Any of the Chieftains could have taken on the Oathbreakers, but for what? In
the time of the Stewards, Gondor was still powerful and Rohan was the powerful
neighbour next door. The Arnorian Dunedain would have an Army of the Dead to
accompany the barrow-wights already in Arnor... It was only after proud Gondor
was about to be crushed and Sauron had sent his top servant there that Aragorn
came out of the shadows. Plus, the Arnor Dunedain had their own job to do in
the North, protecting the Shire.
Even Aragorn didn't want the Dead-if the Corsairs weren't ready to strike, he
would have gone with Theoden and Eomer. Perhaps Eru has intervened again-those
changing winds would have helped the Corsairs reach Minas Tirith just as easily
if Aragorn had not been forced to free the Dead; final forgiveness for them,
direct from the top. It's more about their fate than Aragorn's- this is no
trial for him, the Palantir had already been one.
Aragon himself is a reminder of Elendil,but is also a scion of Beren, the
dark-haired grim hero who wedded an Elf princess. Legolas says it best- is he
not of the Children of Luthien? This unique branch of humanity is a cut above
the rest, and cannot be compared easily to us 'normals'. It' like comparing
Fili and Kili to Durin the Deathless. His will is a driving force as Feanor's
had been for the Noldor, though Feanor used fear and Aragorn had brotherly
love; yet willpower is willpower. If Gimli can be persuaded, any Elf or Man
would follow him.
Aragorn knows the Dead will follow him, and the 33 people beside him will as
well. He is in a desperate situation, and calls on the Dead in total
confidence. The Rangers and Dwarf are afraid of what might happen, since they
have no right to be there. But they have the legal heir here-Aragorn exudes the
same confidence Arvedui his ancestor did , when claiming Gondor's throne.
The previous Chieftains certainly had problems- some were killed by wolves, one
was even killed by trolls. That means that Aragorn's ancestors might have had
no time to rescue a bunch of dead
people.
There is but one task remaining in Arda-we,the Dragons of Valinor will make it happen.
Lone resident of the Republic of Gondor
PO-TA-TOE-S not PO -TAH-TOE-S!
