The Dúnedain (Rangers)
The Dúnedain, the Rangers of the Northern Kingdom stand always against the works of
Sauron throughout Middle Earth, abiding by turns in the distant
North, where Morgoth once ruled, attending to the lands of the
West, riding with Rohan, and protecting all of Middle Earth. They
are fearsome fighters, whose long memory reaches back to their roots in Westernesse. Their kingdom in the North is no more, the men of the
North being no longer numerous enough to truly govern the land. Rather they are wanderers,
led by their chieftain Aragorn. Other than Aragorn, few of the
Rangers are mentioned by name, but they too have a representation of morality in Tolien's
universe. They seem to represent endurance and vigilance, as their unceasing work to
preserve the borders of the Shire is mentioned more than once. In addition, Tolkien makes
a point to show their endurance through the ride that Aragorn summons them on by way of the
Paths of the Dead leading away from Rohan. It is said that no others than they could have
accomplished such a ride.
