17 Reasons Aragorn from Lord of the Rings was more ranger than a king

Aragorn, played by Viggo Mortensen, is one of the most revered characters in Peter Jackson's Lord Of The Rings Trilogy. He is hailed as the most noble and wise king who has united the Middle Earth. However, before he ascended to Gondor's throne, he lived a life filled with rugged adventures and untamed wilderness where he learned to build a fire and sleep on the ground. As Strider, he roamed Middle-earth, from the darkest forests to the highest peaks. Here are 17 reasons why Aragorn was more ranger than king. Please note the entire article is based on the writer's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.

17) Maintains a low profile

Aragorn maintained a low profile as part of his ranger persona. Instead of flaunting his royal lineage, he chose to live humbly and anonymously. This helped him gather information, blend into various communities, and avoid unnecessary attention. For instance, when we first meet Aragorn in The Fellowship of the Ring, he introduces himself as Strider, a simple ranger, rather than revealing his true identity as the heir to the throne of Gondor.

16) Smokes pipe in a cheap inn

Aragorn’s habit of smoking his pipe in a cheap inn epitomizes his humble ranger lifestyle. Despite his royal lineage, he chooses the company of common folk and the simplicity of modest establishments. In The Fellowship of the Ring, Aragorn can be found smoking his pipe in the Prancing Pony, a humble inn in Bree. Surrounded by villagers and travelers, he blends in as just another weary ranger rather than the future king.

15) Survives on fruits he finds in the jungle

Surviving on fruits he finds in the jungle showcases Aragorn's resourcefulness and his deep connection with nature. As a ranger, he is adept at living off the land, using his knowledge of the wild to find sustenance. For example, during his travels through Middle-earth, Aragorn often relies on foraging to find food. In The Two Towers, when he, Gimli, and Legolas are tracking the orcs who captured Merry and Pippin, Aragorn sustains himself on whatever the wilderness provides, including fruits and berries.

14) Speaks in quiet tones

Aragorn's habit of speaking in quiet tones matches his ranger lifestyle. Rangers often need to stay unnoticed and avoid drawing attention. Speaking softly helps Aragorn communicate effectively without alarming others or drawing unwanted attention. When Aragorn first meets the hobbits in The Fellowship of the Ring, he talks calmly and quietly. This helps him gain their trust and shows he means no harm.

13) Can’t accept expensive gifts from his elf girlfriend

Aragorn's inability to accept an expensive gift from his elf girlfriend, Arwen, fits his ranger character. As a ranger, Aragorn lives a humble and simple life, avoiding luxuries and expensive things. This attitude reflects his modest nature and focus on what truly matters, like love and duty. In The Fellowship Of The Ring, Arwen gives Aragorn a valuable gift, a jewel called the Evenstar. Aragorn hesitates to accept it because he feels unworthy of such a precious item.

12) Can build a fire

Being able to build a fire is an important skill for a ranger like Aragorn. It shows his ability to survive in the wild. In The Fellowship of the Ring, Aragorn builds a fire in Weathertop despite the risk of attracting the Nazgûl. He does this for warmth, comfort, and a sense of protection, believing that the fire will offer some defense against evil creatures. This practical skill highlights his resourcefulness and connection with nature.

11) Feels out of place in noble settings

Although he is the king of Gondor, Aragorn feels more at home in the wild. His movements are purposeful, like someone used to navigating rough terrain, and his focus often drifts to the wider surroundings, suggesting a ranger's awareness. His body language suggests a subtle tension in enclosed spaces, while he's more at ease outdoors. Whether he is among the Elves in Rivendell or advising at Edoras, he remains a visitor, never fully blending in. Aragorn's discomfort in urban settings isn't about social ineptitude but rather a deep connection to the wild.

10) Can set up camps

Setting up camps is a vital skill for a ranger like Aragorn. It shows his ability to live in the wild and provide shelter and safety for himself and his companions. In The Fellowship of the Ring, Aragorn often sets up camps for the group during their journey. He knows how to find safe spots, build shelters, and create a comfortable resting place in the wilderness.

9) Can’t accept love from a royal bloodline (Eowyn)

Aragorn's reluctance to accept love from someone of royal blood, like Éowyn, fits his ranger lifestyle and modest nature. As a ranger, Aragorn feels more comfortable living simply and focusing on his duties rather than engaging in royal affairs. In The Return of the King, Éowyn, a noblewoman of Rohan, confesses her love for Aragorn. However, Aragorn gently rejects her feelings, understanding that his heart belongs to Arwen and knowing that his path is not to be intertwined with royalty.

8) Can sleep on the ground

As a ranger, Aragorn often travels through wild and rough terrain where comfortable beds are not available. In The Fellowship of the Ring, Aragorn frequently sleeps on the ground while traveling with the hobbits. He is comfortable resting on the bare earth, showing his ability to adapt to any situation and experience living in the wilderness.

7) ⁠Allows Boromir to publicly humiliate him

Aragorn allowing Boromir to publicly humiliate him fits his ranger lifestyle because it shows his humility and patience. In The Fellowship of the Ring, during the Council of Elrond, Boromir questions Aragorn's abilities and heritage. Aragorn does not react angrily or defensively. Instead, he stays quiet and lets Boromir speak his mind. This moment highlights Aragorn's humility and his ability to endure criticism without letting it affect his commitment to his mission and ranger principles.

6) Struggles with self-doubt

In The Lord Of The Rings movies, Aragorn often doubts his ability to lead and fulfill his destiny, reflecting his modest and self-critical nature. In The Fellowship of the Ring, when Gandalf falls into the abyss in Moria, Aragorn is faced with the responsibility of leading the Fellowship. He feels uncertain about his ability to guide them and doubts his own decisions. This moment highlights his internal struggle and hesitation to fully embrace his leadership role. Despite these doubts, he steps up to the challenge, showing his resilience and dedication to the mission.

5) Publicly stops Legolas from introducing him as a king

Aragorn stopping Legolas from introducing him as a king fits his ranger lifestyle because it shows his humility and preference for remaining low-key. As a ranger, Aragorn is used to staying out of the spotlight and focusing on his mission rather than seeking recognition. In The Fellowship Of The Ring, when Legolas introduces Aragorn as a king in front of the fellowship, Aragorn gently stops him midway. He doesn't want people to treat him differently or give him special treatment because of his royal status.

4) Unnecessarily affectionate towards horses

Aragorn's deep affection for horses fits his ranger lifestyle because it shows his bond with animals and his understanding of their importance. As a ranger, Aragorn often relies on horses for transportation and companionship, which makes his strong connection with them a valuable trait. In The Lord of the Rings movies, Aragorn shows great care and affection towards his horse, Brego. He speaks to Brego gently and takes good care of him, treating him as a trusted friend rather than just a mode of transport.

3) Knows names of obscure plants and herbs

Knowing the names of obscure plants and herbs fits Aragorn's ranger persona because it shows his deep knowledge of the natural world. As a ranger, Aragorn needs to recognize various plants and herbs to find food, make medicine, and survive in the wild. For instance, in The Fellowship of the Ring, Aragorn uses a special herb called athelas or kingsfoil, to help treat his wound when Frodo is injured by a Morgul blade

2) Tracking the Uruk-hai

Tracking the Uruk-hai shows Aragorn's exceptional skills as a ranger. Rangers are experts at following trails and gathering information about their enemies. Aragorn's ability to track the Uruk-hai highlights his deep knowledge of the wilderness and sharp observation skills. In The Two Towers, after the Uruk-hai capture Merry and Pippin, Aragorn leads Gimli and Legolas on a relentless pursuit to rescue them. Aragorn carefully examines the tracks left by the Uruk-hai, identifying clues that help him and his companions follow the right path.

1) ⁠Doesn’t seek power when it is willingly being given to him

Aragorn's decision not to seek power even when it's offered to him fits his humble and selfless ranger nature. Unlike many who might jump at the chance for authority, Aragorn focuses on his duty and the greater good rather than personal gain. In The Return of the King, when Gondor's people are eager to accept him as their leader, Aragorn is hesitant to claim the throne immediately. He prioritizes defeating Sauron and saving Middle-earth over securing his own position of power.