The Fourth Age: The Years of the
King
by Lindorie
I have identified with Aragorn's character since I first saw FOTR just
over 2 years ago. We have a lot in common, he and I. Neither of us have
really belonged anywhere. I was a military brat, when we moved, all my
connections were lost. Home is where I hang my hat, my sword, my bow,
etc.
We also have a strong sense of justice and the belief that all people
have value and are equal in essentially every way that really counts.
The reason that I tell you this is to let you know why I feel that I
know him so well. Linaewen knows Boromir like kin; I feel that I know
Aragorn as a sister. I have used that to write my long tale, Lind's
Story, which some of you are kind enough to read.
The story tells of the events of the war of the ring, but continues
afterwards. I have outlined years ahead, though I doubt the tale will
be fully written. I have a different view than many of you about what
the years of Aragorn's rule of the Reunited Kingdoms. I asked the
question this morning to initiate a discussion. Unfortunately, it is
far below so I choose to make my reply here, the one I promised to do
this evening.
I don't think that things were very rosy for Elessar, not for many
years. It is true that Sauron has been defeated and the orcs, those
that are not dead, have gone back to hiding as they have done before.
Elessar's biggest problems, I believe, will be in his own back, or
front yard.
Denethor was not alone in the belief that no heir of the Northern
Kingdom should ever take the throne of Gondor. That opinion was widely
held in Gondor. There had been no king in the south for almost a
thousand years, and roughly a hundred years longer for the north.
That's a long time to hold out hope that a King would come and a very
long time to become comfortable with the situation the way it had been
for all those years since Earnur went to battle with the Witch King and
never returned.
I think that perhaps there was a 'honeymoon' period in which the rosy
glow enveloped the reunited kingdoms, but there were people that
wouldnt be entirely pleased with an elf-raised Northerner as King, and
an Elf (or 3/4 elf) for a queen. Eventually there would be rumbles of
discord. Remember, there was a huge amount of suspicion about the elves
in Gondor. I have my doubts that the short visit by Elrond, Galadriel,
Celeborn, and their entourages really dispelled much. I dont think that
the fact that most of them left Middle earth soon after helped much,
either. It's hard to maintain a realistic impression when 'truth
becomes legend, legend becomes myth,' etc.
Aragorn would have to deal with this discord or face the destruction of
his government from within. He would have to be firm, fair, and
compassionate, without showing weakness.
In my story, I have a man who is one of these disgruntled types. He has
a band of followers and a lot of connections and the ability to make
people believe what he tells them. Without raising a finger, he is a
dangerous man.
I dont think that the problems with Harad were over after the war of
the ring, either. The bad feelings between Harad and Gondor go back
long before Sauron regained his power. The two kingdoms had disputed
the west bank of the Anduin near its mouth and the lands further down
the coast to at least Umbar for almost the entire Third Age. The fact
that their armies were decimated during the war of the Ring would be a
setback for a while, but eventually they would be rebuilt. There was a
whole generation left behind that knew that their fathers had been
killed in Gondor. I doubt that they forgot it or let it lie. Aragorn
would continue to have periodic skirmishes with the Haradrim throughout
his reign. It is likely that there would be some conflict on his far
eastern borders, as well. The Easterlings may have also felt that they
had a generation to avenge. Aragorn would have to keep a close mind on
his borders.
Tolkien may have said that Aragorn had a long and happy reign, but the
evidence he leaves in the little places lead me to believe that life
was not the fairy tale we would like to believe. I do think that life
was much better for the people of the Reunited Kingdoms, and Aragorn's
rule was long and successful. I just dont think it was as idyllic many
believe.
