The recent release of a new deck in Magic the Gathering, titled The Lord of the Rings: The Tales of Middle Earth, generated great excitement among fans. However, when the Aragorn card was revealed depicting him as a black character, it sparked a divisive reaction within the community, leading to conflicts.

While the majority of LotR fans may not be bothered, there will inevitably be individuals who are greatly upset by this alteration. We should anticipate the recurrence of these arguments in the future, sadly.

We have conducted a brief exploration of the lore for you. Here’s a spoiler: Aragorn’s race could be black, and Tolkien wouldn’t have had any preference.

• If you’re open to embracing a diverse cast in a Tolkien show, I recommend giving the Rings of Power on Prime a try with a complimentary 30-day trial.

Is Aragorn Black In The Source Material?

Although it is never explicitly mentioned, it is certainly plausible that Aragorn’s physical appearance is only vaguely described by Tolkien in The Lord of the Rings.

In a pale and stern face, there resided a pair of piercing grey eyes, framed by a shaggy head of dark hair, interspersed with streaks of silver.

However, it is well-known that Aragorn belongs to the Dúnedain, and their depiction can be found in the Silmarillion.

…and they possessed great height, surpassing even the tallest of the sons of Middle Earth. The radiance in their eyes gleamed like brilliant stars. However, their population in the land grew at a sluggish pace, as their daughters and sons were born to them, surpassing the beauty of their fathers. Yet, the number of their offspring remained limited.

From the given descriptions, the only conclusion that can be drawn about Aragorn is that he possesses a tall stature, fair complexion, and captivating eyes.

On the condition that we are open to considering Christopher Tolkien’s works as consistent with the established lore, we can find evidence indicating the presence of black individuals in Middle Earth throughout an extensive period. According to Christopher’s writings in The Peoples of Middle Earth, it is stated that among the Edain, an ancient human tribe, there was a notable racial diversity.

Among the Folk of Bëor, there existed individuals with fair hair, both men and women. However, the majority of them possessed brown hair, typically accompanied by brown eyes. Additionally, a significant number had a darker complexion, with some even having a swarthy appearance.

Based on the source material, it is plausible that Aragorn’s lineage includes an ancestor from the House of Bëor, which could have resulted in him having a darker skin tone. While this would be atypical for a Dúnedain, it is not entirely out of the realm of possibility.

While black hobbits have a more concrete existence in Tolkien’s writings, it is important to note that the idea of a black Aragorn does not entirely contradict the established lore. The text does not provide any evidence to dismiss this possibility, so don’t be easily convinced otherwise.

• The Peoples of Middle Earth comes highly recommended. With the availability of a new Kindle edition at a more affordable price, this book is now within reach for everyone. It serves as an indispensable companion for those seeking to delve further into the Legendarium.

Does This Even Matter?

It is highly likely that Tolkien envisioned a white character when aiming to create a “truly English epic”. However, in The Lord of the Rings, the races of men are ultimately inconsequential. Tolkien’s most fascinating comparisons exist between different races rather than within them. Moreover, Tolkien explicitly denounced racial theories as harmful and lacking scientific basis in his 1938 letter to Berlin publishing house Rütten & Loening.

If you have genuine respect for the author and his works, there is no need to waste your time pondering over the skin color of Aragorn. It is important to note that Tolkien himself never dwelled on this matter. Instead, let us cherish the image of Aragorn as intended by the author, as immortalized in the Appendix to the Return of the King.

Afterwards, a magnificent beauty emanated from him, captivating all those who laid eyes upon him. They were filled with awe as they witnessed the perfect fusion of his youthful charm, his courageous spirit in adulthood, and the wisdom and grandeur he had acquired with age. And there he remained for a long time, resembling a majestic image of the Kings of Men, radiating undimmed glory even in the face of the world’s impending demise.

Young, courageous, wise, and majestic.

We extend our heartfelt sympathies to those who were eagerly anticipating , but fret not, as there are several other games this year that could satisfy your fantasy cravings.