Aragorn's political skills.

[Boromir88]

I think some other smart moves done by Aragorn that haven't been mentioned yet, is actually his humility he shows to Boromir.

Aragorn's claim is brought out in the Council, and although Boromir hasn't yet accepted Aragorn as King he admits that Gondor is in some desperate times and the "sword," would be of some great help. He is yet unsure of Aragorn, however. Aragorn knowing this, plays humility towards Boromir, trying to win Boromir's trust. Knowing that Boromir may very well be the most prestigious man in Gondor. His title is "Captain-General of Gondor's forces." In common day terms that would be like "Commander-in-chief." And supported by Denethor it is not him who leads his men, he sits back in his hall, and leaves the leading up to his sons (at first mostly Boromir, then once he's dead Faramir). Also, Boromir is to be the future Steward of Gondor. Aragorn recognizes if his claim is to fall through he will have to get the approval of the Steward, as well as some of Gondor's most prestigious men.

So what does Aragorn do? He shows humility and actually takes orders from Boromir. On Caradhras Boromir says he and Aragorn will carry the Hobbits, Aragorn possibly in an attempt to buddy up to Boromir, doesn't object, and out of the respect of Boromir's status, listens.

[eowyntje]

In another topic, Elianna quoted this part from the end of part II of Appen, I've never read it but thought it was in interesting quote considering this topic:

Often he fulfilled it. For though Sauron had passed, the hatreds and evils that he bred had not died, and the King of the West had many enemies to subdue before the White Tree could grew in peace. And whenever King Elessar went with war King Éomer went with him; and beyond the Sea of Rhûn and on the far fields of the South the thunder of the calvary of the Mark was heard, and the White Horse upon Green flew in many winds until Éomer grew old.

It seems Aragorn fought a lot of wars when he became King Elessar. so this 'perfect' leader may have been wise and all, but he did not mind going to war once in a while.
Also, it says that the King of the west had many enemies to subdue before the white Tree could grow in peace, apparently Aragorn's firts years as a king were anything but simple and peacefull.

[Formendacil]

Originally Posted by Boromir88

I think some other smart moves done by Aragorn that haven't been mentioned yet, is actually his humility he shows to Boromir.
~~~~~~
So what does Aragorn do? He shows humility and actually takes orders from Boromir. On Caradhras Boromir says he and Aragorn will carry the Hobbits, Aragorn possibly in an attempt to buddy up to Boromir, doesn't object, and out of the respect of Boromir's status, listens.

Very politically wise moves, but sometimes I have to wonder if political wisdom isn't just plain common sense. And Aragorn's humility might be just that, genuine humility. After all, humility is one of the great Christian virtues, and Aragorn, as one of Tolkien's most admirable characters, would be well endowed with some of those virtues. Humility is one, maybe?

And what Boromir suggests on Caradhras is just plain common sense. He, a soldier, sees a situation in need of remedy, makes a suggestion to rectify that is fully sound, and Aragorn goes along with it because it is just plain common sense to do so.

In this way, he is very UN-political. Imagine, say, that the Parliament is stuck on Caradhras and has to make their way down. The conservative leader suggests that the strongest men go force a path through the snow, and then come back to help the weaker members through. What would happen then? Would the liberal leader agree to this sensible suggestion. I doubt it... If it was like a meeting of Parliament, then he would likely object just because it was a conservative who suggested it, even though it might be plain common sense to do it.

Perhaps Aragorn's wisdom is as much that he knows when NOT to get political as it is that he is able to function politically when it IS necessary.

[Boromir88]

Great point formendacil, never looked at it that way before, but I couldn't agree with you more .

Eowyn:

how extremely extremely interesting Do you know any more about this ealier draft?

It is very similar to the Arvedui claim, if you are familiar with it. Aragorn goes to Gondor with Boromir, and like Arvedui, claims kingship. Boromir objects and tries to brew up a civil war, telling people to object against Aragorn's claim. Then Aragorn has to go and kill him before too much trouble occurs. In Arvedui's case, he claimed the throne, the Council (led by the Steward Pelendur) rejected his claim (which he clearly had proof), and out of that broke the kin-strife (a civil war). That's what Boromir attempted to do, to start a civil war, but was killed before he got too much support.

[Hot, crispy nice hobbit]

Somehow, I can't seem to place Boromir as the rebellious kind:

Boromir, five years the elder, beloved by his father, was like him in face and pride, but in little else. Rather he was a man after the sort of King Earnur of old, taking no wife and delighting chiefly in arms; fearless and strong, but caring little for lore, save the tales of old battles

Of course, this version of him may have been chiselled to perfection after long discourse... But if I am to judge Boromir's character simply by his actions and thoughts in the book, I still would not be able to place him as a rebel...

His brother, of course, is another story...