The Lord of the Rings features a profound romance between Aragorn and Arwen, a love story that is deeply woven into the fabric of J. R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium. Although Peter Jackson’s film adaptation provides only a glimpse into their history, Tolkien’s writings elaborate on the foundation of their relationship, which began long before the events of The Fellowship of the Ring. Their commitment to each other culminates in marriage after the War of the Ring, but their emotional connection develops more than sixty years prior to Frodo’s quest to destroy the One Ring.
For audiences unfamiliar with Tolkien’s extensive backstory, the timeline of Aragorn and Arwen’s romance may seem unclear. Given the intensity of their bond and the duration of their waiting period to wed, many might be surprised to learn that they chose to delay their union until after the threat posed by Sauron had been vanquished. Fortunately, Tolkien provides a rich narrative that reveals the details surrounding Aragorn and Arwen’s relationship, starting well over six decades before the events of The Lord of the Rings.
A Meeting Over 60 Years Prior
The Spark of Attraction
Aragorn’s upbringing took place in the enchanting realm of Rivendell, yet it wasn’t until he reached the age of approximately 20 that he finally encountered Arwen, who dwelled in Lothlórien. This fateful meeting marked the beginning of his deep affection for her. Overwhelmed by her beauty, Aragorn initially mistook her for Lúthien, a legendary figure renowned for her grace and allure. This pivotal moment sets the stage for their romance, which commences roughly 67 years prior to the narrative of The Lord of the Rings, considering that Aragorn is 87 years old when the story begins.
Though their initial connection was immediate, Aragorn and Arwen faced another lengthy separation of 29 years, a minor setback given their lifespans—Arwen as an Elf and Aragorn as one of the Dúnedain. Eventually, they reunited in Rivendell, where Arwen made the significant decision to forsake her immortality in order to build a life with Aragorn. Despite this emotional leap, their marriage did not occur until approximately 40 years afterward, as detailed in Tolkien’s works.
The Delayed Union
Seeking Destiny Before Commitment
Despite their meeting occurring more than six decades before the events of The Lord of the Rings, Aragorn and Arwen’s marriage was drawn out, a fact that both film and literary adaptations address differently. In Tolkien’s version, Elrond, Arwen’s father, impressed upon Aragorn the importance of pursuing his destiny prior to making a commitment as significant as marriage. Recognizing Aragorn’s rightful claim to the throne of Gondor, Elrond sought to ensure that Aragorn overcame numerous challenges before binding himself to his daughter.
In contrast, Jackson’s interpretation suggests Elrond harbored reservations about Arwen marrying a mortal man and the implications it carried. He cautioned her about the inevitable loss of her family and the passage of time, which would see them grow old without her. Nevertheless, Arwen’s resolve remained steadfast, and she chose to wait until Aragorn had reclaimed his throne before they finally wed. Together, they enjoyed a flourishing life for an impressive 120 years following the conclusion of The Lord of the Rings.
Source: CBR
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