Ahira's Hangar

A much used plot element in folklore and fantasy is the secret prince, who finds and claims his birthright. Does Aragorn fit into this category? Is his heritage as Isildur's heir a secret? Elrond of Rivendell and Gandalf know, and the Stewart of Gondor (Denethor) apparently does not.

As I see things his identity is partly kept secret through his assumption of the role of Strider, a ranger. taraswizard
Allan Rosewarne N9SQT/WDX6HQV
Chicago area
W/T forever, always
Plan C - http://planc.bravepages.com/main.html<i></i>

Yes, Aragorn definitely seems to fit into the "secret prince" category as you define it, Allan. His true identity was a closely kept secret throughout his childhood and was revealed to him by Elrond only after he came of age.

But I am wondering: Is there some point you are you trying to make with this observation? "Does the walker choose the path, or the path the walker?"<i></i>

The literary point of if Tolkien conforms to some standard plot elemens of fantasy stories. The archetype hidden prince story is the sword in the stone. taraswizard
Allan Rosewarne N9SQT/WDX6HQV
Chicago area
W/T forever, always
Plan C - http://planc.bravepages.com/main.html<i></i>