What if Aragorn had chosen differently at Parth Galen ?

[Andsigil]

Originally Posted by PrinceOfTheHalflings

No. That isn't to say that Aragorn would have been totally immune to the Ring's effects, but I don't think he would have been affected in the way that Boromir was. Boromir tried to take it the first time he had the opportunity (when none of the others were around).

If Aragorn had been so easily tempted then he could have taken the Ring at any time between Bree and Rivendell. The Hobbits would not have been able to prevent him. I think he makes that fairly clear when the Hobbits first meet him at Bree!

Well, I meant "like Boromir" in general terms. I think it would have been certain that Aragorn would surrender to the Ring's power sometime between Parth Galen and Mordor.

The Ring isn't like a virus, with immunity at the first few encounters guaranteeing perpetual immunity. It showed a definite ability to accumulate its effects and corrupt or tempt over time.

Others with arguably more ability than Aragorn were overcome. Frodo, being a hobbit, was born "without guile", and he succumbed inside Orodruin. Galadriel came from a lineage greater than Aragorn's, and resisting it just once ruined her. Even Gandalf, a Maia, sprang to his feet and ordered Frodo not to tempt him with the Ring at Bag End.

While Aragorn would probably have lasted longer than Boromir, I could see Aragorn having succumbed sometime around Osgiliath or Cirith Ungol. I think it would have been inevitable at Orodruin (and good luck to Gollum being able to struggle with him and bite off a finger!).