Born of Hope is a 2009 independent fan film directed by Kate Madison and based on J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. It explores the backstories of Aragorn's parents, Arathorn and Gilraen, and follows their struggle to protect their people, the Rangers of the North, from the dark forces of Sauron. The film is set in the Third Age, in the region around the Misty Mountains, where the Rangers fought against the Orcs and other evil creatures.
The plot follows the story of a young woman named Elgarain, who is raised by the Rangers after her family is killed by Orcs. She becomes a skilled warrior and member of the Rangers, but also struggles with her identity and her desire to find more about her past. Meanwhile, Arathorn and Gilraen, who are in love, face numerous challenges as they try to unite their people and protect them from the growing threat of Sauron. When Arathorn is killed by Orcs, Gilraen has to raise their son, Aragorn, on her own, while continuing to lead the Rangers and prepare them for the inevitable war with Sauron.
The film was shot in New Zealand and features a cast of mostly unknown actors. It received positive reviews from fans and critics for its attention to detail, its faithful portrayal of Middle-earth, and its strong performances. The film also features an original score composed by Adam Langston and a behind-the-scenes documentary that explains the challenges of making an independent fan film. Born of Hope is a testament to the enduring popularity of J.R.R. Tolkien's work and the creativity of his fans.