Aragorn and The Battle of Five Armies: Was He Really Present?
Was Aragorn Present in The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies?
One of the frequently asked questions among fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit is whether Aragorn, one of the key characters of Middle-earth, played a part in the epic battle at the climax of the story. It is a question that has been the subject of much debate and discussion. The answer, to a certain extent, is a definitive no. However, let's delve deeper into the reasons why.
Selective Participation in the Battle
The battle at the climax of The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies was a fierce and complex affair involving several renown armies. It is important to note that the Battle of Five Armies primarily involved human and elf contingents, with specific reference to the men of Lake-town and the Beornings. The absence of the Rangers is also significant. This indicates that the battle involved forces that were predominantly adult and experienced in combat, leaving no room for Aragorn's participation due to his age.
Aragorn's Age and Youth
Another critical factor to consider is Aragorn's age at the time of the events in The Hobbit. A direct reference to Aragorn's age during this period can be found in Tolkien's letters and in the chronologically arranged appendices of The Lord of the Rings. According to these sources, Aragorn was around 10 years old at the time of Bilbo Baggins' famous quest. This tender age would have seen him as a young boy, deeply involved in his education and early formation under the tutelage of Elrond rather than in grand battles. By the time Frodo sets out on his quest for the One Ring, Aragorn would be much older, around 20 years of age.
Legolas's Mention of Aragorn
Of note is a scene at the end of the film where King Thranduil addresses Legolas, potentially alluding to Aragorn's potential future. This reference, however, does not imply that Aragorn was present in the Battle of Five Armies. Thranduil's words may instead be hinting at the lineage and the future grandeur of the future King, without referencing the specific battle. It is a subtle nod towards the character's destiny, rather than an indication of his participation in the events of the film.
Conclusion
In summary, Aragorn was not present at the Battle of Five Armies as he was a young boy at the time. This conclusion is supported by the restricted participation in the battle to specific troops, his age, and the absence of any direct reference to his involvement in the film. His role in the wider story, however, is critical and foreshadows his future importance in Middle-earth. Understanding these details enriches the overall narrative and provides valuable context for fans of Tolkien's beloved works.