December 3, 2002

Anduril Used Before Helms Deep
Danny

A post mentioned how Aragorn waited to use Anduril until Helm's deep. In the book this is not the case, though it looks like they are waiting for it in the movie.

See the Chapter in the Fellowship The Bridge of Khazad-Dhun to know that Aragorn did not hesitate to use Anduril. "But even as the orc flung down the truncheon and swept out his scimitar, Anduril came down upon his helm." In the book, Aragorn did not show any hesitance to take up his role as Isuldur's heir. It works to add more drama to his role in the film, but it is important to note that Aragorn of the book was not timid or embarrased to play his role. He was judicious and careful that he didn't step in too early and cause a power struggle that would have aided Sauron only, but he never was afraid to claim his title as Isuldur's heir.

Also note how in Theoden's Hall Aragorn nearly refused to leave Anduril at the door. It doesn't seem logical that he would cary a sword across the plains that would be of great use had he ever caught the Uruk-Hai but never plan on using it because of embarrasment. He also was very open in declaring his lineage to Eomer and the guards in the Golden Hall.

I understand how the film is making that a more central element in the film and don't mind. Aragorn's coming into his own as the King of Gondor really never felt like an issue to me when I read the books, but it does make him a much more interesting character for the film by allowing us to see a dynamic growing character and that will be good. However, I hope that Aragorn's coming into his role doesn't detract from the Aragorn that Tolkien invisioned who was really fulfilling his role long before the books got started.