The fact that Aragorn has no facial hair is not something I would have thought I’d ever give consideration to, but in thinking about another topic I came across “Beards” in the Nature of Middle-earth.
To the chagrin of movie fans, Tolkien wrote, “I replied that I myself imagined Aragorn, Denethor, Imrahil, Boromir, Faramir as beardless. This, I said, I supposed not to be due to any custom of shaving, but a racial characteristic. None of the Eldar had any beards, and this was a general racial characteristic of all Elves in my “world’.” (NoME, p. 187)
He goes on to explain that the royal Numenorean lines were half-elven and therefore the trait would long endure as a dominant one. He concludes by writing, “It is stated that Elendil was descended from Silmarien, a royal princess. Hence Aragorn and all his ancestors were beardless.” (NoME, p. 188)
How was he described? In the Fellowship of the Ring, upon Frodo’s first meeting with Strider it was written, “As Frodo drew near he threw back his hood, showing a shaggy head of dark hair flecked with grey, and in a pale stern face a pair of keen grey eyes.” (p. 153)
The lack of facial hair, then, supports his claim to the throne, as does his ability to heal. These are internal traits he possesses.
Another trait, which tested others, was Aragorn’s use of the Stone of Orthanc. While others used or attempted to use palantirs, only Aragorn was able to wield it authoritatively proving his lineage.
A further example of proving his lineage came in being able to grant the oathbreakers the ability to fulfill their oath.
The Shards of Narsil and Ring of Barahir are heirlooms of his lineage that demonstrate he is of the family line of Elendil.
The royal lineage of Elendil, who is the founder of the kingdoms of Gondor and Arnor must be demonstrated, and as his father’s family traces directly back this is documented or legal proof of the lineage.
Hard to believe compared to these other items, that a lack of facial hair can make the list supporting Aragorn’s claim to the crown.
Resilient Seeker Coaching | Ross Raymond Nunamaker 