The Untold Secrets of the Rangers in Lord of the Rings

Aragorn, of all the heroes in the Fellowship of the Ring, stands out as a character destined for admiration. He possesses a dark and gritty persona, hailed as the chosen hero from a critical lineage. Additionally, he showcases extraordinary prowess in combat, serving as a symbol of healthy masculinity. Prior to embarking on the mission to destroy the ring, Aragorn held leadership within the secretive Rangers of the North, a captivating group within Middle-earth.

The Lord of the Rings operates on multiple levels, delving into the profound inner lives of its heroes, exploring the historical backdrop of its nations, and occasionally touching upon the mystical beings above it all. However, due to the vastness of Tolkien's universe, certain regions remain overshadowed and receive limited attention.

How did the Rangers form?

The Rangers can be categorized into two main branches - those from the North and those from the South. Originating from the displaced and devastated inhabitants who turned to the woods for survival, the Rangers of the North are the remaining descendants of the Dúnedain of Arnor. The once-mighty realm of Arnor was divided into smaller nations, all of which were eventually ravaged in battles against the Witch-king of Angmar. Aranarth, the final surviving member of Isildur's lineage, assumed the role of Chieftain of the Dúnedain. He decided that each future bloodline heir would be secretly raised in Rivendell. Retreating into the lowlands surrounding Eriador, Aranarth and the rest of the Dúnedain effectively vanished.

On the other hand, the Rangers of the South, also known as the Rangers of Ithilien, possess less recognition. Regarded as distant relatives to their Northern counterparts, they originated from the region of Ithilien. This once-beautiful and prosperous land unfortunately suffered due to its proximity to Mordor, which rendered it vulnerable to attacks. Clad in green or black hoods, the Rangers of both the North and South were experts in stealth and skilled archers. Their duties revolved around patrolling the forests and eradicating any potential threats that emerged. This often involved managing the population of stray wolves or eliminating stray Orcs. Rangers led austere and dangerous lives, sacrificing their own comfort for the security of others. However, their enigmatic motives fostered mistrust among the people of the Shire.

Where were the Rangers during Lord of the Rings?

The arrival of the Rangers of the South occurred shortly before the outbreak of the War of the Ring. Throughout the conflict, their main strategy involved laying ambushes for Orcs and individuals loyal to Sauron. They were responsible for safeguarding the old road connecting the captured fortress Minas Morgul and Gondor's capital. In The Two Towers, they briefly captured Sam and Frodo after successfully ambushing a marching army. Questioning took place at their home base, after which the Hobbits were released. Active participants in the Siege of Gondor and the Battle of Pelennor Fields, the Rangers of the South notably thwarted an ambush during the advance on the Black Gate, thus saving the lives of the Army of the West. Their role in opposing Sauron was pivotal.

In comparison, the Rangers of the North were less effective. Lacking Aragorn's leadership, they suffered an attack by the Nazgûl, resulting in their dispersal and reduced numbers. However, thanks to Aragorn's comrade Halbarad, a group of 30 Rangers arrived to provide support during the Battle of Pelennor Fields. Although their numbers were small, they displayed remarkable prowess. It is worth noting that the majority of the Rangers' achievements can be attributed to their esteemed member, Aragorn.

What happened to the Rangers after Sauron fell?

With the defeat of the Dark Lord, both Ranger bands returned to their respective homes. Aragorn ascended to the throne of the Reunited Kingdom, reclaiming what was taken by the Witch-king and Sauron. As a result, the scattered Dúnedain were able to reunite and leave behind their arduous life as Rangers. Faramir, who led the Rangers of Ithilien, was entrusted with the governance of Ithilien alongside his father, Denethor II, by Aragorn after the war. Faramir went on to marry Éowyn, the White Lady of Rohan, and their lineage would rule Ithilien for generations. Through perseverance and hardships, the Rangers ultimately achieved the peace they had fought to secure.

The Rangers, a modest group, undertook the difficult tasks that others were unwilling to do. They sacrificed their own homes and learned to survive in harmony with nature. Armed solely with their names, they ventured into the wilderness to protect strangers. This daunting task demanded exceptional skills as warriors. Despite their significant contributions to the coalition that defeated Sauron, their efforts largely went unnoticed. While the rest of Middle-earth may not recognize their valor, their dedicated fans certainly do.