The Mythological Hero In Tolkien's Lord Of The Rings

7 Pages 1858 Words

since gone. Tolkien hoping to provide realism to the story, introduces Aragorn to the audience as Strider, a more believable character, in that he is a personification of the American Western folktales’ “Stranger in Town” heroes, tough, dangerous, quiet, and a loner (42-44.) Tolkien doing this, allows the audience to learn to accept Aragorn as Strider before he reveals Aragorn’s more extraordinary being. Only after the audience is comfortable with Strider does Tolkien reveal that he is the last descendent of the Long-living kings of Arnor and Gondor (44.)
Aragorn also represents the romantic hero, in that he is questing not only for a kingdom but for his queen, Arwen, as well. In the tradition of romantic love the knight must perform great feats and deeds for the love of a lady, such is Aragorn’s quest in that Elrond tells Aragorn that he may not have lady Arwen’s hand until he wins his kingdom (49.) Aragorn’s romantic side serves also to lead along his epic side. As he tries to win Arwen, he must first quest to win his kingdom, thus giving him more determination to accomplish his quest. The audience learns ...