Wk6 Bk5 Ch8: Aragorn's hesitancy to enter the City

[Stormrider]

From: AnnieLT (Original Message) Sent: 4/24/2003 5:47 PM

The pictures were lost--they were:
"Minas Tirith and Pelennor Fields" by Alan Lee
and a detail of Aragorn's Tents from "Minas Tirith" by Alan Lee

Wk6, Bk5, Ch8, DISCUSSION: Aragorn’s hesitancy to enter Minas Tirith

As Aragorn, Eomer, and Imrahil draw near to the city, Aragorn stops them saying, " . . . this city and realm has rested in the charge of the Stewards for many long years, and I fear if I enter it unbidden, then doubt and debate may arise, which should not be while this war is fought. I will not enter in, nor make any claim, until it be seen whether we or Mordor shall prevail. Men shall pitch my tents upon the field, and here I will await the welcome of the Lord of the City."

Again, we find Aragorn hesitating. Why is it important that Aragorn not make his claim at this time? Why would doubt and debate arise if Aragorn enters too soon? Eomer questions Aragorn’s decision to wait like a beggar in the fields and Imrahil finds wisdom in Aragorn’s words. Why do Aragorn’s friends respond in this way? If you had been there what would you make of Aragorn’s decision? Would you have considered it wise?

When Gandalf summons the Dunedain to the House of the Healing, why does he enter the city so quickly after announcing that he will not enter? And why is Aragorn adamant that he be referred to as the Captain of the Dunedain? Does he feel unready to become King? Why does he hesitate? Do you think he is ready? Or is there something else that the captain of the Dunedain must do?

After Aragorn heals Eomer, Eowyn, and Merry, he is besieged by people begging him to heal their kinsman. Word has been sent ahead by Ioreth that the King has returned. If he was received so warmly and lauded as King, why doesn’t Aragorn remain in the city where he could sleep in more comfort? Surely, now the time is ripe? Why does he return to his tent on the field to sleep?

[Stormrider]

From: Gythia Sent: 4/24/2003 11:30 PM
At first Aragorn doesn't know that Denethor is dead, so it makes good sense that he fears his claim to the kingship would result in a period of political infighting before anything could be accomplished. But after that? I don't know. Maybe he's just weary and wants to rest before taking up the battle again, without the added burdens of directing the civil defense, giving judgement, etc. that would fall on him as king. Or maybe he knows he's going to be marching off to war with Mordor soon and wants to leave behind a city ruled by someone the people regard as a leader rather than a substitute.

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From: Colleen Sent: 4/25/2003 1:54 PM
I think Aragorn wants to reclaim his kingship the 'right' way -- including all the pomp and circumstance. Traditions are sometimes the only consistancy in our lives, especially in tulmutuous times. By following tradition and allowing the 'prophecies' to be fulfilled, Aragorn eases the people into his kingship instead of forcing it upon them. As far as Aragorn knew, Gondor was being lead by a competent steward. There was no need for political upheval in the midst of war.

Even as an American, I'm always somewhat amazed by the fact we can go through a total regime change without anyone being killed or imprisioned. I think this was also Aragorn's goal.

Aragorn, at least in this chapter, seems to be something of a Christ figure. A long prophesized leader with healing abilities... I'm not sure If I'd extend that to the rest of the book, but I wonder whether or not Tolkien made that connection intentionally or not. I'd like to hear some other thoughts on that.

Colleen

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From: Desi-Baggins Sent: 4/25/2003 8:10 PM
Colleen were you easy dropping on my conversation with Stormrider, JK. I was just telling her that in this part of the story I kind of related Aragorn to Jesus. So I wonder if Tolkien did that on purpose or it just turned out that way!

At this point I don't really think Aragorn is hesitating. First he thinks Denethor is still Steward so he knows that claiming the Kings position won't be easy. Then he finds out that Faramir is Steward but wounded so he needs Faramir to get better so that they can go about the change properly! He doesn't want to just go in there and take over while the guard is down sort of speak!

Desi

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From: magpie Sent: 4/25/2003 8:23 PM
The history of the ruling lineage plays a part here, also. This history can be found in the Appendix A of The Lord of the Rings. Here's a quote (words spoken by Arvedui, the last king of the Arthedain) "Elendil had two sons, of whom Isildur was the elder and the heir of his father. We have heard that the name Elendil stands to theis day at the of the line of Kings of Gondor, since he was accounted the high king of all lands of the Dunedain. While Elendil still lived, the conjoint rule in the South (Gondor) was commited to his sons; but when Elendil fell (along with his son, Anarion), Isildur departed to take up the high kingship of his father, and commitred the rule in the South in like manner to the son (Meneldil) of his brother." (words in parenthesis mine)

Meneldil was King of Gondor and his heirs ruled after him -- while Isildur's heirs were Kings of Arnor. When Anarion's line died out, the heir in Isildur's line (Arvedui) claimed, once more, the crown of Gondor. This claim was rejected and the current Steward of Gondor played the chief part in this rejection. This was when Arvedui spoke the words quoted above and added, "[Isildur] did not relinquish his royaltry in Gondor, nor intend that the realm of Elendil should be divided for ever."

But the captain of the battle (Earnil) that had killed the last heirs of Anarion claimed the crown and ruled, as did his son (Earnur) after him, in Gondor. When Earnur died... "no claimant to the crown could be found who was of pure blood, or whose claim all would allow; and all feared the memory of the Kin-strife (a bloody civil war created by disagreements over the legitimacy of a mixed heritage heir-Eldacar), knowing that if any such dissension arose again, then Gondor would perish." (emphasis mine) The Stewards ruled Gondor after Earnur until the time of Elessar.

I believe it is, in part, fear of renewed dissension that keeps Aragorn from claiming the title of King.

~Magpie
(all quotes from: Appendix A, iv Gondor and the Heirs of Anarion)

{I just want to let AnnieLT and Stormrider know that I have spent the last 3 hours researching this topic and writing this post--I had a vague idea of what I wanted to say but not a clear enough one to write intelligently. So, instructors... you have successfully motivated this student to learn something new! Good work. }

[Stormrider]

From: galenas Sent: 4/25/2003 10:52 PM
I have the impression that Aragorn does not yet know his how this will play out. He sees the greater battle yet on the horizon. I think he has the wisdom to know that taking the kingship at this time could leave Gondor kingless in a very short time......more upheaval at a time when they most need a united front against the shadow that looms against them.

I've often thought of a possible connection to a Christ figure and Aragorn. After all these years, I still change my mind from time to time on this one. Yes, he comes from humbleness and defeats evil and sets up a realm of peace and beauty. Although, it is Frodo who carries the weight of the world (so to speak). Gosh, I just don't know.

Galenas

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From: Alaere_Dûnhilien Sent: 4/26/2003 8:46 AM
I think it is a very wise decision of his to wait, until everything has settled down a bit. The people of Gondor have been ruled for many years by a Steward, and if Aragorn would suddenly burst in, there would be the possibility that they don't take it, even if his claim is rightful. Denethor is dead, Faramir dying, and there is a war. That are a lot of things to digest for the people, a lot of changes, and I believe it is in the nature of Men in general to be conservative, so one thing at a time might be the better approach. It would be very bad if his claim would begin a new kinstrife as Magpie says, or leave the Gondorians without a King would he die in the battles that have yet to come. Also, I think he wants to make a good impression here: if people see that he is welcomed by the Lord of the City, no one can suspect him from a coup or anything. Things are complicated enough already with the war raging.

When Gandalf summons him, he is quickly to answer it, because he knows that Gandalf would not call for him unnecessary, but he persists on his decision to wait with claiming his title, that is why he enters as the Captain of the Dúnedain. All this makes me believe that he is ready indeed. In short, you could say that he takes a very diplomatic approach?

Anyhow, when he has healed Éomer, Éowyn and Merry, the Gondorians consider that as the proof that he is indeed the rightful King (cfr. Ioreth's words). People know enough now, or maybe want to see it with their own eyes. He knows however that there is still a battle to be fought, so he returns to the battlefield. The time may be ripe, but there is still a lot of work that needs to be done first.
These are my humble ravenings upon this matter, I hope they make some sense lol!

Navaer,
Alaere

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From: AnnieLT Sent: 4/26/2003 10:53 AM
Magpie, excellent scholarship! Thank you for taking the time to research this. It pleases us immensely that we have stimulated you to learn something new. Your response, as well as those from other participants in this study, has furthered us along our road to understanding, too. That’s what this study is all about - learning from each other. We, the moderators, thank all of you. Keep ‘em coming.

I hope you don’t mind if I copy this to the discussion: The Upstart Ranger from the North, Bk5, Ch7 for I feel the information here might get us thinking about the questions posed there.

Please continue to respond to this thread, though, as it applies to Aragorn’s Hesitancy to enter Minas Tirith. Gythia, Colleen, Desi, Galenas, and Alaere, just wanted to let you know that you have given me pause to reflect. I love examining a particular situation from different perspectives. I am learning so much from you.

Annie

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From: Merlin the mad Sent: 4/26/2003 11:07 AM
These are all very good points, and they form a part of why Aragorn did not receive his crown at this time. However, I think his consideration of Sauron's ability to twist the truth into something else is the greatest reason Aragorn has to go slowly here. It does not matter who the Steward is: Gondor HAS a Steward and no king ("Gondor has no king, Gondor needs no king"). Sauron could easily twist Aragorn's taking up of the crown into the apparant power grab of a despot, or even a usurper upstart: doubts would be sewn in the hearts of some (many) at a time when solidarity is needed more than ever. All Aragorn's crowning would accomplish is a weakening, not a strengthening, of the united front. Rohan's support of him as king would be a chance to accuse Eomer et al of trying to put a friend of theirs on the throne of Gondor, so that Rohan can become more influential and powerful. Sauron knows how to sow dissension. All of this crowning stuff would prove pointless anyway if Sauron wins. So winning the war is first, talks of rulership last.

MtM

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From: sparrow Sent: 4/30/2003 9:53 AM
As everyone above has said, I think Aragorn is wise to realize the benefits of making the transition the right way, not as conqueror or by force. In short, he wants to receive the crown, not take it.
This is wise because people are often resistant just to change itself. For example, in GA there is a hot controversy raging over the state flag. The legislature changed it last year without voter approval. The irony is, the previous flag, which so many people argue strenuously should not have been changed, at least not without voter approval, was established in the 1950's with - guess what - no voter approval. At least this issue was tabled during the war.

While we're on the subject of Aragorn and Frodo as Christ figures, does anyone other than me see similarities between Northern and Southern Gonder and the divided Kingdoms of Israel and Judah? Just a thought, don't really want to lead everyone off topic.

A gold star to Magpie & study leaders for an inspiring thread and scholarly research. As a matter of fact, reading this entire thread is like gazing upon a multi-facted gem. A group hug is in order!!