Chapter 10: Strider

Chapter 10 is where we really dive into the character of Strider and get to know who this mysterious person is. But, like most of Tolkien's major characters, we're left with as many questions as answers.

At the Sign of the Prancing Pony by Ted Nasmith

Let's start with a quick run-down of the chapter:

1. Hobbits return to their room at the Prancing Pony to find Strider already there
2. They talk.
3. Butterbur interrupts and gives Frodo a letter from Gandalf that had been left several months back
4. Strider is confirmed as legit in the letter
5. Merry returns from stroll about town with news of the Riders. 
6. Everyone agrees to go with Strider

The two most interesting pieces of this chapter to me are finding out more about Strider's personality and reading the contents of Gandalf's letter.

Strider's Personality

Strider is a very bold personality in the book and a bit unlike his representation by Viggo Mortenson in the Peter Jackson films. Now, this isn't to say Viggo's interpretation was bad (in fact, I think it was very good!) but the more I read, the more I understand the differences in character.

In the books, Strider is a bit sarcastic and much more outspoken. When Butterbur comes by and warns Frodo about Strider being dangerous (a common sentiment for folks who don't know much about the mysterious rangers), Strider replies mockingly, calling Butterbur, "A fat innkeeper who only remembers his own name because people shout it at him all day." This doesn't sound much like a line that they would utter in the film.

In fact, throughout the book, he seems more of the "young lordling" who is well aware of his birthright and his own skill and is eager to prove himself. Outside of this chapter, when the party reaches Edoras and Hama asks him to leave the sword Anduril at the door, Strider threatens him with swift death if Hama touches the sword. That's pretty brazen in the city of a king you are trying to woo. Inside this chapter, he again shows a sarcastic side when Sam suggested that Strider might take the Ring. He laughed and rose to his feet, drawing his sword and brandishing it at the Hobbits to show them that he certainly could take it by force if he wanted to.

Note: He doesn't though. Would Boromir have been as strong in this instance? Since I don't think the Ring would prefer to be owned by a stranger than a weak little Hobbit, I doubt it would have actively pushed itself into others' minds. The Ring really only starts doing so after it realizes that Frodo won't succumb to its temptation and that it should try someone made of less stern stuff.

But isn't it understandable that Strider is a bit more cocksure than in the films where he had a sort of cool, quiet confidence? He grew up in the House of Elrond (one of the 3 most powerful Elves in Middle Earth), alongside Elrond's two sons who are mighty warriors in their own right. He grew up hearing the tales of his people's glory and spent his youth already crowned the Chieftain of the Dunedain after his father died early. He was raised and trained to understand how important he was, how can we be surprised if he realizes this too?

Sure, he is 87, but he lives into his 200s. He is a young guy, and I think his brazenness is a great way for Tolkien to express his upbringing without being over the top and spelling it directly out.

Gandalf's Letter

Gandalf's letter is a key part of this chapter and explains quite a bit about what's been going on and who Strider is. This letter was meant to sent to Frodo but Butterbur forgot and so is delivering it here.

The letter tells us that Strider's real name is Aragorn, and that he is a friend. This is pretty high praise indeed, coming from an immortal wizard. He advises the Hobbits that Aragorn knows about what is going on and can help take them to Rivendell to meet with Lord Elrond if Gandalf is not there. At this point, we don't know the details of Aragorn's past, but Gandalf trusting him to take the Ring across weeks of wilderness to one of Middle-Earth's most powerful beings is pretty substantial.

The letter was also supposed to be delivered months ago, which is significant because it warns Frodo to make haste in leaving the Shire. Instead, Frodo dallied about and didn't leave until much later than Gandalf had hoped. In the letter, he also explains the Black Riders and warns Frodo to avoid them and beat them to Bree at all costs.

Frodo is a bit confused why Strider didn't reveal himself right away. Strider replies that he had to test Frodo too because the Enemy had laid plans to trap him previously. Who is this guy that is great enough that Sauron himself is plotting to get him.

Strider's Pledge

Strider knows quite a bit about the Riders, and is passionate about avoiding them. He is well-aware of who the Riders used to be and is superstitious about the Hobbits using the word "Mordor" directly with the Riders so close.

He also shares that he and his people have guarded the Shire for years (likely since Bilbo found the Ring, perhaps before?) waiting for something like this.

His oath to Frodo is very significant, binding Aragorn to Frodo and tying his own fate to the fate of the Ring.

"My name is Aragorn, son of Arathorn, and if by life or death I can save you, I will."

Remember at the end of Return of the King when he leads a practically suicide charge toward Mordor to distract them from hunting Frodo? Yep.