Gem: Aragorn
The merits of a warrior, of an honourable fighter should not be measured solely on the body count he racks up but on his ability to lead his fellow men into any given situation with courage in their hearts, pride in their mission and beards dripping with the slain guts of Orcs. Aragorn, known to his Hobbit companions at Strider, stakes his claim as a warrior to be reckoned with through humility, leadership, his banner as heir of Isildur and some kick-ass weapons.
The first sword wielded by Aragorn remains unnamed, yet carries with it his Elven heritage combined with his skills as a Ranger of the North. His lengthy Ranger’s sword gifts him with power and opportunity to block incoming attack and rage war on his meagre opponents. And that’s before he receives the reforged Narsil sword; Anduril, Flame of the West. They don’t dish out repurposed swords to any old Merry, Pippin or Frodo – Aragorn is deemed a worthy owner of the instrument which Isildur once used to defeat Sauron. Because it’s his sodding legacy! His prowess and skill with the instrument is embedded deep in his lineage and he makes superb use of it. In comparison his companions, Legolas and Gimli with their catty one-upmanship on the battlefield, have the focus and strategy of a couple of jumped-up toddlers playing Hungry Hippos.
When a warrior enters into battle, his comrades and their wellbeing are of utmost importance. The resultant conquest should never be “every man for himself” and Aragorn undoubtedly recognises this fact. Upon first meeting the Hobbits in the Shire’s only gay bar, The Prancing Pony – with his shroud covering his visage, his voice thick and gruff, he calms the Hobbits doubts and fears and convinces them of his reverence.
Through his roaring speech at the Black Gate; a heartfelt and uplifting soliloquy in the face of certain doom, he lifts spirits. It takes more than mere willingness to fight to convince a giant platoon of riders likely to reach their expiration dates sooner than a bag of apples from Walmart – it takes a true warrior. Sure, the army of the west were probably terrified. Aragorn’s speech which takes no light hearted approach as he admits he’s as scared as they, ties every man together in battle.
And what better a warrior to have sparring by your side, than a man whose compassion extends even to life’s last moments? As he crouches over a dying Boromir, telling him he fought bravely and with honour, forgiving him his desires for the ring, he grants his friend a noble exit. It is Boromir’s dying promise, never to be fulfilled, which epitomises Aragorn: “I would have followed you my captain, my brother, my king.”
Who else could warrant such a fitting sentiment if not the finest warrior of the Third Age?
Click below to continue reading.
