*tears along with Sinbearer* What can I say its my job
I really believe that you and I would make great friends, Sinbearer.
I'm real glad the you came to A-U
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| Aragorn: A tender warrior? http://www.arwen-undomiel.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=8776 |
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| Author: | Sinbearer [ June 5th, 2006, 6:34 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Aragorn: A tender warrior? |
I am really moved by the character of Aragorn. Not just because he had wisdom, power and was a great warrior but also because he was so gentle, self-sacrificing and (dare I say it?) romantic. These are things that I so admire in him and I believe draw him up to the full stature of a man. Following are a couple examples from FotR that I love so much...when I read them they really touched me deeply. I was wondering if others could share similar examples of Aragorn or places where his character shines. Thanks. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * “He stood up, and seemed suddenly to grow taller. In his eyes gleamed a light, keen and commanding. Throwing back his cloak, he laid his hand on the hilt of a sword the hung concealed at his side. They did not dare to move. Sam sat wide-mouthed staring at him dumbly. ‘But I am the real Strider, fortunately,’ he said, looking down at them with his face softened by a sudden smile. ‘I am Aragorn, son of Arathorn; and if by life or death I can save you, I will.’” * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * “At the hill’s foot Frodo found Aragorn, standing still and silent as a tree; but in his hand was a small gold bloom of elanor, and a light was in his eyes. He was wrapped in some fair memory: and as Frodo looked at him he knew that he beheld things as they once had been in this same place. For the grim years were removed from the face of Aragorn, and he seemed clothed in white, a young lord tall and fair; and he spoke words in the Elvish to tongue to one whom Frodo could not see. ‘Arwen vanimela, namarie!’ he said, and then he drew a breath, and returning out of his thought he looked at Frodo and smiled. ‘Here is the heart of Elvendom on earth,’ he said, ‘and here my heart dwells ever, unless there be a light beyond the dark roads that we still must tread, you and I. Come with me!’ And taking Frodo’s hand in his, he left the hill of Cerin Amroth and came there never again as living man.” |
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| Author: | Rinoa Amarth [ June 5th, 2006, 7:30 pm ] |
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Aragorn proved as a real friend and brother to Boromir, as well. I know a lot more about Boromir than I do Aragorn, but I agree with you that Aragorn was gentle, self-sacrificing, and romantic at times. ************************************************************* <center>"'Farewell, Aragorn! Go to Minas Tirith and save my people! I have failed.' 'No!' said Aragorn, taking his hand and kissing his brow. 'You have conquered. Few have gained such a victory. Be at peace! Minas Tirith shall not fall!' (TT, pg.404) </center> ************************************************************* Aragorn made a promise to someone he considers a brother, and in his final moments Aragorn told Boromir something comforting and truthful so that he could feel like he had not let everyone down and so he could rest in piece. I have to reread the books to find more, but that was one that I could come up with off of the top of my head. I'm reading The Hobbit right now, and am working my way to re-reading the rest of them. I'll put more down as I go along, with the story. |
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| Author: | Sinbearer [ June 5th, 2006, 7:43 pm ] |
| Post subject: | ...in the most desparate of times |
What tender, hopefully and encouraging words and actions....in the most desparate of situations. You have quoted it before Lady Rinoa, but I never looked at it in terms of Aragorn. I was always thinking of Boromir. Somehow you always manage to bring tears to my eyes! |
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| Author: | Rinoa Amarth [ June 5th, 2006, 7:46 pm ] |
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*tears along with Sinbearer* What can I say its my job
I really believe that you and I would make great friends, Sinbearer. I'm real glad the you came to A-U
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| Author: | Larael [ June 5th, 2006, 7:59 pm ] |
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I'm glad you've made this thread Sinbearer! Not very many people realise there is more to Aragorn than the leader and warrior. Never in all the books did I see Aragorn do something in the interest of himself. He had many chances to settle down with Arwen and accept his right as king, but instead he decided to put all else aside to help a little hobbit save Middle-Earth. I also think Aragorn is a infinite believer. Though others did not believe Frodo would be able to destroy the Ring Aragorn pinned his hopes and dreams on him believing that he would succeed. I think Aragorn's love and selflessness makes up a lot more of his own character than the warrior side of him. |
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| Author: | Rinoa Amarth [ June 5th, 2006, 8:06 pm ] |
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I agree with you too, Larael. I'm glad the you brought that point up. |
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| Author: | Kanakavallee [ June 5th, 2006, 9:23 pm ] |
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Thank you! I agree with everything said on this thread. While Tolkien's an excellent author, somehow, I don't feel he gave enough credit to Aragorn. This is purely my opinion, so don't get defensive, but I think he favoured elves and wizards a little too much compared to humans and gave too much credit to Galadriel, Legolas, and Gandalf. Aragorn's my favourite character... 
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| Author: | Sinbearer [ June 6th, 2006, 12:43 am ] |
| Post subject: | The balance of true masculinity.... |
Larael, yours are far-reaching thoughts that give me a little clearer glimpse of another of Tolkien’s rich characters (and your favorite?)—Aragorn. I believe the love, belief and self-sacrifice that you describe so well are necessary ingredients to make a great leader and warrior. The hard part is to get them in balance. C. S. Lewis wrote that “the disparate strands of manhood-- fierceness and gentleness--can find healthy synthesis in the person of the knight and in the code of chivalry. Here these competing impulses--normally found in different individuals--find their union.” Were one of these two bents given full rein, the balance required for authentic manhood would be lost. Strength and power, without tenderness, forbearance and humility, give us a brute. Tenderness and compassion without masculine firmness and aggressiveness produce a male without the fire to lead or inspire others. I believe Aragorn had that balance. A balance that so few men have. WhisperofDeath, I think if you look at it from this angle, Tolkien has given us in the character of Aragorn something wonderful!……something every bit as valuable and excellent as can be found in Galadriel, Legolas, and Gandalf. |
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| Author: | Fíriel_18190 [ June 6th, 2006, 5:30 am ] |
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thanks for creating this thread Sinbearer. I also agree with everything which was said so far... 
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| Author: | Celebwen [ June 6th, 2006, 6:24 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The balance of true masculinity.... |
WhisperofDeath wrote: Thank you! I agree with everything said on this thread. While Tolkien's an excellent author, somehow, I don't feel he gave enough credit to Aragorn. This is purely my opinion, so don't get defensive, but I think he favoured elves and wizards a little too much compared to humans and gave too much credit to Galadriel, Legolas, and Gandalf. Aragorn's my favourite character...
Maybe you're right. But I'm more inclined to think that Tolkien didn't favour races other than men, he merely understood that the reader knew nothing of them, where as men are understood fully by the reader. Not their history, but they're nature. I also think that it may partly be that no one really pays attention to Men while reading the books, as people are naturally draw to that which is new and unknown. I know I myself, found Hobbits of greater interst than Men. I believe that with the case of Aragorn, it was partly the character that Tolkien created that didn't allow for him to be in the spotlight, as one might put it. He was a humble person, and as Lareal said, never did anything for himself. He only served others. So it stands to reason then, that many of his deeds focus also on those he serves. Tolkien then, I believe, did actually give him a lot of credit. But just not in the same way as the other characters, who's actions may not have been entirely selfish, but they were never as consitantly selfless. Except maybe Gandalf. In you're first post on this topic, Sinbearer, you discribed Aragorn as romantic. That's a perfect word. And I agree with what everyone has said about him being gentle, selfless and humble as well as a great warrier, and a wise man. He's also a healer, if that counts for anything. I hate to bring the movies into this discussion, but he's surprisingly like Viggo Mortensen. From the interviews and such on the DVD you can see that Viggo is a quiet person, despite being about to come across as strong, loud, and powerful characters on screen. And apparently he covered his entire mirror with photo's, in his trailer. I guess this reflects how little he cares about being able to see himself. I'm not sure really how to describe it, but he is like a modern Aragorn in so many ways. I think that's one member of the cast whom Tolkien would have seen as a perfect choice. But anyways, this is a very worthwhile topic. People don't often see the complete picture of who Aragorn is. |
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| Author: | Larael [ June 6th, 2006, 12:18 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The balance of true masculinity.... |
Sinbearer wrote: Larael, yours are far-reaching thoughts that give me a little clearer glimpse of another of Tolkien’s rich characters (and your favorite?)—Aragorn. I believe the love, belief and self-sacrifice that you describe so well are necessary ingredients to make a great leader and warrior. The hard part is to get them in balance.
C. S. Lewis wrote that “the disparate strands of manhood-- fierceness and gentleness--can find healthy synthesis in the person of the knight and in the code of chivalry. Here these competing impulses--normally found in different individuals--find their union.” Were one of these two bents given full rein, the balance required for authentic manhood would be lost. Strength and power, without tenderness, forbearance and humility, give us a brute. Tenderness and compassion without masculine firmness and aggressiveness produce a male without the fire to lead or inspire others. I believe Aragorn had that balance. A balance that so few men have. Agreed, you've summed everything up for me, so I shall not make any further worthless posts here. Before I go... Without Aragorn's firmness, strength, and leadership he would not have been able to lead a country, especially one that has been through so much war and turmoil. But, if he did not have his tenderness, care for others, and selflessness I don't think Arwen would have fallen in love with him. She was drawn to him because of his love for others and care for others not because he was a mighty warrior or because he would be king [which is why Eowyn wanted him]. Without this balance Aragorn would not have been able to have both Arwen and his kingdom. |
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| Author: | Bellethiel [ June 6th, 2006, 2:22 pm ] |
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I don't have much to add, because you all have stated it wonderfully, but I agree completely. Aragorn is very ideal... yet without being unrealistically perfect. He is flawed and he has struggles, yet he doesn't let his own personal strife get in the way of him fulfilling his duties. With the risk of sounding fangirly, I think Arwen is a very lucky [s]girl[/s] elf princess 
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| Author: | Cuilwen [ June 6th, 2006, 3:47 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: The balance of true masculinity.... |
Bellethiel wrote: I don't have much to add, because you all have stated it wonderfully, but I agree completely. Ditto. I really liked to read all this, because it's exactely what i think. Personally I think Aragorn is a lot more interesting than Legolas. Celebwen wrote: I hate to bring the movies into this discussion, but he's surprisingly like Viggo Mortensen. From the interviews and such on the DVD you can see that Viggo is a quiet person, despite being about to come across as strong, loud, and powerful characters on screen. And apparently he covered his entire mirror with photo's, in his trailer. I guess this reflects how little he cares about being able to see himself. I'm not sure really how to describe it, but he is like a modern Aragorn in so many ways. I think that's one member of the cast whom Tolkien would have seen as a perfect choice.
As you say, Viggo was a perfect choice for Aragorn. I've always imagined him to be that kind of person in real life.
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| Author: | Sinbearer [ June 6th, 2006, 4:00 pm ] |
| Post subject: | A healer.... |
Celebwen wrote: In you're first post on this topic, Sinbearer, you discribed Aragorn as romantic. That's a perfect word. And I agree with what everyone has said about him being gentle, selfless and humble as well as a great warrier, and a wise man. He's also a healer, if that counts for anything.
Come to think of it, I think it counts for a lot! I never thought of this but healers are compassionate and caring by nature. At least more sensitive to it than others. This is just another thing that Tolkien did to help us to see more clearly what Aragorn was really like. Thanks for bringing that up. I agree with you on Aragorn's casting in the movie. It seems that so many of the characters were well cast. I think that had much to do with the success of the movies. |
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| Author: | saerwen [ June 6th, 2006, 5:29 pm ] |
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the content of his character is amazing i love his mysterious ranger warror personality he is calm and puts all his effoert into everything he does thats why i like him |
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| Author: | Will [ June 6th, 2006, 5:56 pm ] |
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Thank you very much for creating this thread, finally a thread where so many beautiful words have already been spoken about Aragorn. I am a great fan and admirer of Aragorn and also Viggo Mortensen. What attracted me the most to his character was the selflessness he had. Aragorn didn't want to become King because he believed he wasn't worth to become King, because the blood of Isildur ran through his veins. With the knowledge of Isildur, who's greed caused the Ring still to exist, he became ony more selfless. Quote: In you're first post on this topic, Sinbearer, you discribed Aragorn as romantic. That's a perfect word. And I agree with what everyone has said about him being gentle, selfless and humble as well as a great warrier, and a wise man. He's also a healer, if that counts for anything
A true description! Couldn't have put it better. I want to add 2 examples which I love: "Fear not!" said a strange voice behind him. Frodo turned around and saw Strider, and yet not Strider; for the weatherworn Ranger was no longer there. In the stern sat Aragorn son of Arathorn, proud and erect, guiding the boat with skilful strokes; his hood was cast back, and his dark hair was blowing in the wind, a light was in his eyes: a king returning from exile to his own land. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Ring Goes South: Aragorn sat with his head bowed to his knees; only Elrond knew fuly what this hour meant to him . I am falling in love with him even more... |
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