LotR -- Book 3 - Chapter 06 - The King of the Golden Hall

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Originally Posted by Boromir88

The only reason, I think, that portrays the quote I provided as a negative side to Aragorn, is he doesn't even have that power yet. He's not king yet, and he's still trying to override Theoden's orders. It shows his willingness to become King, but he doesn't have that power, yet he tries to cast away Theoden's orders.

Well, I suppose that this is where we disagree, as I believe that Aragorn already is the King, he is just not acknowleged yet. It goes to the basis of Kingship in Middle-earth, I suppose. This is not a democratic system in which there's a person (Aragorn) who can be or should be King but who is waiting to be 'made' King through and by the acceptance or nomination of his people. Aragorn has always been the King of Gondor, by right of birth, he has just never chosen to exercise that right -- or, perhaps, he has been afraid that his claim would not be acknowleged. . .?

What this scene with Hama dramatises is that what's changed for Aragorn is his attitude to his kingship: he is finally willing to assert his right, and to demand that people recognise him as king. He has the full power and authority that he is claiming here -- he is Elendil's heir, the rightful and returned King, and of that there can be no question. In his confrontation with Eomer, remember, he commanded that Eomer choose between right and wrong by choosing whether to "help [Aragorn] or hinder" him.

Again, this point is made clear by Eowyn who, apparently alone among the Rohirrim, is able instantly to recognise Aragorn for the King that he is. Eomer and Theoden both require a certain amount of convincing, but Eowyn is able to see the real and rightful power and authority that Aragorn bears. Good on her!