Denethor vs. Aragorn

[cellurdur]

Originally Posted by Belegorn

I agree. I think Denethor held to the decision the old council made, that only an heir of Meneldil/Anárion who met the criterion [male line of descent, nearly pure Númenórean bloodline] could claim the throne. However, at the same time it would seem to me that many of the other nobles would see it differently and would accept an heir of Isildur. I doubt at this time there would have been Civil War since there were few Dúnedain left anyway in the South Kingdom.

The Council did not reply to the claim that Elendil was the first King of Gondor. They never rejected this, but merely said they had chosen to give the crown to another, due to the current circumstances. Denethor had grown proud and had a special dislike for Aragorn. I don't see him ever handing over the rulership of Gondor to his rival.