I think a part of it, is that it's hard for people to recognize what a burden it must be to carry that weight. Sam had the ring on and it didn't bog him down all that much, right...
But that's only a part of the story. PJ doesn't really cover it, but this victory is something that Aragorn's life has been completely devoted to. He's spent over sixty years knowing that he's the last of his line, and in many ways, the last hope of his people (and the waning elves) against Sauron. And has been told by Elrond that he can't marry the woman he loves unless he is King again, but to also know that such victories come at the cost of Arwen losing the last of her family - people she has spent centuries with.
Or Frodo. Knowing that everyone looks to him. Even Sam. There is a pressure on Frodo that Sam just doesn't have to face. Knowing that his quest is more important than anything else. That making a trip home doesn't matter if he can't destroy the ring. It's a question of roles. Somebody has to be able to prepare for the aftermath and eventualities. Somebody else has to know that there are no acceptable alternatives to success.
It's far easier to be Legolas or Gimli, fighting and battling, but ultimately only being a small part of the team. Far easier. They're still heroes, but they don't have to carry the weight.
My perspective is somewhat different, because I approach less as a "fan" and more as a scholar. In war and life, there are many heroes. It's true that Gollum scored something of an "own goal" for Evil, but even this is set in motion because Frodo is merciful enough to spare him.
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But that's only a part of the story. PJ doesn't really cover it, but this victory is something that Aragorn's life has been completely devoted to. He's spent over sixty years knowing that he's the last of his line, and in many ways, the last hope of his people (and the waning elves) against Sauron. And has been told by Elrond that he can't marry the woman he loves unless he is King again, but to also know that such victories come at the cost of Arwen losing the last of her family - people she has spent centuries with.
Or Frodo. Knowing that everyone looks to him. Even Sam. There is a pressure on Frodo that Sam just doesn't have to face. Knowing that his quest is more important than anything else. That making a trip home doesn't matter if he can't destroy the ring. It's a question of roles. Somebody has to be able to prepare for the aftermath and eventualities. Somebody else has to know that there are no acceptable alternatives to success.
It's far easier to be Legolas or Gimli, fighting and battling, but ultimately only being a small part of the team. Far easier. They're still heroes, but they don't have to carry the weight.
My perspective is somewhat different, because I approach less as a "fan" and more as a scholar. In war and life, there are many heroes. It's true that Gollum scored something of an "own goal" for Evil, but even this is set in motion because Frodo is merciful enough to spare him.