Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy is widely regarded as one of the greatest film adaptations of all time, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t left some viewers with lingering questions. One of the most debated topics revolves around The Return of the King — why didn’t Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) use the unstoppable Army of the Dead in the final battle against Mordor?
The ghostly warriors, who played a crucial role in the victory at Minas Tirith, were a terrifying force capable of overwhelming entire armies. Some fans argue that keeping them for the final push against Sauron’s forces at the Black Gate would have ensured victory. But upon closer inspection, Aragorn’s decision to release them wasn’t just a matter of honor — it may have been a necessary strategic move.
Who Were the Army of the Dead?
In The Return of the King, Aragorn is advised by Elrond to seek out the Army of the Dead, spectral warriors cursed by Isildur for breaking an ancient oath. With Legolas and Gimli at his side, Aragorn ventures into the haunted Paths of the Dead and successfully convinces the ghosts to fight on his behalf, promising them freedom if they fulfill their vow. They go on to decimate Sauron’s human allies at Pelargir and play a decisive role in turning the tide of battle at Minas Tirith.
Afterward, Aragorn releases them, keeping his word — despite Gimli’s protests that they should remain and continue the fight. While some see this as a missed opportunity, there were compelling reasons behind his choice.
The Risk of Necromancy
One of the lesser-known dangers of bringing the ghosts to Mordor is that someone else in Middle-earth also had the power to manipulate the dead. Within Tolkien’s lore, Sauron was a master of necromancy, a fact hinted at in Jackson’s The Hobbit films and reinforced by his ability to control the Nazgûl. Given that the Ringwraiths were described as being "neither living nor dead," it’s not a stretch to imagine that Sauron could have exerted his influence over the Army of the Dead if they had marched straight into his domain.
Aragorn’s Honor Above All
Beyond strategy, Aragorn’s decision is deeply tied to his character arc. His entire journey is about proving that he is not just another descendant of Isildur, but a true king who deserves the throne. To break his promise to the Army of the Dead would have been an act of dishonor, undermining his worthiness to rule.
When he swore to release them upon fulfilling their oath, it wasn’t a mere tactical move — it was a declaration of the kind of leader he wanted to be. Keeping them past their agreed-upon duty would have reduced him to the level of those who ruled with fear and deceit, rather than honor and trust.
A Plot Hole — or a Brilliant Decision?
At first glance, the decision to release the Army of the Dead may seem like a plot hole. But in reality, it was a choice that balanced military strategy with moral integrity. In the end, Aragorn’s wisdom in releasing the Army wasn’t just about fulfilling an oath — it was about ensuring the war against Sauron remained one fought by the living, for the future of Middle-earth.
