Perhaps one of the most mysterious and intriguing characters in the trilogy, Aragorn is known by many names: Strider, Elessar, Estel, and finally Aragorn II, heir to the throne of Gondor and Arnor. From a shadowy tracker who mysteriously comes to Frodo's aid to an essential member of the Fellowship of the Ring to the long-awaited king who restores harmony and peace to Middle-earth, Aragorn plays many important roles in the fantasy epic. And he has quite an interesting history.

Who is Aragorn?

Although the series offers very few details on Aragorn's physical appearance, we know he is tall and lean with "a shaggy head of dark hair flecked with grey, and in a pale stern face a pair of keen grey eyes." Aragorn is often described as solemn, but can have moments of humour. He understands his ultimate purpose—to become king and reunite his kingdom—but is also committed to the fight against Sauron and spends many years gaining experience and battling evil before taking the throne.

A descendant of the rulers of Gondor and Arnor, Aragorn is considered the lost heir of Gondor. When he was just two years old, his father was killed by Orcs and his mother sent him to live among the Elves in Rivendell. He was raised by Elrond, the half-Elf Lord of Rivendell, and renamed Estel. Aragorn is kept in the dark about his heritage until his 20th birthday, when Elrond tells him the truth. After that revelation, he becomes a ranger, known as the mysterious Strider, and dedicates himself to protecting the Shire from forces of evil.

As he travels widely, serving the greater good of Gondor, he is known by several other aliases. Aragorn is unwilling to reveal his true identity, lest his life be imperiled. During this time, he befriends Gandalf, going so far as to capture Gollum so that the wizard could question him about the location of the Ring. When Gandalf traces the Ring to Bilbo Baggins, who then gives it to his nephew, he again calls on Aragorn to aid Frodo and protect him from the Nazgul. Aragorn does so, under his disguise as Strider, saving their lives. He then sees the Hobbits to Rivendell, where they reconvene with Gandalf, and the Fellowship of the Ring is formed.

Soon after, the Fellowship departs Rivendell for Mordor on a mission to destroy the Ring. Aragorn notices that Gollum is following them. When the Fellowship is attacked in the mines of Moria, Aragorn protects the group and, after Gandalf falls into a chasm battling the Balrog, assumes leadership. While under attack, Merry and Pippin are taken captive while Frodo and Sam get separated from the group. Aragorn makes the difficult decision to leave Frodo and Sam to their own devices while he, Legolas, and Gimli set out to rescue Merry and Pippin. It is a choice he struggles with, but understands that his duties are to the cause, and not necessarily to any one individual.

Soon after, Aragorn is reunited with Gandalf and joins the battle against Sauron's forces, leading armies at Helm's Deep and contributing to the defeat of Saruman. Aragorn is also integral in luring Sauron into attacking Minas Tirith, which he helped defend. At this point, Aragorn finally reveals his lineage, but refuses to be crowned king until Sauron is defeated. He plays a pivotal role in one final tactical battle to distract Sauron, thus enabling Frodo to destroy the Ring once and for all.