Why does Aragorn let Frodo go? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

juhsstin · 12-18-2005, 03:24 PM

Im sure this has been addressed in a previous thread, but i'm not sure what to type in for a search to locate such a thread.

at the end of FOTR, why does Aragorn let Frodo and Sam go alone in their journey to Mordor? surely he can't think they have a better chance at surviving by going without his protection. perhaps he mistrusts his own abillity to resist the lure of the ring, but he showed that he was more resilient in this respect than Boromir, at least. and it seems to me that if anyone would have been most capable of escorting Frodo to Mount Doom, it would have been Aragorn with the help of Gimli and Legolas. I know that ultimately things worked out for the best, but I have a difficult time seeing how Aragorn can come to such a decision in that given moment. any input/comments?

Boromir88 · 12-18-2005, 04:35 PM

Frodo had to go (alone if must be, but I think it's best that Sam would go along with him) to have hopes of destroying the Ring. There are a few reasons why:

First, Aragorn's task was different then Frodo's. Frodo was going to destroy the Ring. Aragorn's duty was to reclaim the throne of Gondor. Also, Gandalf was using him (and aid from the Elves, Rohan...etc) to strike up a war with Sauron to keep Sauron focused on them and not on Frodo. The whole point of the war (and sadly Legolas is right in this) was a diversion, to distract Sauron from finding out about Frodo and Sam. So, Aragorn's path, to reclaim the throne and help Gandalf strike up this war was different then Frodo's.

Secondly, Frodo would be put in great danger if Aragorn went with him. Aragorn is the heir of Isildur, and surely having the heir of Isildur march into Mordor would cause much more focus on Frodo and the Ring, instead of two little hobbits that are seen as "mere spies." But, having Aragorn follow Frodo into Mordor would be far too dangerous for Frodo, because sure this would attract Sauron's attention. When Aragorn uses the Palantir Sauron already fears that Aragorn has the Ring. It would be far too disastrous to have Aragorn go with Frodo, just like if Gandalf was to go all the way to Mount Doom with Frodo.

The main weapon the Free Peoples had against Sauron was secrecy, they had to keep their true purpose hidden, which was to destroy the Ring. Aragorn's path to reclaim the throne was different, also, it wouldn't be so secret anymore if Sauron spots Isildur's heir waltzing into Mordor. Hopefully, that helps, welcome to the downs.

Tuor in Gondolin · 12-19-2005, 10:48 AM

You bring up an interesting point here. In the book
Aragorn intended to go with Frodo (considering
also including Gimli) and it was Frodo's decision to
leave. But PJ apparently wanted a direct confrontation
(presumably for his "story arc" of Aragorn) which
unfortunately again lessened the gravitas of
movie Frodo to a passive person reacting to
others.

Essex · 12-21-2005, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuor in Gondolin

You bring up an interesting point here. In the book Aragorn intended to go with Frodo (considering also including Gimli) and it was Frodo's decision to leave. But PJ apparently wanted a direct confrontation presumably for his "story arc" of Aragorn) which unfortunately again lessened the gravitas of movie Frodo to a passive person reacting to others.

that's unfair on PJ's Frodo. He had already decided what to do before Aragorn turned up. Aragorn did not force him or cajole him to go to mordor. he just told frodo that he would have followed him but could not. It was Frodo's decision to leave ON HIS OWN EVEN WITHOUT SAM as in the book. What's more movie Frodo also warned merry and pippin not to follow him. SO HE IS NOT BEING PASSIVE.

I have always struggled with book Aragorn's decision to leave frodo and sam just to follow merry and pippin. The film actually gives aragorn a reason for NOT following frodo, and I think this works quite well.

Elu Ancalime · 12-21-2005, 09:15 AM

I would think, that although it being unsaid, it would be implied. Aragorn was protecting Frodo by not going with him. It would only be a matter of time that the Ring would beckon to him, and since he is a man, like Borommir, he might be influenced the first chance he was alone with Frodo. So really, in the movie he may be seen as 'leaving the fellowship' or 'letting frodo go', i think the book idea is he was doing what was best for the ringbearer, as all of them should have been doing whether they did it or not. Although he intended to follow frodo to mordor, when frodo wanted to go alone, he realized his doom to follow the ringbearer, just the few of them, and understood frodos descision for why he had to leave. (As given a great example by boromir)
________
Yamaha G-245S History

juhsstin · 12-28-2005, 02:02 PM

even realizing the dangerous possibility of succumbing to and trying to seize the ring, Aragorn would still need to weigh this possibility against the possibility of Frodo and Sam not being able to get through Mordor to Mt. Doom. I do believe that stealth is a foregone conclusion in determining the method for delivering the ring. Would Aragorn not have been a valuable asset with his skills as a ranger in achieving these goals? The destruction of the ring is, after all, the ultimate goal upon which the entire fate of Middle Earth hinged. It doesn't matter what else happens: as long as the ring is destroyed, humanity would survive. Surely Aragorn must realize this, and to conclude that Frodo had a better chance on his own is something not easily arrived at IMHO... maybe I am just underestimating his powers of strategyand foresight. <shrug>

12-18-2005, 03:24 PM	#1
juhsstin Pile O'Bones Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 20	Why does Aragorn let Frodo go? Im sure this has been addressed in a previous thread, but i'm not sure what to type in for a search to locate such a thread. at the end of FOTR, why does Aragorn let Frodo and Sam go alone in their journey to Mordor? surely he can't think they have a better chance at surviving by going without his protection. perhaps he mistrusts his own abillity to resist the lure of the ring, but he showed that he was more resilient in this respect than Boromir, at least. and it seems to me that if anyone would have been most capable of escorting Frodo to Mount Doom, it would have been Aragorn with the help of Gimli and Legolas. I know that ultimately things worked out for the best, but I have a difficult time seeing how Aragorn can come to such a decision in that given moment. any input/comments?

12-18-2005, 04:35 PM	#2
Boromir88 Laconic Loreman Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: USA Posts: 7,519	Frodo had to go (alone if must be, but I think it's best that Sam would go along with him) to have hopes of destroying the Ring. There are a few reasons why: First, Aragorn's task was different then Frodo's. Frodo was going to destroy the Ring. Aragorn's duty was to reclaim the throne of Gondor. Also, Gandalf was using him (and aid from the Elves, Rohan...etc) to strike up a war with Sauron to keep Sauron focused on them and not on Frodo. The whole point of the war (and sadly Legolas is right in this) was a diversion, to distract Sauron from finding out about Frodo and Sam. So, Aragorn's path, to reclaim the throne and help Gandalf strike up this war was different then Frodo's. Secondly, Frodo would be put in great danger if Aragorn went with him. Aragorn is the heir of Isildur, and surely having the heir of Isildur march into Mordor would cause much more focus on Frodo and the Ring, instead of two little hobbits that are seen as "mere spies." But, having Aragorn follow Frodo into Mordor would be far too dangerous for Frodo, because sure this would attract Sauron's attention. When Aragorn uses the Palantir Sauron already fears that Aragorn has the Ring. It would be far too disastrous to have Aragorn go with Frodo, just like if Gandalf was to go all the way to Mount Doom with Frodo. The main weapon the Free Peoples had against Sauron was secrecy, they had to keep their true purpose hidden, which was to destroy the Ring. Aragorn's path to reclaim the throne was different, also, it wouldn't be so secret anymore if Sauron spots Isildur's heir waltzing into Mordor. Hopefully, that helps, welcome to the downs. __________________ Fenris Penguin

12-19-2005, 10:48 AM	#3
Tuor in Gondolin Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Southeast Pennsylvania Posts: 3,651	You bring up an interesting point here. In the book Aragorn intended to go with Frodo (considering also including Gimli) and it was Frodo's decision to leave. But PJ apparently wanted a direct confrontation (presumably for his "story arc" of Aragorn) which unfortunately again lessened the gravitas of movie Frodo to a passive person reacting to others. __________________ The poster formerly known as Tuor of Gondolin. Walking To Rivendell and beyond 12,555 miles passed Nt./Day 5: Pass the beacon on Nardol, the 'Fire Hill.'

12-21-2005, 09:15 AM	#5
Elu Ancalime Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Anador Posts: 476	I would think, that although it being unsaid, it would be implied. Aragorn was protecting Frodo by not going with him. It would only be a matter of time that the Ring would beckon to him, and since he is a man, like Borommir, he might be influenced the first chance he was alone with Frodo. So really, in the movie he may be seen as 'leaving the fellowship' or 'letting frodo go', i think the book idea is he was doing what was best for the ringbearer, as all of them should have been doing whether they did it or not. Although he intended to follow frodo to mordor, when frodo wanted to go alone, he realized his doom to follow the ringbearer, just the few of them, and understood frodos descision for why he had to leave. (As given a great example by boromir) ________ Yamaha G-245S History Last edited by Elu Ancalime; 03-03-2011 at 10:25 PM.

12-28-2005, 02:02 PM	#6
juhsstin Pile O'Bones Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 20	even realizing the dangerous possibility of succumbing to and trying to seize the ring, Aragorn would still need to weigh this possibility against the possibility of Frodo and Sam not being able to get through Mordor to Mt. Doom. I do believe that stealth is a foregone conclusion in determining the method for delivering the ring. Would Aragorn not have been a valuable asset with his skills as a ranger in achieving these goals? The destruction of the ring is, after all, the ultimate goal upon which the entire fate of Middle Earth hinged. It doesn't matter what else happens: as long as the ring is destroyed, humanity would survive. Surely Aragorn must realize this, and to conclude that Frodo had a better chance on his own is something not easily arrived at IMHO... maybe I am just underestimating his powers of strategyand foresight. <shrug>