While some major differences between the source material and the movies. This makes sense given they were very different mediums, and overall, fans were happy with how the narrative was brought to life, even with some big changes.
While plot changes happened and certain characters were omitted, even the main cast of characters was different in the movies than in the books. Aragorn, played by Viggo Mortensen, is the Aragorn interpretation the majority of people today are familiar with, but there are actually many variations between him and the original in the novels.
Film Aragorn Is More Of A Reluctant Hero
The biggest difference between the two versions can be summed up by this point. While some scenes were added or taken away, the overall personality changes are defined by the fact that book Aragorn was rather confident and willing to take up the mantle of king while movie Aragorn doesn’t seem to want the role at all.
Movie Aragorn is shown to be shrinking away from it and feels doubt about his ability to lead. He is rather concerned about his own weakness, but book Aragorn has very few issues or doubts about this.
The Aragorn/Boromir Feud Doesn't Really Exist In The Books
While Aragorn and Boromir in the movies are somewhat at odds, this isn’t really a thing so much in the novels. Boromir is rather resentful of Aragorn in the movies and feels threatened by him, but this animosity isn’t really there at all in the original story.
This conflict seems to have been added to create a more interesting character arc for Boromir, but in the books, they were usually on good .
He Had Ridden With The Riders Of Rohan In The Past
Another interesting fact many people don’t know is that there wasn’t nearly as much antagonism between Aragorn and Eomer either. In fact, Aragorn had been amongst the Riders of Rohan in the past and knew them as well as their customs rather well.
This is actually something that points to an overall big difference between the books and movies. Book Aragorn is shown to be much more well-traveled and to know most of the other key players in Middle-Earth to some extent. Film Aragorn is hinted to have some of this wisdom, but it’s not really talked about or shown.
Book Aragorn Has Even Greater Elf-Like Skills
In the movies, there are a couple of moments where Aragorn’s healing abilities are shown. Firstly, when he has Sam look for the Kingsfoil, and secondly when he helps heal Eowyn in the Houses of Healing in the extended edition.
However, these skills are even more powerful in the books. He has gifts from being Numenorian, such as having far sight, and he also is a very powerful elven healer as he studied under Elrond. The movies really underplay these abilities.
Book Aragorn Is An Ever Better Warrior
In the movies, it’s made clear that Aragorn is a rather fierce warrior and a great Ranger, but in the books, he’s much more overpowered.
For those who watch the movies, it seems like Aragorn might not be at the level of Legolas or Gimli, but in the books, he’s portrayed to be better than practically anyone. Tolkien made him out to be rather superheroic in his battle prowess, and he is the best tracker in Middle-Earth.
His Relationship With Arwen Is More Hopeful In The Novels
In the movie, Arwen’s given a bigger role, and their relationship is brought into the narrative. In the books, their love story is told, but it’s only in the appendices, and Arwen doesn’t do things like rescue Frodo.
Also, the movies up the stakes on Arwen’s life even further, but the overall tone of the story is more hopeful in the books. Aragorn is more confident that they will be able to be together, and Eowyn’s role is also smaller. Aragorn is much more tempted by the idea of a life with Eowyn in the movies than in the books.
The Warg Scene Isn’t In The Book At All
While the movies took out notable scenes and characters, such as Tom Bomdabil, they also added many things in for dramatic impact. For Aragorn’s narrative, one of the added sequences was when he falls off the cliff after the warg attack. The warg attack didn’t even happen in the book in the first place, and Aragorn definitely didn’t almost die like this.
However, it did make for a good cinematic moment when Aragorn returned, and it upped the ante on the stakes even more. Overall, Tolkien’s narrative structure didn’t always work as well for the big screen, so these kinds of changes were made.
Book Aragorn Doesn’t Kill The Mouth Of Sauron
While Aragorn does do many heroic things in the books and is clearly a leader, he didn’t actually kill the Mouth of Sauron. This sequence is different in the movies than in the books and doesn’t end with the character’s death. Instead, the Mouth tries to bargain with Gandalf for the army to leave the Black Gate, but Gandalf refuses the offer.
The Mouth of Sauron then retreats back into Mordor. But, the movie scene had a more satisfying and clear resolution that made sense for the story Peter Jackson was telling.
In The Book, Aragorn Always Uses Anduril
In Return of the King, it’s a rather cinematic moment when Elrond shows up at the encampment and brings the re-forged shards of Narsil. It’s at this moment that Aragorn starts using Anduril and it is a turning point in his journey to becoming King of Gondor.
However, in the books, he has Anduril all along. Narsil is re-made in Rivendell before the Fellowship even leaves on the quest, and Aragorn uses it as his main weapon throughout the story.
Book Aragorn Isn’t Shirking From His Role As King
From a movie narrative standpoint, having one of your main characters go through a journey from a mysterious ranger to a noble King of Gondor is very appealing.
It makes sense to give Aragorn more complexity and have him overcome weakness and being unsure, and if he was ready for the jump to be King, it would seem boring. However, book Aragorn is never shirking away from this role. He’s prepared for it and always on a journey to get to that point.
