Aragorn and Strider: The Elven Connection and Descendants

In the epic tale of The Lord of the Rings, Aragorn, also known as Strider, is a central figure whose lineage and connection to other characters, especially the Halflings mentioned in The Hobbit, is both complex and fascinating. While Aragorn is not mentioned in The Hobbit, he is closely tied to the story of the One Ring and is the same person as the mysterious Strider, whom we first meet in the chapters At the Sign of the Prancing Pony and Strider.

First Cousins Many Times Removed: Aragorn and Arwen

Interestingly, Aragorn and Arwen, Frodo Baggins' childhood friend and eventual wife, are first cousins, also known as many times removed. To understand this relationship, we must delve into the intricate family trees of the elves and the kings of Numenor.

Elrond and the Choice of Fate

Elrond, Arwen's father, was a son of Erendil. Erendil had two sons: Elrond and Elros. They were part of a rare group who could choose whether to be counted among the Elves or Men. Elrond, choosing to be an Elf, led a life similar to that of the Eldar. However, Elros decided to be a mortal man and became the first King of Numenor.

Descendants of Elros: A Line of Mighty Kings

From Elros, the kings of Numenor, and from him, Elendil and his sons Isildur and Anárion, descend the line that ultimately leads to Aragorn. This line also produced the Kings of Arnor and Gondor and the Chieftains of the Dúnedain, including Aragorn himself.

A Common Ancestor: Erendil Half-Elven

Arwen and Aragorn share a common ancestor in Erendil, who was half-Elven. However, the relationship is a distant one. In Arwen's family tree, Erendil is her grandfather, but there are about 60 generations between Erendil and Aragorn. Thus, they are first cousins many, many times removed.

Probable Marriages and Remote Kinship

Due to the complexity of intermarriages over many generations, Aragorn may have had many lines of descent from Elros. So, their kinship, while real, is extremely remote. It is much more likely that a random person today would be more closely related to someone with a family tree traced back to the tenth generation than Aragorn is to Arwen.

Conclusion

The intricate family relationships within The Lord of the Rings and the connection between Aragorn and Strider add layers of depth to the story. Understanding these connections helps us appreciate the rich tapestry of characters and their backgrounds, which contribute to the epic nature of J.R.R. Tolkien's world.