Arwen in 'The Lord of the Rings': Her Role in Middle-earth
Arwen, the daughter of Elrond and one of the beloved characters in J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings,' plays a significant role in the story, despite her absence in 'The Hobbit' film series. Throughout the narrative, Arwen's presence is noted, though her actions are often subtle. This article explores her role in Middle-earth and the impact she had on the story, particularly through her relationship with Aragorn and her family's lore.
Arwen's Background and Lore
According to J.R.R. Tolkien's original works, Arwen is the daughter of Elrond and the true love of Aragorn, the future king of Gondor. In 'The Lord of the Rings,' Arwen's role is decidedly that of a supportive figure, with a limited number of direct actions. While she is not prominently featured, her presence is felt through her connections to the other characters and the themes of her character.
Serving with Galadriel in Lothlorien
During the events of 'The Lord of the Rings,' there is no mention of Arwen's specific actions in Lothlorien. Later, it is revealed that she stayed in Middle-earth after her father built the secret refuge. Given that Galadriel, the High Elf, resided there, it is likely that Arwen spent time with her grandmother. She might have served as Galadriel's lady-in-waiting or took on a similar role. Galadriel, being one of the most powerful and wise Elves in Middle-earth, would have imparted a great deal of knowledge about magic, history, and the lore of Middle-earth. Arwen likely absorbed this knowledge, which may have influenced her later decisions.
Her Actions and Choices
A key moment in Arwen's story is when she chooses mortality, marrying Aragorn and accepting her fate. This decision is significant because it sets in motion a chain of events that ultimately lead to Aragorn becoming king. Her choice to give up her immortality (a choice available to any Elf) has far-reaching consequences, especially considering the rarity of such unions between Elves and Men. These unions were avoided due to the potential complications of an afterlife where they would be separated, as Elves do not age past adulthood and can live for thousands of years.
The Union of Man and Elf
Arwen's union with Aragorn is the third such union in the history of Middle-earth, and it is the most noteworthy. In each case, the Elf involved gives up their immortality. This decision is a profound one, as it means Arwen will ultimately die, whereas Aragorn will live, leading to the separation and potential sorrow of not being together throughout eternity. However, this union has brought the possibility of unity and a stronger, more enduring Middle-earth.
Impact of Arwen and Elrond's Fears
Elrond, Arwen's father, was concerned about the union between his daughter and Aragorn due to the rarity and potential risks involved. In Tolkien’s works, it is mentioned that the only other unions of this nature were Turin and Nenoreth, and Arwen and Elrond. These unions raised the question of the afterlife and what happens when a Man and an Elf live to different lengths. Despite the uncertainty, the choice was made by both Arwen and Aragorn, highlighting the depth of their love and the sacrifices they were willing to make for each other.
Conclusion
Though Arwen's specific actions in 'The Lord of the Rings' are limited, her presence and her choices are pivotal in the story. Her decision to give up immortality and marry Aragorn not only impacts the outcome of the war against Sauron but also shapes the future of Middle-earth. Through her relationship with Aragorn and her family's lore, Arwen exemplifies the complex and often tragic nature of love and mortality in Tolkien's Middle-earth.