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The concurrence of events on Aragorn’s birthday is wonderful! I think that there is tremendous significance in the fact that he met Gandalf again on his birthday, for that is the day he put aside his obligations to the Fellowship (Merry and Pippin) and began, finally, focusing on his struggle to save his kingdom and reclaim his throne. That he dies on his birthday re-enforces this I think – he came ‘full circle’ in his life as the King: from his “birth” as King with Gandalf in Fangorn (and I wonder if there is any significance in that location?) to his death with Arwen in Minas Tirith.
Out of interest I looked up March 1 in a Saints Day Calendar, and while there are several saints listed there, the following two (both of whom were widely known and regarded in the Middle Ages) jumped out at me:
St. David who “was endowed with substantial qualities of spiritual leadership. What is more, many monasteries flourished as a result of his leadership and good example.” David is also, of course, the patron saint of Wales, and thus the spiritual embodiment of a nation.
Rudesind “distinguished himself with his military skills by leading armies in the field against invading Norsemen and Moors.” He was also the son of a noble family.
EDIT -- cross posted with davem, who apparently had the same idea that I did. Smart fellow.
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Scribbling scrabbling.
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