Mystical Summoning: Who Sent for Halbarad and the 30 Dúnedain in The Return of the King

In The Return of the King, Aragorn mentions summoning Halbarad and the 30 Dúnedain riders more spiritually rather than through a formal command. This mystical connection highlights the deep-rooted bond between Aragorn and the Dúnedain, as they share a shared destiny. Aragorn's ability to summon them without taking control over them emphasizes the connection between them and the great importance of the prophecy in their shared destiny.

Halbarad and the 30 Dúnedain

The journey of Halbarad and the 30 Dúnedain riders begins with a mysterious message, the origin of which is unknown. However, Legolas guesses that the message could have been sent by Galadriel, given her profound foresight and the ability to read the hearts of men. Galadriel, being Aragorn's kin and a powerful figure in Middle-earth, could have foreseen the need for her kin to aid in the battle for Rohan.

Further Insights from Elrond and Galadriel

The involvement of other figures, such as Elrond and Galadriel, further complicate the origin of the summoning. In book five, chapter 2, The Passing of the Grey Company, it is explicitly mentioned that the Dúnedain were made aware.

Gimli, when discussing the summoning, posits that Galadriel may have been the one to ask for their help. His argument is based on the idea that, as a powerful figure with extensive foresight, Galadriel could have seen the urgency of the situation. Another possibility is that Elrond, who had close ties with the Dúnedain and had already sent his sons Elladan and Elrohir to support Aragorn, could also have been involved, especially as Elladan and Elrohir played a significant role in the Grey Company.

Conclusion

While the text does not explicitly state who sent for Halbarad and the 30 Dúnedain, both Galadriel and Elrond are strong candidates. Elrond, being closely aligned with the Dúnedain and having previously sent his sons to aid Aragorn, could have asked for their help. However, Galadriel's profound understanding of the future and her close relationship with Aragorn make her the most likely suspect in many readers' minds. The true identity remains a mystery, adding an air of mysticism and intrigue to the narrative of The Return of the King.

The mystical summoning of Halbarad and the 30 Dúnedain underscores the deep spiritual and familial connections within the world of The Lord of the Rings. These figures, bound by prophecy and kinship, played a crucial role in Aragorn's quest to reclaim the throne of Gondor and defend Middle-earth from Sauron's darkness.