[Zoe]

<blockquote>Quote:<hr> I agree, red, Aragorn would have ridden a swell of popular support straight onto the
throne. I think Denethor realized it to -- it was the real reason for his decision to go
out in a blaze of glory.<hr></blockquote>

Hrm, interesting theory. I'd have to say that I quite like the idea. After all, Denethor wasn't stupid, and he knew his politics. Probably he was secretly hoping that by going out so spectacuarly, he would be remembered, perhaps even considered a martyr.

I'd say that the reason why the Dunedain never claimed the throne before was because they too knew their politics. Rocking up to Minas Tirith and demanding the throne would make them look like tyrants and unjust over-throwers of government if they won, and fools if they lost. However, after the events of the LotR, it was only reasonable that Aragorn become king.