The Return of the King

by

J. R. R. Tolkien

Halbarad Dúnadan Character Analysis

Halbarad is one of the Dúnedain Rangers and Aragorn’s friend. He and his fellow Rangers catch up with Aragorn on the way to Helm’s Deep, delivering both the royal standard of Gondor and advice from Elrond to follow the Paths of the Dead. His presence, along with the other Rangers’, seems to catalyze Aragorn’s decision to fulfil his destiny as Isildur’s heir and claim the kingship of Gondor.
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Halbarad Dúnadan Character Timeline in The Return of the King

The timeline below shows where the character Halbarad Dúnadan appears in The Return of the King. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Book 5, Chapter 2 
Hope vs. Despair Theme Icon
Expectation vs. Ability Theme Icon
War, Greed, and Nature Theme Icon
...of them dismounts. When Théoden asks for the riders’ purpose, the leader introduces himself as Halbarad Dúnadan, Ranger of the North, and reveals that they’ve been looking for Aragorn. To Merry’s... (full context)
Power, Wisdom, and Mercy Theme Icon
War, Greed, and Nature Theme Icon
...the Dead.” Aragorn says he’ll only go that way if absolutely necessary. He sees that Halbarad is carrying a long staff wrapped in cloth and asks what it is, to which... (full context)
Hope vs. Despair Theme Icon
Expectation vs. Ability Theme Icon
...oath was fulfilled. Legolas and Gimli resolve to go with Aragorn. They mount their horses, Halbarad blows a loud horn, and the company thunders away. (full context)
Loyalty, Love, and Sacrifice Theme Icon
...host of the Dead around them. Aragorn commands the Dead to aid him and has Halbarad unfurl the standard he’s been carrying. The company camps until morning, then rides out again,... (full context)