[HerenIstarion]

Originally Posted by drigel

So what right did they have to rule? And why would someone from Rhun honor that right?

Unfortunately, the statement I'm going to make is the selfsame used by some to accuse Tolkien of racism, and still by some to vindicate their 'white supremacy'

The right of Kings of Men to rule was based upon unity of Three Races blood (and the Third Union of Elves and Man through Aragorn/Arwen was uniting that bloodline into one House again) - that is, Maiar, Evles, Men. Kings of Men were partly 'divine'. The 'divinity' and 'right to rule' was confirmed by Eru's intervention into Beren-Luthien matter. It may be argued that since Eru granted that union, He granted rule of its descendants likewise. So answer is 'no' - 'might' does not equal
right'.

Yet not only bloodlines, mind you, but the 'right thing' too (and that's why Tolkien ain't racist) for the truth about ME is that in ME there actually is a Paragon of Good - Eru. Those who confrom to that Paragon more than others are more in the right and have more of the right. Ar-Pharazon was no less 'pure-blood' than Amandil, but he chose the wrong path.

I suppose this is one of the indirect reasons for literati to be at diggers with Tolkien (see the points made about religion in posts above)

Also, the fact is, Aragorn was not forcing himself and his realm upon unwilling peoples:

LoTR

In the days that followed his crowning the King sat on his throne in the Hall of the Kings and pronounced his judgements. And embassies came from many lands and peoples, from the East and the South, and from the borders of Mirkwood, and from Dunland in the west. And the King pardoned the Easterlings that had given themselves up, and sent them away free, and he made peace with the peoples of Harad; and the slaves of Mordor he released and gave to them all the lands about Lake Núrnen to be their own.

Hard to see 'expansionism' here, ain't it?

There are certain rules:

LoTR

Men of Gondor hear now the Steward of this Realm! Behold! one has come to claim the kingship again at last. Here is Aragorn son of Arathorn, chieftain of the Dúnedain of Arnor, Captain of the Host of the West, bearer of the Star of the North, wielder of the Sword Reforged, victorious in battle, whose hands bring healing, the Elfstone, Elessar of the line of Valandil, Isildur’s son, Elendil’s son of Númenor. Shall he be king and enter into the City and dwell there?’
And all the host and all the people cried yea with one voice.

Despite all his blood and all his right, Aragorn needs approval of his future people to 'be king' first.

Besides,

Pippin to Denethor's servants:

And as for orders, I think you have a madman to deal with, not a lord.

Implication is as follows: when the lord has turned aside from the 'right path', even if he be 'rightful' lord, there is no obligation any more to follow his orders.

Just another 'besides':

'Behold! I go forth, and it seems like to be my last riding,' said Théoden. 'I have no child. Théodred my son is slain. I name Éomer my sister-son to be my heir. If neither of us return, then choose a new lord as you will.

I.e. Lords are 'chosen'. Criteria of choice may count on 'bloodlines' and may, again, not.

And more - when people is unwilling, the ruler may be 'sent forth' (case of Felagund)

Short summary - 'right to rule' is based on three factors - blood, people's will and following Eru's will. While 'blood' is a matter of importance, and people's will counts, Eru's will if by far superior.

Again, combination 'indigestable' for some, I suppose.

Originally Posted by mithalwen

I read very recently somewhere in the Opus that Sauron's army contained menbers of every race save Elves. but I can't quite remember where.

See the link in my previous