The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Lesson Plan

Why is Aragorn’s coronation such an important event in the history of Middle-Earth? And what challenges will he face during his reign as king?

The return of the king is such an important event because it heralds a long-awaited renewal of the Kingdom of Gondor after a thousand years of decline, as well as of its former counterpoint in the North, the Kingdom of Arnor. Furthermore, as Gandalf mentions, Aragorn's ascent to the kingship coincides with the beginning of the Fourth Age of Middle-Earth, during which time Men, and not the fading Elves, will become the predominant power on the continent. Accordingly, Aragorn's biggest challenges as a king will involving ensuring...