Quick Answer
Aragorn was 210 years old when he died. As a Dunedain with Elvish ancestry, Aragorn had an exceptionally long lifespan compared to regular humans in Middle-earth. He lived to be three times the age that most non-Dunedain humans would reach.
How Old Are the Dunedain?
The Dunedain were descendants of the kingdom of Numenor founded by Elros, Elrond’s brother. Because of their partially Elvish ancestry, the Dunedain lived much longer than regular Men.
While regular humans in Middle-earth typically lived to be around 70-80 years old, the Dunedain regularly lived to be 200-250 years old. Some of the early Dunedain kings, like Elendil, lived to be over 300 years old.
As one of the last descendants of the pure Numenorean royal bloodline, Aragorn inherited their longevity and was able to live for over two centuries.
Aragorn’s Age at Key Events
Here is a timeline of Aragorn’s age at important events in his life:
- 29 – Met Gandalf and became Thorongil
- 49 – First met Arwen
- 87 – Traveled as Thorongil to Rohan and Gondor
- 120 – Elrond revealed to him his true name and ancestry
- 210 – Passed away after 120 years as King of Gondor/Arnor
So when the events of The Lord of the Rings take place, Aragorn was already 87 years old. However, given his Dunedain ancestry, at that age he was still in his prime.
How Does Aragorn’s Age Compare to Other Middle-earth Characters?
Character | Race | Age at Death |
---|---|---|
Aragorn | Dunedain (human) | 210 years |
Arwen | Elf | 2901 years |
Gandalf | Maia (angelic spirit) | Unknown, at least 2000+ years |
Gimli | Dwarf | 262 years |
Legolas | Elf | At least 2931 years |
Merry | Hobbit | 102 years |
Pippin | Hobbit | 104 years |
Sam | Hobbit | 102 years |
As a Dunedain descended from the men of Numenor, Aragorn lived an exceptionally long life compared to other human characters like Boromir or Faramir. However, he was still mortal and died at an age considered old even for the Dunedain.
The Elves, Gandalf, and Dwarves lived much longer lifespans than humans. Elves in particular were immortal unless killed in battle or departing to the Undying Lands. Aragorn’s lifespan was closer to that of the Hobbits, who typically lived 100+ years.
Aragorn’s Reign as King
After taking the throne as King Elessar Telcontar, Aragorn ruled over the Reunited Kingdom of Gondor and Arnor for 120 years.
He married Arwen in 3019 and they had at least one son, Eldarion. Aragorn’s reign ushered in a new era of peace and prosperity for Middle-earth after the War of the Ring.
Records show that in 120 F.A. (Fourth Age), King Elessar passed away. Legends said he gave up his life willingly as he felt his age catching up with him.
At the impressive age of 210, Aragorn passed away after a long and successful reign as king. He was laid to rest in Rath Dínen, the tombs of the Kings of Gondor.
Arwen, heartbroken by his death, chose mortality and passed away alone in Lórien a year later at the age of 2,901.
Conclusion
In summary, Aragorn was a remarkable 87 years old during the War of the Ring, already middle-aged for a Dunedain descendant of Numenor. After becoming King of Gondor and Arnor, he lived to the advanced age of 210 years old before voluntarily giving up his life.
Compared to Elves, Wizards, and other Middle-earth races, Aragorn did not achieve true immortality. However, his Dunedain heritage allowed him to live more than twice as long as most humans of his era. When he finally passed away, he had lived a full life and left behind a lasting legacy as King Elessar.