Did Aragorn Know He Was the King All Along?

J.R.R. Tolkien's creation of Aragorn, the Dúnedain, is a character shrouded in mystery and destiny. His knowledge of being the rightful king of Gondor is a central element in the epic narrative of The Lord of the Rings. This article explores the intricacies of Aragorn's journey from a humble ranger to the promised king, highlighting key moments that reveal his awareness and acceptance of his prophesied role.

Heritage and Raising

Aragorn's heritage is rooted in the ancient line of the Dúnedain, descendants of the Númenóreans. He is a direct descendant of Isildur and Elendil, which places him in the lineage of kings. Raised by Elrond in Imladris, his guardians made sure he was well aware of his heritage. However, the path to claiming his birthright was fraught with complexity and personal struggle.

Reluctance to Claim the Throne

Throughout much of the story, Aragorn grapples with the burden of his royal lineage. He serves as a ranger, often going under the name Strider, working under the leadership of others such as Theoden. Even mercenary assignments in Gondor, where he was known by the alias Thorongil, did not reveal his true identity. Theoden's suspicions were based on Aragorn's youthful appearance and his name's meaning, but they did not amount to a certainty.

Akhambar and Elrond’s Reveal

The revelation of Aragorn's true identity and heritage came at a crucial moment in his life. Upon turning 20, he was fostered by Elrond and given the name Estel, meaning hope. Elrond's decisiveness in revealing his true name and heritage was not just a matter of interest but a necessary step for Aragorn's future. Elrond insisted that he must pursue the kingship if he wished to marry Arwen, a Númenorean elf whose union with Aragorn would signify the fusion of Men and Elves, essential for the survival of Middle-earth.

Acceptance of His Role

Despite his initial reluctance, Aragorn's role as the rightful king becomes clear through significant events, such as the reforging of the ancient sword Narsil into Andúril. The restoration of the great sword and its use as a powerful symbol of his identity played a pivotal role in validating his claim to the throne. Moreover, his leadership during the War of the Ring and his participation in pivotal battles, like the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, solidified his position as a leader and eventual king.

The Final Acknowledgment

By the end of The Lord of the Rings, Aragorn openly claims his kingship and is crowned King Elessar of Gondor. This public acknowledgment of his birthright marks the fulfillment of his journey from a reluctant heir to a confident and charismatic leader. The context surrounding his identity and the complex web of allegiances, betrayals, and internal struggles all contribute to a narrative of destiny's inevitability and the empowerment of a man who embodies both human and elven qualities.

However, it's crucial to note that the knowledge of his lineage was not universally shared. His mother, Gilraen, kept his true identity hidden, and he went by various aliases such as Strider. Even figures like Theoden and Denethor, despite their insights into his true abilities, did not fully realize his true identity. This secrecy was strategic, as exposure of his identity would have drawn unwanted attention from powerful and malevolent forces.

In conclusion, while Aragorn knew from a young age that he was destined to be a king, his journey to accepting and claiming this role was not straightforward. His story is one of self-discovery, growth, and ultimate fulfillment, making him a quintessential figure in Middle-earth's history.

Keywords: Aragorn, The Lord of the Rings, Gondor