Aragorn

Aragorn II is the "king" referred to in the third volume of The Lord of the Rings. The return of the king to Middle-earth is a long-hoped-for event. The decay and other problems facing the land are attributed to people who "had never heard of the king" or had rebelled against his rule.

Aragorn, son of Arathorn, is also known as Strider to the Hobbits and men of Bree. He is chief of the Rangers, and as the foster son of Elrond of Rivendell, sets out on many adventures of knights-errantry under various names. Gandalf left a letter for Frodo Baggins to penetrate his guise, but the letter was delayed and the two nearly failed to meet. An old rhyme about All that is gold does not glitter establishes Strider as Aragorn.

The land of Gondor was ruled by a long line of stewards in the king's name, and his return was nearly thwarted by the arrogance of the last steward Denethor. He tried to kill his son Faramir and then committed suicide, throwing himself on a burning pyre which he set himself.

The handover of power was accomplished peacefully, upon Faramir's recovery.

Aragorn died peacefully on March 1st of the year 120 of the Fourth Age.

Films

In Peter Jackson's film adaptations of The Lord of the Rings, Aragorn is played by Viggo Mortenson.