[The Saucepan Man]

Originally Posted by Boromir88

I think what really shines is how Aragorn deals with when is the time he should come fourth and take claim, he handles the political side well.

Originally Posted by Lalwendë

I agree that Aragorn is a skilled politician.

I appreciate what you are both getting at, but I rather think that Tolkien's thoughts in response to a review of LotR by WH Auden are applicable in relation to the use of the word "political" here:

I dislike the use of "political" in such a context; it seems to me false. It seems clear to me that Frodo’s duty was "humane" not political. He naturally thought first of the Shire, since his roots were there, but the quest had as its object not the preserving of this or that polity, such as the half republic half aristocracy of the Shire, but a liberation from an evil tyranny of all the "humane" - including those, such as 'easterlings' and Haradrim, that were still servants of the tyranny.

Denethor was tainted with mere politics: hence his failure, and his mistrust of Faramir. It had become for him a prime motive to preserve the polity of Gondor, as it was, against another potentate, who had made himself stronger and was to be feared and opposed for that reason rather than because he was ruthless and wicked. Denethor despised lesser men, and one may be sure did not distinguish between Orcs and the allies of Mordor. If he had survived as a victor, even without use of the Ring, he would have taken a long stride towards becoming himself a tyrant, and the terms and treatment he accorded to the deluded peoples of east and south would have been cruel and vengeful. He had become a "political" leader: sc. Gondor against the rest.

Letter #183

It is clear from his description of Denethor as "political" and all that this entails that Tolkien considers the word as denoting someone who takes action primarily to preserve his or her own position, rather than with any "humane" (ie moral or right) objective in mind. (And, not being particularly enamoured of our current crop of politicians, I would tend to agree with him on this one.) He describes Frodo's Quest as "humane" rather than "political", and I think that Aragorn's actions during the War of the Ring can be viewed in a similar light. He would have acted in the same way whether it established his claim as King of Gondor or not.

Admittedly, his actions following the Battle of Pelennor Fields, particularly his forbearance in entering the White City, contribute towards his eventual acceptance as King. But I would rather say that he is exercising good judgment here than "political" skill. Rather than being calculated to aid his cause, which would imply an element of political manipulation, he is simply displaying good common sense:

"But this City and realm has rested in the charge of the Stewards for many long years, and I fear that if I enter it unbidden, then doubt and debate may arise, which should not be while this war is fought ...

... But I deem the time unripe; and I have no mind for strife except with our Enemy and his servants."

To Aragorn's mind, there is little sense in stirring up a (potentially acrimonious) dispute over his claim while Sauron is still to be defeated.

I wonder how Aragorn would have reacted had his claim been rejected. I severely doubt that he would have pressed it (as a politican such as Denethor might have) in any way other than in a (to use Tolkien's term) "humane" manner.

Originally Posted by Lalwendë

Gandalf sometimes appears to be something of a consummate spin-doctor.

The Istari as spin-doctors? Hmm, perhaps Alistair Campbell is one of the Blue Wizards ...

Again, the term carries connotations of (political) manipulation that are, to my mind, simply not present in Gandalf's character.