Aragorn II Elessar: The King Returned
Aragorn II (born Third Age 2931) was the 16th Chieftain of the [[Dúnedain]] of the North and the rightful heir to the thrones of both [[Arnor]] and [[Gondor]]. For much of his life, he lived in exile as a Ranger of the North, known by the alias [[Strider]]. Under the guidance of [[Gandalf]], he undertook a decades-long journey of preparation, eventually leading the Free Peoples to victory against [[Sauron]].
The Hidden Heir
After his father [[Arathorn II]] was slain by Orcs, a two-year-old Aragorn was taken to [[Rivendell]]. To protect him from the agents of the Enemy, his true lineage was kept secret even from him; he was named [[Estel]] ("Hope") and raised as a son by [[Elrond]]. It was not until he reached adulthood that Elrond revealed his heritage and presented him with the [[Scepter of Annúminas]] and the shards of [[Narsil]].
The Long Vigil
Aragorn spent many years as a traveler and soldier under various names. As [[Thorongil]], he served in the armies of King [[Senghel]] of [[Rohan]] and Steward [[Ecthelion II]] of [[Gondor]], performing great deeds but always vanishing before he could be recognized. This period of "The Long Vigil" allowed him to master the lore of all peoples and the geography of [[Middle-earth]], preparing him for the ultimate leadership.
The War of the Ring
Aragorn's destiny converged with the [[One Ring]] at [[Bree]], where he met [[Frodo Baggins]]. As a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], he was the group's primary guide and protector. Following the fall of Gandalf in [[Moria]], leadership of the company fell to him.
His path to the throne was forged in fire:
- The Reforging: Before departing for the south, the shards of Narsil were reforged into [[Andúril]], the Flame of the West.
- The Paths of the Dead: To save [[Minas Tirith]], Aragorn summoned the [[Dead Men of Dunharrow]], fulfilling an ancient prophecy and proving his status as the heir of [[Isildur]].
- The Battle of the Pelennor Fields: He arrived via the [[Anduin]] at the height of the battle, unfurling the standard of the White Tree.
- The Black Gate: He led the [[Host of the West]] to the gates of [[Mordor]], offering himself as a final distraction so the Ring-bearer could succeed.
The Reunited Kingdom
Following the destruction of the Ring, Aragorn was crowned King Elessar ("Elfstone"). He founded the [[House of Telcontar]] and married [[Arwen Undómiel]], reuniting the long-severed branches of the Half-elven. His reign lasted 122 years, a golden age of peace and reconstruction known as the [[Reunited Kingdom]]. He died in the year [[120 Fourth Age]], choosing to surrender his life before his strength failed, in the manner of the ancient Kings of old.