The Dunedain

[Snowdog]

Aragorn's situation is very similar to that of Arvedui, but his claim is reinforced by his work on Gondor's behalf in the War of the Ring.

Yet Arvedui was married to Firiel, the daughter of Ondoher and the only surviving heir.

There have been some compelling arguments made as to why Aragorn waited until after the War to claim the throne, but as I understand it the reason why he could claim it at all was because he was the son of Arathorn AND Gilraen, thus uniting the lines of Isildur and Anarion and making him the heir to the thrones of both Gondor and Arnor.

Then Aranarth could have had the same claim, being the son of Arvedui & Firiel. I'm a bit rusty, but where is it said that Gilraen was in the line of Anarion?

Good insights here!

[tar-ancalime]

In The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen it says that Gilraen is descended from Aranarth, who is of course a descendant of Ondoher on his mother's side. But you're right--it seems as though Aranarth himself ought to have had the same claim as Aragorn. Interesting.

[piosenniel]

Aranarth does have the same claim. Look HERE. The little article posits that he took the title 'Chieftain' in lieu of 'King' because his father's kingdom was lost.

Also, I thought that Ondoher, in the line of Kings of Gondor, could trace his lineage back to Anarion.

[Snowdog]

In The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen it says that Gilraen is descended from Aranarth, who is of course a descendant of Ondoher on his mother's side.

Right. I had forgotten this bit of heritage .

Of Aranarth, I guess it would have been politically impossible for him to proclaim himself rightful heir to the throne of Gondor and Arnor due to his heritage being traced to Isildur and Anarion right after the northern Dúnedain got their collective butts kicked by the Witch King and with Eärnur, the guy who was proclaimed King of Gondor after Arvedui's claim was rejected by the Steward came with a sizable army and bailed them out.

[tar-ancalime]

Yes, can you imagine? "Thanks for the help and all, really appreciate it. Oh, by the way, I'm the king, not you, so if you'd kindly get off my throne..."

[galadriel'smaiden]

Does Squatter know everything?! Anywho, I personally believe that Aragorn waited till after the war of the ring to claim the throne for purely political reasons. By that time he was well respected in Rohan as well as Gondor, so the old alliances would have been strengthend. Also, the people of Gondor were without a leader and facing a new begining with a less threatening environment, leaving time that would have been spent concentrating on survival now to be focused on developing culture.

There, now all you really smart people can laugh at me.

[Snowdog]

Good opinion galadriel'smaiden! It is very plausable s no laughing from me.

With Denethor and his attitude toward Aragorn out of the way, it was up to Faramir to challenge Aragorn's authority, being the new rtuling Steward. he didn't of course because he was a man of good character, and he surely could "feel" that Aragorn was heir of Elendil, with his renown in leading men in battle, the service of the oathbreakers, and his healing knowledge being observed and spoken about.

A 'what if..' scenario is if Boromir had lived and became ruling Steward after the war...