An Omitted Scene from The Lord of the Rings Would Enhance Aragorn’s Movie Conclusion

J.R.R. Tolkien’s literary classic, The Lord of the Rings, published in three installments from 1954 to 1955, is heralded as a milestone in fantasy literature. The visionary adaptation by Peter Jackson brought this saga to life on screen, with each film capturing a distinct part of Tolkien’s epic. The trilogy consistently dazzled audiences, receiving stellar ratings of 90% to 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, one pivotal moment involving Aragorn, a character masterfully portrayed by Viggo Mortensen, was notably absent from the films, which could have heightened the narrative impact.

Beginning with The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring in 2001, the cinematic journey introduced us to Aragorn, a vital figure within the Fellowship. As the story progressed into The Two Towers and culminated in The Return of the King, the character’s evolution was evident. Yet, despite the depth of his journey, the films missed an opportunity to showcase a critical scene that would have enriched Aragorn’s arc.

A Crucial Scene: Aragorn’s Parley with the Uruk-hai

Aragorn’s Bid for Negotiation with Saruman’s Forces

In Tolkien’s narrative of The Two Towers, a pivotal moment occurs where Aragorn engages in a parley with the Uruk-hai amid the tension of impending battle at Helm’s Deep. As he surveyed the battlefield for the much-anticipated arrival of Gandalf and the reinforcements, Aragorn’s diplomatic engagement with the enemy showcased his leadership potential. This critical dialogue allowed Aragorn to conceal his true intentions while revealing a compassionate side to his character, illustrating his desire for peace amid chaos.

Regrettably, this powerful scene did not make the cut in Jackson’s adaptation, which prioritized the relentless action of the Battle of Helm’s Deep. While the fast-paced battle remains a hallmark of high fantasy cinema, the omission of Aragorn’s parley significantly impacted the depth of his character development within the trilogy.

Demonstrations of Leadership: Aragorn’s Quest for Peace

Seeking the Possibility of Peace

Aragorn’s approach was not merely a tactical maneuver; he sought genuine dialogue with Saruman’s forces, emphasizing the value of lives beyond the battlefield. His words hinted at a broader understanding, as he stated, “None knows what the new day shall bring him… No enemy has yet taken the Hornburg.”This assertion illustrated his foresight and commitment to preserving life whenever possible, reinforcing his belief in the arrival of Gandalf and the Rohirrim cavalry.

While the films presented Aragorn as a fierce warrior, they also glossed over his more nuanced qualities, such as compassion and moral fortitude. The absence of his negotiation efforts diminished the subsequent climax of his character transformation from ranger to king, undermining the depth of his portrayal.

Enriching Aragorn’s Narrative: The Impact of the Parley

Enhancing Character Development through Diplomacy

By incorporating the parley with the Uruk-hai in the film adaptation, Jackson could have built a more substantial framework for Aragorn’s development, creating a smoother lead-in to the conclusion in The Return of the King. Despite the narrative challenges faced in condensing Tolkien’s vast lore into a trilogy, this moment allowed for the exploration of Aragorn’s character as a leader who embodies peace and moral integrity.

Interestingly, this was juxtaposed with a more violent encounter with the Mouth of Sauron, which differed drastically from their respectful discourse in the book. While the cinematic portrayal captured the intensity of the moment, it reduced the layered complexity of Aragorn’s character, omitting the essence of his leadership philosophy centered on peace rather than violence.

Ultimately, Tolkien’s own experiences informed Aragorn’s character, illustrating an appreciation for life and a reluctance towards unnecessary conflict. Adding the scene of Aragorn negotiating with Saruman’s army would have significantly enhanced the storyline and solidified the legitimacy of Aragorn’s claim to kingship, making it feel more earned and resonant within the narrative arc of The Lord of the Rings.

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