I love this insight into Aragorn’s kingly character. Tolkien highlights his justice and mercy again when banishing Beregond from the White City and appointing him captain of the White Company. So good!
This shows How Tolkien sees "good" and "evil". Evil takes no care in what occures apart from it's goal, while Good is mercyfull and cares always about the World.
To be fair, there was also a militaristic reason for Aragorn's mercy, not to take anything away from the rest of it. The most dangerous thing for any general in battle is for his own men to flee from battle. Aragorn realized that if he forced these men to stay and fight than there was a very high likelihood they would have fled at first contact with the enemy. Such a route would than become infectious as more and more men will be disheartened by seeing their comrades run for their lives and all of a sudden you have a mass route on your hands. So allowing the weakest links to leave the battlefield before the battle starts actually improved his odds of not suffering such a mass route during the battle itself. Now to put a caveat on the above point, the battle itself was never actually the point. It was a hopeless battle to begin with that was going to be decided elsewhere(in Mt. Doom), but still I thought it prudent to point out that Aragorn's character and decision made sense in all aspects, even those that on paper seem questionable.
Once again, another small part of the story that I've clearly overlooked. You have pointed it out very beautifully, I now have a much deeper respect for Aragorn as a character. He often gets labeled by literary experts as boring. He's a boy scout, he always does the right thing, but passages like this point out that just because your a good person does not mean your boring or predictable. Thanks for the video, I truly look forward to these every time they appear.
Hello again Alex, and I'm glad it's given a new appreciation of Aragorn. I was worried that everyone watching this would go "Well, yeah, that's obvious". Part of my desire to make it was due to some articles I had read, praising the adaptation of Aragorn more than the Tolkien character because, as you say, he's seen as boring. I think it's a disservice to him to just see him as a character like that.
I wonder if perhaps Tolkien remembered the many men shot for cowardice because they could not stand up and walk toward the machine guns one more time in the great war?
Looking back on my uploads, I have realised that I've focused a lot on The Lord of the Rings and the Third Age, without even meaning to do that. My next video will be a First Age video. It will be about Fëanor or Melkor. Feel free to reply and let me know which you'd prefer...or if you'd want a video on both if you can't decide! If you have something on your mind that you think would make an interesting future video, then don't hesitate to mention it. I have a big list of topics and there's always room for more!
Following your Feanor video, a video on Fingolfin vs Melkor would be cool or a video on Maedhros and Fingon or the actions of the sons of Feanor. So many characters and events to cover in the first age.
Great video! I'm glad you chose to talk about this small moment in the book. It's not the most memorable or crucial to the plot, but it does a lot to humanize the armies or Gondor and Rohan. And considering Tolkien's experience as a young man thrust into war, I can't help but think he and many of his comrades would have liked to be led by someone as merciful and just as Elessar.
Tolkien does this compare/contrast thing a lot to better reveal his characters and their morality Aragorn the Merciful versus Sauron the Cruel is a good example!
Excellent. Once again you have selected an episode that I've not given much thought to, and illuminated its deeper significance. It also served to demonstrate the character development in Aragorn, while still reflecting the man who allowed the ringbearer to make his own decision at Parth Galen.
The development is something important to point out. I know many readers disagree with me when I say he has character development. They feel his character was always the same, but he was now being given a chance to show his true character. I see that as change, and a result of events around him forcing him into that position. The Aragorn at the Black Gate is a man who has changed from Strider at the Prancing Pony...
@@TheRedBook Absolutely. In the Fellowship and the Two Towers he is often beset with doubt, mainly about his own choices. As the story progresses, we see his confidence grow and I think you have demonstrated that very well in this video. He has the confidence to take the decision to release the faint-hearted.
@@andrewwood7580 Doubt is what I always say as well. As soon as Gandalf leaves the Fellowship, Aragorn is put into a position of authority before he expected to be. He's full of doubt from that time, through Lothlorien, to the Breaking of the Fellowship, etc. He's happy when Gandalf returns, but the shift of authority occurs. Aragorn calls Gandalf their Captain, but Helm's Deep is Aragorn's battle, with Gandalf being absent until the end. He has already started being the authority, way before ever reaching Minas Tirith.
Good video, really enjoyed it!! You make up a good story telling with a sublime voice, I like this part about Aragorn because mainly you can see how more developed/grown he is become... Knowing the mind / actions of Sauron and leading his own ( combined) army as a true FREE king/leader at that point He also outshines Gandalf at this point
Thanks, Montie, and you make a good point. Gandalf takes the backseat during this whole thing, passing the responsibility to Aragorn. Like a Steward to the King.
Thanks, Spencer. I try not to cover something that many others will have covered. It helps that I'm interpreting the text, so it ends up seeming more personal, rather than regurgitating what someone else has already said!
I think Aragorn's treatment of the Faint-hearted was influenced by Gandalf. I think in the time Aragorn spent with Gandalf, he was being mentored and shaped into someone who could be a benevolent king.
This is a really inspiring part of the story. As a King commanding soldiers, Aragorn would have been within his rights to demand their obedience even in the face of dread, but he does not do so because he is a merciful and great King.
Tolkien partially uses the Old Testament army rules here. He often partially pulls from the Old and New Testaments. When raising an army to fight enemies, anyone who was full of fear was to go home. There were other rules, such as people who were betrothed but not yet married (1 year 'honeymoon' after marriage), those who built a home but not yet lived there -- again, this is part of the betrothal/marriage process -- the home had to be built before the marriage, etc.
Despite Tolkien’s disdain for allegory, it is very clear that he was inspired by Gideon in the Old Testament book of Judges. After Joshua, the successor of Moses, but before Saul the first King of Israel, Israel was ruled for many generations by Judges, a highly decentralised land of 12 tribes. They kept becoming complacent and sinning against God, foreign invaders were allowed to subjugate them, they cry out for help and a new judge arises, until the cycle begins anew. For Gideon, he was from the smallest tribe of Benjamin, and then from the smallest family. When he rallied the men of Israel, God told him to let those who were fearful go home, then those who drank water like dogs. There were only 300 men left, and all they did was blow their horns around the enemy camp at night. The enemies destroyed themselves in panic, then Gideon’s men mopped up the rest. I am also surprised you didn’t mention estel. Middle-Earth is ultimately governed by the principles of The One, a fundamentally Catholic world. Raised as the returned King, Aragorn had every reason to know that doing the right things, in and of themselves, was of value. So he could show mercy at the very end and most critical part of the war and have estel that his goodness against common sense or any military doctrine would be rewarded.
Interesting comments Brent. I have a script for a future video that might interest you, as you were always more of an authority when it came to religion. I might run it by you!
@@MistaGify I'll message on Quora, or wherever you prefer. I don't know when I'll be actually making this video, but it's central theme is certainly religious, so it would be good to hear your thoughts. Anything to make the video better :) . Actually, there will be a few religious themed videos on this channel eventually.
Great video, really enjoyed it! Somehow it set me thinking about similarities and differences between Aragorn and Faramir. If Faramir is as noble as, but less remote and less incalculable than Aragorn, what is it that is so incalculable about the latter? Is it his kingship or something else?
This is a tough one to answer, you know yourself there's a lot of myth and legend surrounding such a figure. There's some inherent qualities to Aragorn that just elevate him above other noble figures. Those noble figures can recognise them, the Wise can recognise his greatness, but explaining it to us is like explaining what magic is.
They marched on the Black Gate to distract Sauron and empty his lands to aid Frodo's quest. I always thought that Aragorn and a largish contingent, all on horse-back, should have gone to the gates, drawn the Enemy's force's out and then quickly retreat. Either completely, or back to a point that could be better held, maybe with the rest of the forces/archers? Meeting them in battle wasn't entirely necessary, just the emptying of Sauron's lands. But your points in this video sort of put's that idea to rest!
I think the problem here is that the rank and file soldiers were not privy to the purpose of the attack on the Black Gate - they don't know about the Ring Bearer's mission. Am I wrong?
We aren't told that, but I'd suspect they wouldn't know. Would knowing help them come to terms with what they were doing? Who among them would understand what the ring was or what Frodo was doing? I don't think anything would be gained by telling them. I'd suspect they'd be told something about why so few of them were deciding to march on Mordor itself as some sort of last stand, but without knowledge of Rings of Power.
I definitely agree. I think it speaks volumes about the authority that Aragorn, Gandalf and Imrahil have that so many are prepared to follow them on what looks like a suicide mission.
@@TheAHform Yes, that's definitely important. Even the idea that they are marching to their death for a good cause speaks volumes as you say. Even the men who lose the will to stay are ashamed that they can't because they really want to stay and fight for Aragorn in their hearts. The overwhelming power of fear is too much to handle.
It's interesting that critics called him boring, I'm afraid many people possibly don't understand the kind of story Tolkien is telling. I've never heard anybody I respect say he's boring, the very fact that he waited so long before claiming the throne of Gondor to me was very interesting
I think you are right. Modern audiences are the ones who tend to have a problem with the character of Aragorn because he's not written in the way they are used to heroes being written.
Arrowroot: "Peoples of the West! The battle before the Black Gate of Sorhed will be one of few against many; but the few are of pure heart and the many are of the filthy. Nevertheless, those of you who wish to cringe and run from the fight may do so to quicken our pace. Those who still ride with the King of Twodor will live forever in song and legend! The rest may go." It is said that the dustcloud did not settle for many days after. (Bored of the Rings, 1969)
A more ineresting contrast might have been between what Aragorn did and how Denethor might have responded Denethor constantly berated and mocked Farmir for his "compassion," I can't see the Steward giving anyone much of a choice.
I love this insight into Aragorn’s kingly character. Tolkien highlights his justice and mercy again when banishing Beregond from the White City and appointing him captain of the White Company. So good!
Justice over Revenge, a big difference between Kings and Tyrants :D
This shows How Tolkien sees "good" and "evil". Evil takes no care in what occures apart from it's goal, while Good is mercyfull and cares always about the World.
Good stuff. Aragorn is a great character study in how to be both just and merciful.
To be fair, there was also a militaristic reason for Aragorn's mercy, not to take anything away from the rest of it. The most dangerous thing for any general in battle is for his own men to flee from battle. Aragorn realized that if he forced these men to stay and fight than there was a very high likelihood they would have fled at first contact with the enemy. Such a route would than become infectious as more and more men will be disheartened by seeing their comrades run for their lives and all of a sudden you have a mass route on your hands. So allowing the weakest links to leave the battlefield before the battle starts actually improved his odds of not suffering such a mass route during the battle itself.
Now to put a caveat on the above point, the battle itself was never actually the point. It was a hopeless battle to begin with that was going to be decided elsewhere(in Mt. Doom), but still I thought it prudent to point out that Aragorn's character and decision made sense in all aspects, even those that on paper seem questionable.
Once again, another small part of the story that I've clearly overlooked. You have pointed it out very beautifully, I now have a much deeper respect for Aragorn as a character. He often gets labeled by literary experts as boring. He's a boy scout, he always does the right thing, but passages like this point out that just because your a good person does not mean your boring or predictable. Thanks for the video, I truly look forward to these every time they appear.
Hello again Alex, and I'm glad it's given a new appreciation of Aragorn. I was worried that everyone watching this would go "Well, yeah, that's obvious". Part of my desire to make it was due to some articles I had read, praising the adaptation of Aragorn more than the Tolkien character because, as you say, he's seen as boring. I think it's a disservice to him to just see him as a character like that.
I wonder if perhaps Tolkien remembered the many men shot for cowardice because they could not stand up and walk toward the machine guns one more time in the great war?
I wouldn't be surprised if it was burned into his memories as something utterly horrible.
Looking back on my uploads, I have realised that I've focused a lot on The Lord of the Rings and the Third Age, without even meaning to do that. My next video will be a First Age video. It will be about Fëanor or Melkor. Feel free to reply and let me know which you'd prefer...or if you'd want a video on both if you can't decide! If you have something on your mind that you think would make an interesting future video, then don't hesitate to mention it. I have a big list of topics and there's always room for more!
Looking forward to the first day 👍
You can never go wrong with Melkor... 😎😎
Following your Feanor video, a video on Fingolfin vs Melkor would be cool or a video on Maedhros and Fingon or the actions of the sons of Feanor. So many characters and events to cover in the first age.
@@fernandoj.solisjr.9044 I think you read my mind. I think it's 3rd on my list, but I have a video planned for Fingolfin and Melkor.
Wow what a wonderful Scottish voice/accent, a real treat! Many thanks.
Great video! I'm glad you chose to talk about this small moment in the book. It's not the most memorable or crucial to the plot, but it does a lot to humanize the armies or Gondor and Rohan. And considering Tolkien's experience as a young man thrust into war, I can't help but think he and many of his comrades would have liked to be led by someone as merciful and just as Elessar.
Tolkien does this compare/contrast thing a lot to better reveal his characters and their morality Aragorn the Merciful versus Sauron the Cruel is a good example!
Just imagine if our current politicians had half the honor, courage and moral principles as Aragorn did.
This is a fabulous visual presentation.
Thanks! I think I've improved a lot since these earlier videos but it still feels similar :)
Excellent. Once again you have selected an episode that I've not given much thought to, and illuminated its deeper significance. It also served to demonstrate the character development in Aragorn, while still reflecting the man who allowed the ringbearer to make his own decision at Parth Galen.
The development is something important to point out. I know many readers disagree with me when I say he has character development. They feel his character was always the same, but he was now being given a chance to show his true character. I see that as change, and a result of events around him forcing him into that position. The Aragorn at the Black Gate is a man who has changed from Strider at the Prancing Pony...
@@TheRedBook Absolutely. In the Fellowship and the Two Towers he is often beset with doubt, mainly about his own choices. As the story progresses, we see his confidence grow and I think you have demonstrated that very well in this video. He has the confidence to take the decision to release the faint-hearted.
@@andrewwood7580 Doubt is what I always say as well. As soon as Gandalf leaves the Fellowship, Aragorn is put into a position of authority before he expected to be. He's full of doubt from that time, through Lothlorien, to the Breaking of the Fellowship, etc. He's happy when Gandalf returns, but the shift of authority occurs. Aragorn calls Gandalf their Captain, but Helm's Deep is Aragorn's battle, with Gandalf being absent until the end. He has already started being the authority, way before ever reaching Minas Tirith.
Good video, really enjoyed it!!
You make up a good story telling with a sublime voice, I like this part about Aragorn because mainly you can see how more developed/grown he is become... Knowing the mind / actions of Sauron and leading his own ( combined) army as a true FREE king/leader at that point
He also outshines Gandalf at this point
Thanks, Montie, and you make a good point. Gandalf takes the backseat during this whole thing, passing the responsibility to Aragorn. Like a Steward to the King.
Great videos man! Love your attention to certain details and topics that often get overlooked.
Thanks, Spencer. I try not to cover something that many others will have covered. It helps that I'm interpreting the text, so it ends up seeming more personal, rather than regurgitating what someone else has already said!
I think Aragorn's treatment of the Faint-hearted was influenced by Gandalf. I think in the time Aragorn spent with Gandalf, he was being mentored and shaped into someone who could be a benevolent king.
Interesting video my dude, great job as always. I'm excited to see your take on Melkor if thats the next video you do 😁
Thanks, Jeremy! Yes, if it's not Melkor for the next video of this series, then it will be him afterward. I have a lot of ideas for videos about him!
This is a really inspiring part of the story. As a King commanding soldiers, Aragorn would have been within his rights to demand their obedience even in the face of dread, but he does not do so because he is a merciful and great King.
Tolkien partially uses the Old Testament army rules here. He often partially pulls from the Old and New Testaments. When raising an army to fight enemies, anyone who was full of fear was to go home. There were other rules, such as people who were betrothed but not yet married (1 year 'honeymoon' after marriage), those who built a home but not yet lived there -- again, this is part of the betrothal/marriage process -- the home had to be built before the marriage, etc.
Great content Mellon 👍
Thanks, nice to see you back once again.
Despite Tolkien’s disdain for allegory, it is very clear that he was inspired by Gideon in the Old Testament book of Judges. After Joshua, the successor of Moses, but before Saul the first King of Israel, Israel was ruled for many generations by Judges, a highly decentralised land of 12 tribes. They kept becoming complacent and sinning against God, foreign invaders were allowed to subjugate them, they cry out for help and a new judge arises, until the cycle begins anew.
For Gideon, he was from the smallest tribe of Benjamin, and then from the smallest family. When he rallied the men of Israel, God told him to let those who were fearful go home, then those who drank water like dogs. There were only 300 men left, and all they did was blow their horns around the enemy camp at night. The enemies destroyed themselves in panic, then Gideon’s men mopped up the rest.
I am also surprised you didn’t mention estel. Middle-Earth is ultimately governed by the principles of The One, a fundamentally Catholic world. Raised as the returned King, Aragorn had every reason to know that doing the right things, in and of themselves, was of value. So he could show mercy at the very end and most critical part of the war and have estel that his goodness against common sense or any military doctrine would be rewarded.
Interesting comments Brent. I have a script for a future video that might interest you, as you were always more of an authority when it came to religion. I might run it by you!
@@TheRedBook You flatter me! I will try my best. How will you contact me and run it by me?
@@MistaGify I'll message on Quora, or wherever you prefer. I don't know when I'll be actually making this video, but it's central theme is certainly religious, so it would be good to hear your thoughts. Anything to make the video better :) . Actually, there will be a few religious themed videos on this channel eventually.
@@TheRedBook I see. How about Discord? Neither Quora nor TH-cam messages are conducive, but our private chat on Discord should be optimal.
@@MistaGify yes that would be better. I'm not really using Quora much these days. I'll make sure to message you on Discord.
Congratulations on yet another great video!
cool video mate really enjoyed it looking forward to the next one
Cheers Jamie :)
@@TheRedBook your welcome mate
Great Video Mellon
Thanks a lot :)
Great video, really enjoyed it! Somehow it set me thinking about similarities and differences between Aragorn and Faramir. If Faramir is as noble as, but less remote and less incalculable than Aragorn, what is it that is so incalculable about the latter? Is it his kingship or something else?
This is a tough one to answer, you know yourself there's a lot of myth and legend surrounding such a figure. There's some inherent qualities to Aragorn that just elevate him above other noble figures. Those noble figures can recognise them, the Wise can recognise his greatness, but explaining it to us is like explaining what magic is.
@@TheRedBook And magic in Tolkien's world is something that comes as a natural, innate ability... :)
@@annamnatsakanyan4040 exactly. Something that they can't explain as it is just a part of them!
They marched on the Black Gate to distract Sauron and empty his lands to aid Frodo's quest. I always thought that Aragorn and a largish contingent, all on horse-back, should have gone to the gates, drawn the Enemy's force's out and then quickly retreat. Either completely, or back to a point that could be better held, maybe with the rest of the forces/archers? Meeting them in battle wasn't entirely necessary, just the emptying of Sauron's lands. But your points in this video sort of put's that idea to rest!
Aragorn is so well written throughout the entire LOTR story
I agree!
Great video. What happens to Mordor after Sauron’s ring is destroyed.
I think the problem here is that the rank and file soldiers were not privy to the purpose of the attack on the Black Gate - they don't know about the Ring Bearer's mission. Am I wrong?
We aren't told that, but I'd suspect they wouldn't know. Would knowing help them come to terms with what they were doing? Who among them would understand what the ring was or what Frodo was doing? I don't think anything would be gained by telling them. I'd suspect they'd be told something about why so few of them were deciding to march on Mordor itself as some sort of last stand, but without knowledge of Rings of Power.
I definitely agree. I think it speaks volumes about the authority that Aragorn, Gandalf and Imrahil have that so many are prepared to follow them on what looks like a suicide mission.
@@TheAHform Yes, that's definitely important. Even the idea that they are marching to their death for a good cause speaks volumes as you say. Even the men who lose the will to stay are ashamed that they can't because they really want to stay and fight for Aragorn in their hearts. The overwhelming power of fear is too much to handle.
It's interesting that critics called him boring, I'm afraid many people possibly don't understand the kind of story Tolkien is telling. I've never heard anybody I respect say he's boring, the very fact that he waited so long before claiming the throne of Gondor to me was very interesting
I think you are right. Modern audiences are the ones who tend to have a problem with the character of Aragorn because he's not written in the way they are used to heroes being written.
Arrowroot: "Peoples of the West! The battle before the Black Gate of Sorhed will be one of few against many; but the few are of pure heart and the many are of the filthy. Nevertheless, those of you who wish to cringe and run from the fight may do so to quicken our pace. Those who still ride with the King of Twodor will live forever in song and legend! The rest may go."
It is said that the dustcloud did not settle for many days after. (Bored of the Rings, 1969)
In his hand he carried an ancient and trusty weapon, called by the elves a Browning semi automatic.
@@davidkeefe2655 That was Goodgulf, not Arrowroot.
Altough I have not finished the video, I nevertheless comment on it ;)
Hopefully you don't feel like deleting the comment after finishing the video haha :D
@@TheRedBook I can confirm, I did not ^^
I like the narrator's voice, but I find the accent a little hard to understand
Every video has subtitles I've written out.
A more ineresting contrast might have been between what Aragorn did and how Denethor might have responded Denethor constantly berated and mocked Farmir for his "compassion," I can't see the Steward giving anyone much of a choice.