Wecome to the Downs,
Mark!
About Merry-- perhaps the fact that he is associated with the Riders is almost a form of foreshadowing towards his "destiny," if you will, to aid in the slaying of the Witch-King (not to get ahead of the discussion again, but it just had to be said.)
Quote:
(Originally posted by Hilde Bracegirdle)
It is as if Aragorn is reaching into his closet and is picking out which hat to wear. And since he has been known by quite a few names, I wonder if he acted similarly when he was known as Thorongil. Like Gandalf, these names seem to be given him, rather than being chosen by him to mark a change, (as Turin seemed fond of doing). Is this to imply that he is always the same, though different people view him one way or another? Golden always, but at times well worn and at others polished.
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Makes sense to me. Aragorn's character never really changes all that much; he is always the good, noble man with many facets:
1. the suspicious, mysterious but eventually kindly Strider who "looks foul and feels fair"
2. the wise advisor Thorongil who comes and goes only as he is needed (much, indeed, like Gandalf)
3. Estel, which could possibly be argued to be his more compassionate side, as it does mean "Hope." It could even symbolize Aragorn's innocence, and how this innocence was lost when his real name was revealed to him.
4. the strong leader Aragorn who is a rallying point on the battlefield and a good, trustworthy friend
5. the just King Elessar Telcontar (and with the Telcontar bit he ties it all back to his humble history) who restores peace to Middle-earth