[00:00:02] In the Lord of the Rings community, there has always been this funny rumor that Nicolas Cage was offered the role of Aragorn and had to refuse. And luckily we got Viggo Mortensen and the rest is history because Viggo became the prime man that all men look up to. He is the manliest man and one of what I think the best roles played in the entire century. Viggo became one of my favorite actors of all time after I watched this movie.
[00:00:31] And even in the movie appendices, how they talk about him giving headbutts to all the other actors. I just love him with everything in me. But I am reading through Lord of the Rings for the first time. And I'm doing an essay or two on each chapter because I find there is so much interesting information here. So plug to subscribe if you want more Lord of the Rings musings. But I have to say, when we first meet Strider at the end of The Prancing Pony and then Frodo talks to him a bit in the room,
[00:00:58] I couldn't help but think, this man seems a lot like Nicolas Cage. I know it might sound crazy that the guy who stole the Declaration of Independence could have also played Aragorn really well. But I want to show a few examples of book versus movie Aragorn because he is very, very different from the rough around the edges version that Viggo plays him in Fellowship of the Ring. To be honest, I found him a little strange in the book.
[00:01:27] Almost, not really split personality, but like struggling to find good conversation. And Frodo notices it too because he starts to talk and joke around and then all of a sudden he just goes dead serious. But when they first meet, Strider is kind of brooding in the corner of the inn. But after the ring mishap, Strider, when talking to the hobbits, seems all smiles and jokes. But he's very much a mixed bag.
[00:01:55] When the first book talks about Strider, it talks about him as if he is kind of something bad. So the hobbits enter through the gate into Bree and the book says, The man stared, the man being the gatekeeper, after the hobbits for a moment. And then he went back to his house. As soon as his back was turned, a dark figure climbed quickly in over the gate and melted into the shadows of the village street. It makes it seem like there is this black rider that's coming to take Frodo and the other hobbits out.
[00:02:25] But then, Strider just casually hangs out in the corner of the bar. Which is very, very similar to what he does in the film. And after this, Strider shows his creepiness again. Because when all the hobbits retire for the night and go back to their room, Strider is essentially just sitting there waiting for them. And they don't even recognize before they stoke the fire for a bit. The book says this, Frodo, Pippin, and Sam made their way back to the parlor. There was no light.
[00:02:54] Merry was not there. And the fire had burned low. It was not until they puffed up the embers into a blaze and thrown a couple of faggots that they discovered Strider had come with them. There he was, calmly sitting in a chair by the door. Hello, said Pippin. Who are you and what do you want? I am called Strider, he answered. And though he may have forgotten it, your friend promised to have a quiet talk with me. You said I might hear something to my advantage, I believe, said Frodo.
[00:03:24] What have you to say? Several things, answered Strider. But of course I have my price. What do you mean? Asked Frodo sharply. Don't be alarmed. I mean just this. I will tell you what I know. And give you some good advice. But I shall want a reward. And what will that be, pray? Said Frodo. He suspected now that he had fallen in with a rascal. And he thought, uncomfortably, that he had brought only a little money with him. All of it would hardly satisfy a rogue.
[00:03:54] And he could not spare any of it. No more than you can afford, answered Strider with a slow smile. As if he guessed Frodo's thoughts. Just this. You must take me along with you. Until I wish to leave you. This is the first kind of creepy interaction. And I have to say this too. In the movie, Strider is just serious. He only speaks the serious lines that Strider has in the book. Like, are you afraid? Not nearly afraid enough. I know what hunts you.
[00:04:24] Now that's a deadly scary line in the book. But Strider is a lot more all over the place emotionally in the book. Not to say that he's not normal in the book too. But he just kind of exhibits a gamut of emotions. In the first two pages of the book, the expressions he has when he speaks are described thusly. When Frodo is skeptical of him, Strider says, Excellent, exclaims Strider, crossing his legs and sitting back comfortably. When he tells Frodo he needs to tell him dark things and Frodo tells him to go on. The book says, Too much.
[00:04:52] Too many dark things, said Strider grimly. In the next paragraph, when Frodo expresses contempt for the people looking after his actual name of Baggins, The book says, Well answered, said Strider, laughing. When Frodo expresses discomfort at the trusting barman, the book says, No, I don't think any harm of old Butterbur. Only he does not altogether like mysterious vagabonds of my sort. Frodo gave him a puzzled look. Well, I have a rather rascally look, have I not? Said Strider with a curl of his lip and a queer gleam in his eye.
[00:05:22] And this is what started me thinking about Nicolas Cage. Because Nick seems a bit goofier than Vigo. And I think this is one of those lines that Nick could probably do better than Aragorn. Or Vigo, I mean. Where Aragorn just seems to be making a face and poking fun at himself. And again, while I love Vigo and what Vigo did for this role, he is very different from the book depiction. But Strider does get into more serious moods here,
[00:05:50] especially when he's trying to convince the hobbits to take him on as their guide. He says, You can do as you like about my reward. Take me as a guide or not. But I may say that I know all the lands between the Shire and the Misty Mountains. For I have wandered over them for many years. I am older than I look. I might prove useful. You will have to leave the open road after tonight. For the horsemen will watch it night and day. You may escape from Bree and be allowed to go forward while the sun is up.
[00:06:19] But you won't go far. They will come with you into the wild. In some dark place where there is no help. Do you wish them to find you? They are terrible. The hobbits looked at him. And Saul was surprised that his face was drawn as if within pain. And his hands clenched the arms of his chair. The room was very quiet and still. And the light seemed to have grown dim.
[00:06:42] For a while he sat with unseeing eyes as if walking in a distant memory or listening to sounds in the night far away. And Frodo later says, You began to talk to me like Bree folk, but your voice has changed. So even Frodo was noticing this big difference in personality between Strider. Was he accidentally putting on an accent? Was he trying to gain their trust? Because in this moment, Aragorn seems to come into the kingly side of him rather than the ranger side.
[00:07:09] But it does almost seem like the two are always waging war at Aragorn. Like there is this goofy and fun side of him mixed with this intensely serious, you don't know the stakes kind of person. And this is most evident in the conversation he has with Butterbur and the innkeeper. When he comes into the room and delivers a letter and he wants to warn them about Aragorn. This is what the book says. Well, you know your own business maybe, said Butterbur, looking suspiciously at Strider.
[00:07:37] But if I was in your plight, I wouldn't take up with the ranger. Then who would you take up with, asked Strider? A fat innkeeper who only remembers his own name because people shouted at him all day? Side note, rude. I couldn't believe Aragorn actually said this, but again, he's a bit goofy in the books. They cannot stay in the pony forever and they cannot go home. They have a long road before them. Will you go with them and keep the black men off them? Me? Leave Bree? I wouldn't do that for any money, said Mr. Butterbur, looking really scared.
[00:08:07] But why can't you stay here for a bit, Mr. Underhill? What are all these queer going-ons? What are all these black men after? And where do they come from? I'd like to know. I'm sorry, I can't explain it all, answered Frodo. I'm very tired and very worried. And it's a long tale, but if you mean to help me, I ought to warn you that you will be in danger as long as I am in your house. These black riders, I'm not sure, but I think... I fear they come from...
[00:08:35] They come from Mordor, said Strider in a low voice. From Mordor, Barlamin. If that means anything to you. Save us, cried Mr. Butterbur, turning pale. The name evidently was known to him. That is the worst news that has come to Bree in my time. It is, said Frodo. Are you still willing to help me? I am, said Mr. Butterbur, more than ever. Though I don't know what the likes of me can do against... Against... He faltered.
[00:09:03] Against the shadow in the east, said Strider quietly. Not much, Barlamin. But every little helps. And I think this conversation really does show the goofy and serious side of Strider in the books. And I think, weirdly, that Nicolas Cage could have been a great fit. So while Viggo is forever my Aragorn, anytime I'm watching the movie with friends and it comes to the scene, you can bet your bottom dollar that I'm going to be talking about how Nicolas Cage was almost offered the role.
[00:09:32] And when they laugh because they think it would have been a terrible casting, I'm going to say, Well... Actually, in the books...
[00:10:29] So I am reading Lord of the Rings for the first time. And I am on the Fellowship of the Ring where we first get introduced to Strider. And as soon as I finished that chapter, I was a bit shocked. And I actually had to reread it. Because the whole chapter was confusing to me. Just kind of with how Aragorn was acting. He just seemed a bit strange. And he was just this man that I admired for my whole life.
[00:10:55] Especially after watching the movies, I thought he was the prime man of all cinema. The ultimate human being and manly man. The person I admired to be one day. But... In the books... He is deeply lonely. And he lives a brutally difficult life. And the reason I had to reread it was because Aragorn seemed to be all over the place.
[00:11:19] And when I read this one line at the end of the chapter, it seemed to have everything else fall in place a bit and give me actual understanding to Aragorn's character. The line was when Aragorn says, A hunted man sometimes wearies of distrust. And longs for friendship. And I want to talk about that for the rest of this essay. And just a warning, this essay is almost too unorganized. Because I am still processing through who Aragorn is.
[00:11:46] Because he is vastly different from the movies. And I don't have quite a good grasp on him after reading just one chapter. So let me know in the comments below too, what you kind of think of Aragorn. And what you think of the book versus movie depiction. But after reading this chapter, I actually said, I'd probably rather not be Aragorn. Even though I love him and I think the world of him, book Aragorn is a bit less secretive with his emotions.
[00:12:14] And a significant amount more secretive in his lifestyle. I'll explain it as we go on. But again, if you want more of my musings on each of the chapters that I'm reading, make sure you subscribe because this channel is all about first reads. And loving literature. And amazing stories. And all the things that we love about these things. And we do some kind of Star Wars, Harry Potter, Brandon Sanderson, Lord of the Rings stuff. Just a few other tidbits of content whenever they come up. So I think you'd like it. And I think you should subscribe. Because I'm going through Lord of the Rings chapter by chapter.
[00:12:44] And essentially just publishing an essay every single chapter. But the first time we meet Aragorn is when he sneaks after the hobbits when they enter Bree. The book says, Now in that moment you kind of think that this could be one of two people. At least I did. I thought it could be Gollum.
[00:13:14] Who it surely couldn't really be because Gandalf said he was kept prisoner in Mirkwood. Or what I really thought was I thought this was the Black Rider. Which is terrifying. But later, it's revealed that this is actually Strider. And he followed the hobbits as soon as they left the presence of Tom Bombadil. He was actually looking for them. And after this little bit of sneaking around, Strider is just brooding with his hood up and watching the hobbits. Almost exactly how the movies have it. But before Frodo puts the ring on,
[00:13:42] He actually goes over to Strider and has a short conversation with him. Then Frodo tries to stop Pippin from blabbing about his name. The ring slips on his finger. And when he takes it off, They all try to scamper out of the bar and into their rooms. The next line that we get is the start of the chapter titled Strider. And this is the paragraph. Frodo, Pippin, and Sam made their way back to the parlor. There was no light. Merry was not there. And the fire had burned low.
[00:14:11] It was not until they had puffed up the embers into a blaze And thrown on a couple of faggots that they discovered Strider had come with them. There he was calmly sitting in a chair by the door. He's like the butler in Mr. Deeds. He's very sneaky. And this is exactly why I think he's a lot more sly and clandestine in the book. He seems to be able to actually avoid being seen if he wished, Rather than he just says it in the movies. He has a weird knack to be hidden too.
[00:14:39] But as soon as they all get into this conversation, Aragorn seems to open up a bit. He laughs. He broods. He talks about the dangers. And calls Butterbur a fat innkeeper who only remembers his own name Because people shouted at him all day. Rude. But Aragorn seems like he opens up when he talks to the hobbits. He seems like a man who rarely gets in conversations like this. And number one, loves them. And number two, doesn't really know how to behave or converse. In the books, he just seems all over the place to me.
[00:15:09] Much less one-track-minded and serious than Viggo plays him. But also, Viggo plays the serious side of Aragorn perfectly. Because Aragorn does have a lot of severity to him. But again, throughout this conversation with the hobbits, He seems to talk about everything. And the main thing he is trying to do Is to convince them to take him on as their guide. He says this in the beginning of the conversation. I mean just this. I will tell you what I know
[00:15:38] And give you some good advice But I shall want a reward. And what will that be, pray? Said Frodo. He suspected now that he had fallen in with a rascal. And he thought uncomfortably That he had brought only a little money with him. All of it would hardly satisfy a rogue. And he could not spare any of it. No more than you can afford, Answer Strider, with a slow smile. As if he guessed Frodo's thoughts. Just this. You must take me along with you
[00:16:07] Until I wish to leave. Then the rest of the chapter, He essentially tries to convince them. It isn't until the barman delivers a letter from Gandalf, Where the letter tells them to trust a friend of his called Strider, That the hobbits relax a bit. Except Sam, who is kind of always skeptical, Which is one of the reasons why I love him. Then this book has this line that we just talked about That crushed me. It says,
[00:16:59] And make sure of you. The enemy has set traps for me before. As soon as I made up my mind, I was ready to tell you whatever you asked. But I must admit, he added with a clear laugh, That I hoped you would take to me for my own sake. A hunted man sometimes wearies of distrust And longs for friendship. But there, I believe my looks are against me. I don't exactly know why, But this line crushed me.
[00:17:26] I don't really think of Aragorn as a lonely person. And I don't really think he is, But I kind of see myself in him a bit. And I don't know how to explain this that well, Because I've been thinking about this myself for years, And I haven't figured it out. But it's like, Aragorn seems like an introvert. He is off in the country on his own. He has jobs to do, And things he must attend to. He likes his alone time, But his responsibilities and jobs Have put him in a strange position. Of people having these perceptions of who he is,
[00:17:55] Rather than actually getting to know him. And so now I see Aragorn as this man Who desires friendship, But kind of gives up on it a bit, Because he has a harsh appearance. Because all these people in Bree, And all these surrounding areas, Have a bad perception of him. And it made me so sad to look at this chapter, That I actually had to re-read it with the lens That Strider just wants to make friends With these hobbits. And that is essentially the explanation For his behavior in this chapter. It made this chapter intensely more sad to me, Because Aragorn is laughing
[00:18:25] When there are tense moments. He is trying to tell stories with a serious face. He jokes about his appearance with the hobbits, And then cracks jokes at the barman's expense. I know this might be a stretch, But Aragorn to me seems like a kid Who can't fit in. And when I thought of the scene, When he made fun of the barman, I couldn't help thinking That when he cracked a joke, Maybe he looked back at the hobbits, Hoping that they would laugh or crack a smile. It actually reminded me of a scene From one of my favorite movies, Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl.
[00:18:55] When this kid named Greg Doesn't really have friends, And tries to push people away Because he's afraid of getting hurt. And he sits with some of his new friends During lunch, And when an awkward situation pops up, He makes fun of someone, And the situation just gets so much worse From that point on. Aragorn seems like a more deeply flawed person Than his movie counterpart. And maybe flawed is the wrong word, But maybe longing is the one that I'm looking for. He seems to long for friendship. And he's a bit awkward when it evades him, And he has to prove
[00:19:25] That he's trustworthy to these hobbits. And his longing Is seen in different ways too, Because Strider flirts between Wanting to befriend these hobbits, And knowing that he must protect them, And essentially do a job for them, Namely get them to Rivendell. And so as he's joking around And talking about friends, His personality slips quickly back Into seriousness. Because he gives this beautiful line About how he will protect them. The book says, He stood up,
[00:19:54] And seemed suddenly to grow taller. In his eyes gleamed a light, Keen and commanding. Throwing back his cloak, He laid his hand on the hilt of a sora That had hung concealed by his side. They did not dare to move. Sam sat wide-mouthed, Staring at him dumbly. But I am the real Strider, fortunately, He said, Looking down at them With his face softened by a sudden smile. I am Aragorn, Son of Arathorn. And if by life or death I can save you,
[00:20:24] I will. I love that he says that with a smile here. That his face softens. Aragorn isn't always this hardened person Who is an incredible warrior And just the toughest person you can ever imagine. In the books, He very much seems in touch With his emotional side too. Which maybe makes him an even greater man. But his loneliness here And his desire for real friendship Seems to be an everlasting theme In the Tolkien universe. It's like the creatures of the darkness Are the ones that lie in isolation.
[00:20:53] And even if you're in isolation, The people who are honorable And good in this series All desire deep friendship. But also, That little sword that he holds At his side That was concealed Made my jaw drop. I see, He laughs Strider I look foul And feel fair Is that it? All that is gold Does not glitter Not all those who wander Are lost Did the verses apply to you then? Asked Frodo I could not make out What they were about But how did you know They were in Gandalf's letter If you haven't seen it? I did not know
[00:21:23] He answered But I am Aragorn And those verses go With that name He drew out his sword And they saw that the blade Was indeed broken A foot below the hilt Not much use is it, Sam Said Strider But the time is near When it shall be forged anew Strider pulling out The broken sword of Narsal That he just carries with him Was insane to me It's this weird dichotomy That I see in Aragorn That I was talking about before
[00:21:53] Where he has this perception That people have of him That he just can't seem To get rid of And even him Carrying the sword around Feels like he is so much More ready to take The throne of Gondor But also It just seems like He wants a good friend as well He seems to long for that And to be honest It makes Book Aragorn A much more deep And complex character It gives him a little bite To be honest
[00:22:22] And I have to say Even though Aragorn Seems a little lonely In the book Even though he seems A little bit more kingly I find him A much more compelling character In the book Than in the movie Even though I love Viggo Mortensen With all my heart And still think That he is the greatest actor And this is the greatest role That anybody has ever played So I'm just very conflicted And this essay Is just essentially me Talking about my Conflicted feelings For the movie Versus the book Of Aragorn
[00:22:53] Anyway I hope that you liked it I hope that you dealt With my Unorganized thoughts In a good way And I'll see you In the next one Make sure you subscribe And like the video too If you can See you in the next one Bye bye Bye bye Bye bye Bye bye Bye bye