Posted: July 27, 2000 at 22:01:59: by Luna
: : Where/when did the power to Heal get started in Aragorn's ancestry, i.e., which of his ancestors first manifested this power?: : I suggest that it must go back to Earendil at least, since at one point Aragorn refers to Elrond as being 'the eldest of our line, and has the greater power' (I realize I'm paraphrasing here). Since Aragorn is not descended from Elrond, he must be referring to one generation further back when he speaks of 'our line'. : : But if it goes back to Earendil, then it would seem that the Kings of Numenor must have also had this power. Or must they? Tolkien makes some statements about ancient bloodlines sometimes 'running true', such as in the case of Aragorn and Faramir. : : The expression "the Hands of the King are the Hands of the Healer" must go back to prior the time of the Stewards (or else they make no sense), but how far back? :
: More likely he is refering to the other bloodline. That is the one through Elrond's mother Elwing to Luthien and Melian the Maia. I believe to power to heal goes back to Earendil and the Elessar which Idril gave to him before setting sail. The Elessar (see Unfinished Tales) would restore that which was withered and "the hands of one who held it brought to all that they touched healing from hurt."
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