A World Without a King: What If Aragorn Was Absent?
J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic saga, The Lord of the Rings, is the story of good against evil, hope against despair, and struggles that determined the fate of Middle-earth. Backing this epic story is Aragorn, the Rightful King of Gondor-a figure of hope and destiny. But just what if this noble leader had never existed?
A Vacuum of Leadership
His absence would be felt most strongly in Gondor, which would have seen very little in the way of strong leadership. The ruined state could not have unified itself under one powerful, charismatic leader against inner turmoil and external invasion. Denethor, Steward of Gondor, was an able administrator but lacked the same sort of vision and courage to rally the people and lead them onto victory.
A Weakened Fellowship
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Aragorn’s presence was significant in strengthening the Fellowship of the Ring: his wisdom, courage, and undying belief in the quest of destroying the One Ring provided stamina and guidance for the rest. Without him, it could well be that the Fellowship would have faltered and disastrous consequences followed.
The Fate of the Ring
Aragorn was most instrumental in the destruction of the One Ring. His will and resistance to the corrupting influence of the Ring were required and very instrumental in its final destruction. Without him, the Ring might have fallen into the wrong hands and resulted in domination by Sauron and slavery for Middle-earth.
The Battle of the Pelennor Fields
When Aragorn with the Army of the Dead came onto the Fields of Pelennor, the War of the Ring reached its critical point. His leadership and the might of his army were crucial in the defeat of Mordor’s forces. Without his interference, that battle could have gone quite differently, and there could have been a fall of Minas Tirith, which in turn would have led to Gondor’s doom.
A Darker Future
Without Aragorn, the future of Middle-earth would have been grim. The victory of Sauron would have plunged Middle-earth into the darkness and tyranny of an evil age. The Free Peoples of Middle-earth would fall under his subjugation, and hope would be extinguished.
Whereas one can never be absolutely sure what would have happened, it is absolutely crystal clear that without him, events would have taken quite a different turn with regard to the War of the Ring and the course of Middle-earth’s fate. Therefore, his leadership, bravery, and unwavering commitment to the cause of good lay fundamentally at the root of the final victory over Sauron.
