The Fate of Arwen: Immortality Lost in Middle-earth
In the rich tapestry of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic narrative, Arwen plays a pivotal role in the history of Middle-earth. Unlike her father, Elrond, and other elves, Arwen makes a poignant choice to stay and grow old with Aragorn, the future King Elessar Telcontar. This decision has profound consequences, marking a significant departure from the elven way of life and leading to Arwen's mortal end. To fully understand Arwen's journey, one must delve into the rich details provided by Tolkien's Appendices.
The Choice
After the events of The Lord of the Rings, Arwen chooses a different path. Unlike her father, Elrond, who leaves Middle-earth for the land of the valar (the Blessed Realm), Arwen decides to stay behind with Aragorn, a mortal man. Their union is not just a romantic one but also a union of different fates: Arwen, an elf of great beauty and wisdom, and Aragorn, the dour ranger turned king.
New Roles and Responsibilities
Arwen weds Aragorn and becomes his Queen, ruling over the newly combined realms of Arnor and Gondor alongside him. They reside in Minas Tirith, the White City of Gondor, a symbol of their rule over the lands of men and elves alike. Together, they have children, creating a new line of kings and queens that would guide Middle-earth into a new era.
Arwen's Mortal Fate and Grief
However, their happiness is short-lived. After ruling for many years, Aragorn lays down his life, achieving the long-awaited peace that he fought for. Arwen, deeply grieved, travels to Lórien, the land of her father. Here, the beauty of Lórien is faded and depopulated, a direct result of the departure of the last elves who chose to go to the Blessed Realm.
In Lórien, Arwen dwells for a short time, her grief unrelenting. At last, in the year of the Fourth Age 121, she lays down to die on Cerin Amroth, the hill where Lúthien and Beren once held their final meeting. Arwen's death is a poignant reminder of the fated union of Aragorn and Arwen, and the price they chose to pay for love and unity.
The Appendices and Tolkien's Best Writing
The insights into Arwen's life can be found in the Appendices of the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt edition of The Lord of the Rings. These passages, which are often beautifully poetic, provide a deeper understanding of the characters and their fates. For instance, the account of Arwen's death is both tragic and elegant, capturing the essence of her character and the profound depth of her love for Aragorn.
Famous Quotes and Passages
One of the most poignant quotes in the Appendices reads, 'And Arwen went to Lórien, and dwelt there for a year, waiting for the spring.' This line encapsulates the despairing yet beautiful nature of Arwen's narrative, symbolizing her acceptance of her mortality and the transience of life.
Another powerful passage is found in the account of King Elessar's final days, where it is written that 'after the coming of spring in year 120 of the Fourth Age, Arwen lays down to die on the hill of Cerin Amroth'. Here, the transitional and bittersweet nature of Arwen's life is clearly illustrated, making for one of the most touching and memorable parts of the entire trilogy.
Conclusion
Arwen's choice to remain in Middle-earth with Aragorn marked the end of her immortal life and the beginning of her mortal existence. Her decision to give up her agelessness allowed her to experience the joys and pain of mortality, form a lasting legacy, and become a symbol of love and hope for the future of Middle-earth. The Appendices of The Lord of the Rings offer a wealth of insight into her life and fate, providing a fitting tribute to one of Tolkien's most beloved characters.