Tolkien Gateway - User contributions [en]

Ori

2008-09-06T12:30:26Z

TheGreyPilgrim:

[[Image:Angelo Montanini - Ori.jpg|thumb|250px|''Ori'' by [[Angelo Montanini]]]]
'''Ori''' was a [[Dwarf]] of the House of Durin, and brother to [[Nori]] and [[Dori]]. And a distant kinsman to [[Thorin Oakenshield]]. He wore a grey hood, played the flute, and wrote both well and quickly in large, bold hand and often used [[Elvish]] script.

== The [[Quest of Erebor]] ==

In 2941, Ori (and his brothers) were selected to accompany their King [[Thorin Oakenshield]] on the [[Quest of Erebor]], in which they were assisted by the [[Hobbit]] [[Bilbo Baggins]].
He later fought and survived the [[Battle of Five Armies]], was given his share of the treasure by [[Dáin II Ironfoot]], and settled in the mountain of [[Erebor]].

== Expedition to Moria ==

forty eight years later Ori traveled with [[Balin]], and [[Óin son of Gróin | Óin]] (also members of [[Thorin and Company]]) and a [[Balin's Colony | colony]] of Dwarves on a disasterous attempt to reclaim their ancient mansions of [[Khazad-dûm]] which were already occupied by the [[Goblins]].
At first they colony did well, but less than five years later Balin was killed, Orc reinforcements came south and took the [[East-gate]], and Óin's group he took west to [[Hollin gate]] was destroyed except for a few.

Four years later Ori, wrote the last pages in the [[Book of Mazarbul]] before him, and the last few remaining Dwarves perished during a final stand inside the [[Chamber of Mazarbul]].

== Aftermath ==

During the [[War of the Ring]], the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] journeyed through [[Moria]] and discovered the book that contained the records of the expedition written by Ori.

==Etymology==
Óri is a dwarf from the Norse mythology and the name means 'Furious'
== References ==
* ''[[The Hobbit]]'', passim.
* ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', [[The Council of Elrond]].
* ''[[The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', [[A Journey in the Dark]].

{{Template:Thorin and Company}}

[[Category:Dwarves]]
[[Category:Longbeards]]
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]

User talk:TheGreyPilgrim

2008-08-29T02:40:13Z

TheGreyPilgrim: /* Meeting on Sunday */

[http://lotr.wikia.com/wiki/User_talk:TheGreyPilgrim My user talk page on the One Wiki to Rule them All]

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== Meeting on Sunday ==

Hey there TGP, just thought I'd let you know you are welcome to our weekly [[Tolkien_Gateway:Meetings|meeting]] on Sunday on IRC. We try and get the editors together once a week to discuss topics which may be easier to decide in chat format. See you around. --[[User:Hyarion|Hyarion]] 17:20, 28 August 2008 (UTC)

I don't know if my graphics card can handle even that. I'll try to make it.. I might be away also. [[User:TheGreyPilgrim|TheGreyPilgrim]] 02:40, 29 August 2008 (UTC)

Siege of Utumno

2008-08-23T20:18:28Z

TheGreyPilgrim:

{{expansion}}
{{battle
| name=Siege of Utumno
| image=[[Image:Roger Garland - Melkor chained.jpg|300px]]
| conflict=[[War for Sake of the Elves]]
| date=[[Valian Year 1092|VY 1092]]-[[Valian Year 1099|VY 1099]]
| place=[[Utumno]], North of Aman
| result= Decisive victory for Valarian forces
| side1= Valar and Maiar of [[Valinor]]
| side2= Forces of [[Melkor]]
| commanders1=[[Image:FirstdawnoftheSun_Taniquetil_cropped-TNasmith.jpg|35px]] [[Oromë]]
* [[Tulkas]]
| commanders2=[[Image:Morgoth1.gif|35px]][[Melkor]]
* [[Sauron]]
| forces1= Valarian forces of Aman
| forces2= Balrogs, Orcs, creatures of Melkor
| casual1= Unknown, probably light
| casual2= Near total
|}}

The '''Siege of Utumno''' was a great battle between [[Morgoth]] and the [[Valar]]. The forces of the Valar were easily able to storm the black fortress. They drove Melkor into the depths of [[Utumno]]. Eventually Utumno was captured and leveled, and Melkor was taken to the [[Halls of Mandos]], bound by the great chain [[Angainor]]. He was taken back to Valinor for judgement before Manwë.

[[Category:Wars and Battles]]
[[Category:Sieges]]
[[Category:Conflicts of the Elder Days]]

Battle of the Powers

2008-08-23T20:15:55Z

TheGreyPilgrim:

{{battle
| name=Battle of the Powers
| image=[[Image:Primordial_arda.jpg|300px]]
| conflict=[[War for Sake of the Elves]]
| date=[[Valian Year 1090|VY 1090]]-[[Valian Year 1092|VY 1092]]
| place=Northwest of Middle Earth
| result=Victory for Valarian forces
| side1=Valar and Maiar of [[Valinor]]
| side2=Forces of [[Morgoth]]
| commanders1=[[Image:FirstdawnoftheSun_Taniquetil_cropped-TNasmith.jpg|35px]] [[Oromë]]
* [[Tulkas]]
| commanders2=[[Image:Morgoth1.gif|35px]][[Melkor]]
* [[Sauron]]
| forces1= Valarian forces of Aman
| forces2= Balrogs, Orcs, creatures of Melkor
| casual1= Unknown, probably light
| casual2= Heavy
|}}

The ''Battle of the Powers'' was the great battle between the [[Valar]] and [[Melkor]] that took place soon after the awakening of the [[Elves]]. The forces of Valinor easily triumphed in this battle. [[Melkor]] was driven from Middle Earth back to his fortress of [[Utumno]], and a guard was placed over [[Cuiviénen]] to protect the newly-awakened Firstborn from his evil influence. However, this battle marred the area upon which it was fought. Its landscape was changed forever.

[[Category:Conflicts of the Elder Days]]
[[Category:Wars and Battles]]
[[de:Krieg der Mächte]]
[[fi:Mahtien Mittelö]]
[[fi:Mahtien Sota]]

The Wold

2008-08-23T20:12:32Z

TheGreyPilgrim:

'''The Wold''' was the northernmost and least populated part of [[Rohan]], lying between [[Fangorn Forest]] and the River [[Anduin]], and bordered to the north by the River [[Limlight]].

The main inhabitants were nomadic [[Men of Rohan]] who used the land to graze cattle.

King [[Eorl]] of the Rohirrim was killed in battle in '''The Wold'''.

During the [[War of the Ring]], the third assault wave by [[Dol Guldur]] on [[Lorien]] was driven into the Wold, where the [[Ents]] from Fangorn Forest met them and destroyed them.

[[Category:Regions]]
[[Category:Rohan]]

Legolas of Mirkwood

2008-06-04T17:22:06Z

TheGreyPilgrim: /* Fellowship of the Ring */

{{sindar infobox
| image=[[Image:Jenny Dolfen - Legolas2.jpg|250px]]
| name= Legolas
| othernames= Greenleaf.
| titles=Prince of [[Mirkwood]], one of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] members.
| birth=c. [[Third Age]], [[Mirkwood]].
| realm= [[Woodland Realm]], [[Ithilien]].
| death= Sailed [[West]] - [[Fourth Age 120|F.A. 120]].
| age= Did not die.
| gender= Male.
| hair= Golden.
| eyes= Blue.
| parentage= [[Thranduil]] + Unknown.
| spouse=None.
| children=
|}}
'''Legolas''' ([[Sindarin]] "Greenleaf") was a [[Sindar|Sindarin]] Elf of the [[Silvan]] realm of [[Mirkwood]], the only recorded son of King [[Thranduil]]. He became famous because of his membership in the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], in which he served as one of their most valuable assets because of his superior sight, hearing, lightness of foot, and unrivaled archery. Despite this, however, he played only a minor role in [[The Lord of the Rings]], and the least is known about him, perhaps, of all the members in the company.

==History==
===Early History===
In [[The Fall of Gondolin]], there is found a mention to a [[Legolas of Gondolin|Legolas Greenleaf]], who guided the exiles forth from the destruction to safety. However, much doubt has been cast as to whether these two were one and the same (see [[Legolas disputes]]).

Legolas was alive during the [[Battle of Five Armies]] and it is most likely that he took place in it, though nothing is mentioned of it.

===Fellowship of the Ring===
His first real mention was at the [[Council of Elrond]], as a messenger from his father Thranduil. He was dressed in green and brown, and his eyes were keen. His message was specifically to [[Gandalf]] – namely, that [[Gollum]] had escaped. [[Aragorn II|Aragorn]] then immediately wondered out loud how Thranduil’s people could permit this. Legolas was quick to state that it was not through lack of watchfulness; if anything, from over-kindness, and related the details to the council. He spoke little for the rest of the council, if at all, but later volunteered (or was chosen by [[Elrond]]) to participate in the [[Quest of the Ring]] as the only elven member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]]. His capabilities would be welcomed, and would be his primary claim to fame for the rest of his life.

For the early part of the quest they went in single file, with Legolas at the back. Later, however, we appear to find him at the head of the company as they entered [[Hollin]], for The Lord of the Rings states “[[Gimli]]… had come up with Legolas, and was gazing out before him…”. Though all in the Company could feel the wholesomeness of the country, only Legolas could hear the stones lament the lost presence of the Elves, and his words were poignant.

As they ascended [[Caradhras]], Legolas could walk on top of the snow, whereas the others were forced to trudge. He also attempted (unsuccessfully) to light a fire. The storm troubled him least of all the company, and it is written “he alone of the Company remained still light of heart”. After they were determined to retreat, [[Boromir (son of Denethor II)|Boromir]] and Aragorn tried to push a path through the snow to get out, while Legolas danced lightly on top, passing them easily. He soon spotted the way out for the rest of the company, and a bit of sarcasm edged his speech at Boromir’s words that they (the “strongest”) must seek a way out, when he said “There is the greatest wind-drift of all just beyond the turn, and there our Strong Men were almost buried”. The paragraphs in this section suggest the attributes of youth and unquenchable gaiety.

Perhaps a bit grumpy with the irrepressibility of the elf, Boromir during the vote as to whether or not they should pass through [[Moria]], asked “What do Legolas and the little folk say?” Legolas voted against the passage with Boromir, but was overruled, especially when [[Warg]] voices were heard. During their defense against these beasts, Legolas did more than perhaps all the rest of the company except Gandalf, shooting numerous wargs. Legolas collected his arrows unharmed (except for one) after the fight.

Legolas played only the most minor of parts in Moria. Though it is said that he had eyes that could see well in the dark, strangely, he seems not to possess this quality in the caves. For it is written that [[Frodo]] (due to his [[Morgul-knife]] wound) could see better than any of the company in the dark, except perhaps Gandalf. Legolas had to drag Gimli from the [[Chamber of Mazarbul]] when the [[dwarf]] almost refused to go. Legolas was the first of the Company to recognize [[Durin's Bane]] as a [[balrog]], or at least the first to express his dismay at the fact.

Legolas was most enthusiastic about coming to [[Lothlórien]], describing it to the rest of the Company, and mourning the fact that it was winter and they could not witness it in the pinnacle of its glory. As they rested by the [[Nimrodel (river)|Nimrodel]], Legolas told them tales of Lothlórien, and sang the [[Song of Nimrodel]] to them. Upon hearing the other Elves of Lórien, Legolas listened and responded in their own tongue. When Samwise queried as to what they were saying, Legolas slyly responded that they said he breathed so loud they could shoot him in the dark, horrifying Samwise until Legolas added that they need not fear them.

Legolas was called up to meet with the [[Galadhrim]], with Frodo only (Sam following, as always). The Galadhrim had heard him singing and knew he came from Mirkwood. They would readily accept all of the fellowship, save Gimli, because of his race and the grievances between his and theirs. Legolas was forced to answer for the company, with the reminder to keep an eye on "that dwarf". Legolas was forced by the others to go blindfolded into Lórien, especially at the urging of Gimli, who hated the thought of going such. Indeed, he declared he would submit himself to this restraint only if "Legolas here shares my blindness". In the end, Legolas had no choice but to submit.

Legolas would not translate the Elven lamentations for Gandalf, saying that he had neither the skill nor the heart. During their time in Lórien, however (with the influence of the Lady [[Galadriel]] working its magic on the dwarf), he became fast friends with Gimli, a friendship never to be broken. He was one of those of the Company that could handle boats, and so was assigned to one with the dwarf. He received a bow and quiver such as the Galadhrim used.

[[Image:Michael Kaluta - Legolas Draws the Bow of Galadriel.jpg|thumb|250px|''Legolas Draws the Bow of Galadriel'' by [[Michael Kaluta]].]]After ambushed by orc-archers on the [[Anduin]], Legolas quickly leaped out onto dry ground and searched for a mark to shoot at. As a dread fell on the Company, Legolas invoked the name of [[Elbereth Gilthoniel]], and shot the descending [[Fell beast]] from the sky, a masterful shot in the dark.

===The Three Hunters===
When ambushed on [[Amon Hen]], Legolas shot many orcs until his arrows ran out, then used his knife. Upon the [[breaking of the Fellowship]], he sang a lament for Boromir, who had fallen, with Aragorn, taking the part of the South Wind which came from the Sea. Legolas was of great aid to Aragorn in the days following, as he helped to track the [[Uruk-hai]] across [[Rohan]]. His eyes could see many leagues, and for a while he could see their quarry far ahead of them.

Legolas stood by his friend Gimli when confronted by the haughty [[Éomer]], threatening him with death if he attempted to harm the dwarf. He let Gimli ride behind him on the way to [[Fangorn]]. Under its eaves, Legolas noticed how the tree beneath which they sat seemed glad of the fire. He was reluctant to enter Fangorn, having no knowledge about it save for the stories of the [[Onodrim]], and that it was very old. Though the night was very dark, he was also the first to notice the absence of the horses. Later he asserted to Aragorn that the beasts sounded joyful, confirming Aragorn’s own opinion.

Upon entering Fangorn itself, Legolas declared that he almost felt young again beside those trees. He commented that in earlier days he could have been happy there. Gimli snorted, saying “''I dare say you could. You are a Wood-elf, anyway, though Elves of any kind are strange folk.''” Legolas would later reverse this declaration at the [[Hornburg]]. When the Three Hunters met with the apparition of an old man, whom they believed to be [[Saruman]], despite Gimli’s round encouragement Legolas did not shoot him, feeling moral objections to this. The old man declared “''Put away that bow, Master Elf.''” Legolas dropped his bow, but later picked it up again, and was about to shoot when it was seen that beneath the old man’s robes there was white. Yet he recognized that it was [[Gandalf]] just in time, and shot his arrow high in the air to be consumed by fire. Gandalf coolly added “''Well met, I say to you again, Legolas!''”

===With the Rohirrim===
Legolas was a leader in the conversation with Gandalf, being the first to ask about Merry & Pippin, and Gandalf’s apparently miraculous escape. After the story, Gandalf delivered Galadriel’s messages to each of them, Legolas’s being:

<poem>
''Legolas Greenleaf long under tree
''In joy thou hast lived. Beware of the Sea!
''If thou hearest the cry of the gull on the shore,
''Thy heart shall then rest in the forest no more.
</poem>

Legolas again used his eyes for the help of the company, as he spied both the smoke of Isengard and [[Edoras]] from afar. At the gates of [[Meduseld]], Legolas was the only one to lay down his weapons without hesitation. He played only a passive role in the healing of [[Théoden]] King, and later was arrayed in shining mail beside Aragorn. Gimli would not ride on Éomer’s horse unless Legolas rode beside them, which he did gladly. Éomer declared “''Legolas upon my left, and Aragorn upon my right, and none will dare to stand before us!''”

[[Image:John Howe - Legolas and Gimli at Helm's Deep.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''Legolas and Gimli at Helm's Deep'' by [[John Howe]].]]As Legolas stood at the [[Hornburg]] at the eve of battle, he said that though he did not like the place, Gimli comforted him, and he was glad that the dwarf stood by his side. He also wished that a hundred archers of [[Mirkwood]] were there, noting the small number of bowmen among the Rohirrim. At the opening of the battle Legolas shot twenty at least, this figure being taken as precise by Gimli. When Gimli returned to the elf for the second time to declare that he slew twenty-one, Legolas counted his kills as twenty-four. By the time the [[Fire of Orthanc]] blew out a piece of the wall, his quiver was nearly empty. With the last arrow the elf saved Aragorn’s life when he stumbled while pursued. At the end of the battle, Legolas had shot a total of forty-one, though Gimli surpassed his count by one.

Legolas showed great interest in the [[Huorns]] on the way to [[Isengard]], discussing them with Gandalf and a less willing Gimli. Legolas promised Gimli that he would go to [[Aglarond]] after the war upon hearing the dwarf’s eloquence, if only Gimli would accompany him on a visit to Fangorn. At Isengard he enjoyed a meal in the company of the Gimli, Aragorn, and the Hobbits.

===The Return of the King===
[[Image:Luca Michelucci - 1999 - March.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Drawn by [[Luca Michelucci]].]]When Aragorn made clear his purpose as to the taking of the [[Paths of the Dead]], Legolas and Gimli willingly volunteered to go with him. Legolas predicted, when Gimli suggested that Galadriel might have sent them soldiers from their own lands, that they need not ride away to find war.

Amidst the paths of the dead, riding with the [[Grey Company]], Legolas alone (save for [[Elladan]] and [[Elrohir]], [[Elrond]]’s sons) felt no fear of the [[Dead Men]], and it may be remembered that the High Elves had power both in the worlds of the seen and unseen. Yet his turn came to be struck to the heart in the opposite sense – when he heard the gulls at [[Pelargir]], fulfilling Galadriel’s prediction and warning. While telling this story later, he dropped off there, while Gimli promptly said “''For my part I heeded them not''”. Legolas saw as Aragorn led the Dead Men what a mighty lord he might have been if he had taken the [[One Ring]].

Legolas came with Aragorn from the ships during the [[Battle of Pelennor Fields]], and fought there beside his comrades. He survived the battle, and several times that day afterward commented on the longevity and eventual domination of Men to the dubious Gimli.

===Battle of the Morannon and Aftermath===
Legolas rode for the last time into battle beside his friends to the [[Battle of the Morannon]]. He witnessed the Fall of the Dark Tower, and after the battle attended the ceremonies of the [[Field of Cormallen]] in the honor of Frodo and Samwise and their victory. That night Legolas would not go to bed, but instead went away to walk in the woods, singing of the Sea.

After attending the [[Coronation of Elessar]], Legolas remained (at the urging of Aragorn) in [[Minas Tirith]] for a time. During the parting of the Fellowship, Legolas went with Gimli to Aglarond. The last sight of Legolas in ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]'' is as he rode off with Gimli to visit [[Fangorn Forest]].

===After the War of the Ring===
As noted in [[Appendix A]]: ''Of Durin's Folk'', Legolas returned to Minas Tirith with a company of Wood-elves, and they made [[Ithilien]] a green and fair land once more. After King Aragorn died, Legolas sailed West. Traditionally, he took Gimli with him.

==Character==
Legolas showed almost irrepressible cheerfulness throughout the journey, passing through [[Caradhras]] and even the [[Paths of the Dead]] without hesitation or complaint. His youthful nature can be seen from the mocking way he treated the "strong men" on Caradhras, whom Boromir (excluding Legolas) had said could forge a way out through the snow. He is perhaps most remembered for his friendship with Gimli the Dwarf, and it was during this friendship that we see his faithfulness, and also his love of beauty. Gimli’s words moved him when the dwarf spoke of the [[Glittering Caves]]. It can be assumed despite his suggested age of 500-700 that he had never before come near to the Sea, for his heart became suddenly torn when he heard the Gulls at [[Pelargir]], and could never remove their mewing from his mind. His naivete is demonstrated again when Legolas comments that Aragorn has journeyed further than he has.

== Portrayal in Adaptations ==
[[Image:Ralph Bakshi's Legolas.jpg||thumb|250px|Legolas as portrayed in [[Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings]].]]
[[Image:Legolas at Amon Hen.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Orlando Bloom]] as Legolas in [[Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]].]]
Legolas was voiced by [[Anthony Daniels]] (who had played the droid C-3PO of ''Star Wars'' fame) in [[Ralph Bakshi]]'s 1978 animated version of ''[[Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings|The Lord of the Rings]]''. In the film, he takes [[Glorfindel of Rivendell|Glorfindel's]] place in the Flight to the Ford sequence; he meets Strider and the hobbits on their way to [[Rivendell]], and sets Frodo on his horse before he is chased by the Nazgûl to the ford of [[Bruinen]]. Here, he is apparently from Rivendell, because he answers to Elrond; he is not identified as a Wood-elf.

Neither Legolas nor Gimli appeared in the [[1980]] [[Rankin/Bass' The Return of the King]], as they were essentially followers irrelevant to the plot.

Legolas was voiced by [[David Collings]] in the [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|1981 BBC Radio 4 adaptation]].

In [[Peter Jackson]]'s [[Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings|''Lord of the Rings'' movie trilogy]], Legolas was portrayed by [[Orlando Bloom]].

In the "official movie guide" for ''The Lord of the Rings'', a birthdate for Legolas is set to 87 of the [[Third Age]]. This would make him 2931 years old at the time of the [[War of the Ring]]. This date for Legolas' birth was made up by the movie writers, as in the books there are no known dates concerning Legolas before Third Age 3018. Curiously, the year 2931 was the year Aragorn was born; the writers may have picked the number at random from the ''Tale of Years'' in the [[Appendices]].

He is presented as an unstoppable fighter, arguably to the point of stealing the show; he performs show-stopping yet implausible stunts in battle scenes. For example, in the [[Battle of the Hornburg]], he slides down a staircase using a shield, shooting arrows all the while, and in the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], he takes down an [[Oliphaunts|Oliphaunt]] all by himself. However, in the books, Legolas's exploits in battle are not presented in great detail. Aside from shooting the fell beast, he undertakes no major actions other than to make peace with Gimli, overcoming their longstanding mutual racial animosity — he and Gimli are followers, rather than leaders. The film-makers later stated that the entire scene of Legolas killing the Oliphaunt and its entire crew was filmed during pick-ups (months after original filming) to insert a major action scene showcasing him, because at that point they realized that he simply doesn't get to do much in the third part of the trilogy.

He wears green and grey clothes and uses boots, in contrast to Tolkien's green and "brown" clothes and "light shoes". It is notable that in the extended DVD edition of The Fellowship of the Ring, a scene in Lothlorien is included in which Legolas is wearing a different costume than his normal. This was in fact his original costume, which was later changed due to the filmmaker's dissatisfaction with it. Fans have come up with several explanations for this seeming inconsistency. Two possibilities stand above the rest as the most likely: (1) Legolas brought an extra tunic and jerkin from Mirkwood and decided to wear it at this moment, (2) The Elves of Lothlorien, under the leadership of [[Haldir of Lórien|Haldir]], gave Legolas a new tunic of their own make (or one they had traded with other Elves) for him to wear. The most common explanation for why he would change his tunic is that his other one was dirty from the long trek up to that point and he wanted to have it washed in the clean waters of the [[Nimrodel the river|Nimrodel]].

Legolas bears two long knives, while in the book he bears only one. Another, more trivial change, was the number of Orcs he and Gimli kill at [[Helm's Deep]]: 42 and 43, respectively. This brings up an interesting possibility that could further illuminate the playful antagonism between the two characters. Legolas might give his count as "42" but secretly tells an untruth and really has only killed 41 [[Uruk-hai]], but wants to make sure he has more than Gimli. Gimli, who has only killed 42 gives his answer as "43", to make sure he bests the Elf. It is not clear, however, whether this was an intentional change on the part of the filmmakers, though it seems likely that it was, since the original numbers were so clear in Tolkien's own text.

Due to technical mishaps involving Orlando Bloom's contact lenses, in the films Legolas' eye colour sometimes changes between brown, purple, and blue. This was justified by the notion that Elves' eyes change colour with their mood. This idea subsequently spread to fanfiction. However, it is pure [[fanon]], and is nowhere to be found in Tolkien's writings, and is often simply meant as a joke. In any case, his eye color was probably grey; see [[Elven Characteristics#Eye colour|here]] for more details. Another common explanation for Legolas' changing eye color is the obvious fact that light reflects off objects differently in different conditions and that, therefore, the Elf's eyes "seem" to change color in different lighting environments.

Playing Legolas in the trilogy was Orlando Bloom's breakout route to superstardom. His handsome features and Legolas' "coolness", so to speak, as depicted in the film, have led to the character becoming a unprecedented fan favorite with both fangirls and fanboys, not to mention other Tolkien fans. Although the disproportionate popular reaction to Legolas met with mixed reactions from fans, many debaters on the Internet during earlier stages of production were worried that a film portrayal of Legolas might render him as far too effeminate for popular consumption. Later, many felt that Bloom was able to avoid this entirely. [[Christopher Tolkien]] recounts that his father wrote the following "wrathful" comment protesting against a "pretty" or "ladylike" depiction of Legolas:
{{quote|He was tall as a young tree, lithe, immensely strong, able swiftly to draw a great war-bow and shoot down a Nazgûl, endowed with the tremendous vitality of Elvish bodies, so hard and resistant to hurt that he went only in light shoes over rock or through snow, the most tireless of all the Fellowship.|[[The Book of Lost Tales Part 2]]}}

Despite Bloom's popularity, many viewers have found his performance wooden, in agreement with his status as a "Wood"-elf.

== Disputed Issues ==
See [[Legolas disputes]]

== Name ==
The name '''Legolas''' is a [[Silvan]] dialect form of pure [[Sindarin]] ''Laegolas'', which means [[Greenleaf]]. This shows that '''''Greenleaf''''' is not his surname, as is sometimes erroneously believed; nor is it an epithet (like ''[[Oakenshield]]''), but a translation of his name. It consists of the [[Sindarin]] words ''laeg'', green; and ''golas'', a collection of leaves, foliage (being a prefixed collective form of ''las(s)'', "leaf"). The [[Quenya]] form (mentioned in the ''Book of Lost Tales'' in the context of another character of that name) is ''Laiqualassë''.

There might, however, be a certain meaning to his name: ''laeg'' is a very rare, archaic word for green, which is normally replaced by ''calen'' (cf. ''Calenhad'', mutated ''Parth Galen'' and plural ''Pinnath Gelin'') and is otherwise almost only preserved in ''Laegrim, Laegel(d)rim'' (Sindarin form of Quenya [[Laiquendi]]), the ''Green Elves'' of the First Age. It may be that Thranduil named his son ''Legolas'' to at least in part refer to this people, who were remote kin and ancestors of the later Silvan Elves, the people Thranduil ruled and to whom—very likely—Thranduil's wife belonged.

Apparently, only Hobbits (and the Men of Bree) used surnames (like [[Baggins]] or [[Gamgee]]), as recorded in the Red Book. Men and Elves alike used the patronymic (''son of'') formula. In English, therefore, a fuller name would be "Legolas son of Thranduil" or "Legolas Thranduil's son". In Sindarin, that would be ''Legolas Thranduilion'', -''ion'' meaning "son of".

== See Also ==
* [[:Category:Images of Legolas|Images of Legolas]]

== Sources ==
* [http://www.istad.org/tolkien/legolas.html Legolas of Mirkwood: Prince Among Equals] - An Essay by Ellen Brundige
* [http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/tolkien/36517 "Speaking of Legolas..."] by Michael Martinez, Suite101.com, 2004
* [http://forums.theonering.com/viewtopic.php?t=12604 Discussion on Legolas' age, from the '''theonering.com''' messageboards]

== External Links ==
* [http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/l/legolas.html Legolas Greenleaf] at the Encyclopedia of Arda
* [http://www.tuckborough.net/legolas.html Legolas] at The Thain's Book

{{fellowship}}

[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]

[[de:Legolas (Thranduils Sohn)]]

Aragorn II

2008-06-04T17:18:58Z

TheGreyPilgrim: /* Return of the King */

{{gondorian
| image=[[Image:John Howe - Elessar (Battlefields boardgame).jpg|250px]]
| name=Aragorn II
| othernames=[[Elessar]], [[Thorongil]] ([[Aragorn II#Names|see more below]]).
| position=[[Chieftain of the Dúnedain]] and King of the [[Reunited Kingdom]].
| birth=[[March 1]], [[Third Age 2931|T.A. 2931]].
| rule=[[Third Age 3019|T.A. 3019]] - [[Fourth Age 120|Fo.A. 120]].
| death=[[Fourth Age 120|Fo.A. 120]].
| gender=Male.
| parentage=[[Arathorn II]] + [[Gilraen]].
| spouse=[[Arwen Undómiel]].
| children=[[Eldarion]], at least two daughters.
| ref=''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''; [[Appendix A]]
|}}
{{Pronounce|Aragorn Elessar.mp3|Ardamir}}
{{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]]}}
'''Aragorn II''' ([[Third Age]] March 1, 2931 – [[Fourth Age]] 120, aged 210 years[[#Notes|1]]) was the son of [[Arathorn II]] and [[Gilraen]]. He was was a [[Chieftain of the Dúnedain]] and a direct descendant through many generations of [[Isildur]], the last [[High King]] of both [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Aragorn would become the greatest man of his time, leading the [[Men of the West]] against [[Sauron]]'s forces, helping to destroy the [[One Ring]], and reuniting the [[Reunited Kingdom|Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor]]. Aragorn was named after his ancestor, [[Aragorn I]].

==History==
===Early Life===
[[Image:Stephen Hickman - Aragorn and Arwen.jpg|thumb|200px|left|''Aragorn and Arwen'' by [[Stephen Hickman]]]]
When Aragorn was two years old, his father was slain when a [[Orc]] arrow pierced his eye. As was the tradition of his people, Aragorn was fostered in [[Rivendell]] by [[Elrond]]. By Elrond's order, his identity was kept secret, as he feared he would be slain like his father and grandfather. Aragorn was named '''''[[Estel]]''''' ([[Sindarin]] for "Hope") instead, and was not told about his heritage until he came of age in [[Third Age 2951|2951]].

Elrond revealed to "Estel" his true name and ancestry in 2951, when Aragorn was twenty years old, and delivered to him the shards of [[Narsil]] and the [[Ring of Barahir]]. The next day, in the woods of Rivendell, Aragorn met and fell in love with [[Arwen Evenstar|Arwen]], daughter of Elrond, who had newly returned from [[Lórien in Middle-earth|Lórien]].

===Life as a Ranger===
Aragorn took up his proper name as Aragorn II, sixteenth of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, and went into [[The Wild]].
In [[Third Age 2953|2953]] he was not present in Rivendell for the last meeting of the [[White Council]]. Aragorn met [[Gandalf the Grey]] in [[Third Age 2956|2956]], and they became great friends. At Gandalf's advice he started to become interested in the [[Shire]], and became known around the area as '''''Strider'''''.
[[Image:Catherine Chmiel - Ecthelion,Thorongil and Boromir study.jpg|thumb|200px|right|"Thorongil" with [[Ecthelion II]], by [[Catherine Karina Chmiel]]]]
From [[Third Age 2957|2957]] to [[Third Age 2980|2980]] Aragorn took great journeys, serving in the armies of King [[Thengel]] of [[Rohan]], and Steward [[Ecthelion II]] of Gondor. Many of his tasks weakened [[Sauron]] and his allies, which during the [[War of the Ring]] helped the West survive. His name in Gondor and Rohan was '''''Thorongil''''' (Sindarin for "Eagle of the Star"), and with a few Gondorian ships he led a [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|Surprise Attack on the Havens of Umbar]], destroying many of their ships and slaying its lord. He later 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. Later in 2980 he was in [[Lothlórien]], and there once again met Arwen. He gave her the heirloom of his House, the [[Ring of Barahir]], and Arwen pledged her hand to him in marriage.

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 may seem a harsh condition, but it should be noted that it is significantly more lenient than the closest precedent, King [[Thingol]]'s request that [[Beren Erchamion|Beren]] obtain a [[Silmaril]] from [[Morgoth]] before marrying his daughter [[Lúthien]].

==War of the Ring==
===Fellowship of the Ring and events preceding===
In the year [[Third Age 3001|3001]], as a now revealed [[Sauron]] continued to regain power in [[Mordor]], Aragorn began assisting [[Gandalf]] for news of [[Gollum]]. Gandalf suspected that the ring [[Bilbo Baggins]] stole from Gollum was in fact the [[One Ring]]. In [[Third Age 3018|3018]] after searching intermittently over the years, Aragorn finally overtakes Gollum in the [[Dead Marshes]] and takes him to Thranduil in Mirkwood to be held captive. He then returns west where he meets with Gandalf and learns of [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo Baggins]]' plan to leave the shire with the ring.

Aragorn and his [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] kept watch over the border of the [[Shire]] waiting for sight of Frodo. 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. He watched 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.

Aragorn’s plan to get to Rivendell was to head first 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 of Rivendell|Glorfindel]], a friend of Aragorn’s, and it was not much later that they arrived in Rivendell.
[[Image:Inger Edelfeldt - Death of Boromir.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Aragorn at the death of Boromir, by [[Inger Edelfeldt]]]]
Aragorn, when in Rivendell, switched cloaks from that of the Ranger to that of the Lord of the Dúnedain, the Elf-friend. He was elected as Gandalf’s second in the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], and served throughout their journeys together as his chief advisor.

Aragorn encouraged the taking of the [[Redhorn Pass]], which ended in disaster. He reluctantly conceded to Gandalf’s plan to pass through [[Moria]], though his sense of foresight warned him for Gandalf. Indeed, after Gandalf was taken down by [[Durin’s Bane]], Aragorn was naturally elected leader of the company, despite some resentment by his companion [[Boromir (son of Denethor II)|Boromir]].

Aragorn again amazed the rest of the Fellowship by his apparent closeness to the people of [[Lothlórien]], and his friendship with [[Celeborn (Lord of Lórien)|Celeborn]] and [[Galadriel]]. Even at the [[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 [[Ringbearer]] chose.

===The early War of the Ring===

After Frodo escaped him and Boromir perished, he with the remaining members of the Fellowship, namely [[Legolas of Mirkwood|Legolas]] and [[Gimli Elf-friend|Gimli]], chose to try and save Merry and [[Pippin]] from the [[Uruk-hai]] that had ambushed them, forming the group that would later be known as the [[Three Hunters]].

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 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 defense against [[Saruman]]’s army. When the Hornburg's gate was going to fall to enemy forces, Aragorn and Théoden led a cavalry charge that raised the morale of the tired forces fighting within the fortress. 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]].

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.

===Return of the King===
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 [[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.

The [[Grey Company]] passed through the [[Dark Door]] and the [[Dwimorberg]], the Dead following, and coming at last to the [[Black 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]] 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 counterattacked army of [[Sauron]] crumbled utterly. But Aragorn did not enter the city.
[[Image:Luca Michelucci - 1999 - March.jpg|thumb|175px|left|The Black ships, by [[Luca Michelucci]]]]
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 son of Denethor II|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''”. Aragorn then left the city, hooded and cloaked, and yet the people of Minas Tirith followed him, for they had heard rumors. Yet when in the morning they saw the banner of [[Dol Amroth]], they wondered if the Return of the King had been but a dream.

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 pull 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 [[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]]. Gandalf took him up the slopes of Mount [[Mindolluin]], and there Aragorn found the scion of [[Nimloth]], the symbol of his mastery of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]. 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.

===Reign as Elessar===

Aragorn ruled the [[Reunited Kingdom]] of Gondor and Arnor until year 120 of the [[Fourth Age]]. He died after 210 years of life and 122 years of rule. His wife Arwen, now mortal, gave up her life shortly afterwards in year 121, aged 2,901.

He founded the [[House of Telcontar]], and was succeeded by his son [[Eldarion]]. He also had a number of daughters, whose names were not recorded.

Through his ancestor Elendil, Aragorn was a descendant of the [[Númenóreans]], great [[Men]] who were granted long lives by the [[Valar]]. Though [[Númenor]] was destroyed, its people lived on as the [[Dúnedain]], and like their ancestors they too were long-lived. Thus Aragorn lived to a great age, finally passing on at 210 years.

==Etymology==
The name '''Aragorn''' has long been without a clear etymology. [[Ruth S. Noel]] and several others proposed "King of the Tree", but [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] specifically said (in response to a reader who thought so) that this was not the case. Some deduced "Kingly Valour", still the most cited etymology, from ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]''. [[Carl F. Hostetter]] proposed the meanings "King of the Globe" or "King of the Hill" in ''[[Vinyar Tengwar 31]]''. In "Words, Phrases & Passages in ''The Lord of the Rings''", a late 1950's manuscript by Tolkien, the most clear, and apparently final, thoughts of Tolkien indicate the name means "Revered King", from ''[[aran]]'' "king" and ''ngorn'' "dreaded, revered"

===Names and titles===
* Aragorn II - Aragorn's name as [[Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]. He was likely named after [[Aragorn I]].
* [[Thorongil]] - "Eagle of the Star", a pseudonym used in [[Gondor]] and [[Rohan]].
* [[Elessar]] - The Elfstone, Aragorn's name as a king. Despite populare use as such, Aragorn was never known as "Aragorn Elessar", "Aragorn II Elessar" or "[[Rankin/Bass' The Return of the King|King Aragorn]]".
* Edhelharn - The [[Sindarin]] equivalent of Elessar, used in the [[King's Letter]].
* [[Elfstone]] - The [[Common Speech]] version of the previous two.
* [[Estel]] - 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".
* [[Strider]] - A sobriquet given by the men of [[Bree]]. Aragorn used it mockingly.
* [[Wingfoot]] - A honorary name given by [[Éomer]] after the pursuit of the [[Uruk-hai]] through the [[Eastemnet]].
* [[Telcontar]] - A [[Quenya]] form of "Strider", this was the name of Elessar's Royal House. It was not used independently.
* [[Isildur's Heir]] - A poetic address, as he was the heir of [[Isildur]].
* The Dúnadan - "[[Dúnedain|Man of the West]]", a name given by [[Bilbo Baggins]] when their friendship evolved.
* Longshanks - another, though less frequently used, sobriquet in Bree, ascribed to [[Bill Ferny]]. The legs of the [[Bree-men]] were shorter than the legs of the [[Dúnedain]].

==Other versions of the legendarium==
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 [[Hobbit]] instead of a [[Men|Man]]. He had wooden feet, because he had once traveled to Mordor and been tortured there.

==Portrayal in adaptations==
<gallery>
Image:Strider from Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings.jpg|Aragorn as portrayed in [[Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings]].
Image:Aragorn from Rankin-Bass' The Return of the King.jpg|Aragorn as portrayed in [[Rankin/Bass' The Return of the King]].
Image:Aragorn grimace.jpg|[[Viggo Mortensen]] as Aragorn in [[Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]].
</gallery>

In Ralph Bakshi's animated film [[Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings|The Lord of the Rings]], Aragorn is voiced by [[John Hurt]]. Some critics have accused this character of looking too much like a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stereotypes_of_Native_Americans stereotype of a Native American].

In the [[Rankin/Bass]] animated version of [[Rankin/Bass' The Return of the King|The Return of the King]], Aragorn is voiced by [[Theodore Bikel]].

[[Robert Stephens]] provided the voice of Aragorn in [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|the 1981 radio series]].

In [[Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]], Aragorn is played by [[Viggo Mortensen]], though originally, [[Stuart Townsend]] was 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]]. Mortensen portrays Aragorn full of self-doubt; a change that was presumably made to fit him in the modern "anti-hero" jacket. He shows great trouble over the choice whether or not he should become king, whereas in the book, there is no doubt of his purpose to return as the king from the very first time his lineage is revealed.

==Genealogy==
<code>
[[Eärendil the Mariner|Eärendil]] = [[Elwing]]
| [[Celeborn, Lord of Lórien|Celeborn]] = [[Galadriel]]
| |
--------|-------- |
| | |
| | |
[[Elros]] [[Elrond]] = [[Celebrían]]
: |
[[Kings of Numenor]] |
: |
Lords of [[Andúnië]] |
: |
[[Elendil]] † |
| |
------|------ |
| | | † [[High King]] of [[Arnor]] ''and'' [[Gondor]]
| | |
[[Isildur]] † [[Anárion son of Elendil|Anárion]] |
: : |
: : |
''The Kings'' ''The Kings'' |
''of [[Arnor]]'' ''of [[Gondor]]'' |
: : |
: : |
: [[Eärnur]] ‡ | ‡ Last [[King of Gondor]]
: |
[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftains of]] |
[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|the Dúnedain]] |
: |
: |
[[Arathorn II]] = [[Gilraen]] |
| |
| |
'''ARAGORN II ELESSAR''' = [[Arwen]]
|
-------|-------
| |
| |
[[Eldarion]] ''numerous daughters''
</code>

{{sequence
|prev=[[Arathorn II]]
|next=none (abandoned)
|list=[[Chieftain of the Dúnedain]] <code>III</code> 2933 – 3019
}} 
{{sequence
|prev=[[Eärnur]], 971 years earlier
|next=[[Eldarion]]
|list=[[King of Gondor]] <code>III</code> 3019 – <code>IV</code> 120
}} {{sequence
|prev=[[Arvedui]], 1,046 years earlier
|next=[[Eldarion]]
|list=[[King of Arnor]] <code>III</code> 3019 – <code>IV</code> 120
}} {{sequence
|prev=[[Isildur]], 3,017 years earlier
|next=[[Eldarion]]
|list=[[High King]] of the [[Reunited Kingdom]] <code>III</code> 3019 – <code>IV</code> 120
}} {{sequence
|prev=none
|next=[[Eldarion]]
|list=[[House of Telcontar]] <code>III</code> 3019 – <code>IV</code> 120
}}{{fellowship}}

== Notes ==
:1. [[Appendix B]]

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Aragorn|Images of Aragorn]].

[[Category:Rulers of Arnor]]
[[Category:Rulers of Gondor]]
[[Category:Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]

[[de:Aragorn II.]]

Aragorn II

2008-06-04T17:16:37Z

TheGreyPilgrim: /* The early War of the Ring */

{{gondorian
| image=[[Image:John Howe - Elessar (Battlefields boardgame).jpg|250px]]
| name=Aragorn II
| othernames=[[Elessar]], [[Thorongil]] ([[Aragorn II#Names|see more below]]).
| position=[[Chieftain of the Dúnedain]] and King of the [[Reunited Kingdom]].
| birth=[[March 1]], [[Third Age 2931|T.A. 2931]].
| rule=[[Third Age 3019|T.A. 3019]] - [[Fourth Age 120|Fo.A. 120]].
| death=[[Fourth Age 120|Fo.A. 120]].
| gender=Male.
| parentage=[[Arathorn II]] + [[Gilraen]].
| spouse=[[Arwen Undómiel]].
| children=[[Eldarion]], at least two daughters.
| ref=''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''; [[Appendix A]]
|}}
{{Pronounce|Aragorn Elessar.mp3|Ardamir}}
{{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]]}}
'''Aragorn II''' ([[Third Age]] March 1, 2931 – [[Fourth Age]] 120, aged 210 years[[#Notes|1]]) was the son of [[Arathorn II]] and [[Gilraen]]. He was was a [[Chieftain of the Dúnedain]] and a direct descendant through many generations of [[Isildur]], the last [[High King]] of both [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Aragorn would become the greatest man of his time, leading the [[Men of the West]] against [[Sauron]]'s forces, helping to destroy the [[One Ring]], and reuniting the [[Reunited Kingdom|Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor]]. Aragorn was named after his ancestor, [[Aragorn I]].

==History==
===Early Life===
[[Image:Stephen Hickman - Aragorn and Arwen.jpg|thumb|200px|left|''Aragorn and Arwen'' by [[Stephen Hickman]]]]
When Aragorn was two years old, his father was slain when a [[Orc]] arrow pierced his eye. As was the tradition of his people, Aragorn was fostered in [[Rivendell]] by [[Elrond]]. By Elrond's order, his identity was kept secret, as he feared he would be slain like his father and grandfather. Aragorn was named '''''[[Estel]]''''' ([[Sindarin]] for "Hope") instead, and was not told about his heritage until he came of age in [[Third Age 2951|2951]].

Elrond revealed to "Estel" his true name and ancestry in 2951, when Aragorn was twenty years old, and delivered to him the shards of [[Narsil]] and the [[Ring of Barahir]]. The next day, in the woods of Rivendell, Aragorn met and fell in love with [[Arwen Evenstar|Arwen]], daughter of Elrond, who had newly returned from [[Lórien in Middle-earth|Lórien]].

===Life as a Ranger===
Aragorn took up his proper name as Aragorn II, sixteenth of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, and went into [[The Wild]].
In [[Third Age 2953|2953]] he was not present in Rivendell for the last meeting of the [[White Council]]. Aragorn met [[Gandalf the Grey]] in [[Third Age 2956|2956]], and they became great friends. At Gandalf's advice he started to become interested in the [[Shire]], and became known around the area as '''''Strider'''''.
[[Image:Catherine Chmiel - Ecthelion,Thorongil and Boromir study.jpg|thumb|200px|right|"Thorongil" with [[Ecthelion II]], by [[Catherine Karina Chmiel]]]]
From [[Third Age 2957|2957]] to [[Third Age 2980|2980]] Aragorn took great journeys, serving in the armies of King [[Thengel]] of [[Rohan]], and Steward [[Ecthelion II]] of Gondor. Many of his tasks weakened [[Sauron]] and his allies, which during the [[War of the Ring]] helped the West survive. His name in Gondor and Rohan was '''''Thorongil''''' (Sindarin for "Eagle of the Star"), and with a few Gondorian ships he led a [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|Surprise Attack on the Havens of Umbar]], destroying many of their ships and slaying its lord. He later 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. Later in 2980 he was in [[Lothlórien]], and there once again met Arwen. He gave her the heirloom of his House, the [[Ring of Barahir]], and Arwen pledged her hand to him in marriage.

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 may seem a harsh condition, but it should be noted that it is significantly more lenient than the closest precedent, King [[Thingol]]'s request that [[Beren Erchamion|Beren]] obtain a [[Silmaril]] from [[Morgoth]] before marrying his daughter [[Lúthien]].

==War of the Ring==
===Fellowship of the Ring and events preceding===
In the year [[Third Age 3001|3001]], as a now revealed [[Sauron]] continued to regain power in [[Mordor]], Aragorn began assisting [[Gandalf]] for news of [[Gollum]]. Gandalf suspected that the ring [[Bilbo Baggins]] stole from Gollum was in fact the [[One Ring]]. In [[Third Age 3018|3018]] after searching intermittently over the years, Aragorn finally overtakes Gollum in the [[Dead Marshes]] and takes him to Thranduil in Mirkwood to be held captive. He then returns west where he meets with Gandalf and learns of [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo Baggins]]' plan to leave the shire with the ring.

Aragorn and his [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] kept watch over the border of the [[Shire]] waiting for sight of Frodo. 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. He watched 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.

Aragorn’s plan to get to Rivendell was to head first 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 of Rivendell|Glorfindel]], a friend of Aragorn’s, and it was not much later that they arrived in Rivendell.
[[Image:Inger Edelfeldt - Death of Boromir.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Aragorn at the death of Boromir, by [[Inger Edelfeldt]]]]
Aragorn, when in Rivendell, switched cloaks from that of the Ranger to that of the Lord of the Dúnedain, the Elf-friend. He was elected as Gandalf’s second in the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], and served throughout their journeys together as his chief advisor.

Aragorn encouraged the taking of the [[Redhorn Pass]], which ended in disaster. He reluctantly conceded to Gandalf’s plan to pass through [[Moria]], though his sense of foresight warned him for Gandalf. Indeed, after Gandalf was taken down by [[Durin’s Bane]], Aragorn was naturally elected leader of the company, despite some resentment by his companion [[Boromir (son of Denethor II)|Boromir]].

Aragorn again amazed the rest of the Fellowship by his apparent closeness to the people of [[Lothlórien]], and his friendship with [[Celeborn (Lord of Lórien)|Celeborn]] and [[Galadriel]]. Even at the [[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 [[Ringbearer]] chose.

===The early War of the Ring===

After Frodo escaped him and Boromir perished, he with the remaining members of the Fellowship, namely [[Legolas of Mirkwood|Legolas]] and [[Gimli Elf-friend|Gimli]], chose to try and save Merry and [[Pippin]] from the [[Uruk-hai]] that had ambushed them, forming the group that would later be known as the [[Three Hunters]].

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 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 defense against [[Saruman]]’s army. When the Hornburg's gate was going to fall to enemy forces, Aragorn and Théoden led a cavalry charge that raised the morale of the tired forces fighting within the fortress. 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]].

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.

===Return of the King===
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 [[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.

The [[Grey Company]] passed through the [[Dark Door]] and the [[Dwimorberg]], the Dead following, and coming at last to the [[Black 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]] 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 counterattacked army of [[Sauron]] crumbled utterly. But Aragorn did not enter the city.
[[Image:Luca Michelucci - 1999 - March.jpg|thumb|175px|left|The Black ships, by [[Luca Michelucci]]]]
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 son of Denethor II|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''”. Aragorn then left the city, hooded and cloaked, and yet the people of Minas Tirith followed him, for they had heard rumors. Yet when in the morning they saw the banner of [[Dol Amroth]], they wondered if the Return of the King had been but a dream.

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 pull 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 [[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]]. Gandalf took him up the slopes of Mount [[Mindolluin]], and there Aragorn found the scion of [[Nimloth]], the symbol of his mastery of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]. He wedded Arwen shortly after, 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.

===Reign as Elessar===

Aragorn ruled the [[Reunited Kingdom]] of Gondor and Arnor until year 120 of the [[Fourth Age]]. He died after 210 years of life and 122 years of rule. His wife Arwen, now mortal, gave up her life shortly afterwards in year 121, aged 2,901.

He founded the [[House of Telcontar]], and was succeeded by his son [[Eldarion]]. He also had a number of daughters, whose names were not recorded.

Through his ancestor Elendil, Aragorn was a descendant of the [[Númenóreans]], great [[Men]] who were granted long lives by the [[Valar]]. Though [[Númenor]] was destroyed, its people lived on as the [[Dúnedain]], and like their ancestors they too were long-lived. Thus Aragorn lived to a great age, finally passing on at 210 years.

==Etymology==
The name '''Aragorn''' has long been without a clear etymology. [[Ruth S. Noel]] and several others proposed "King of the Tree", but [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] specifically said (in response to a reader who thought so) that this was not the case. Some deduced "Kingly Valour", still the most cited etymology, from ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]''. [[Carl F. Hostetter]] proposed the meanings "King of the Globe" or "King of the Hill" in ''[[Vinyar Tengwar 31]]''. In "Words, Phrases & Passages in ''The Lord of the Rings''", a late 1950's manuscript by Tolkien, the most clear, and apparently final, thoughts of Tolkien indicate the name means "Revered King", from ''[[aran]]'' "king" and ''ngorn'' "dreaded, revered"

===Names and titles===
* Aragorn II - Aragorn's name as [[Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]. He was likely named after [[Aragorn I]].
* [[Thorongil]] - "Eagle of the Star", a pseudonym used in [[Gondor]] and [[Rohan]].
* [[Elessar]] - The Elfstone, Aragorn's name as a king. Despite populare use as such, Aragorn was never known as "Aragorn Elessar", "Aragorn II Elessar" or "[[Rankin/Bass' The Return of the King|King Aragorn]]".
* Edhelharn - The [[Sindarin]] equivalent of Elessar, used in the [[King's Letter]].
* [[Elfstone]] - The [[Common Speech]] version of the previous two.
* [[Estel]] - 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".
* [[Strider]] - A sobriquet given by the men of [[Bree]]. Aragorn used it mockingly.
* [[Wingfoot]] - A honorary name given by [[Éomer]] after the pursuit of the [[Uruk-hai]] through the [[Eastemnet]].
* [[Telcontar]] - A [[Quenya]] form of "Strider", this was the name of Elessar's Royal House. It was not used independently.
* [[Isildur's Heir]] - A poetic address, as he was the heir of [[Isildur]].
* The Dúnadan - "[[Dúnedain|Man of the West]]", a name given by [[Bilbo Baggins]] when their friendship evolved.
* Longshanks - another, though less frequently used, sobriquet in Bree, ascribed to [[Bill Ferny]]. The legs of the [[Bree-men]] were shorter than the legs of the [[Dúnedain]].

==Other versions of the legendarium==
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 [[Hobbit]] instead of a [[Men|Man]]. He had wooden feet, because he had once traveled to Mordor and been tortured there.

==Portrayal in adaptations==
<gallery>
Image:Strider from Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings.jpg|Aragorn as portrayed in [[Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings]].
Image:Aragorn from Rankin-Bass' The Return of the King.jpg|Aragorn as portrayed in [[Rankin/Bass' The Return of the King]].
Image:Aragorn grimace.jpg|[[Viggo Mortensen]] as Aragorn in [[Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]].
</gallery>

In Ralph Bakshi's animated film [[Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings|The Lord of the Rings]], Aragorn is voiced by [[John Hurt]]. Some critics have accused this character of looking too much like a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stereotypes_of_Native_Americans stereotype of a Native American].

In the [[Rankin/Bass]] animated version of [[Rankin/Bass' The Return of the King|The Return of the King]], Aragorn is voiced by [[Theodore Bikel]].

[[Robert Stephens]] provided the voice of Aragorn in [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|the 1981 radio series]].

In [[Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]], Aragorn is played by [[Viggo Mortensen]], though originally, [[Stuart Townsend]] was 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]]. Mortensen portrays Aragorn full of self-doubt; a change that was presumably made to fit him in the modern "anti-hero" jacket. He shows great trouble over the choice whether or not he should become king, whereas in the book, there is no doubt of his purpose to return as the king from the very first time his lineage is revealed.

==Genealogy==
<code>
[[Eärendil the Mariner|Eärendil]] = [[Elwing]]
| [[Celeborn, Lord of Lórien|Celeborn]] = [[Galadriel]]
| |
--------|-------- |
| | |
| | |
[[Elros]] [[Elrond]] = [[Celebrían]]
: |
[[Kings of Numenor]] |
: |
Lords of [[Andúnië]] |
: |
[[Elendil]] † |
| |
------|------ |
| | | † [[High King]] of [[Arnor]] ''and'' [[Gondor]]
| | |
[[Isildur]] † [[Anárion son of Elendil|Anárion]] |
: : |
: : |
''The Kings'' ''The Kings'' |
''of [[Arnor]]'' ''of [[Gondor]]'' |
: : |
: : |
: [[Eärnur]] ‡ | ‡ Last [[King of Gondor]]
: |
[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftains of]] |
[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|the Dúnedain]] |
: |
: |
[[Arathorn II]] = [[Gilraen]] |
| |
| |
'''ARAGORN II ELESSAR''' = [[Arwen]]
|
-------|-------
| |
| |
[[Eldarion]] ''numerous daughters''
</code>

{{sequence
|prev=[[Arathorn II]]
|next=none (abandoned)
|list=[[Chieftain of the Dúnedain]] <code>III</code> 2933 – 3019
}} 
{{sequence
|prev=[[Eärnur]], 971 years earlier
|next=[[Eldarion]]
|list=[[King of Gondor]] <code>III</code> 3019 – <code>IV</code> 120
}} {{sequence
|prev=[[Arvedui]], 1,046 years earlier
|next=[[Eldarion]]
|list=[[King of Arnor]] <code>III</code> 3019 – <code>IV</code> 120
}} {{sequence
|prev=[[Isildur]], 3,017 years earlier
|next=[[Eldarion]]
|list=[[High King]] of the [[Reunited Kingdom]] <code>III</code> 3019 – <code>IV</code> 120
}} {{sequence
|prev=none
|next=[[Eldarion]]
|list=[[House of Telcontar]] <code>III</code> 3019 – <code>IV</code> 120
}}{{fellowship}}

== Notes ==
:1. [[Appendix B]]

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Aragorn|Images of Aragorn]].

[[Category:Rulers of Arnor]]
[[Category:Rulers of Gondor]]
[[Category:Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]

[[de:Aragorn II.]]

Aragorn II

2008-06-04T17:12:49Z

TheGreyPilgrim: /* Life as a Ranger */

{{gondorian
| image=[[Image:John Howe - Elessar (Battlefields boardgame).jpg|250px]]
| name=Aragorn II
| othernames=[[Elessar]], [[Thorongil]] ([[Aragorn II#Names|see more below]]).
| position=[[Chieftain of the Dúnedain]] and King of the [[Reunited Kingdom]].
| birth=[[March 1]], [[Third Age 2931|T.A. 2931]].
| rule=[[Third Age 3019|T.A. 3019]] - [[Fourth Age 120|Fo.A. 120]].
| death=[[Fourth Age 120|Fo.A. 120]].
| gender=Male.
| parentage=[[Arathorn II]] + [[Gilraen]].
| spouse=[[Arwen Undómiel]].
| children=[[Eldarion]], at least two daughters.
| ref=''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''; [[Appendix A]]
|}}
{{Pronounce|Aragorn Elessar.mp3|Ardamir}}
{{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]]}}
'''Aragorn II''' ([[Third Age]] March 1, 2931 – [[Fourth Age]] 120, aged 210 years[[#Notes|1]]) was the son of [[Arathorn II]] and [[Gilraen]]. He was was a [[Chieftain of the Dúnedain]] and a direct descendant through many generations of [[Isildur]], the last [[High King]] of both [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. Aragorn would become the greatest man of his time, leading the [[Men of the West]] against [[Sauron]]'s forces, helping to destroy the [[One Ring]], and reuniting the [[Reunited Kingdom|Kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor]]. Aragorn was named after his ancestor, [[Aragorn I]].

==History==
===Early Life===
[[Image:Stephen Hickman - Aragorn and Arwen.jpg|thumb|200px|left|''Aragorn and Arwen'' by [[Stephen Hickman]]]]
When Aragorn was two years old, his father was slain when a [[Orc]] arrow pierced his eye. As was the tradition of his people, Aragorn was fostered in [[Rivendell]] by [[Elrond]]. By Elrond's order, his identity was kept secret, as he feared he would be slain like his father and grandfather. Aragorn was named '''''[[Estel]]''''' ([[Sindarin]] for "Hope") instead, and was not told about his heritage until he came of age in [[Third Age 2951|2951]].

Elrond revealed to "Estel" his true name and ancestry in 2951, when Aragorn was twenty years old, and delivered to him the shards of [[Narsil]] and the [[Ring of Barahir]]. The next day, in the woods of Rivendell, Aragorn met and fell in love with [[Arwen Evenstar|Arwen]], daughter of Elrond, who had newly returned from [[Lórien in Middle-earth|Lórien]].

===Life as a Ranger===
Aragorn took up his proper name as Aragorn II, sixteenth of the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, and went into [[The Wild]].
In [[Third Age 2953|2953]] he was not present in Rivendell for the last meeting of the [[White Council]]. Aragorn met [[Gandalf the Grey]] in [[Third Age 2956|2956]], and they became great friends. At Gandalf's advice he started to become interested in the [[Shire]], and became known around the area as '''''Strider'''''.
[[Image:Catherine Chmiel - Ecthelion,Thorongil and Boromir study.jpg|thumb|200px|right|"Thorongil" with [[Ecthelion II]], by [[Catherine Karina Chmiel]]]]
From [[Third Age 2957|2957]] to [[Third Age 2980|2980]] Aragorn took great journeys, serving in the armies of King [[Thengel]] of [[Rohan]], and Steward [[Ecthelion II]] of Gondor. Many of his tasks weakened [[Sauron]] and his allies, which during the [[War of the Ring]] helped the West survive. His name in Gondor and Rohan was '''''Thorongil''''' (Sindarin for "Eagle of the Star"), and with a few Gondorian ships he led a [[Surprise Attack on Umbar|Surprise Attack on the Havens of Umbar]], destroying many of their ships and slaying its lord. He later 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. Later in 2980 he was in [[Lothlórien]], and there once again met Arwen. He gave her the heirloom of his House, the [[Ring of Barahir]], and Arwen pledged her hand to him in marriage.

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 may seem a harsh condition, but it should be noted that it is significantly more lenient than the closest precedent, King [[Thingol]]'s request that [[Beren Erchamion|Beren]] obtain a [[Silmaril]] from [[Morgoth]] before marrying his daughter [[Lúthien]].

==War of the Ring==
===Fellowship of the Ring and events preceding===
In the year [[Third Age 3001|3001]], as a now revealed [[Sauron]] continued to regain power in [[Mordor]], Aragorn began assisting [[Gandalf]] for news of [[Gollum]]. Gandalf suspected that the ring [[Bilbo Baggins]] stole from Gollum was in fact the [[One Ring]]. In [[Third Age 3018|3018]] after searching intermittently over the years, Aragorn finally overtakes Gollum in the [[Dead Marshes]] and takes him to Thranduil in Mirkwood to be held captive. He then returns west where he meets with Gandalf and learns of [[Frodo Baggins|Frodo Baggins]]' plan to leave the shire with the ring.

Aragorn and his [[Rangers of the North|Rangers]] kept watch over the border of the [[Shire]] waiting for sight of Frodo. 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. He watched 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.

Aragorn’s plan to get to Rivendell was to head first 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 of Rivendell|Glorfindel]], a friend of Aragorn’s, and it was not much later that they arrived in Rivendell.
[[Image:Inger Edelfeldt - Death of Boromir.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Aragorn at the death of Boromir, by [[Inger Edelfeldt]]]]
Aragorn, when in Rivendell, switched cloaks from that of the Ranger to that of the Lord of the Dúnedain, the Elf-friend. He was elected as Gandalf’s second in the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], and served throughout their journeys together as his chief advisor.

Aragorn encouraged the taking of the [[Redhorn Pass]], which ended in disaster. He reluctantly conceded to Gandalf’s plan to pass through [[Moria]], though his sense of foresight warned him for Gandalf. Indeed, after Gandalf was taken down by [[Durin’s Bane]], Aragorn was naturally elected leader of the company, despite some resentment by his companion [[Boromir (son of Denethor II)|Boromir]].

Aragorn again amazed the rest of the Fellowship by his apparent closeness to the people of [[Lothlórien]], and his friendship with [[Celeborn (Lord of Lórien)|Celeborn]] and [[Galadriel]]. Even at the [[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 [[Ringbearer]] chose.

===The early War of the Ring===

After Frodo escaped him and Boromir perished, he with the remaining members of the Fellowship, namely [[Legolas of Mirkwood|Legolas]] and [[Gimli Elf-friend|Gimli]], chose to try and save Merry and [[Pippin]] from the [[Uruk-hai]] that had ambushed them, forming the group that would later be known as the [[Three Hunters]].

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 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 defense 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]].

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.

===Return of the King===
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 [[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.

The [[Grey Company]] passed through the [[Dark Door]] and the [[Dwimorberg]], the Dead following, and coming at last to the [[Black 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]] 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 counterattacked army of [[Sauron]] crumbled utterly. But Aragorn did not enter the city.
[[Image:Luca Michelucci - 1999 - March.jpg|thumb|175px|left|The Black ships, by [[Luca Michelucci]]]]
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 son of Denethor II|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''”. Aragorn then left the city, hooded and cloaked, and yet the people of Minas Tirith followed him, for they had heard rumors. Yet when in the morning they saw the banner of [[Dol Amroth]], they wondered if the Return of the King had been but a dream.

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 pull 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 [[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]]. Gandalf took him up the slopes of Mount [[Mindolluin]], and there Aragorn found the scion of [[Nimloth]], the symbol of his mastery of the [[Reunited Kingdom]]. He wedded Arwen shortly after, 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.

===Reign as Elessar===

Aragorn ruled the [[Reunited Kingdom]] of Gondor and Arnor until year 120 of the [[Fourth Age]]. He died after 210 years of life and 122 years of rule. His wife Arwen, now mortal, gave up her life shortly afterwards in year 121, aged 2,901.

He founded the [[House of Telcontar]], and was succeeded by his son [[Eldarion]]. He also had a number of daughters, whose names were not recorded.

Through his ancestor Elendil, Aragorn was a descendant of the [[Númenóreans]], great [[Men]] who were granted long lives by the [[Valar]]. Though [[Númenor]] was destroyed, its people lived on as the [[Dúnedain]], and like their ancestors they too were long-lived. Thus Aragorn lived to a great age, finally passing on at 210 years.

==Etymology==
The name '''Aragorn''' has long been without a clear etymology. [[Ruth S. Noel]] and several others proposed "King of the Tree", but [[J.R.R. Tolkien]] specifically said (in response to a reader who thought so) that this was not the case. Some deduced "Kingly Valour", still the most cited etymology, from ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]''. [[Carl F. Hostetter]] proposed the meanings "King of the Globe" or "King of the Hill" in ''[[Vinyar Tengwar 31]]''. In "Words, Phrases & Passages in ''The Lord of the Rings''", a late 1950's manuscript by Tolkien, the most clear, and apparently final, thoughts of Tolkien indicate the name means "Revered King", from ''[[aran]]'' "king" and ''ngorn'' "dreaded, revered"

===Names and titles===
* Aragorn II - Aragorn's name as [[Chieftain of the Dúnedain]]. He was likely named after [[Aragorn I]].
* [[Thorongil]] - "Eagle of the Star", a pseudonym used in [[Gondor]] and [[Rohan]].
* [[Elessar]] - The Elfstone, Aragorn's name as a king. Despite populare use as such, Aragorn was never known as "Aragorn Elessar", "Aragorn II Elessar" or "[[Rankin/Bass' The Return of the King|King Aragorn]]".
* Edhelharn - The [[Sindarin]] equivalent of Elessar, used in the [[King's Letter]].
* [[Elfstone]] - The [[Common Speech]] version of the previous two.
* [[Estel]] - 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".
* [[Strider]] - A sobriquet given by the men of [[Bree]]. Aragorn used it mockingly.
* [[Wingfoot]] - A honorary name given by [[Éomer]] after the pursuit of the [[Uruk-hai]] through the [[Eastemnet]].
* [[Telcontar]] - A [[Quenya]] form of "Strider", this was the name of Elessar's Royal House. It was not used independently.
* [[Isildur's Heir]] - A poetic address, as he was the heir of [[Isildur]].
* The Dúnadan - "[[Dúnedain|Man of the West]]", a name given by [[Bilbo Baggins]] when their friendship evolved.
* Longshanks - another, though less frequently used, sobriquet in Bree, ascribed to [[Bill Ferny]]. The legs of the [[Bree-men]] were shorter than the legs of the [[Dúnedain]].

==Other versions of the legendarium==
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 [[Hobbit]] instead of a [[Men|Man]]. He had wooden feet, because he had once traveled to Mordor and been tortured there.

==Portrayal in adaptations==
<gallery>
Image:Strider from Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings.jpg|Aragorn as portrayed in [[Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings]].
Image:Aragorn from Rankin-Bass' The Return of the King.jpg|Aragorn as portrayed in [[Rankin/Bass' The Return of the King]].
Image:Aragorn grimace.jpg|[[Viggo Mortensen]] as Aragorn in [[Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]].
</gallery>

In Ralph Bakshi's animated film [[Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings|The Lord of the Rings]], Aragorn is voiced by [[John Hurt]]. Some critics have accused this character of looking too much like a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stereotypes_of_Native_Americans stereotype of a Native American].

In the [[Rankin/Bass]] animated version of [[Rankin/Bass' The Return of the King|The Return of the King]], Aragorn is voiced by [[Theodore Bikel]].

[[Robert Stephens]] provided the voice of Aragorn in [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|the 1981 radio series]].

In [[Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings]], Aragorn is played by [[Viggo Mortensen]], though originally, [[Stuart Townsend]] was 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]]. Mortensen portrays Aragorn full of self-doubt; a change that was presumably made to fit him in the modern "anti-hero" jacket. He shows great trouble over the choice whether or not he should become king, whereas in the book, there is no doubt of his purpose to return as the king from the very first time his lineage is revealed.

==Genealogy==
<code>
[[Eärendil the Mariner|Eärendil]] = [[Elwing]]
| [[Celeborn, Lord of Lórien|Celeborn]] = [[Galadriel]]
| |
--------|-------- |
| | |
| | |
[[Elros]] [[Elrond]] = [[Celebrían]]
: |
[[Kings of Numenor]] |
: |
Lords of [[Andúnië]] |
: |
[[Elendil]] † |
| |
------|------ |
| | | † [[High King]] of [[Arnor]] ''and'' [[Gondor]]
| | |
[[Isildur]] † [[Anárion son of Elendil|Anárion]] |
: : |
: : |
''The Kings'' ''The Kings'' |
''of [[Arnor]]'' ''of [[Gondor]]'' |
: : |
: : |
: [[Eärnur]] ‡ | ‡ Last [[King of Gondor]]
: |
[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|Chieftains of]] |
[[Chieftains of the Dúnedain|the Dúnedain]] |
: |
: |
[[Arathorn II]] = [[Gilraen]] |
| |
| |
'''ARAGORN II ELESSAR''' = [[Arwen]]
|
-------|-------
| |
| |
[[Eldarion]] ''numerous daughters''
</code>

{{sequence
|prev=[[Arathorn II]]
|next=none (abandoned)
|list=[[Chieftain of the Dúnedain]] <code>III</code> 2933 – 3019
}} 
{{sequence
|prev=[[Eärnur]], 971 years earlier
|next=[[Eldarion]]
|list=[[King of Gondor]] <code>III</code> 3019 – <code>IV</code> 120
}} {{sequence
|prev=[[Arvedui]], 1,046 years earlier
|next=[[Eldarion]]
|list=[[King of Arnor]] <code>III</code> 3019 – <code>IV</code> 120
}} {{sequence
|prev=[[Isildur]], 3,017 years earlier
|next=[[Eldarion]]
|list=[[High King]] of the [[Reunited Kingdom]] <code>III</code> 3019 – <code>IV</code> 120
}} {{sequence
|prev=none
|next=[[Eldarion]]
|list=[[House of Telcontar]] <code>III</code> 3019 – <code>IV</code> 120
}}{{fellowship}}

== Notes ==
:1. [[Appendix B]]

==See also==
*[[:Category:Images of Aragorn|Images of Aragorn]].

[[Category:Rulers of Arnor]]
[[Category:Rulers of Gondor]]
[[Category:Chieftains of the Dúnedain]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]

[[de:Aragorn II.]]

Forums:One Wiki Merge

2008-05-15T13:24:51Z

TheGreyPilgrim:

<div style="background: #eee; border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 5px">'''[[Main Page|Tolkien Gateway]] > [[Forum:Council|Council]] > {{PAGENAME}}'''</div> [[Category:Council]]

Hi, all of you. I'm TheGreyPilgrim, an admin from the One Wiki to Rule Them All. Hyarion has been talking to us about a merge, and I thought I would open up a topic about it for you guys. Thanks. [[User:TheGreyPilgrim|TheGreyPilgrim]] 09:24, 15 May 2008 (EDT)

War of the Last Alliance

2008-05-15T03:31:03Z

TheGreyPilgrim:

{{war
| previous=[[War of the Elves and Sauron]]
| next= [[War of the Ring]]
| image=[[Image:Lastalliance-men.jpg|250px]]
| name= War of the Last Alliance
| place= Mordor and lower Anduin region
| result= Victory for the Last Alliance, fall of Sauron, loss of the One Ring
| battles= [[Battle of Dagorlad]], [[Siege of Barad-dûr]]
| begin= [[Second Age 3429|S.A. 3429]]
| end= [[Second Age 3441|S.A. 3441]]
| side1= [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]], with more than 200,000 Men from [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]], Elves from [[Lindon]], [[Mirkwood]], [[Rivendell]] and [[Lorien]], [[Dwarves]] from [[Khazad-dum]]
| side2= Forces of [[Sauron]], at least 500,000 Mordor [[Orcs]], [[Easterlings]], [[Haradrim]] and other creatures
| commanders1= [[Image:Gilgalad-forodrim_icon.gif]]
* [[Gil-galad]]†
* [[Elrond]]
* [[Oropher]]†
* [[Amdír]]†
[[Image:Tree_icon2.jpg]]
* [[Elendil]]†
* [[Isildur]]
* [[Anárion]]†
| commanders2= [[Image:Sauron_cold_eye_icon.jpg]]
* [[Sauron]]
* [[Herumor]]
* [[Fuinur]]
| strength1= More than 200,000 Men from [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]], Elves from [[Lindon]], [[Mirkwood]], [[Rivendell]] and [[Lorien]], and [[Dwarves]]
| strength2= At least 500,000 Mordor Orcs, [[Easterlings]], [[Haradrim]], [[Nazgûl]], and other creatures of Sauron|
|casual1=Thousands, innumerable|
|casual2=Nearly all Orcs, Men, and other creatures were killed|
|}}

The '''War of the Last Alliance''' was the war late in the [[Second Age]] in which the [[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]] marched against the fortress of [[Sauron]], [[Barad-dûr]] in [[Mordor]]. Against all hope, they were victorious, but when the [[One Ring]] was not destroyed, [[Sauron]] rose again during the long years of the [[Third Age]].

===Opening Stages===

[[Sauron]], hoping to attack the newly founded Nùmenórean exile states before they where solidly established, sent a task force under the [[Nazgûl]] to attack the city of [[Minas Ithil]], seat of [[Isildur]], conjoint ruler of the southern kingdom of Gondor. This attack, which occurred in S.A. 3429, surprised the southern [[Dúnedain]], burned the [[White Tree]] and forced them out of the city. [[Isildur]] escaped the city's fall, and journeyed to [[Arnor]] to seek Elendil's assistance. His brother, [[Anárion]], managed to hold a defensive line at [[Osgiliath]] and check Sauron's advance.

Isildur sailed to his father's capital of [[Annúminas]] in [[Arnor]], and described the military situation to [[Elendil|him]] in detail. After communicating with his ally [[Gil-galad]], [[High King of the Noldor]], the two High Kings decided to form a mighty combined force, known forever afterwards as the ''[[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]''. Gil-galad marched eastward, leading a host of Elves along with [[Cirdan]], Lord of the [[Falas]].

It was during this time that the great watchtower at [[Amon Sûl]] was built and manned. In 3431, this combined host rested at the Elven outpost of Rivendell, where they took counsel with [[Elrond|Lord Elrond]], who was Gil-galad's herald, and acted as his second-in-command in the coming campaign. After crossing the Misty Mountains, they were joined by Dwarves from [[Khazad-dûm]]. Elves from [[Greenwood the Great]], led by [[Oropher]] and his son [[Thranduil]], and Lothlorien Elves under [[Amdir]]. As this host proceeded down the [[River Anduin]], they marched through desolate areas that had once been the [[Entwives|Entwives']] gardens. They, and probably the Entwives themselves, had been destroyed by [[Sauron]] to deprive Last Alliance forces of supplies.1

== The [[Battle of Dagorlad]] ==

[[Image:Elrond8.jpg|thumb|[[Elrond]] leads the Elven forces]]

On the great plain near the [[Black Gate]], the forces of the Last Alliance at last confronted the black legions of Mordor. Some border units from Gondor joined the army as it gathered on the battlefield, but one group of Men proved faithless. These were the Men of White Mountains, who dishonored their oath to Isildur to battle Sauron at his side. In response, Isildur cursed them to wander the Paths of the Dead until their oath was fulfilled-- which it was only 3,000 years later under King Elessar of Reunited Kingdom.

During preliminary skirmishing, [[Oropher]] and his Elves charged forward into the numerous Orc forces and suffered heavy casualties, including Oropher himself. Amdir and his forces also were forced away from the main battle into the marshes just to the south, where he also fell along with half of his troops. This area became known afterwards as the [[Dead Marshes]], because of the thousands of bodies buried there. Sauron had many Men fighting for him, including legions of [[Haradrim]] led by [[Herumor]] and [[Fuinur]], [[Black Númenóreans]] who worshipped Sauron before the Downfall of Númenór.2

According to ''[[The Lord of the Rings: Weapons and Warfare]]'', the battle proceeded like this:

# The Elven host and Númenóreans led by Gil-galad and Elendil meet up with Anárion's Dúnedain of Gondor on the Dagorlad Plain.
# They advance across the Plain toward the Black Gate.
# A vast horde of Orcs, hundreds of thousands strong, emerges from the Gate and seethes toward the combined host of the Last Alliance. Battle commences.
# After many weeks of hard fighting, the superior might and discipline of the Alliance drive the Orcs through the gate.
# Many more of the retreating Orcs are slain, and they are driven up against Mount Doom itself.
# Continuous volleys of arrows from the protected rear ranks of the Alliance take their toll upon the Orcs. Victory is at hand.3

== The [[Siege of Barad-dûr]] ==

The forces of the Last Alliance had forced their way through the Black Gate into Mordor itself. Victory seemed to be at hand, but no power short of the Valar could breach the [[Dark Tower]] by force. The siege went on year after year, from [[Second Age 3434|S.A 3434]] to [[Second Age 3441|S.A. 3441]]. Isildur's sons, [[Aratan]] and [[Ciryon]], were detached and sent to Cirith Ungol to guard against a breakout to the southwest, but his oldest son, Elendur served by his side till the end. Over these year there many skirmishes between Sauron and the besieging forces. [[Anárion]] was killed in [[Second Age 3440|S.A. 3440]] by a projectile thrown from the tower.
[[image:Isildur_ring.jpg|thumb|Isildur seizes the [[One Ring]]]]

Now the final stage of the struggle began, as the Dark Lord came out onto the field. Sauron emerged from his tower and took the offensive. He advanced to the core of the Alliance to do battle with the Last Alliance commanders, on the plain of Gorgoroth. This was one of the great showdowns of all Middle Earth history-- Sauron with his mighty mace versus Elendil with his great sword [[Narsil]] and Gil-galad wielding the legendary spear [[Aiglos]]. Swinging his mace, he cut through the kings' bodyguard. Seizing the Elvenking himself, Sauron held him aloft until he burst into flames and perished. Immortal though he was, he could not withstand the heat of Sauron's body. Elendil then attacked the Dark Lord, but was struck down by the great mace. His heir Isildur rushed to his side to take up the legendary sword, but Sauron stamped down on it, shattering the great blade. As he reached to seize Isildur as well, the heir swung the sword hilt and cut the One Ring from Sauron's hand. Without his connection to the Ring, Sauron's spirit fled and vanished. The armies of Mordor were left dispirited and leaderless, and were soon routed and destroyed by the Alliance forces.4

== The Aftermath of the War ==
The Alliance pursued the Orcs, who were then in disarray, and killed them all. The Barad-dûr was leveled but its foundations remained behind. The thousands of dead Men and Elves were taken out of Mordor and buried in the Dagorlad Plain.
[[image:Elrond25.jpg|thumb|Elrond leads the way to the [[Crack of Doom]]]]
While he had captured the [[One Ring]], Isildur refused Elrond and Cirdan's entreaties that he destroy it by casting it into the [[Crack of Doom]]. The result of this was that while [[Sauron]] was defeated and cast down, his spirit was not destroyed. He hid himself in the dark lands east of Mordor, and slowly rebuilt his power. The Nine ([[Nazgûl]]) also bided their time for the day when he would rise again. The survivors of the Men who served him returned home and continued to trouble Gondor for much of the Third Age. These Men eventually grew to become such invaders as the [[Balchoth]] and the [[Wainriders]].

While the Orc armies of Sauron had been well nigh destroyed in the War, scattered groups of them survived. In the Last Alliance, the casualties had been heavy. [[Elendil]] and [[Anárion]] were gone, and [[Gil-galad]], last [[High King of the Noldor]], was no more. [[Arnor]] took grievous losses, and suffered from a decline in population. It never really recovered as a major power, and broke into three pieces some centuries later. [[Gondor]] suffered less heavily, but also experienced civil strife in the Third Age. [[Isildur]], the new [[High King of Arnor]], perished only two years later in the [[Disaster of the Gladden Fields]], along with his three older sons. They were ambushed by an Orc task force operating near the River Anduin. Much was lost, but [[Sauron]] was repressed-- for a while.

==See also==

* '''[[Last Alliance of Elves and Men]]''' (political information)

== Notes ==

[[Category:Second Age]]
[[Category:Conflicts of the Second Age]]
[[Category:Sieges]]

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2008-05-15T03:27:05Z

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2008-05-15T03:26:11Z

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