowmane]]<br />
}}<br />
{{quote|Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day's rising<br>he rode singing in the sun, sword unsheathing.<br>Hope he rekindled, and in hope ended;<br>over death, over dread, over doom lifted<br>out of loss, out of life, unto long glory.|[[Gléowine]]'s [[Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day’s rising|poem]] in ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Many Partings]]"}}<br />
<br />
'''Théoden''' was the seventeenth [[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]], ruling for 39 years, from {{TA|2980}} until his death. He was the last of the Second Line.<ref name="Mark">{{App|Mark}}</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early life===<br />
Théoden was the only son of [[Thengel]], the heir of king [[Fengel]] of [[Rohan]], and [[Morwen of Lossarnach]], a descendant of a former prince of the fief of Belfalas.<ref name="Mark"/><ref>{{UT|Linear}}</ref> His father left Rohan when he came to manhood and lived long in Gondor. Théoden had been born in [[Gondor]] and spent at least the first five years of his life there with his mother and father until his father was called back to Rohan after the death of Théoden's grandfather, Fengel. The "speech of Gondor" was used in his father's house in Rohan.<ref name="Mark"/> As a result, Théoden probably spoke [[Westron]] and [[Rohirric]] as his native languages and he possibly spoke [[Sindarin]] as an acquired language.<br />
<br />
Théoden loved his sister [[Théodwyn]] dearly. After she and her husband both died he adopted her children [[Éomer]] and [[Éowyn]] as his own. He had a son, [[Théodred]], whose mother [[Elfhild]] died in childbirth.<ref name="Mark"/><br />
<br />
Théoden became king after the death of his father in {{TA|2980}}.<ref name="Mark"/><br />
<br />
In {{TA|3014}} Théoden's health began to fail. This was caused by the spells of [[Saruman|Saruman the White]].<ref name="Mark"/> This may also have been due to natural causes (he was sixty-six) or it may have been induced or increased by subtle poisons administered by [[Gríma]]. Gríma (or ''Wormtongue'' as most others in the [[Riddermark|Mark]] called him), was secretly in the employ of Saruman.<ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref><br />
<br />
===War of the Ring===<br />
As the war approached Théoden was increasingly misled by his chief adviser Gríma. In the last years before the War of the Ring, Théoden let his rule slip out of his hands completely, and Gríma became increasingly powerful. Rohan was troubled again by [[Orcs]] and [[Dunlendings]], who operated under the will of Saruman, ruling from [[Isengard]]. <br />
<br />
His only son, Théodred, had only recently been slain by Saruman's forces during the [[First Battle of the Fords of Isen]]. Théoden ordered Éomer against hunting Orcs that crossed Rohan but Éomer went to the foray against his orders.<Ref name=appB>{{App|Great}}</ref> On Gríma's orders Éomer had been arrested and imprisoned for this.<ref name="Hall">{{TT|III6}}</ref><br />
<br />
When [[Gandalf]] and [[Aragorn]] appeared before him on [[2 March]], the [[Wizards|Wizard]] healed the king. He then restored his nephew, who would become his heir, took up his [[Herugrim|sword]], and led the [[Rohirrim|Riders of Rohan]] to the [[Fords of Isen]], against Saruman.<Ref name=appB/> <br />
<br />
On their way, they received news that [[Second Battle of the Fords of Isen|the border was lost]] and he retreated into [[Helm's Deep]] where they were attacked by Saruman's forces on [[3 March]].<Ref name=appB/> Théoden won the [[Battle of the Hornburg]] and after this he became known as '''Théoden Ednew''', the Renewed,<ref name="Mark"/> because he had thrown off the yoke of Saruman.<br />
<br />
After the battle he visited [[Isengard]] where he witnessed as [[Gandalf]] deposed Saruman from [[Wizards|their order]]. On their way back to Rohan, they stopped by the [[Helm's Deep]], where he noticed that the lonely [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] of their company, [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] felt out of place, and offered to ride with him for the rest of the journey. The hobbit was delighted, as he felt useless among the Riders and offered Théoden his sword in service of Rohan.<ref>{{RK|V2}}</ref><br />
<br />
On [[6 March]] Théoden and the Riders left Hornburg for [[Harrowdale]] taking a safe path to Edoras, and soon after [[Aragorn]] left the Rohirrim's company for [[Dunharrow]].<Ref name=appB/> Near the outer hills of Rohan, Théoden dismissed Éomer's urge not to go to the war, and with the remaining Riders he rode to the Hold of Dunharrow where his people took shelter at [[Dunharrow]].<ref name=muster>{{RK|V3}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Fulfilling the Oath of Eorl===<br />
[[File:Paula DiSante - The Red Arrow.JPG|thumb|[[Paula DiSante]] - ''The Red Arrow'']]<br />
After reuniting with Éowyn and while resting, a [[Gondorian]] named [[Hirgon]] entered his tent, bringing the [[Red Arrow]] from [[Denethor]] II. Théoden responded to him that 6000 Riders would reach [[Minas Tirith]] in the week. Indeed they set off the next morning ([[the Dawnless Day]]); before leaving he ordered his squire, Meriadoc, to stay behind at Edoras.<ref name=muster/><br />
<br />
On their way to Minas Tirith, Théoden's forces were alerted to a host of Orcs upon the road from the city moving towards them. A leader of the [[Woses]], [[Ghân-buri-Ghân]], offered to lead the Rohirrim by secret paths through the [[Drúadan Forest]] so they could avoid the Orcs. Taking the forgotten road down [[Stonewain Valley]] the riders of Rohan were able to come to the [[Pelennor Fields]] undetected.<br />
[[File:Abe Papakhian - The Ride of the Rohirrim.jpg|thumb|left|[[Abe Papakhian]] - ''The Ride of the Rohirrim'']]<br />
To his dismay, they found Hirgon dead and understood that the Gondorians were unaware of their arrival; Minas Tirith [[Siege of Gondor|was being destroyed]]. Théoden was reinvigorated by a sudden great flash of light from the city. He ordered to charge as [[the Darkness]] was fading. He led the Rohirrim to the aid of Gondor at the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]. In that battle he challenged a chieftain of the [[Haradrim]] who led their cavalry and had a standard with a "black serpent upon scarlet", and unhorsed him and hewed down his standard-bearer. <ref>{{RK|V5}}</ref><br />
[[File:Angus McBride - Eowyn against Witch-king.gif|thumb|[[Angus McBride]] - ''Eowyn against Witch-king'']]<br />
The [[Witch-king|Lord of the Nazgûl]] attacked him, and he was mortally wounded when his horse [[Snowmane]] fell upon him after being frightened by the Ringwraith's [[Fell beasts|Fell beast]].<br />
<br />
He was immediately avenged by Éowyn and the [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]], both of whom had ridden to war in secret. He claimed to Merry at his death on the field that he was satisfied, for he had felled the Black Serpent.<ref>{{RK|V6}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Legacy==<br />
The body of Théoden the Renowned remained in the [[Hallows]] of Minas Tirith<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref> while [[Snowmane]] was buried where they fell.<br />
<br />
His nephew Éomer succeeded him as King of Rohan. In [[July]] he returned to Minas Tirith and brought Théoden's body back to [[Edoras]]. On [[10 August]], the funeral of Théoden took place. [[Gléowine]] composed a poem for him and other Kings of the line of [[Eorl]].<ref name=partings>{{RK|VI6}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Characteristics==<br />
===Appearance===<br />
Theoden was described as "being bent with age" under the influence of Grima Wormtoungue and Saruman, having a long white beard, mustache, and hair. After being freed by Gandalf, he was able to stand up to his true height, and was described as being tall, and having his strength return to him after grasping a sword from one of his men.{{fact}}<br />
<br />
===Personality===<br />
Theoden was a just leader and ruler of his people. He also expressed a keen interest in the Shire after seeing Merry and Pippin, as well as Shire pipe-weed. In times of danger, he was fearless and showed great courage, evidenced during the ''[[Battle of Helm's Deep]]'' when he would rather go down fighting than be captured. He also was capable of strong willpower, enough to resist the voice of ''[[Saruman]]'' at Isengard, despite the latter being one of the Istari.{{The Two Towers: The Voice of Saruman}}<br />
<br />
===Equipment===<br />
Theoden was an adept military leader and skilled swordsman, capable of killing many orcs and Haradrim whether on horseback, or on foot, and even slaying the leader of the Haradrim during the battle of Pelennor Fields, and leading his men in combat. His weapon was Herugrim, an ancient blade that was passed down to every ruler of Rohan. {{fact}}<br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
The [[Old English]] word ''[[Wiktionary:þeoden|þeoden]]'', means "lord, king", and contains the element ''þeod'' "people" (''[[éothéod]]'' "horse-people"). It is related to the Old Norse word ''þjóðann'', meaning "Leader of the People" (i.e. "King").{{fact}}<br />
<br />
In Tolkien's fictional etymology, the name ''Théoden'' is an Old English translation of the original [[Rohirric]] ''Tûrac'', an old word for King.<ref name="PM">{{PM|Languages}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Genealogy==<br />
{{familytree/start}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | FEN | | | | | | | | | | | | |FEN=[[Fengel]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2870|n}} - {{TA|2953|n}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |,|-|-|-|(| | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | DAU | | THE |y| MOR | | | | | | | | |DAU=''two daughters''<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|THE=[[Thengel]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2905|n}} - {{TA|2980|n}}''</small>|MOR=[[Morwen Steelsheen]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2922|n}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ELF |y| THE | | DAU | | THW |y| EOM | | |ELF=[[Elfhild]]<br/><small>''d. {{TA|2978|n}}''</small>|THE='''THÉODEN'''<br/><small>''{{TA|2948|n}} - {{TA|3019|n}}''†</small>|DAU=''three daughters''<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|THW=[[Théodwyn]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2963|n}} - {{TA|3002|n}}''</small>|EOM=[[Éomund]]<br/><small>''d. {{TA|3002|n}}''†</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |!| | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|(| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | THE | | LOT |y| EOM | | EOW |y| FAR |THE=[[Théodred]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2978|n}} - {{TA|3019|n}}''†</small>|LOT=[[Lothíriel]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2999|n}}''</small>|EOM=[[Éomer]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2991|n}} - {{FoA|63}}''</small>|EOW=[[Éowyn]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2995|n}}''</small>|FAR=[[Faramir]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2983|n}} - {{FoA|82}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | ELF | | | | | | ELB | | |ELF=[[Elfwine]]<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|ELB=[[Elboron]]<br/><small>''unknown''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree/end}}<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
In one of Tolkien's early drafts, Théoden also had a daughter by the name of [[Idis]], but she was eventually removed when her character was eclipsed by that of Éowyn.<br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
<center><gallery><br />
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Théoden.JPG|<center><small>[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]</center></small><br />
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Théoden.png|<center><small>[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]</center></small><br />
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers - Théoden.jpeg|<center><small>[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]</center></small><br />
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Théoden.jpg|<center><small>''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Riders of Rohan]]''</center></small><br />
</gallery></center><br />
<br />
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[Valentine Dyall]] voiced the part of Théoden.<br />
<br />
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Théoden was provided by [[Philip Stone]].<br />
<br />
'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[Erik Bauersfeld]] provided the voice of Théoden.<br />
<br />
'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''<br />
:Théoden is voiced by [[Don Messick]], though he speaks very little. His death is narrated by [[John Huston]] as Gandalf.<br />
<br />
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:Theoden played by [[Jack May]] appears much earlier in the narrative than in the book, allowing Gandalf to borrow a horse on his escape from Isengard.<br />
<br />
'''1992: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''<br />
:Théoden is played by Werner Rundshagen.<br />
<br />
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''<br />
:This film deviates from Tolkien's story by having Théoden (played by [[Bernard Hill]]) actually possessed by Saruman rather than simply deceived by Gríma. He then goes to [[Helm's Deep]] to take his people to safety rather than to make a stand against the enemy.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden at first refuses to come to the aid of Gondor saying that Gondor did not come to the aid of Rohan at the [[Battle of the Hornburg]]. His death is placed after the coming of the [[Haradrim]], and is depicted differently; he is not crushed by [[Snowmane]], but wounded by the [[Fell beasts|fell beast]]. In general, his personality is changed from a "kindly old man" to that of a callous and somewhat obstinate character, though he has several tender moments at the grave of his son and near Éowyn.<br />
<br />
'''2002-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Théoden is provided by Ladislav Chudík.<br />
<br />
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden is a hero in the Rohan faction. He is voiced by [[Phil Proctor]].<br />
<br />
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden is a hero in the Men faction. He is voiced by [[Phil Proctor]].<br />
<br />
'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden is voiced by [[Brian George]].<br />
<br />
{{references|Notes}}<br />
{{seq-start}}<br />
{{seq-head<br />
| race=rohirrim<br />
| house=[[House of Eorl]]<br />
| born={{TA|2948}}<br />
| died={{TA|3019}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prev=[[Thengel]]<br />
| list=17th [[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2980}} – {{TA|3019|n}}<br />
| next=[[Éomer]]<br />
}}<br />
{{seq-end}}<br />
{{rohankings}}<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Theoden}}<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]<br />
[[Category:Kings of Rohan]]<br />
[[Category:Old English names]]<br />
[[Category:Rohirrim]]<br />
[[Category:Third Age characters]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Théoden]]<br />
[[fi:Théoden]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/hommes_du_nord/rohirrim/theoden]]</div>MikeyofGondorhttps://tolkiengateway.net/w/index.php?title=Th%C3%A9oden&diff=344953Théoden2022-04-09T21:46:11Z<p>MikeyofGondor: /* Personality */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{rohirrim infobox<br />
| name=Théoden<br />
| image=[[File:Jenny Dolfen - Theoden King.jpg|250px]]<br />
| caption="Theoden King" by [[:Category:Images by Jenny Dolfen|Jenny Dolfen]]<br />
| pronun=<br />
| othernames=''Ednew'', [[Horsemaster]]<br />
| titles=[[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]]<br />
| position=<br />
| location=[[Rohan]]<br />
| affiliation=<br />
| language=[[Rohirric]], [[Westron]], [[Sindarin]]<br />
| birth={{TA|2948}}<br />
| birthlocation=[[Gondor]]<ref name="Mark"/><br />
| rule={{TA|2980}} - {{TA|3019|n}}<br />
| death=[[15 March]] {{TA|3019}}<br />
| deathlocation=[[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]<br />
| age=71<br />
| notablefor=<br />
| house=[[House of Eorl]]<br />
| parentage=[[Thengel]] & [[Morwen Steelsheen|Morwen]]<br />
| siblings=[[Théodwyn]], three unnamed sisters<ref name="Mark"/><ref group="note">Under [[Thengel]] in [[Appendix A]] it states: "She bore him three children in Gondor, of whom Théoden, the second, was his only son. [...] Morwen bore him two more daughters in Rohan"</ref><br />
| spouse=[[Elfhild]]<br />
| children=[[Théodred]]<br />
| gender=Male<br />
| height=Tall<br />
| hair=Long, thick, braided white hair<ref name="Hall"/><br />
| eyes=Blue<ref name="Hall"/><br />
| clothing=<br />
| weapons=[[Herugrim]]<br />
| steed=[[Snowmane]]<br />
}}<br />
{{quote|Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day's rising<br>he rode singing in the sun, sword unsheathing.<br>Hope he rekindled, and in hope ended;<br>over death, over dread, over doom lifted<br>out of loss, out of life, unto long glory.|[[Gléowine]]'s [[Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day’s rising|poem]] in ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[Many Partings]]"}}<br />
<br />
'''Théoden''' was the seventeenth [[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]], ruling for 39 years, from {{TA|2980}} until his death. He was the last of the Second Line.<ref name="Mark">{{App|Mark}}</ref><br />
<br />
==History==<br />
===Early life===<br />
Théoden was the only son of [[Thengel]], the heir of king [[Fengel]] of [[Rohan]], and [[Morwen of Lossarnach]], a descendant of a former prince of the fief of Belfalas.<ref name="Mark"/><ref>{{UT|Linear}}</ref> His father left Rohan when he came to manhood and lived long in Gondor. Théoden had been born in [[Gondor]] and spent at least the first five years of his life there with his mother and father until his father was called back to Rohan after the death of Théoden's grandfather, Fengel. The "speech of Gondor" was used in his father's house in Rohan.<ref name="Mark"/> As a result, Théoden probably spoke [[Westron]] and [[Rohirric]] as his native languages and he possibly spoke [[Sindarin]] as an acquired language.<br />
<br />
Théoden loved his sister [[Théodwyn]] dearly. After she and her husband both died he adopted her children [[Éomer]] and [[Éowyn]] as his own. He had a son, [[Théodred]], whose mother [[Elfhild]] died in childbirth.<ref name="Mark"/><br />
<br />
Théoden became king after the death of his father in {{TA|2980}}.<ref name="Mark"/><br />
<br />
In {{TA|3014}} Théoden's health began to fail. This was caused by the spells of [[Saruman|Saruman the White]].<ref name="Mark"/> This may also have been due to natural causes (he was sixty-six) or it may have been induced or increased by subtle poisons administered by [[Gríma]]. Gríma (or ''Wormtongue'' as most others in the [[Riddermark|Mark]] called him), was secretly in the employ of Saruman.<ref>{{UT|Isen}}</ref><br />
<br />
===War of the Ring===<br />
As the war approached Théoden was increasingly misled by his chief adviser Gríma. In the last years before the War of the Ring, Théoden let his rule slip out of his hands completely, and Gríma became increasingly powerful. Rohan was troubled again by [[Orcs]] and [[Dunlendings]], who operated under the will of Saruman, ruling from [[Isengard]]. <br />
<br />
His only son, Théodred, had only recently been slain by Saruman's forces during the [[First Battle of the Fords of Isen]]. Théoden ordered Éomer against hunting Orcs that crossed Rohan but Éomer went to the foray against his orders.<Ref name=appB>{{App|Great}}</ref> On Gríma's orders Éomer had been arrested and imprisoned for this.<ref name="Hall">{{TT|III6}}</ref><br />
<br />
When [[Gandalf]] and [[Aragorn]] appeared before him on [[2 March]], the [[Wizards|Wizard]] healed the king. He then restored his nephew, who would become his heir, took up his [[Herugrim|sword]], and led the [[Rohirrim|Riders of Rohan]] to the [[Fords of Isen]], against Saruman.<Ref name=appB/> <br />
<br />
On their way, they received news that [[Second Battle of the Fords of Isen|the border was lost]] and he retreated into [[Helm's Deep]] where they were attacked by Saruman's forces on [[3 March]].<Ref name=appB/> Théoden won the [[Battle of the Hornburg]] and after this he became known as '''Théoden Ednew''', the Renewed,<ref name="Mark"/> because he had thrown off the yoke of Saruman.<br />
<br />
After the battle he visited [[Isengard]] where he witnessed as [[Gandalf]] deposed Saruman from [[Wizards|their order]]. On their way back to Rohan, they stopped by the [[Helm's Deep]], where he noticed that the lonely [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] of their company, [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]] felt out of place, and offered to ride with him for the rest of the journey. The hobbit was delighted, as he felt useless among the Riders and offered Théoden his sword in service of Rohan.<ref>{{RK|V2}}</ref><br />
<br />
On [[6 March]] Théoden and the Riders left Hornburg for [[Harrowdale]] taking a safe path to Edoras, and soon after [[Aragorn]] left the Rohirrim's company for [[Dunharrow]].<Ref name=appB/> Near the outer hills of Rohan, Théoden dismissed Éomer's urge not to go to the war, and with the remaining Riders he rode to the Hold of Dunharrow where his people took shelter at [[Dunharrow]].<ref name=muster>{{RK|V3}}</ref><br />
<br />
===Fulfilling the Oath of Eorl===<br />
[[File:Paula DiSante - The Red Arrow.JPG|thumb|[[Paula DiSante]] - ''The Red Arrow'']]<br />
After reuniting with Éowyn and while resting, a [[Gondorian]] named [[Hirgon]] entered his tent, bringing the [[Red Arrow]] from [[Denethor]] II. Théoden responded to him that 6000 Riders would reach [[Minas Tirith]] in the week. Indeed they set off the next morning ([[the Dawnless Day]]); before leaving he ordered his squire, Meriadoc, to stay behind at Edoras.<ref name=muster/><br />
<br />
On their way to Minas Tirith, Théoden's forces were alerted to a host of Orcs upon the road from the city moving towards them. A leader of the [[Woses]], [[Ghân-buri-Ghân]], offered to lead the Rohirrim by secret paths through the [[Drúadan Forest]] so they could avoid the Orcs. Taking the forgotten road down [[Stonewain Valley]] the riders of Rohan were able to come to the [[Pelennor Fields]] undetected.<br />
[[File:Abe Papakhian - The Ride of the Rohirrim.jpg|thumb|left|[[Abe Papakhian]] - ''The Ride of the Rohirrim'']]<br />
To his dismay, they found Hirgon dead and understood that the Gondorians were unaware of their arrival; Minas Tirith [[Siege of Gondor|was being destroyed]]. Théoden was reinvigorated by a sudden great flash of light from the city. He ordered to charge as [[the Darkness]] was fading. He led the Rohirrim to the aid of Gondor at the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]. In that battle he challenged a chieftain of the [[Haradrim]] who led their cavalry and had a standard with a "black serpent upon scarlet", and unhorsed him and hewed down his standard-bearer. <ref>{{RK|V5}}</ref><br />
[[File:Angus McBride - Eowyn against Witch-king.gif|thumb|[[Angus McBride]] - ''Eowyn against Witch-king'']]<br />
The [[Witch-king|Lord of the Nazgûl]] attacked him, and he was mortally wounded when his horse [[Snowmane]] fell upon him after being frightened by the Ringwraith's [[Fell beasts|Fell beast]].<br />
<br />
He was immediately avenged by Éowyn and the [[Hobbits|Hobbit]] [[Meriadoc Brandybuck]], both of whom had ridden to war in secret. He claimed to Merry at his death on the field that he was satisfied, for he had felled the Black Serpent.<ref>{{RK|V6}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Legacy==<br />
The body of Théoden the Renowned remained in the [[Hallows]] of Minas Tirith<ref>{{RK|Steward}}</ref> while [[Snowmane]] was buried where they fell.<br />
<br />
His nephew Éomer succeeded him as King of Rohan. In [[July]] he returned to Minas Tirith and brought Théoden's body back to [[Edoras]]. On [[10 August]], the funeral of Théoden took place. [[Gléowine]] composed a poem for him and other Kings of the line of [[Eorl]].<ref name=partings>{{RK|VI6}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Characteristics==<br />
===Appearance===<br />
Theoden was described as "being bent with age" under the influence of Grima Wormtoungue and Saruman, having a long white beard, mustache, and hair. After being freed by Gandalf, he was able to stand up to his true height, and was described as being tall, and having his strength return to him after grasping a sword from one of his men.{{fact}}<br />
<br />
===Personality===<br />
Theoden was a just leader and ruler of his people. He also expressed a keen interest in the Shire after seeing Merry and Pippin, as well as Shire pipe-weed. In times of danger, he was fearless and showed great courage, evidenced during the ''[[Battle of Helm's Deep]]'' when he would rather go down fighting than be captured. He also was capable of strong willpower, enough to resist the voice of ''[[Saruman]]'' at Isengard, despite the latter being one of the Istari.{{Return of the King: The Voice of Saruman}}<br />
<br />
===Equipment===<br />
Theoden was an adept military leader and skilled swordsman, capable of killing many orcs and Haradrim whether on horseback, or on foot, and even slaying the leader of the Haradrim during the battle of Pelennor Fields, and leading his men in combat. His weapon was Herugrim, an ancient blade that was passed down to every ruler of Rohan. {{fact}}<br />
<br />
==Etymology==<br />
The [[Old English]] word ''[[Wiktionary:þeoden|þeoden]]'', means "lord, king", and contains the element ''þeod'' "people" (''[[éothéod]]'' "horse-people"). It is related to the Old Norse word ''þjóðann'', meaning "Leader of the People" (i.e. "King").{{fact}}<br />
<br />
In Tolkien's fictional etymology, the name ''Théoden'' is an Old English translation of the original [[Rohirric]] ''Tûrac'', an old word for King.<ref name="PM">{{PM|Languages}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Genealogy==<br />
{{familytree/start}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | FEN | | | | | | | | | | | | |FEN=[[Fengel]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2870|n}} - {{TA|2953|n}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |,|-|-|-|(| | | | | | | | | | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | DAU | | THE |y| MOR | | | | | | | | |DAU=''two daughters''<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|THE=[[Thengel]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2905|n}} - {{TA|2980|n}}''</small>|MOR=[[Morwen Steelsheen]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2922|n}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | ELF |y| THE | | DAU | | THW |y| EOM | | |ELF=[[Elfhild]]<br/><small>''d. {{TA|2978|n}}''</small>|THE='''THÉODEN'''<br/><small>''{{TA|2948|n}} - {{TA|3019|n}}''†</small>|DAU=''three daughters''<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|THW=[[Théodwyn]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2963|n}} - {{TA|3002|n}}''</small>|EOM=[[Éomund]]<br/><small>''d. {{TA|3002|n}}''†</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | |!| | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|(| | | | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | THE | | LOT |y| EOM | | EOW |y| FAR |THE=[[Théodred]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2978|n}} - {{TA|3019|n}}''†</small>|LOT=[[Lothíriel]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2999|n}}''</small>|EOM=[[Éomer]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2991|n}} - {{FoA|63}}''</small>|EOW=[[Éowyn]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2995|n}}''</small>|FAR=[[Faramir]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2983|n}} - {{FoA|82}}''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | |}}<br />
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | ELF | | | | | | ELB | | |ELF=[[Elfwine]]<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|ELB=[[Elboron]]<br/><small>''unknown''</small>}}<br />
{{familytree/end}}<br />
<br />
==Other versions of the legendarium==<br />
In one of Tolkien's early drafts, Théoden also had a daughter by the name of [[Idis]], but she was eventually removed when her character was eclipsed by that of Éowyn.<br />
<br />
==Portrayal in adaptations==<br />
<center><gallery><br />
File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Théoden.JPG|<center><small>[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]</center></small><br />
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Théoden.png|<center><small>[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]</center></small><br />
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Two Towers - Théoden.jpeg|<center><small>[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]</center></small><br />
File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Théoden.jpg|<center><small>''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Riders of Rohan]]''</center></small><br />
</gallery></center><br />
<br />
'''1955: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[Valentine Dyall]] voiced the part of Théoden.<br />
<br />
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Théoden was provided by [[Philip Stone]].<br />
<br />
'''1979: [[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1979 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:[[Erik Bauersfeld]] provided the voice of Théoden.<br />
<br />
'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''<br />
:Théoden is voiced by [[Don Messick]], though he speaks very little. His death is narrated by [[John Huston]] as Gandalf.<br />
<br />
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''<br />
:Theoden played by [[Jack May]] appears much earlier in the narrative than in the book, allowing Gandalf to borrow a horse on his escape from Isengard.<br />
<br />
'''1992: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''<br />
:Théoden is played by Werner Rundshagen.<br />
<br />
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]'':'''<br />
:This film deviates from Tolkien's story by having Théoden (played by [[Bernard Hill]]) actually possessed by Saruman rather than simply deceived by Gríma. He then goes to [[Helm's Deep]] to take his people to safety rather than to make a stand against the enemy.<br />
<br />
'''2003: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden at first refuses to come to the aid of Gondor saying that Gondor did not come to the aid of Rohan at the [[Battle of the Hornburg]]. His death is placed after the coming of the [[Haradrim]], and is depicted differently; he is not crushed by [[Snowmane]], but wounded by the [[Fell beasts|fell beast]]. In general, his personality is changed from a "kindly old man" to that of a callous and somewhat obstinate character, though he has several tender moments at the grave of his son and near Éowyn.<br />
<br />
'''2002-2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''<br />
:The voice of Théoden is provided by Ladislav Chudík.<br />
<br />
'''2004: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden is a hero in the Rohan faction. He is voiced by [[Phil Proctor]].<br />
<br />
'''2006: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden is a hero in the Men faction. He is voiced by [[Phil Proctor]].<br />
<br />
'''2009: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Conquest]]'':'''<br />
:Théoden is voiced by [[Brian George]].<br />
<br />
{{references|Notes}}<br />
{{seq-start}}<br />
{{seq-head<br />
| race=rohirrim<br />
| house=[[House of Eorl]]<br />
| born={{TA|2948}}<br />
| died={{TA|3019}}<br />
}}<br />
{{seq<br />
| prev=[[Thengel]]<br />
| list=17th [[Kings of Rohan|King of Rohan]]<br />
| dates={{TA|2980}} – {{TA|3019|n}}<br />
| next=[[Éomer]]<br />
}}<br />
{{seq-end}}<br />
{{rohankings}}<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Theoden}}<br />
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]<br />
[[Category:Kings of Rohan]]<br />
[[Category:Old English names]]<br />
[[Category:Rohirrim]]<br />
[[Category:Third Age characters]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Théoden]]<br />
[[fi:Théoden]]<br />
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/hommes_du_nord/rohirrim/theoden]]</div>MikeyofGondor