The Many Names of Aragorn: An Analysis of His Identity in 'The Lord of the Rings'

Who is Aragorn, and What is His Real Name?

When discussing the identity of Aragorn, the character from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, it is essential to understand that the concept of a 'real name' can vary depending on the context and the source material. Aragorn's parents named him Aragorn II. He was the son of Arathorn II, making his full name Aragorn son of Arathorn. However, his identity remained a closely guarded secret during much of his life, adopting various aliases to maintain secrecy and fulfill his destiny.

Key Names of Aragorn

One of the aliases Aragorn used was Estel, meaning 'Hope,' which his mother used to protect his identity after his father Arathorn's death. As a young man, he assumed the cover identity of Thorongil ('Eagle of the Star') while fighting for Gondor and Rohan. Another well-known name he used during his travels was Strider, an identity he adopted in the Bree-lands. Additionally, after the War of the Ring, he took the name Elessar, meaning 'Elf Stone,' with the surname Telcontar, which translates to 'Strider' in Sindarin. The name Envinyatar, meaning 'Renewer,' is attributed to Aragorn in other source materials but is not mentioned in The Lord of the Rings canon.

Aragorn: The American Actor Viggo Mortensen

Aragorn in the film series based on The Lord of the Rings was portrayed by American actor Viggo Mortensen, who has Danish and American heritage. Mortensen played the character in all three films, bringing to life the complex and multifaceted identity of Aragorn, a character whose many names and aliases reflect both his personal and royal identities.

Royal and Nicknames: The True 'Real' Name?

While Aragorn's birth name was Aragorn son of Arathorn, the term 'real name' in this context refers to his birth identity. However, it is important to acknowledge that the term 'real' in this case is subjective. Aragorn had several aliases, each serving a specific purpose in his journey. For instance, he was known as Estel to protect his identity, as Thorongil while serving Gondor and Rohan, and as Strider to navigate the Bree-lands undetected. After the War of the Ring, he officially took the name Elessar Telcontar, adopting his royal identity.

Final Thoughts

The concept of a 'real name' for Aragorn is multifaceted and depends on the context in which it is considered. His birth name, Aragorn son of Arathorn, represents his authentic identity. However, his journey through Middle-earth saw him adopt various aliases to fulfill different roles and hide his true identity. The name Elessar Telcontar marks the culmination of his journey, representing his royal identity and his destiny as the heir of Numenor.

In summary, while Aragorn's birth name is Aragorn son of Arathorn, his many aliases reflect his multifaceted identity. Viggo Mortensen's portrayal of the character in the film series beautifully captures the essence of Aragorn's journey and the complexities of a character with such a rich and layered history.