Why Elrond Did Not Tell Aragorn about Isildur's Refusal to Destroy the Ring in The Lord of the Rings

One of the intriguing aspects of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic tale of The Lord of the Rings is the mystery surrounding the decision and subsequent fate of Isildur's refusal to destroy the One Ring. This refusal led to the long and arduous journey of the Ring's journey through the centuries, ultimately leading to a complex web of events that culminated in the quest of Frodo and the Fellowship. A significant question often arises: Why did Elrond not inform Aragorn about Isildur's refusal to destroy the Ring?

Context and Timeline

Aragorn, as a descendant of Isildur and an elf-lore master, certainly knew about the fate of the Ring and Isildur's unfortunate decision. However, Tolkien's world is intricate, with layers of secrets and republican trust among its characters. For Elrond to have shared this information with Aragorn would have been unnecessary and potentially harmful. This decision is best understood through the lens of historical and political necessity.

The Historical and Political Necessity

The primary reason Elrond did not disclose this information to Aragorn is rooted in the greater good. Tolkien often emphasized the concept of “Kinslaying”, the act of turning against one's own kind, which was a theme that permeated the Last Alliance, including the dispute between Elrond and Isildur. Opening old wounds, especially those involving kinsmen, could have caused rifts, which were undesirable at a time of considerable tension and uncertainty.

The Sequence of Events

Let's review the significant events of the War of the Last Alliance. The key figures involved were:

Elendil Isildur Gil-galad Sauron Elrond Cirdan Isildur

During the final battle on Orodruin, many were lost, but Elrond and Cirdan were the only prominent elves who survived. The debate about the destruction of the Ring still raged on even after the defeat of Sauron. Isildur's decision not to destroy the Ring was applauded at the time, though it led to unforeseen consequences later on.

The Latency of Knowledge

The significance of this information would have been deeply known to Elrond from the very beginning. He shared this knowledge with other influential figures, including his mother-in-law, Galadriel, the Istari, and the kings of Arnor. This kept a network of closely tied individuals informed, ensuring that the knowledge remained closely monitored and protected.

The White Council and Gandalf's Role

It's important to note that in the timeline of Middle-earth, Gandalf did not arrive in Middle-earth for over a millennium after the events of the Last Alliance. By this time, Elrond had already amassed a considerable amount of knowledge and wisdom about the events, and it would have been counterproductive to disclose this information prematurely.

The White Council, which included Gandalf, knew that the Ring was with Isildur until his death. Prompting such knowledge to be disclosed earlier could have led to unnecessary complications and mistrust among the trusted parties of Middle-earth.

In conclusion, Elrond's decision not to inform Aragorn about Isildur's refusal is a testament to the complexity and strategic nature of the world Tolkien created. It was a choice that, while it may seem arbitrary to the reader, served a greater purpose in the intricate tapestry of Middle-earth's history.