Why Aragorn is the Epitome of Masculinity

[@Aspir7]

I struggled with exactly this issue, in my younger years. It frustrated me that I saw over and over again this polarised approach to masculinity, from many young adults similar to myself trying to find the path to becoming good men. I always found that the irony of this idealised 'alpha male' fantasy was that it always carries with it the unmistakeable stench of the fear of inadequacy, fear of failure, insecurity, need for validation, need to dominate over others. The crippling disability of the need to 'be on top', which I find to be a mark of weakness, not strength. It takes real strength to only take what you truly need from the world, and to give your all to being a benefit, or of service, to this world we share. On the other end of the spectrum, I found it equally dissatisfying and unfulfilling to subscribe to the 'boyish beta' philosophy, pretending to not compete, trying to seek refuge in weakness, passively going along with the pressures from others, or refusing to 'play the game' of life. It is necessary to actively play our part in this game of life, as we are all in it together. And everyone has a part to play. I think that most people don't realise that we can make real choices towards what part we end up playing in the lives of ourselves and others. I've seen there is a lot of scope for free choice in this life, even if a lot of the choices can be hidden behind doubts, or the manipulations of others. Or even if the freedom is more in being able to 'choose from our options' rather than a completely unrestricted choice. One thing that humbled me many times was being taught that freedom only works in taking us towards happiness if we match it with maturity and responsibilty. Otherwise, the same freedoms which should liberate & exalt us end up instead enslaving and tormenting us more and more. A good example would be the pursuit of pleasure. Anyway, I'm so glad to discover that other men are finding the same answers & conclusions, despite the confusing nature of our world today, and the intense propogation of some truly misguided and wrong-footed notions out there, which makes it sometimes feel like we are swimming against a strong current of movement going in the wrong direction. I truly believe that life itself holds the secrets on how to live a good and fulfilling life, and that there are certain objective eternal & unchanging truths out there which can be perceived and understood by anyone, anywhere, from any time, place or culture. Because look how certain themes and common threads appear time and time again, perhaps interpretated or manifested in unique ways each time, but always carrying this common pulse underneath the surface. There are real objective principles out there to be discovered, and it makes life and each of our own personal journeys of growth & evolution feel mysterious and interconnected. Life does not seem to me to be a cold, uncaring or unconscious vacuum, where we desperately cling on to our extremely short existences on specs of dust spiralling through space. Instead the coincidences, chance-encounters, and incremental step-by-step feeling of the process of it, where each lesson seemed to come at exactly the right time, and each one seems to build off from the previous, etc, has shown me that there is some guiding force to life. It doesn't feel truly random. There is always a bigger picture, and it gradually reveals itself in a truly mysterious way. Going back to masculinity, a man who had a huge impact on me personally said that true masculinity is an iron fist inside a silk glove...And that too many men act like they are silk fists inside an iron glove. A man's strength comes from the inside to the outside. I totally agree that a gentle approach when it is called for is one of the most masculine things ever. And always with this inner core of real strength, incorruptibility, knowing one's own limitations, always striving for the higher purpose / ideals, always being a part of something larger than themselves, etc etc. Thanks so much for this video, and for sharing and putting the good ideas out there for other men to discover for themselves!!

[@PilgrimsPass]

you were more eloquent than I. Thank you for sharing your words my friend.

[@dasarianshuman408]

This is incredibly well written, my friend. 👍

[@ophirelda3368]

I'm just happy to learn that men like you still exist.

[@sequituranimus7145]

The most masculine humans throughout history were never the most of anything. They were always simply the most capable, well rounded and respect among the group.

[@csongorarpad4670]

Appreciate your comment and your insights. I'd just add one thing and that is that one may already know the truth, the meaning behind it all, so to speak, if you were to accept Christ into your heart and live according with God's commandments which, will lead each and every person on to the unique path that God has intended for them. Now, that is extremely cliché and I know that... There's just no way around phrasing it that way, unfortunately, because the alternative is an essay which, depending on the receiving end, might not fit the comment-size restriction. You, yourself, seem to already have a keen understanding of how the world operates, namely in repeating patterns in reality, as we all are able to perceive them, but not all are aware of them. I encourage you to read Thomas of Aquinas and other great philosophers and theologians of the past. Because the world operates in repeating patterns, it means that what was relevant and "true" with an undercase "t" is also relevant and true, today - Which hints at a bigger Truth, that transcends time and space which, brings everything in the world together - Or you can look at it the other way around that, everything that we can perceive points to a unifying source, from which we all derive from and to whom we answer to, either konwingly or unknowingly.

[@Simon-zn5so]

Aragorn is the best example of the male hero in our era, because he was not written in our era.

[@erichmyles4481]

Film Aragorn definitely was

[@Maikigai]

@@erichmyles4481 Film Aragorn was a good character, but he wasn’t the Book Aragorn by a long shot. He was hesitant, unsure of himself and rejected his destiny as King of Gondor. Book Aragorn used up every bit of skill he had to accomplish his goals and from the word “go” was always striving to be the King he knew he was born to be.

[@jordan2d2]

Frodo, Sam, Gandalf, Theodin, Eowyn and others are examples of different kinds of heroes. LOTR shows well that it takes more than one hero for good to win, and you don't have to be superhuman like Aragorn to do good in the world

[@logicaldude3611]

@@Maikigai I'm glad other people realize this. He's so much more badass in the books. He has no hesitation about his role, he's simply waiting for the right time to reveal himself. With the discovery of the One Ring and Sauron's return, the time is perfect for him to unite the world of men and lay claim to the throne. Bringing everyone under one banner to fight the dark lord, just like his ancestor did.

[@albertvick3410]

@@Maikigai So the film Aragorn is not the epitome of masculinity by this definition? (not sarcasm)

[@XDlosDominicans]

"The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him" -G.K. Chesterton This pretty much the shortened version of Aragorn and of what I live by.

[@mothwaltz4163]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@savannahriches5794]

As Faramirb said, "I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend."

[@Nerobyrne]

Kind of hard these days when you know that what you're fighting for is just rich people making more money, and not anything that could remotely be considered noble. Unless you meant that metaphorically, of course. Then again, I don't know where you live, maybe your country is actually fighting a defensive war.

[@valentinom.4292]

@@Nerobyrne Well said, americans are not fighting to protect. Feel bad for the soldiers that die for no reason.

[@ingold1470]

Tolkien quotes Chesterton in his essays so no wonder

[@Biggelz06]

Just remember that we got Vigo Mortensen as Aragorn only because Nicolas Cage refused the role, honestly that was a blessing

[@matsh5633]

Don't know about Nick Cage but I do know there was another actor that was changed after like a week or so of production when Peter Jackson (who initially thought the casting was good) saw the error of the casting so he called Vigo and flew him over a few days later. Edit: The 1st actor's name was Stuart Townsend.

[@DrakeRing]

I can't even imagine Nicolas Cage as Aragorn

[@celluskh6009]

@@matsh5633 Stuart Townsend

[@yourdreams2440]

@@celluskh6009 is correct, it is Stuart Townsend, but the mental image of Nicolas Cage being Aragorn is too funny so I choose to believe it instead.

[@yourdreams2440]

Personally, I think his acting was a little rigid in the beginning, but he smoothed out later on.

[@mstash5]

"We will not abandon Merry and Pippin to torment and death. _Not while we have strength left._ "

[@nillynush4899]

Gimli : "Yess!!" It's almost like Aragorn makes people want to follow him with his noble charisma.

[@misanthropicservitorofmars2116]

Even a life long king, Theodin, looks up to Aragorn and can’t help but be inspired by his leadership. He recognizes the true king of men because it’s undeniable.

[@Aspir7]

Such a great quote! I didn't know that one

[@Agrestic]

@@misanthropicservitorofmars2116 Well, Aragorn was still technically older than Theodin by a few decades so~

[@zoebrugg7594]

“Let’s hunt some Orc.”

[@bartholomewthundercatiii3484]

I’ve always adored the depiction of masculinity in Lord of the Rings not only because of how they treat everyone with respect and honor, but the fact they aren’t ashamed to show love. All of the men are physically affectionate and loving towards each other but it’s never considered homoerotic or effeminate, and by contrast they respect women and never treat them like sexual objects. Tolkien really knew how it was supposed to be, even all the way back in the 50s.

[@john.premose]

"All the way back in the 50s" lol.

[@MrB00mbang]

@@john.premose as if people in the 50s were mongrels and Tolkien was the exception.

[@john.premose]

@@MrB00mbang mongrels? Wow, get help dude

[@ethanwinters9419]

Women were respectable back then. Not now.

[@john.premose]

@@ethanwinters9419 ah yes, the 50s, the time when women and black people knew their place right? Too bad you can't go back and see for yourself. You'd be crying like a baby like all the other fantasists who think it was so great in the past. You don't have a clue

[@Guigley]

In one scene, Aragorn shares a gentle kiss with the love of his life, and in another, he leads an army into certain death to save the world. I would follow a man like that to the gates of hell.

[@benhur6211]

Your brother, your captain, your king?

[@dv6342]

Aye.

[@Fluskar]

My GOAT.

[@Lusitanean]

But that kiss was in private. You'd be completely clueless about anything he did prior to the battle you were inserted to. So you'd just follow orders.

[@tanakuhns9722]

@@Lusitanean the kiss with Arwen was in private you are correct. However are you forgetting I dunno literally everywhere they stopped especially in others realms? He showed his character countless times before anyone just blindly followed him into battle. Don’t act like you didn’t know what they meant with your nit-picky comment.

[@allisonshaw9341]

1. He has honor and integrity that he does not violate. 2. He treats others with respect, even his enemies. 3. He protects others. 4. He is humble. 5. He lives up to his responsibilities. 6. He is absolutely loyal to those he is sworn to or cares for. 7. He never blames anyone else for his own weaknesses or failures. 8. He is a healer, a mediator, and one who serves. 9. He understands that he is not perfect but does his best anyway. We need to make a greater effort to hold Aragorn up as the role model for boys to emulate.

[@JeffreyBezeau]

He attack He protect But most importantly, he respect.

[@albertvick3410]

Cool and who would be an equivalent female role model for young girls? (this isn't sarcasm, I'm legitly asking)

[@Aman-qr6wi]

@@albertvick3410 eowyn or galadriel. I don't like the part of eowyn simping over aragorn but other than that, she and galadriel both are feminine, supportive, rational, caring , courageous and brave. They hold a lot of power than many other men and elves in series but they don't brag about it.Last one being the typical female trait that even men should embrace. Most men are narcissistic about what they possess imo.

[@Broofjude]

@@Aman-qr6wi like when Galadriel pretends to be a witch when Frodo shows here the ring???

[@Aman-qr6wi]

@@Broofjudeoriginally, It was not exactly like a witch shown in the movie but I love her regardless. Like a protective mother figure type of feminine energy.

[@juanpablogutierrez693]

In the books, Faramir is also an example of the gentle warrior or knight archetype. At least in my opinión. He is a great warrior capable of violence, yet hated to enforce it when not necessary. Also, very gentle towards those who need it. In the books, he never intended to take Frodo and Sam to his father and was never tempted by the ring. Very wise, often compared in the books to Gandalf and the high elves due to his character.

[@andreagriffiths3512]

Faramir is one of my fave characters

[@johnbarrientosiii6586]

@@andreagriffiths3512 me too

[@YankeeBlues21]

@@andreagriffiths3512 If I’m not mistaken, he was Tolkien’s favorite as well. He’s the one Tolkien said he felt closest to on a personal level.

[@AverageAwesomeDude]

Yeah it’s also cause Gandalf kinda trained him for a while during his time in Gondor where they called him Mithrandir. But yeah I absolutely love faramir in the books, and the only reason I don’t love him more in the movies is because I don’t think there was enough of him

[@calebklingerman7902]

@@YankeeBlues21 Yes, Tolkien said if he could be most closely compared to any it was Faramir

[@xcarnage3936]

Aragorn failed to save gandalf, didn't make it in time to save boromir, had two of his friends taken captive, and really believed that frodo died. Taking all that into consideration, the weight he had to carry throughout all 3 films, he still chose to move forward and throw his life in the line for his friends and his fellow men. He truly is a king.

[@mandalorian1994]

I’d follow that man into the blackest, bloodiest depths of Hell if he asked. He is a leader, a warrior, and overall, a truly honorable and good man

[@EvenstarSaima]

He didn't believe Frodo had died!

[@aavila1206]

@@EvenstarSaimaWhen the mouth of Sauron revealed the mithril armor and when Aragorn shed a tear proclaiming to fight for Frodo is evidence enough for me to show he really believed Frodo died.

[@EvenstarSaima]

@@aavila1206 he literally chopped off the lieutenant’s head and said “I do not believe it, I will not!”

[@EvenstarSaima]

@@xcarnage3936 when speaking with Gandalf in Rohan after becoming victorious from Helm’s Deep, he said his heart believes everyday Frodo is moving closer to Mordor and is alive, reaffirmed by Gandalf.

[@benjipixel1438]

"The sassy strong independant woman... who usually tends to be the perfect embodiment of toxic masculinity, but Nobody notices it through her Double X chromosomes"

[@trapdoorbeaver]

The most sense making statement ever exist lol

[@malcolmthorne9779]

He was so spot on with that. People these days, and millennials(my generation) and younger in particular, have next to no understanding of what strength is and what it means to be strong. Especially the woke crowd that usually consist of spoiled, entitled (and usually kind of dumb) brats that nowadays hold all media in a stranglehold and thus keeps flooding the ether with their ignorance and lack of wisdom. And so we get "strong women" in shows and movies who just act like asshole guys and expect (and somehow do) to be praised for being an obnoxious bully.

[@venusxaino]

Right?! It's like a woman has to fight and argue to be strong. But there is so much strength in femininity.

[@robyn_marie]

@@venusxaino Yes yes yes yes yes. This is what I want the world to understand. Women don't need to be like men to be strong. We need to be like women to be strong.

[@albertvick3410]

@@venusxaino But a man HAS to fight and argue to be strong? (not sarcasm)

[@samuelleask1132]

“My friends…you bow to no-one.”

[@misanthropicservitorofmars2116]

The king of all mankind saying that to hobbits then bowing to them. Bruh I’m gunna cry thinking about it.

[@jonbaxter2254]

There I go crying again...

[@notacarnist5554]

Gets me every time

[@tristanlanier5641]

@Average Gamer 🇦🇹 ほ、むかてくるのか?

[@trumpetninja28]

Had me in tears

[@PlantagenetRose]

The lack of mention of the glorious Faramir has my heart troubled. “War must be, while we defend our lives against a destroyer who would devour all; but I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend.”

[@c.w.8200]

Yeah, it's remarkable that he has to talk Eowyn down from her stereotypically male idealisation of warfare and heroic death.

[@MB1999uk]

@@c.w.8200 This is my favourite plot line from the books that was kinda marginalised in the movies, maybe because a depressed Eowyn chasing martyrdom was too dark an idea for Jackson to want to use. But the contrast with gentle Faramir gives a lot of sense and meaning to their eventual relationship, and is a good arc for both of them

[@glumphyStoned]

Yeah, Faramir is a lesser Aragorn but the same archetype i believe. Boromir would be the Alpha wanna be Aragorn type.

[@joejoejoe532]

@@glumphyStoned In some ways yes, but even Boromir doesn't fully equate to a wanna-be Aragorn type, at least when away from the pressures put on him by Denethor, who certainly wanted him to that. Boromir is the one that looked out for the Merry and Pippin, and consistently reminded the other members of the Fellowship to be mindful of the wellbeing of the hobbits, the most physically weak of them, and almost immediately shows remorse when he falls to the Ring's influence. He is certainly more overtly flawed, but the best parts of masculinity are still there too in Boromir.

[@glumphyStoned]

@@joejoejoe532 yes you are right. I always feel sadness for Boromir, he was probably the most "human" in the fellowship, his father was a burden that only did bad for him and he wasn't old like Aragorn to possess such wisdom.

[@thepariah3516]

More evidence that Tolkien's work MUST be protected from those whom wish to subvert and pervert it.

[@artbythealbums29]

you mean how they forced the Hobbit movies into a spiraling pit of doom?

[@nicholasthee]

@@artbythealbums29 people dont give the hobbit movies enough credit imo. The only reason why i got into LotR universe and became a tolkien nerd in the first place was because of the hobbit movies. i was 11 when the first movie came out and i loved it. when i got older and started to watch and understand the original trilogy, of course i realized that the hobbit movies was a bit dumbed down, forced, and lazy. but it doesnt change the fact that the hobbit movies was a big influence to me on getting into the best fantasy ever written. and honestly, the hobbit movies arent that bad. if u want to complain, then complain about the upcoming tolkien show that is coming into amazon. THAT might have the chance of people who wants to subvert and pervert it, seeing how all hollywood is getting so woke and "diverse".

[@artbythealbums29]

@@nicholasthee Totally understand your perspective Nicholas, however did you read the books? The narrative put forth in the hobbit trilogy does not match the tone of the books and in many ways does not match the vision of that story intended by JRR in my opinion.

[@nicholasthee]

@@artbythealbums29 i have not read the hobbit books and if it didnt match tolkien's narrative, i wouldnt know anything about it. Ah i only knew that Tauriel wasnt in the books but that was just abt it. Still the hobbit trilogy hate was again, not really deserved. The LotR trilogy set the bar too high for fantasy movies to come and every other fantasy movies that came out after it will always be compared to the trilogy and the hobbit movies were no exception, especially since it was also directed by peter jackson. So when the fans saw how the quality dropped from lotr to the hobbit, yea well u know the outrage. But then again, i didnt know anything abt middle earth and her stories back then. I only know that the lotr movies were good because my dad said they were good. I came into the hobbit blind of anything related to the tolkienverse and i came out lovin it. So if the hobbit movies invites, attracts, and made people like me get into and love the stories tolkien wrote, does it really deserve that much hate?

[@artbythealbums29]

@@nicholasthee Ahh got ya - and I do agree, the LoTR really did establish a bar for those who saw those first. Imagine if we shared perspectives (mine eyes having never touched a Tolkeinverse film prior to the hobbit) I surely would have seen them as cinematic masterpieces as well, or at the very least epic fantasy movies far above the mark. Alas, that's not the case. The Hobbit book was far more whimsical and really established the events for lord of the rings. There was a TON in the movies that never existed in the books and were rather filler from some of Tolkiens other works. Good films, just unnecessary if you ask this guy

[@LoneSilverW0lf]

Disney didn’t give me high expectations of what a man should be, Tolkien did.

[@patricwm2187]

Yes ! Tolkien give not only problem or magic, but solution as well

[@Xarkom89]

I'm Agnostic myself but you can thank Christianity for that.

[@trequor]

Disney's Marvel movies did a pretty damn good job of making at least two masculine heroes in Tony Stark and Steve Rogers.

[@jkknight9209]

@@trequor they shat on stark so badly that I was happy when he died. Never forgiving them for that. EVER.

[@trequor]

@@jkknight9209 How so? Shane Black made a pretty dirty movie, but i thought Whedon and the Russos did a fantastic job with the character. And of course RDJ was perfectly cast and Favreau's Iron Man movie was awesome

[@bootesvoid1275]

Let's not forget how Viggo's interpretation of the character was top notch. If you dig a bit about the actor you'll realize how outstanding of a man he is in his personal life. Which ultimately contributed to his magnificent natural portrayal of Aragorn.

[@glueyossi]

Humble A fighter Dutiful Caring Respectful Honest Faithful Sympathetic Dedicated to something greater than himself

[@FodderMoosie]

Or, to help you remember them more easily, HFDCRHFSD. May we all strive to be more HFDCRHFSD in our lives.

[@glueyossi]

@@FodderMoosie took me a minute to understand but YES YES YES beautiful acronym

[@motyovszkimiklos7538]

But Why are these qualities exclusive to men? This is the question that I cant see the answer to, and thats Why I think its outdated to talk about How to be a real man or a real woman. There are no exclusive qualities / personality traits to either gender. We should stop thinking in this dichototomy.

[@glueyossi]

@@motyovszkimiklos7538 True, but these traits are better than toxic masculinity

[@zeyadalbadawi8774]

@@motyovszkimiklos7538 it means that is what people should strive to be, not what women can't be

[@kirakira1212]

It's actually sad how the term masculinity has been reduced to being equal to toxicity. I agree with your opening 100% As a woman, this is what I mean when I say I like masculine men

[@christophersnedeker2065]

Actually there's a social justice type channel that did a video on how Aragron is an example of non toxic masculinity.

[@heftymagic4814]

@@christophersnedeker2065 wtf

[@albertvick3410]

Men like that don't exist though

[@albertvick3410]

@@christophersnedeker2065 Where? What is it called?

[@heftymagic4814]

@@albertvick3410 plenty do in fact

[@356z]

Off the bat, aragon was loyal to his woman, he talked others up, he didn't run away, and wasn't afraid to offend anyone. He was humble too.

[@cinemantics231]

The character Aragorn is essentially illustrating the servant-leader archetype. He is a leader who serves, and those he serves don't know that it is in fact he who is leading.

[@reck0n3r]

" A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves. " - Lao Tzu

[@theangrydweller1002]

A man provides. for his family and his people.

[@RuiLuz]

Before leading first learn to serve.

[@alejandronieto4212]

Well, they do know he is there to guide them. But thats the thing, he is a guide, not an absolute.

[@connorhaley3190]

Agree

[@annatar6453]

I think the best feature of Aragorn is having hope. When the boy in Helms deep said “there is no hope”, Aragorn replied “There is always hope”. Also when Elrond said “The end is near”, Aragorn replied “It will not be our end but his”.

[@YankeeBlues21]

Fitting that the books tell us that his mother would call him “Estel”, the elvish word for hope, when he was growing up.

[@balrog262]

GET YE GONE FROM MY GATE!

[@farahwyn8733]

It's nice to see you Sauron complimenting Aragorn, your enemy.

[@TheBayzent]

Shouldn't you be disagreeing and try to sell how much of a cool of a Knight type this Sauron guy is? He gave Jobs to everybody and the trains ran almost on time, kinda, when Shelob didn't eat them.

[@AFC9311]

Another example is when Aragorn comforts Boromir in his last few breath’s and says “I will not let the white city fall.” Even in the face of impossible odds and little hope, Aragorn remains relentless and full of inspiring hope.

[@uriahgarcia3329]

She's not looking for a "nice" guy. She's looking for a "good" guy who's just good for the sake of it. Nice guys want something in return. Good guys do it because they can.

[@Orchid_1026]

THIS.

[@bubbleheart500]

EXACTLY

[@leokim1458]

I, like Miguel, am brazilian. In our portuguese "good" is "bom" and "nice guy" would be "bonzinho (lit: little good)". Almost the same logic, but both are undesireables here.

[@KoinzellGaming]

I disagree. Due to current cultural norms, a lot of women idolize a proactive partner who's "alpha" and gets recognition as a "high quality male" (so that her choice gets validated by others). There's a reason why celebrities are idolized and it's not for the "good" in them. In our current culture of convenience, procrastination and entitlements, not having responsibilities/duties or roles in a relationship/marriage is a fools errand. Things won't simply work out due to "love", or the man being the defender/provider ("good man") - we humans get used to things, we cannot keep giving without getting something in return. Aragorn dedicated himself to his duties, but he was also acknowledged and "rewarded" for his efforts. It used to be natural to appreciate what we had (even if it wasn't much), a man who lives for honor, duty and strength will also get rewarded for it in return (acknowledgement, friendship, trust, respect, love), but right now - that's not the case anymore due to the festering cancer in society called "entitlement" (and also hedonism). It used to be that people would appreciate every little thing they had, every grain of rice, every piece of bread was precious and it was directly linked to the efforts of the man. Right now, unless you look at other countries where respect and appreciation was built into their culture, it's difficult for a "good man" to survive in current day society. Ex: What if Aragon did all he did, but during every interaction other characters would insult him, ignore him, spit & yell at him, blame him - would Aragon act the same? Would we as viewers be able to cheer him on throughout the journey as we did in Tolkien's work, or would we tell him to leave the "fellowship"? His sacrifice even against the abuse would be more similar to Jesus. A strong man might have a bigger cup from which he can give "kindness" to others, but once it runs out (& if others take-take-take), then he won't be able to continue operating. I think that "nice guys" and "good guys" are more similar than what you'd care to admit. I think nice guys are trying to do the right thing, but they're likely desperate (unattractive), lack assertion (unattractive) and a lot of them are mentally unwell (due to desperation and due to broken families). I also don't think that Aragorn being good is what made him "attractive" or loved - what makes Aragorn attractive ARE his leadership qualities, his stoicism in the face of danger, him oozing confidence. While Aragon was a character who "did good because he could", he isn't a loved character BECAUSE OF IT, those parts of his character need to be separated. He became a figure to idolize due to the way how other characters saw him, how other characters treasured him, and how he always met or exceeded their (& our) expectations. This is the main point why I think it's incorrect to claim that Aragorn was a "good guy" and "women simply want a good guy, not a nice guy" - Aragorn is a literal leader in a time of chaos, he's not simply a "good guy" - he's the 0.0001% of humanity who embodies the virtues that every man wants to achieve & follow (similar to a messiah). Majority of real "good guys" will be part of the Rohirrim or the normal footsoldiers in the army in the scences, background characters, who charged against the evil, but which one is more attractive - the random background character, or Aragorn (we all know who)? Simply being good is not attractive. TL;DR: I will just say that the "good guy" as OP stated isn't realistic and is an incorrect way on how to view relationships and how to categorize the character of Aragorn. No man can continue to work hard when their kindness ("niceness") isn't reciprocated/returned. Most "modern women" don't respect self-sacrifice (or feel attracted to it) right now and culture has shifted, communities no longer matter, the benefit a good man brings to a community (and the respect one would get for being a good man) is non-existent outside of cultures where the "group" is more important than the individual. Aragorn isn't an example of a simple "good guy" - he is the smallest of small percentages of humans the one king of Gondor, the last surviving Numenorian, who is good, loyal and capable enough to lead humanity.

[@BrodBrolin]

Very good analysis. I think the whole "nice guys are actually bad" is a just world fallacy to make sense of men being frustrated in their efforts.​ It's natural to expect to be appreciated for our good conduct. Being good despite not being appreciated is the ideal of paramount virtue, but we know ideals are targets that by definition can't be achieved. The rise of the manosphere and worship of the selfish alpha male is proof of this. Why be selfless if your sacrifice won't even be recognized? It's a huge cop out to just say those guys are weak insecure beta males who should instead just keep toiling on in the gutter and if they expect anything in return they are bad people.@@KoinzellGaming

[@SJ-rd2pn]

As a girl I found Aragorn EXTREMELY attractive, he doesn't have a jaw dropping, perfectly modeled face; but his strength of character and gentleness yet not in a effiminate/spineless way makes him the sort of man you can admire and love. I wish more guys would model themselves on his character. The same balance goes for girls.

[@Artemis-Arceias]

There has been studies about fictional characters and their personalities. Aragorn has been catagorised as an INFJ which makes up 0.4-1% of male population. That is the reason, why finding people like him is so rare.

[@WouldntULikeToKnow.]

@@Artemis-Arceias that personality test has been proven useless as it does not give consistent results.

[@Artemis-Arceias]

@@WouldntULikeToKnow. It dosn't give consistent results, because peoples intrests change and their personality developes over the years. It does how ever give leads about your personalitytreats and it sorts people to somewhat groups, where they share mlst of their intrests and values. MBTI short for "Miles Bridgerss type indicator" was used when chosing careers and work groups. Only thing that it might give us is how people are most likely yo behave, what they value, what they want from relationships with others. I personaly don't think that all of the information that it "provides" to use is true, but i use it as a baselayer to analyse peoples needs acording to their behavior. By having more information about peoples personalities, i am more likely to understand and accept their behavior.

[@nadirlezgyar7895]

Bs.... everybody knows Finrod and Fingolfin are the real Shrigma males

[@qwerty84-w9h]

@@Artemis-Arceias its not about him being an infj as not all infj's are like aragorn, aragorn is just the ideal male with a perfect sense of morals/discipline/humilty and fights for a greater purpose which is what makes males like him exceptionally rare

[@Paul_Sergeyev]

One of the great things about his character is that he is 87 years old. This is comforting because it lets us know that to get all those treats of his character he walked a long and difficult way, hence we should not be upset about not being like him immediately, but to just walk forward on that way.

[@iamfreedman6880]

Him being 87 years old is irrelevant cause he doesn't age as much and the only reason why he didn't have the characteristics faster was cause his ancestor messed up in a colossal sense. Had that not happened he'd have still been an idealised version of man, although much faster. Almost none of his traits are because of the trauma of Isildur's fall. They are there cause he's genetically better and grew up amongst elves who are a bunch of spiritual gary stus. Only thing Isildur's doings affected was his humility (due to guilt and knowledge of weakness) but that too could have been cultivated through elvish upbringing since most of them are a bunch of tranquil nature worshippers, instead of Feanor-esque morons

[@Cruz474]

if it takes 87 years to become a good man, were effed, god save us all.

[@welshlout3400]

@@iamfreedman6880 He accrued life experiences at the same rate as any other human, even if he took longer to reach physical maturity. Of course his age matters, alongside the other factors you mentioned. And I’m pretty sure it’s safe to assume that the long lived nature of the elves play a not- insubstantial role in them becoming spiritual gary stus and tranquil nature lovers.

[@silas6328]

"None of these people really love each other. They only love the FEELING the other person gives them." Modern romance summarized in its entirety. Thank you sir. Love is not a feeling; it is a choice that you choose every day. And because people are flawed, the choice is not always easy. But you choose it anyway. THAT is what love is.

[@aprilwright3900]

Well said. Love is a verb. Love is as love does

[@doomsdaybooty1072]

But...but... I need that hit of oxytocin, so i am compelled to sleep with different people at every available opportunity, and I use social media as an ego crutch to fill the void I feel before, after and during human interaction

[@bp3177]

Beautifully put, it’s refreshing to see a mature description of love. You’re a great person and I wish you the best

[@tticusFinch]

Man just called me out like that. Good reminder

[@huck3108]

@@tticusFinch Facts

[@EmelieWaldken]

Zuko from Avatar TLA is also a great example of someone born into royalty who throughout his arc understands that he is in a position of changing the system for the better - and changes himself, becomes a better person, to be able to take on that role.

[@mitchellsmeed8711]

I love that Aragorn and Faramir are both described as carrying the blood of Numenor , both in physique and in character. It speaks to the ethereal almost elf-like qualities of these "just rulers" and sets them apart as almost mythic ideals.

[@i2rtw]

Faramir is one of my personal favorites.

[@elainechubb971]

I'd note that both of them have the innate good sense to learn from older and wiser people--each takes Gandalf as a mentor. Aragorn, raised in Rivendell, also must have learned from Elrond, a father figure to him. Contrast them with Boromir. Now, there's an alpha male rather running amok.

[@luikanami]

I love how Tolkien legitimized these almost otherworldly characters by introducing Samwise Gamgee as the possibility of every normal and caring person to become a hero of worldchanging significance too. That's what the original legends of men persuing greatness are missing: Birth and status might be an advantage, but in the end the decision to put others before yourself is key, and can be fulfilled by each and everyone.

[@sergiofedele6811]

At 41, I just recently read the book Lord of the Rings and discovered the immense greatness of this masterpiece and I was also surprised by the character of Faramir. He is wise and strong in a unsurpassed way and changes also his mind through a well described process. Tolkien showed genius and attention to detail in creating this character that I hope will inspire generations of people, especially men, as he did to me. The question is: do young kids still read Lord of the Rings?

[@YankeeBlues21]

Midway through the video is a great point about Aragorn not seeking to destroy a social order, but rather to heal its dysfunction and weakness. We could use a lot more of that in the real world. Too many people want to “burn it all down” out of anger, when we *need* societal institutions, just with more virtuous leaders organizing them and channeling collective efforts for positive ends

[@Kryynism]

In the real world we don't get good people at the top.

[@dantefromdevilmaycry9857]

@@Kryynism IRL nothing really is Inherently good or unapologetically evil, it's just a matter of perspective... same goes to the people on Top of everyone else making the decisions.

[@Kryynism]

@@dantefromdevilmaycry9857 lol high school tier philosophy bucko

[@Kryynism]

@Denizen of The Depths wonderful write up my dude. I don't have anything to add, I've been distant from God for the last couple years because I'm scared to face Him over some shit. But I agree 100%

[@Kryynism]

@Denizen of The Depths lol been there done that. His series is a an insane example of an atheist grasping at truth without accepting truth. But hey lobsters and chaos man 👍

[@AliothAncalagon]

To be fair, people are correct when they point out that Aragorn is basically an extreme fantasy of what a man should seek to be, basically impossible to achieve, but Tolkien would also be correct if he himself would answer with the objection that thats exactly the intended purpose of powerful fiction.

[@mehitablestorm8877]

We need the fantasy to have something to aspire to.

[@Tyler_W]

Much like Superman (done well when properly understood), Aragorn is an aspirational hero. He's not who most of us are, not in totality anyway, but he's someone we could be through the cultivation of virtue.

[@martinharris5017]

I believe Archetype is the word. The example of what we should aspire to be.

[@mmccrownus2406]

Shoot for the stars

[@A_Khajiit_Has_Wares]

I disagree, I think attaining what he was is perfectly possible through enough effort. One need only to look to various historical figures, saints, spiritual masters, prophets, and the like, along with king figures just like Aragorn such as Lord Rama and Cyrus the Great.

[@isaachester8475]

In the way Aragorn is described here, he is the ideal person, not just the ideal man. The key universal takeaways from his character are: -Be humble and be kind when needed -Be strong and face challenges and injustice, have a backbone -Help those around you, protect those who you can, when they cannot protect themselves -Try to do the best you can with what you have, work hard -Seek to heal society rather than destroy it Are these not things that every person should strive towards, regardless of gender?

[@gypsysnowwolf2313]

Exactly!

[@seanmurphy7183]

A code to live by

[@kkuznetsov2424]

Exactly! Women should not be excluded/exclude themselves from having these kind of qualities. Everyone should aspire to be righteous

[@maxalaintwo3578]

Men have more strength and drive, so they have more responsibility to handle it correctly than women

[@bigduke2140]

These values are krytonite to modern women. Both genders could walk this path but modern society shuns it. Women should carry greater shame in shunning the noble path as they are the mothers of children, stronger than them and the first choosen to care. Fems shunning the noble choice is the bigger betrayal.

[@mackadam5894]

I'd say Ned Stark was a pretty good example of this as well. Especially shown in a quote from Robb (about what Ned said): "Being a Lord is like being a father, except you have thousands of children and you worry about all of them. The farmers plowing the fields are yours to protect. The charwomen scrubbing the floors, yours to protect. The soldiers you order into battle. He told me he woke with fear in the morning and went to bed with fear in the night. I didn't believe him. I asked him, "how can a man be brave if he's afraid?" "That is the only time a man can be brave," he told me."

[@nostalgicbliss5547]

Man, I loved Ned so much as a character.

[@megashark1013]

@@embatbr Thing is, Ned had reason to believe that he absolutely could win the conflict. He thought he had the entire city watch on his side, meaning his men would have heavily outnumbered the Lannister men. The only reason this didn't work was because of Littlefinger's betrayal (which Ned should have suspected, obviously). It wasn't a moronic committal to what was "honourable" that got Ned killed, it was simply trusting the wrong man.

[@bloat1235]

@@embatbr He did not "virtue signal", he wasn't trying to flex "everybody look at me, I'm doing the right thing", he legitimately believed the children did not deserve Robert's wrath, so he warned Cersei. He didn't warn her because he wanted to show he cared about children, he warned her cos he genuinely didn't want Robert to come back and murder a 6 year old. Ned is not one to virtue signal. Also, how was he in a weak position? At the time of his action, a Baratheon was king, he had the north, allied with the vale thru his wife, the riverlands through his wife also, the stormlands through Renly who wouldn't betray Robert + the iron islands somewhat neutralised with Theon in Winterfell. This means, only the westerlands, the reach and dorne were not linked in an alliance/neutralised via family. Later on ofc we learn Balon doesn't give a shit abt Theon, Lysa Arryn doesn't help, Renly and Stannis feud etc, but from Ned's POV and that point in time, no one could have known. As for Littlefinger, we see how sly he is thanks to the fact we're the audience and Ned believed he had bought the city watch. There was no way he could have thought he was in a weak position.

[@Fuk99999]

@@embatbr You do realize that Ned is analogous to Aragorn right? Where Boromir represented the average man and his weakness, Aragorn represented the idealistic man and his strengths. Ned Stark was Martin’s equivalent. And if you know anything about GRRM, you’d know he’s quite critical of Tolkien’s writing because it’s not as grey as he thinks it should be. Aragorn is who we want to be. Boromir is who we likely will be. Ned Stark is the realistic version of the former. And we know this because history is filled with plenty of honorable, noble men who’s stalwart traits led to the deaths of themselves, friends and family. That’s the entire point of the character. Martin doesn’t like the idealism in Aragorn because that’s where it realistically will go

[@bloat1235]

@@embatbr the only child of his who died was Robb, who was murdered in a situation not even Tyrion saw coming so I can’t really blame Ned there. Rickon died but I don’t anything needs to be said there it’s so far removed from Ned. 2/5 children died, compared to Tywin where 2/3 died. For all his scheming, Ned did better. You keep saying “he wanted to be Mr Right” as if Ned was trying to get on some high horse to sneer, when he just genuinely did not want to murder kids for political gain. He wasn’t trying to show off or be a goody two shoes, that’s just who he was as a person

[@nicholassmith5611]

That line about the strong sassy independent female characters being the prototype for toxic masculinity has my head exploding. That’s such a unique take.

[@megashark1013]

It really isn't. I have no idea how you haven't heard that take before, it's quite common. People point out all the time that many of the traits possessed by poorly written "strong female characters" are also synonymous with what is considered toxic masculinity.

[@nicholassmith5611]

@@megashark1013 it’s new to me

[@Joyboy0101]

@@nicholassmith5611 new to me too, but its definitely not an uncommon personality type for female leads, so i shouldve noticed sooner.

[@setter_soul_waifu0930]

@@nicholassmith5611 There is a video here on youtube about woke femininity of women (forgot the title) and the narrator also said the same thought "modern feminity in movies are just toxic masculinity hidden in disguise" or something like that. That's why majority of woke feminist movies flops even tho we have half of female population.

[@aishaswallen6139]

Those are principles and ethics which is what having a noble character is all about. It has nothing to do with gender.

[@GraceYocum]

Some points that stood out to me/other things I noticed: - acknowledges the efforts and accomplishments of others - Gives praise to others instead of himself - Provides for those in his care - Strong, confident leader - Dedicated to something greater than himself, and through humility he does not become a slave to power - Dedicated himself to become skilful precisely so that he could be reliable and dependable for the good of others. People sense that, which naturally makes them seek him out as a leader because of his ability to serve them - He naturally creates followers and admirers because he doesn’t seek to overpower them, he seeks to help them. Even if he can overpower everyone around him, he doesn’t, because he seeks to help, protect, and guide - He isn’t the main character because he doesn’t have the power or ability to be the main character. The most serious problem affecting his world is a temptation inducing magic ring thing and he cannot fight it. Aragorn knows his limitations so he steps back. He doesn’t take it upon himself to solve all of the world’s problems, because he can’t. But he understands that he can help and save the thousands of others through his capabilities and skills. So he’s not a hyper-competent rebel who can do whatever he wants or whatever the story needs him to do. Aragorn is part of a fellowship. He shows how well he can help those in his group because of how dedicated he is to specific skills for the good of others. He does not show an ability to single-handedly destroy his enemies, yet he is also extremely competent in what he does and is formidable, an integral part of his fellowship. - Gentle to those under his protection who need a gentle touch while simultaneously capable of fighting against the monsters and criminals who threaten those who cannot protect themselves (capable of violence, but not out of hatred) - Protective not dominant violence, used as a last resort to protect and defend - Prevents unnecessary drama, wasn’t afraid to respectfully shut down potential love triangle with Éowyn even if it hurts her at first - Chivalrous and respectful to women (and everyone) - Coronated king and then says “My friends, you bow to no one.” - Openly affectionate, reassuring, comforting

[@kingaragornii9940]

*He's my role model.*

[@brunoacostasilva]

Based. Same. I was deeply confused in my late teens why so few people I did know looked up to Aragorn as role model, most people just consider him a badass deuteragonist. Fortunately I realized there are more people who think similarly in the last years as I started to use internet for more important stuff.

[@ccrg9642]

Nazgul the Witch King of Angmar is my role model. 🤣

[@darthvader8144]

@@ccrg9642 Don't forget about Oakensghield

[@MMAisTHEbestSPORT08]

@@darthvader8144 oakenshield is a quite bad role model, although he is a good dwarf he is easily corrupted by gold which is not something you would want to be

[@foxskyful]

Why not dwarf or Sam. I hope it's not most because of look

[@OptimumSlinky]

Aragorn is the epitome of "noblesse oblige," (which believe it or not used to be a thing), the idea that nobility is obligated by birth to help those less fortunate whenever possible. It's a concept we desperately need more of, especially in America, where narcissism and greed have run rampant for too long.

[@justtekina6709]

So your saying my delusion of grandeur should be taken seriously problem is people wont listen to royalty they only obey if their hearts are moved or swayed by words for instance society always do things after the fact and never think ahead

[@PR--un4ub]

We don't have "nobility". Thankfully, we are no longer living under monarchies.

[@OptimumSlinky]

@@PR--un4ub No, we've traded monarchs for oligarchs.

[@dian277]

@@PR--un4ub we have "privilege"

[@PR--un4ub]

@@dian277 Vague.

[@katpage9378]

I recently watched The Lord of the Rings for the first time and one of the main things that stood out to me is how these men feel like real human beings. I love it. It reminded me of the men of the Bible.

[@awsome182]

When I was a kid, my dad read LotR to me and Aragon was my favorite character. Then in 2002, when I was 11 years old, I saw LotR for the first time, shortly before the second movie came out. And Aragon flashed me. I was a child and had no idea of attraction, love, crush etc. But even though he was a fictional character, I felt so attracted towards him. Because he was brave but gentle. Manly but humble. Strong but caring. And Viggo Mortensen looked amazing as Aragon. To this day, he is my all time favorite male fictional character.

[@julietchevelle]

We have way more in common than I could ever explain 😂🙌🏼

[@grilled_platypus]

I mean… our brain can’t distinguish fictional characters from actual humans so … But you’re right, I also liked Aragon the moment I got introduced to him by my father. XD

[@thedirtygir3059]

I didn’t have a dad cool enough to read the books to me but I SURE DID have a crush on him once I watched the movies!

[@Davidofthelost]

Aragorn is the kind of man all should be. Kind, wise, and willing to fight to protect people. Rather than rush into a battle at the smallest thing, but not simply unwilling to fight for his beliefs and the people he loves.

[@foxskyful]

Why not like Sam more.

[@Davidofthelost]

@@foxskyful Sam is no difference. Though I was talking about being a Leader like Aragorn.

[@foxskyful]

@@Davidofthelost Everyone wants to be leader no one wants to be hobit. Why it's beacuse his not warrior and doesn't have look, but his hero also. People already failed to be better person, because of look that's how people look at most things. That's not how real man or hero would do or should

[@Davidofthelost]

@@foxskyful many people to be a warrior and adventure when they are young, then be the hobbit when they are old and have peace.

[@foxskyful]

@@Davidofthelost Na, it will be more Gandalf, when they older and have knowledge and more experience in life

[@ChrisJohnson-yw2ky]

Aragorn is such an important character. He is the absolute embodiment of courage, bravery, strength, heroism, loyalty, honor, and sacrifice. What an excellent model of the way a man can act. Everyone can use a role model, and he makes a good one.

[@elainechubb971]

Plus he has a sense of humor!

[@buttovelli9198]

He is gentle, nurturous and humble yet absolutely competent

[@buttovelli9198]

@@OpalBLeigh yeah totally. ❤️👍

[@Rosefire]

Aragorn is indeed a great hero. He took responsibility into both of his hands and remained confident and steadfast, an inspiration to others in the saga.

[@Jac0bIAm]

Yes, exactly. I have been saying this for a long time now - Aragorn is the archetypal expression of masculinity, much like Arwen Undomiel is the archetypal expression of femininity. Tolkien himself most likely purposefully created them in that manner, for that purpose.

[@rithvikmuthyalapati9754]

And Eowyn is the archetypal expression of a strong independent lady

[@AlbinoBlackMonkey]

"My friends, you bow to no man." Explains everything he is and still chocks me up every time

[@trenchfoot8204]

Your name is highly suspect teeheeheehee also *chokes* dubstep 5ever 🚨🚨🚨🤖🤖🥵🎯

[@AlbinoBlackMonkey]

@@trenchfoot8204 So ....my actual name is suspicious? And the rest of that, I'm gonna be honest....what!?!?

[@lad4830]

I believe it was "My friends, you bow to no one."

[@cheerio4742]

"True courage is about not knowing when to take a life, but when to spare one." --Gandalf the Grey

[@hooh5479]

In the movie Schindler's list, Oskar Schindler says something very similar to Amon Göth.

[@lauraandrews1676]

Ummm, Gandalf never said that.

[@tappajaav]

@@lauraandrews1676 "The McDonald's Ice Machine is broken." -Isaac Newton, 1999

[@st.michaelthearchangel7774]

In short, because he has qualities of a saint.

[@Anon1gh3]

lmao saints are evil.

[@dt1458]

The knight archetype is truly the correct path to follow. Aragorn is an inspiration to us all.

[@davidminken4094]

“In peace there's nothing so becomes a man as modest stillness and humility; but when the blast of war blows in our ears, then imitate the action of the tiger; stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood, disguise fair nature with hard-favor'd rage.” ― William Shakespeare, Henry V

[@DarkAquaVII]

I was a tomboy growing up as a kid and I wanted to be like Aragon, no one else, I just thought Aragon was awesome, kind, understanding and protective. As I got older into my teen years and still a big fan of LotR, I wanted to find a partner like Aragon... unfortunately throughout my dating years I have not found one like him whatsoever, they either acted like alpha males or beta males (ffs) well, they were all assholes at the end of the day, anyway. I'm still a woman and very feminie, but I see a lot of myself in Aragon. (Also see myself as Éowyn) It's helped me throughout my life and to stay strong. I'm thankful that LotR exist, it really does show strong and beautiful characters that teach you things 🙏 I still get emotional every time I watch some certain scenes, when I do a yearly binge watch of the trilogy - extended ofc. 😅

[@mingus445_gaming]

Nice. Hope you find the right guy.

[@cesarandrade1987]

The problem of ideals is not about having them, but to believe they exist. Reality is much more complex and we must learn to be guided by ideals while understanding they are by their very nature unreachable, and simplifications. The map is not the territory, but the map is certainly useful.

[@evescent7312]

I found this yearly binge of the trilogy a popular thing in the internet. But I still don't know anyone from my circles of friends irl who does it. Maybe I'll be the first one.

[@josetapia9606]

Don't give up! Women like you are Men need; And Men like Aragorn should be there for Women like you. It's a two way team, not a competition.

[@mingus445_gaming]

@@josetapia9606 FACTTSSSS

[@Nicholas_Powell]

God bless. This is what we as men should seek to be. Aragorn is even better represented in the books because he does not doubt his kingship. He is fully confident as a king, warrior, leader and fully gentle and humble. Ultimately, however, Arogorn is such a powerful representation of a male ideal in so far as he is a representation of what we are called to be by Christ as Tolkien understood and wove through his works. This was a great video, thank you.

[@Numba003]

Aragorn is how men should be. I loved the grand conclusion of the “gentleman knight” image. That’s exactly right man. Thank you. Stay well out there everybody, and God bless you friends. :)

[@jertdw3646]

@Tanner if a male happened to have all these qualities that the KZbin creator talks about but he was homosexual, would he still be a good role model for young men? This is a genuine question. If you think I'm trolling or trying to be sjw then please just don't reply. As I said, its a genuine question.

[@yeraisalgado6146]

@@jertdw3646 Yes. He still would be considered a man worth of following. His goodness outweights the fact that he is homosexual. Like When in middle ages, Christian Kings and nobles respected Sallahudin.

[@jertdw3646]

@@yeraisalgado6146 oh okay, I assume you are Christian thus why you see homosexulity as bad. I thought that in these spaces on KZbin you had to be heterosexual to be seen as a man.

[@yeraisalgado6146]

@@jertdw3646 no i Don't see homosexuality as bad. Also im not Christian. I consider homosexuality as normal as heterosexuality. Apart from that, there are a lot of gay man who are extremely manly. So mind your tongue before accusing people, better ask what I wanted to say.

[@jertdw3646]

@@yeraisalgado6146 I think you misunderstand. The way you worded your last response made it seem like you thought homosexuality was bad. I wasn't saying you were wrong either way, I just made a statement as to why I thought you may have had that view.

[@malcolmthorne9779]

Or, as I call it, the Law of Lords; "In rule, servitude." We live in a time suffused with narcissistic, vain, greedy and egocentric views. A time when virtue is not merely forgotten but its image have been bastardized and defiled beyond recognition. A time when those who claim virtue do so out of selfishness, ignorance and sanctimoniousness. A time when it is more important to people to appear virtuous than to actually be virtuous. It says something worrying about the state of the world that to be a rebel against the state of things you have to be a genuinely good man.

[@shanekeenaNYC]

Yep. I put it a different way; Too many people today are concerned about their legacy, about being on the right side of history, as opposed to simply doing the right thing. period. in and of itself.

[@isaachester8475]

I don’t know what you mean, could you give an example?

[@luikanami]

What i really love about The Lord Of The Rings: It shows the perfect hero in Aragorn. And it shows another perfect hero in Sam. Those two are so completely different yet both equally important, heroic, kind and wise. It's incredible how Tolkien managed to tell the story of the ancient warrior knight on the one side and allowing that idealistic depiction to meet that of the lower class country boy who becomes the savior of the world, both characters equally powerful and unique in their role of destroying the enemy and protecting the world. Any other stroy would play them out against each other, but Tolkien really marries 2 worlds while making them each even more meaningful.

[@vigilantez9361]

Tolkien understood archetypes for sure.. Aragorn is the dude of dudes, king of kings etcetera. Great video!

[@nillynush4899]

and he's named after a reconquista spanish nation

[@vigilantez9361]

@@nillynush4899 really? I didn’t know that!

[@imperatorsverige1806]

@@nillynush4899 The nation you are talking about is Aragon not Aragorn.

[@oolooo]

Remember that time Aragorn said "I did not reveal my identity to you because I wanted you to like me for who I am" ? .That was so adorable .Arwen is a lucky gal .

[@alainapowerchick2025]

As a woman watching this... Thank you. It's been nuts existing in a society where the average man is none of this. You spoke on sooo much I've felt, said and been berated for addressing. Such a breath of fresh air for my soul. Keep sharing your healthy visions!!

[@twelve535]

When you're garbage, what you get is garbage.

[@bg3841]

In fairness we are talking about an ideal here. If are disappointed because you expect the average man to be close to it then that's probably part of the problem. Most people are, by definition, kinda average.

[@josephsaladi4001]

@@bg3841 Ideal isn’t perfection. Ideal is the ideal situation. So try to reach it.

[@bg3841]

@@josephsaladi4001 ideal is a word used to describe some subjective concept of what is most desirable. I.e. perfection according to a standard. So feminine ideal would equate to the idea of a perfect female.

[@miiguel3550]

@@twelve535 thanks for saying the quiet part out loud

[@koopanique]

I'm more of a Star Wars guy but Aragorn is the ideal of masculinity towards which I look up to I love his character arc in LOTR, he's strong and wise but not a douche bag and cares for others. The scene where he kisses Boromir's forehead when Boromir dies is so sad, but what gets me is the sincerity of humility of Aragorn in that moment

[@servus_incognitus]

The thing is, Star Wars seeks to portray different archetypes, more subtle ones, and as such I'd say that SW surprisingly does a better job at portraying a traditional civilization (although in decline) than LOTR. Also, SW's symbolism is unmatched.

[@ponternal]

C3P0 is peak masculinity

[@NobleVagabond2552]

@@servus_incognitus star wars symbolism is unmatched? Nah bruh. Star wars has symbolism yes. But please try to think outside the bubble that its in a tier above all the rest

[@liynne]

@@NobleVagabond2552 i suggest watching "star wars mythology" video on youtube. sw symbolism is very subtle. but thats also due to how read george lucas was. and the very thing that's missing from the sequels, thus making them feel not as much as star wars, and the prequels do even with their many issues.

[@TheSADHU88]

He was my role model as a kid, i wanted to be a man like Aragorn when i grow up, but i realised its really hard to achieve, but not impossible.

[@bigchungus6223]

Sam is my personal hero, but Aragorn is right behind him

[@zubrowska9017]

I particularly love how openly expressing care and love for his platonic male friends is never portrayed as something that is effeminate but actually something that a real man would never feel any insecurity over.

[@Stargazer4ever15]

I find a lot of heroes in books these days are not "inspiring" so much as they are merely "relateable." You hit the nail on the head when you said most fiction these days complains about the world while offering no solutions. They manifest despair more than hope. I found Hunger Games especially like this. I found I didn't like the character Katniss much as a result. Self-centered heroes are just not inspiring. They don't inspire me to be a better person. This is also why I love LOTR so much. All characters were subject to temptation (except Tom Bombadil but that's another story) and so that made their refusal of the temptation all the more inspiring. Because it is the same in our world. We all are subject to temptation. We all can choose our actions. The small things *do* mean something. There is always hope. Yes, we are more naturally prone to selfishness. But that doesn't mean that, like many post-modern heroes, we embrace being selfish and make it our character arc. Real life is more like the decisions in LOTR where we feel the temptation to selfishness but then can choose to let go of it. And it makes a difference. First within your own heart, and then within other's hearts when they witness you make that decision to be selfless.

[@BlueStar4040]

I understand what you are saying, but I can think of a lot of "inspiring" characters in modern fiction. Also there's "relatable" characters that have character development an do inspiring things too. Maybe you haven't looked at the right things 😉

[@carlthecaesar]

"People seek him out to be a leader because of his ability to serve." This is an incredibly powerful and underrated line. We don't choose leaders solely because they can lead, we choose them because we can count on then when we need help

[@ca2987]

Brazil here and you were chosen by The algorith

[@patrioticjustice9040]

Being masculine isn't about being a "Chad." It's about being a man. Real men don't back down from challenges that life throws at us. Real men work hard and strive to do what is right. Real men help others in need. Real men focus on improving themselves while remaining humble. Real men help inspire hope and courage in others when times get dark and will always lead by example. A real man is loyal to those he cares for.

[@Lma832]

Chad is misunderstood

[@aurelian2668]

@@Lma832 Chad is a nation!

[@TheAceCorporation]

Aragorn is a very well-written character. No toxic masculinity, no alpha male bs, just being honourable and gentlemanly, fighting for his friends and his people. And that's not to say that every man is obligated to be like him. He's simply a good example of how to properly write male characters. I don't claim to be an expert in any field, let alone literature, but you only need to be watching or reading Aragorn's character to see that he was well-done. Sam, also, is a great example of something different but also similar to what Aragorn embodies. Because Sam isn't doing what he does for his own selfish purposes. It's not only about him. He does it because he wants to help. Yes, Gandalf told him to at first, but when Frodo insisted that he was going to Mordor alone, Sam replied by saying that he had made himself a promise not to leave him. Sam has every reason throughout the journey just to go back home and leave Frodo to his fate, but he didn't. What I'm getting at here is that this franchise pretty much perfectly captures what being a good person is. To be a friend, and to be a warrior. I can name quite a few characters in LOTR that represent femininity and masculinity in its many different forms. And, best of all, no Mary-Sues and no "SiGmA" alpha males. Modern writers should watch your videos on these characters. They'd learn a lot.

[@HeadbutKneecap]

"That's not heroic. It's just the bare minimum of his obligations"

[@chodebon75]

its like when people bet praised now a days for helping somebody in an emergency, i saw a story of a guy who jumped off a bridge (literally something a of people do for fun) to rescue a little kid who fell in the river, everybody said he was a hero, or really brave and the guy was just like " i did what anyone should do". Yes it was impressive but it SHOULD be what anyone would do.

[@a_rtyom]

@@chodebon75 OMFG YES FINALLY

[@the98themperoroftheholybri33]

I feel like Ned Stark is also a similar archetype as Aragorn, Ned Stark helped remove a mad king who killed his father and brother, and attempted to rescue his sister, kept his sister's baby and claimed him as his own (despite it ruining his honour) because it was the right thing to do rather than abandon it, he could've become king yet allowed Robert to become king because he couldn't rule, he even gave up his own life to save his daughters.

[@leonrobinson8180]

Ned Stark is EXACTLY like Aragorn. He was an excellent warrior, but honorable and kind. In his youth, he was known as "The Quiet Wolf". His brother Brandon was the typical Alpha, but his alpha traits killed him, choking himself reaching for his sword while his neck was in a noose.

[@Divinemakyr]

@@leonrobinson8180 I wouldn't say his alpha traits killed him, he merely cared for his father, a lot, beyond logic. Likely would have been killed anyway. I agree with everything else you said though.

[@leonrobinson8180]

@@Divinemakyr But if he weren't such a hot head, he could've put a fist in the noose and reached for the sword. But to be fair, few could keep a cool head in such a terrible situation

[@rowantic6539]

@@leonrobinson8180 But Ned Stark is Boromir.....

[@amansinghrollno-7167]

Faramir also comes close

[@ajmaln8502]

Having this personality is really hard because the world right now can't understand this. It takes others some time to know who you really are and once others understand they'll never underestimate you. Talking from real experience.

[@BasketballJunkie1324]

Boromir also has aspects of the ideal man. He showed us that a corrupt hero can find redemption and earn forgiveness by protecting the weak with his life

[@Divinemakyr]

Current Kratos is a great example of masculinity. Past Kratos was a bad one, but that was on purpose. He wasn't meant to be an actual hero, instead, a merciless destroyer of the gods he thought had wronged him. In getting his revenge, not only did he find no peace, but he destroyed the world.

[@viccasaur]

This is a message to all men… please be nicer to yourselves, you don’t need to prove anything to anyone else, know your limitations. Just focus on doing the right thing, and don’t feel ashamed of displaying emotion. Of course don’t be rampart about your emotion, because that doesn’t look good on any gender. Sometimes I feel that you bring each other down, and that’s not right. Stick up for one another, by being there for your bros!

[@joshuaweatherston5124]

Man super happy the algorithm blessed me with this. I love finding great hidden channels like this

[@plutonium120]

gladiator, braveheart also stand right up there with my favorite masculine film portrayals. also luke from the original star wars trilogy. excellent character development from young man/boyhood to full on mature masculinity.

[@athras8822]

I would agree with Gladiator but disagree with Braveheart. Not talking about real life William Wallace, as I don't know enough about him to discuss it in depth, but the film depiction of him. He got way too arrogant, which caused his downfall, also the whole thing with romancing a married princess with whom obviously don't have a future with.

[@gabrielaburcea5734]

YES. AMIN. Aragorn is my dream man (too bad he's married) and person. He is amazing. I loved how he handled the situation with Eowyn having a crush on him: so mature, manly, empathic, real and faithful to his love. Also loved his humbleness and caring and protective nature. Aragorn is a true king!

[@Baananna]

So true !

[@jakoporeeno4654]

I hear Gimli is single.

[@muhammadhashir6136]

To be a good masculine role model like Aragorn: be hot and muscular and loving yet badass when needed, motivating when needed, intimidating and scary when needed: basically every women’s wish list

[@merisskenderovic1030]

Its possible to be all of those things

[@willbradley3201]

You’re focusing too much on the physical traits, which weren’t really relevant to the video’s message. The werewolf guy from Twilight is on a level playing field with Aragorn in terms of being muscular, handsome, and intimidating yet he is used as an example of a pseudo-masculine beta male; the difference between him and Aragorn boils down to their personas.

[@ramir3sxd]

No, Aragorn it's too good of a person

[@Tyler_W]

Eye spy the cynical beta male...

[@cadethumann8605]

As a man myself, it is also on my wish list for a life partner (maybe not necessarily the physically-strong part but the strong personality itself).

[@nergal2931]

In martial arts its called gentle savage, something we all should strive to be.

[@sophieamandaleitontoomey9343]

He was always my hero when I was little. I walked into that theatre when I was a child with my mom and Aragorn taught me what it meant to be a selfless and courageous leader.

[@lizgalvanoharshbarger4369]

So refreshing to hear these views from a younger person. Well said. True heroism is what's lacking in modern writing and cinema.

[@rodolfodiass1456]

This review is THE explanation of my feeling of anguish I had when I started watching Game of Thrones. Watch this makes me feel extremely relieved haha thanks!

[@adamnesico]

Well, in many ways GoT is a tribute for LotR. It has his Sam, and Jon is teen Aragorn.

[@Doncroft1]

I think Superman is another healthy masculine archetype example. Gentle but strong. Knows restraint and humility. Rises up when needed.

[@Squisky]

I disagree. Superman knows his strength. He does not need to be brave. Aragorn practices courage. Superman embodies almost god like abilities. Different vibes.

[@BANANA42k]

@@Squisky Superman IS a god and yet he is more human and selfless than the vast majority heroes depicted in modern media. His godlike powers don’t make him any less of a man to look up to.

[@JustSomebody0]

@@Squisky The only Superman movie I've ever seen is "Superman Returns", so I don't know much about him. But there I could see him feeling fear. How insecure he is with the journalist woman he's in love with, and how insecure he is in social interactions in general. He knows he is different but he really wants to belong. He also feels great love for humanity and with that love comes the fear of them getting hurt, and the fear of not being able to help them. When we feel fear we also have the potential to be brave, which we can tap into when we feel love.

[@maxalaintwo3578]

@@SquiskySuperman’s story isn’t about courage, it’s about self-control, duty, and humility.

[@OfficialRaveBlitz]

Aragorn remains my favorite character in LOTR, not only because of his great leadership, but because he is so humble, kind, and at the same time awesome.

[@chuckthetrooper]

lol that surprised pikachu face at the end made me laugh, sometimes I just wish we had more Aragorn characters in pop culture. Something we can actually point to as being a good character. There are too few

[@kennethtigiri4677]

This is hands down one of the best videos I've seen on KZbin. The part about allowing yourself to be stuck in a love triangle hit the spot. Thank you for this, I think I finally found a Role Model

[@paulo26br]

This video deserves more views and likes

[@mill370]

Aragorn is such a husband material and he doesn't exist. What a life.

[@Hon_cb1kr]

He does exist. Aragon is a stealthy type of guy in other words low key. He is an introvert intelligent leader. Guys like him in real life are extremely capable yet extremely humble and quiet. They are not easy to spot. Once you see him, you cannot unsee him.

[@caseypayne5138]

Better make sure you're the kind of person that can bring enough to the table to land an Aragorn then

[@mill370]

@@caseypayne5138 I’m not tho, even if he existed (he doesn’t) he wouldn’t want me

[@Hon_cb1kr]

@@mill370 It's a shame you believe good, strong and capable men don't exist. Yes they do exist. Aragorn type men are recognized recently as SIGMA males. They are extremely rare. I don't believe in labels but it is simpler to describe it this way instead of the official psychological term.

[@mill370]

@@Hon_cb1kr Sigma and chad talking? I’m out lmao

[@Tzivas69]

This video brought a few tears by making words all the feelings and thoughts that have never been told, for one of the truest heroes. Congrats to the team here.

[@couragecoachsam]

As I’ve digested the ideas from “King, Warrior, Magician, Lover”, I see what you’re saying as Aragorn entering the King archetype only after he has integrated the fullness of the Lover and the Warrior. Great stuff

[@honganos]

Just waiting for you to whip out the CS Lewis Chivalry Essay. Considering Lewis and Tolkien’s literary and personal relationship, it makes sense they have a similar ideal of the knight as an archetype and goal for ideal masculinity

[@OathofLight]

I don't know about that essay! I'll have to find it, sounds worth reading.

[@honganos]

@@OathofLight it’s called “the necessity of chivalry” and there used to be a lewisdoodle video of it but it’s gone for some reason

[@hayleybell_author]

I love this video so much. This is such a great breakdown of true masculinity and what drives me crazy in romance novels. I love a good love story, and am attracted to the supernatural/paranormal thing (which is why I did indeed read the Twilight books) and I was never able to put words to why, as an adult, I looked back on that story with such 'ick'. Both Edward and Jacob were so annoying, and their hyper obsession with Bella was over the freaking top. The posturing and constant back and forth drove me crazy when I tried to reread the books as an adult. Bravo on such a great video.

[@averagejoe7860]

I'm a really lucky kid, and I can recognize that. I'm watching this as I'm writing my college essays on privilege vs responsibility. not only is this a cool coincidence, but your explanation has really helped clarify my thoughts on the matter. thanks!

[@hadirmaamouri4204]

He is like Mr Darcy with a sword ..that's why every girl who reads pride and préjudice falls in love with the Character .. the ''perfect'' man is a gentleman who serves others while maintaining his self respect ..I can also think of Rhaegar Targaryen ..who was described in the books as noble and kind to his people .. a warrior prince who prefered singing and reading to fighting even though he was very good at it .. I love your analysis .. subscribed ^^

[@aprilwright3900]

The comment aged well

[@daniellenm395]

Its because he is written as a Christ figure, Christ as king specifically. He is written with the virtues and humility of Jesus.

[@MrHoll87]

Love this video. Always been a big fan of Aragorn because of all the points mentioned here and I think that Cloud Strife also fits into this category.

[@albertvick3410]

No definitely not Cloud is not humble (well maybe later) and DEFINITELY DEFINITELY DEFINITELY NOT secure seriously, even after the events of the game he has a massive self-doubt problem

[@DaryleHamel]

This makes me want to watch the trilogy again! Thanks for writing and making this video, great stuff!

[@karinanalbandyan3009]

I fully agree with you. I believe I’ve said something very similar to what you’re saying here, that it takes a balance of both the gentleness, compassion, and care, with courage, strength (physical & mental), ability to act by applying physical force to defend oneself, or other innocent victims from violence.

[@DaOndee]

I loved the part talking about having the obligation to help others when born into high status. The conclusions are great. Bravo!

[@hadleyschmidt9689]

Best new channel I’ve found, you’re like a sober Critical drinker mixed with with philosophy…I liked it

[@radrose4864]

This video is a BANGER. I agree across the bored. Aragorn is the perfect man. We need more of this archetype in our stories these days

[@zalkarn]

When listening to the part about how humility is actually freeing, it's almost like Tolkien wrote Aragorn with a firm understanding of ~Catholic theology~. Who woulda thought.

[@PR--un4ub]

Let's not pretend all of Catholicism is worthy of respect, however.

[@chodebon75]

of christ, not Catholicism.

[@ZalkarGorm]

@@chodebon75 Catholics worship Christ as God, theology is the study of God, so Catholic theology is the study of Christ through the lens of the Catholic Church. Tolkien was Catholic, ergo his understanding of Christ would be through Catholic theology. The original comment is accurate.

[@frankie3010]

@@PR--un4ub yes, it is. A lot of Catholics aren't, but as a community it is certainly noble

[@PR--un4ub]

@@frankie3010 Nope. Anyone with an objective view of reality realizes that Catholicism is chock full of judgemental hypocrisy and the subtle enabling of molestation.

[@etewis87]

This was such a great analysis of a character and of our own psychology! This archetype is the type I've always looked up to and sought ought to emulate for myself because I saw this in my own dad (RIP) though I didn't see it past the age of 12. Never realized that Aragorn truly does represent all those characteristics of a healthy, functioning and masculine leader in society. Now I'm going to watch the trilogy all over again with new eyes, thank you for that.

[@Comkill117]

The voice of Optimus Prime, Peter Cullen, said once that before he went to audition for the role of the Autobot’s leader, his older brother, a marine, gave him some advice on creating a true hero. He told Cullen “Don’t be like another one of those ‘Hollywood heroes’, be strong enough to be gentle.” To me this idea is basically the same thing on paper, and Aragorn fits this idea perfectly. I believe fully that a true man is someone who has that strength of will and kindness in him. One who is strong but uses that strength not for the sake of himself, not to appear as this powerful figure, but someone who would do whatever it takes to keep his loved ones safe and happy come Hell or high water. Aragorn does this constantly throughout Lord of the Rings, leading the charge against Sauron’s dark forces by the end not for some sense of glory of battle, but so that the world can be a better place tomorrow. His demeanor reflects this too, a gentleman who is kind and outgoing for his people, but to those who dare to attack the innocent he’s a force to be reckoned with, and makes it clear they won’t be allowed to do so while he’s around. I think that’s the kind of man we should look up to. One who can be strong enough to be gentle.

[@jacobzanardi1930]

It’s no mistake that Aragorn, Frodo, and Gandalf are all different archetypes of Jesus. Jesus the King, Jesus the Priest, and Jesus the Prophet

[@salmanrayhanpatwary1309]

Wow, this is very insightful comment. Thank you.

[@Jack-vd1pd]

How do you know?

[@queengoblin]

Weird take

[@isopropyltoxicity]

@@queengoblin makes complete sense since Tolkien was in Britain before the 21st century

[@juancassinerio1580]

religion is part of our history and our modern culture, the battle between good and evil is a consequence of monoteism