Editing Men in Middle-earth (section)

=== Ambition for power ===
{{further|Addiction to power in The Lord of the Rings}}

Kocher writes that the [[Rings of Power]] reflected the characteristics of the race that was to wear them. Those for Men "stimulated and implemented their ambition for power". Whereas the tough Dwarves resisted Sauron's domination, and the Elves hid [[Three Rings|their Rings]] from him, with Men his plan "works perfectly", turning the ambitious kings into [[Ringwraiths]], the nine Black Riders. With the [[One Ring]] to rule them, Sauron gains complete control over them, and they become his most powerful servants. Kocher comments that for Tolkien, the exercise of personal [[free will]], the most precious gift, is "the distinguishing mark of his individuality". The wise, like the [[Wizards (Middle-earth)|Wizard]] [[Gandalf]] and the Elf-queen [[Galadriel]], therefore avoid putting pressure on anybody. In contrast, Sauron is evil exactly because he seeks to dominate the wills of others; the Ringwraiths, the nine fallen kings of Men, are the clearest exemplars of the process.{{sfn|Kocher|1974|pp=55–57}}

Kocher states that the leading Man in ''The Lord of the Rings'' is Aragorn, though critics often overlooked him in favour of Frodo as [[protagonist]].{{sfn|Kocher|1974|p=117. "By some critics, like Roger Sale, he is completely neglected in favour of Frodo as central hero;"}} Aragorn is one of two Men in the [[Fellowship of the Ring (characters)|Fellowship of the Ring]], the nine walkers from the Free Peoples opposed to the nine Black Riders. The other is [[Boromir]], elder son of the Steward of Gondor, and the two Men are sharply opposed. Both are ambitious, and both intend one day to rule Gondor. Boromir means to fight valiantly, to save Gondor, with any help he can get, and to inherit the Stewardship. Aragorn knows he is in the line of kings by his ancestry, but he is unknown in Gondor. When they meet at the [[Council of Elrond]], they dispute who has been holding back Sauron. Aragorn presents the shards of the broken sword of his ancestor, Elendil, and asks Boromir if he wants the House of Elendil (the line of kings) to return. Boromir evasively{{sfn|Kocher|1974|pp=125–143}} replies that he would welcome the sword. The One Ring is then shown to the Council. Boromir at once thinks of using it himself. Elrond explains how dangerous the Ring is; Boromir reluctantly sets the idea of using it aside for the moment, and suggests again that Elendil's sword might help save Gondor, if Aragorn is strong enough. Aragorn replies gracefully to the tactless suggestion. Kocher comments that by being both bold and tactful, Aragorn has won all that he wanted from Boromir: the sword is genuine, as is Aragorn's claim to own it, and he has been invited back to Gondor. The Fellowship set off, temporarily united; when they reach [[Parth Galen]], Boromir tries to seize the Ring from Frodo, causing Frodo to use the Ring to escape; the Fellowship is scattered. Orcs attack, seeking the Ring; Boromir repents, and dies trying to save the Hobbits, an act which redeems him.{{sfn|Kocher|1974|p=132}} Aragorn gives Boromir an honourable [[Ship burial|boat-funeral]]. The quest eventually succeeds, and Aragorn, growing in strength through many perils and wise decisions{{sfn|Kocher|1974|p=139}} is crowned King. Boromir gave in to the temptation of power, and fell; Aragorn responded rightfully, and rose.<ref name="Council of Elrond" group=T>{{harvnb|Tolkien|1954a}}, book 2, ch.&nbsp;2 "[[The Council of Elrond]]"</ref>{{sfn|Kocher|1974|pp=125–143}}<ref name="Pace 1979">{{cite journal |last=Pace |first=David Paul |title=The Influence of Vergil's ''Aeneid'' on ''The Lord of the Rings'' |journal=[[Mythlore]] |date=1979 |volume=6 |issue=2 |pages=37–38, article 11 |url=https://dc.swosu.edu/mythlore/vol6/iss2/11}}</ref>