“The most enjoyable work on Tolkien I have read in many years” Christina Scull

Aragorn. Strider. King. Ranger. He is one of the most famous and celebrated characters in the history of popular literature. But how much do you really know about the man?

This book is a biographical study of Aragorn, covering his ancestry, pre-birth prophecies, the various stages of his life, and his death early in the Fourth Age. There is particular emphasis on the struggles he faced, both physical and mental, and on his crucial role (easily overlooked or underestimated) in bringing about the destruction of the One Ring and the downfall of Sauron. There are also discussions on his appearance and on his many names and titles. Additionally, it is a detailed examination of his interactions and relationships with his contemporaries in Middle-earth, both with individuals and races. It also considers the influence of some of his ancestors on his character and attitude.

ABBREVIATIONS

FOREWORD by Christina Scull

PREFACE

PART ONE

BIOGRAPHY, CHARACTER AND SIGNIFICANCE

Introduction, Ancestry, Prophecies, Childhood, Adulthood Prior To LotR, LotR: An “Aragorn-Centric” View, The Palantír Confrontation, King Elessar, Death, Names and Titles, Appearance.

PART TWO

RELATIONSHIPS

Introduction, Elves, Dúnedain, Istari, Legolas and Gimli, Hobbits, Gondorians, Rohirrim, Ancestors, The Ring and Gollum, Miscellaneous Relationships.

CONCLUSION

APPENDICES

GENEALOGICAL TABLES

THE SILMARILLION: CHIEF NAMES AND CONCEPTS USED

BIBLIOGRAPHY

INDEX