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But the mention that Gandalf had to beg him to enter the city, and that he obeyed in order to help was very moving, although the practical side of me was wondering were Andúril was at the time, for it was said that he didn't have any tokens of his claim except the Elessar.
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Good question about Anduril, Hilde! This could have been a deliberate omission on Tolkien's part, as if to show that a good ruler/leader does not depend on phyiscal strength or force to maintain his (or her
) position. Anduril isn't necessary for Aragorn in this chapter, as this is like another test of his fitness to take up the crown -- one in which the sword is useless. Here he must use his knowledge to save lives instead of taking them. A leader who only knows how to fight isn't much use after the war is over.
Or as
Formendacil says, he could have just left Anduril in camp
Maybe the ability to heal, in this chapter, can be read at more than one level. Gondor needs rescue in more than just the sense of 'outsiders attacking the city'. 'The Pyre of Denethor' gave the idea that Gondor was sick in its very heart...in the person of the Steward. As Faramir, Eowyn and Merry need healing at both the phyisical and emotional levels, so does Gondor (the city and its people) need healing from the physical damage of battle and the psychic damage of years of despair and fear. Aragorn helped rescue the city and its inhabitants from the immediate danger of destruction in the Battle of Pelennor Field. In this chapter he must show them that he can heal their long-term hurts.
Or maybe I am just reading too much into this chapter.
