The Elegance of Aragorn: A Lord of the Rings Character Study
IntroductionThe Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien has long been hailed as one of the best epic fantasy stories of all time. It follows the adventures of a band of heroic, and often unlikely, characters as they battle to save Middle-Earth from the Dark Lord, Sauron.The Elegance of AragornAmong the many characters that Tolkien has breathed life into in his seminal works, one stands out for his wonderfully deep characterisation – Aragorn, the Ranger of the North. On the surface, Aragorn appears as a simple Ranger, a rough-hewn outdoor type with little more than an old sword and a bow for weapons. However, Aragorn is more than this – he is heir to the throne of Gondor, and the rightful king of Middle-Earth. This underlying nobility, combined with his natural devotion to the light in Middle-Earth, is what makes him stand out.The Physicality of AragornThe physical embodiment of Aragorn is an integral part of his character. He is tall, with a broad chest and strong arms, providing a distinct contrast to his wise counsel and tender nature. This physicality serves to complete the character of Aragorn. His skills in battle serve as both a physical testament to his status as heir to the throne, and a reminder of his great inner strength.The Inner Struggle of AragornThe character of Aragorn can also be seen in the inner struggle he faces throughout the trilogy. While his destiny dictates that he succeed in reclaiming the throne of Gondor, he is often filled with doubt and discomfort with his standing amongst the other members of the Fellowship. This internal conflict serves to further enrich the character of Aragorn, as he strives to maintain his inner calm despite the turmoil that surrounds him. ConclusionAragorn is a character that Tolkien has created with a tremendous amount of depth and complexity. His physicality and inner struggles make him a compelling and sympathetic character, and it is this combination of strength and compassion that make Aragorn an integral part of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.