It is an iconic moment in Peter Jackon’s The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring. During the Council of Elrond, Boromir of Gondor, played by Sean Bean is asking to use Sauron’s Ring of Power when Aragorn, played by Viggo Mortensen confronts him about the danger. Boromir dismisses Aragorn as a “Ranger of the North” when Legolas, played by Orlando Bloom, tells him that Aragorn is the heir to the throne of Gondor. This is when the audience realizes Aragorn is not simple Strider, but a king who is in self-imposed exile.

It is a truly remarkable scene and one that encapsulated how incredible this story is, but when I read the book, this moment is taken by another sequence. Bilbo, played brilliantly by Sir Ian Holm in the film, is absent from the Council of Elrond. However, he is there in the book and when Frodo inquires about Aragorn, he is answered with a poem from his uncle.

“All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.”

Reading the book and hearing this poem, it truly captures who Aragorn is with just a few lines. Sadly, the film leaves out the poem though Arwen, played by Liv Tyler, recites half of it in Return of the King.

Its importance cannot be understated as the second line “Not all those who wander are lost” albeit without the “those” appear on canvas art, decor, and even shirts. It reminds us of Aragorn who fears the past and the power he has, but his destiny calls him to be a king.

It is a shame the movie left it out because reading the novel, I relieved the moment in a new way and it truly showed J.R.R. Tolkien’s incredible talent as a writer. He brought this journey to life in a way that while others have valiantly tried, but only touched the surface.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, or novel you would like me to review. While you are at it, check out these amazing J.R.R. Tolkien quotes on myths. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more posts like this one.

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