Dumbing it down

[The Saucepan Man]

Originally Posted by Lalwendë

The other thing which came across was with the changes to Aragorn. I got the distinct impression that he was being drawn as a leader for a world which values the idea of a 'meritocracy', that a leader would have to 'earn his stripes' rather than have the divine right of a king.

Although, reading LotR along with the Chapter-by-Chapter discussion, it does seem to me that book Aragorn has a number of trials and tribulations to face before he becomes one who is truly worthy to be king. He is by no means the flawless character that I had previously thought. I have in mind such things as his mistake in letting the Fellowship be carried along by the flow, into real danger, on the Anduin, his despair at Boromir's death and subsequent need to build up his confidence in his own abilities, and his over-confidence before the doors of the Golden Hall. The last lesson, in particular, is important for, had he not shown humility in his reluctance to enter Minas Tirith, it is possible that his claim might have been rejected, Divine Right or no.

So, although these flaws in Aragorn's character are portrayed differently, and played up, in the film, they are nevertheless there to a degree in book Aragorn.

Originally Posted by Lalwendë

And yes, I did enjoy it thoroughly.

Glad to hear it!