Did Aragorn really walk around the Wild with just a broken sword for protection?

[Mithalwen]

I have to admit that it is one of those things that are nice symbolically but are completely impracticable and unlikely. Don't faint everyone but I think that this is one of the things the film were right to change (and you don't catch me saying that very often). .

A longsword is not the most practical weapon for someone travelling stealthily on foot and to lug a broken one is a bit stupid no matter how great teh sentimental value. Much more sensible to leave it in safety and carry a short bow and a short or at least functional sword.

Aragorn (like anyone who ventures into the country for more than a gentle stroll)would have certainly carried a knife suitable for cleaning fish, skinning rabbits etc - even Sam does this and he is far less of a traveller. There was a time when carrying a knife was a day to day practicality. I certainly take a small swiss army type thing when I travel - never know when you might have to open a can, or remove a stone from a dragon's foot....

[Rumil]

When Aragorn is first described he is meeting the Hobbits in the Prancing Pony. Possibly he had already rented a room and left his 'conventional' weapons and other gear in there? I guess he would have kept Anduril on his person just in case someone tried to nick it or he had to make a swift exit, after all even broken it was still irreplaceable.

On the Nazgul encounters he seemed to know that the fire-brands were more effective than ordinary swords.

But this doesn't prove anything one way or the other!

I'm sure everyone carried a knife in LoTR, essential for travelling, though don't try and get one onto an airliner!

[skip spence]

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

Don't faint everyone but I think that this is one of the things the film were right to change (and you don't catch me saying that very often). .

I will have to agree with this. The whole idea of Aragorn going out in the wilderness to protect Frodo and the ring completely unarmed would be bewildering for a movie audience. Yet, having Aragorn fight the Nazgul in an action-hero scene was a deviation from the original narrative I can not accept. This scene should have been made in horror-style. There should have been unseen and paralyzing terror, shilling to the very bone, not just a straight-forward attack by robed skeletons with swords.