Earendil a Man? Or Aragorn as King of Arnor? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Kuruharan · 06-28-2005, 10:20 PM

Quote:

I personally dont feel it to be unusual for Frodo on his own to have such moments, though in the House of Bombadil it seems much of the lore of Middle-earth was translated in tale by Bombadil for the ears of all four hobbits. Perhaps it was just down to the magic of ol' Tom.

Probably some combination of both I should think.

Sophia the Thunder Mistress · 06-29-2005, 03:32 AM

Welcome Swiftshadow.

Although I have little to add to your thought-provoking topic, I thought I'd post in support of your idea that the hobbits were indeed briefly understanding (if only in part) Aragorn's true lineage. I had always read this quote to mean that, although Firefoot's glimpses of other Dunedain is also plausible.

Also, even though Earendil ultimately chose to remain with the Firstborn, I don't see any problem placing him at the end of this particular line. Aragorn's relation to the Mariner is important to his claim to the kingship. It is his descent from Earendil by Elros and the line of Numenor that gives him claim to the Kingship of the Numenoreans in Exile, explains his long life, his fostering in Rivendell, and other important personal details.

Drawing the parallel between Aragorn and Earendil also serves as a mirror for Aragorn's relationship with Arwen. Both marriages were composed of two parties with mixed blood (Earendil the son of Idril and Tuor, Elwing the daughter of Dior whose father was Beren; Aragorn with distant elven heritage, Arwen the daughter of Elrond Halfelven). Even though both couples have less than 'pure' bloodlines they are each considered key unions between men and elves (without Elwing's influence Earendil would probably have chosen mortality). A connection with Earendil, Aragorn and Arwen's mutual forebear, also points out the healed division between Elrond's and Elros's children (a point which is somehow bittersweet in my mind).

So, to sum up, I find Earendil an appropriate choice for the end of the lineage even though he is not technically a Man.

Plus I'm defending my preconceived notion on the subject.

Finis.
Sophia

06-29-2005, 10:30 AM

Thank you, Sophia .

I wholeheartedly agree with your thoughts on the inclusion of Earendil in the line, personally. He seemed to me much more of a Man than an Elf, always, even after his fate had been decided. However, would the Professor have done this? - and for what reasons? Those questions really play on my mind, especially considering the ambiguity with Aragorn.

In a fashion I cannot help but believe that Tolkien deliberately made it appear so ambiguous; hinting at shades of the future, while leaving the impression of ages past. This would increase the wonder and suspense of the reader when later reading about Aragorn, having those hints at his future - while making also the tales of Earendil that much more wonderful when the reader comes to the Sil.

06-29-2005, 03:32 AM	#2
Sophia the Thunder Mistress Scent of Simbelmynë Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Aboard Highwind, bound for Traverse Town Posts: 1,780	Two arguments in favor or Earendil. Welcome Swiftshadow. Although I have little to add to your thought-provoking topic, I thought I'd post in support of your idea that the hobbits were indeed briefly understanding (if only in part) Aragorn's true lineage. I had always read this quote to mean that, although Firefoot's glimpses of other Dunedain is also plausible. Also, even though Earendil ultimately chose to remain with the Firstborn, I don't see any problem placing him at the end of this particular line. Aragorn's relation to the Mariner is important to his claim to the kingship. It is his descent from Earendil by Elros and the line of Numenor that gives him claim to the Kingship of the Numenoreans in Exile, explains his long life, his fostering in Rivendell, and other important personal details. Drawing the parallel between Aragorn and Earendil also serves as a mirror for Aragorn's relationship with Arwen. Both marriages were composed of two parties with mixed blood (Earendil the son of Idril and Tuor, Elwing the daughter of Dior whose father was Beren; Aragorn with distant elven heritage, Arwen the daughter of Elrond Halfelven). Even though both couples have less than 'pure' bloodlines they are each considered key unions between men and elves (without Elwing's influence Earendil would probably have chosen mortality). A connection with Earendil, Aragorn and Arwen's mutual forebear, also points out the healed division between Elrond's and Elros's children (a point which is somehow bittersweet in my mind). So, to sum up, I find Earendil an appropriate choice for the end of the lineage even though he is not technically a Man. Plus I'm defending my preconceived notion on the subject. Finis. Sophia __________________ The seasons fall like silver swords, the years rush ever onward; and soon I sail, to leave this world, these lands where I have wander'd. O Elbereth! O Queen who dwells beyond the Western Seas, spare me yet a little time 'ere white ships come for me!

06-29-2005, 10:30 AM	#3
swiftshadowofutumno Guest Posts: n/a	Thank you, Sophia . I wholeheartedly agree with your thoughts on the inclusion of Earendil in the line, personally. He seemed to me much more of a Man than an Elf, always, even after his fate had been decided. However, would the Professor have done this? - and for what reasons? Those questions really play on my mind, especially considering the ambiguity with Aragorn. In a fashion I cannot help but believe that Tolkien deliberately made it appear so ambiguous; hinting at shades of the future, while leaving the impression of ages past. This would increase the wonder and suspense of the reader when later reading about Aragorn, having those hints at his future - while making also the tales of Earendil that much more wonderful when the reader comes to the Sil.