The Mythological Hero In Tolkien's Lord Of The Rings

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The Mythological Hero in Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings

J.R.R. Tolkien was very fond of mythology, especially Norse and Irish Mythology, and used concepts and conventions of both throughout his works. Throughout mythology there is the ever-reoccurring theme of the epic hero, whose being is ever out of the readers reach. Tolkien represents the epic hero primarily through the Kingly Edain character Aragorn. There is, however, the fairytale myth as well, which features the small hero who is a mere common person placed in extraordinary circumstances. The Fairytale hero is best represented in The Lord of the Rings, by the hobbit Frodo. Tolkien also uses the concept of “The Hero and His Sword” throughout the story and throughout his other tales of Middle Earth; however, he only uses bits and pieces, while primarily creating his heroes from his own imagination.
Aragorn is the last descendent of a long line of kings. He is not immortal or descended from the gods like many heroes of Greek, Roman, and Norse Mythology; however, he does have immortal ancestry, even though it is not immediate. It must however be traced back through many generations. Unlike many of the famous heroes he is not conceived by divine intervention or by supernatural means either. Unlike Arthur or the Irish hero Cuchulainn, who are born by supernatural means, Arthur by Merlin allowing Arthur’s father Uther to seduce Arthur’s mother in the form of her husband who was already dead at the time, and Cuchulainn conceived by a mortal woman and the Irish god Lugh, Aragorn is descended from the union of the immortal elf Idril and the mortal man Tuor (Flieger 43-44.) Aragorn is not easily identified with, having such a high and unheard of heritage. The men of Rohan and Gondor also have trouble believing him, as they are not able to comprehend his story, since they are but common men compared to Aragorn and he is but thing out of their past seemingly long ...