Unraveling the Mysteries: The Reason Arwen Chose Aragorn Over Elrond

Many have questioned why Arwen, a beloved character in The Lord of the Rings, chose Aragorn over Elrond. This choice is often misunderstood, but the truth is much more complex. Let’s delve into the reasons behind Arwen's decision, explore the moral and legal aspects, and compare Arwen's relationship with Aragorn to the classic example of Beren and Luthien.

Why Arwen Chose Aragorn

Arwen and Aragorn's relationship is a central theme in The Lord of the Rings. They were not only lovers but destined to be together. The initial misunderstanding stems from the young age when Aragorn, disguised as Strider, first crossed Arwen's path. At that moment, she was not ready to marry him. However, as they journeyed together, their love blossomed.

Arwen's decision to marry Aragorn reveals a deeper layer of the story. Unlike in the case of Beren and Luthien where Luthien refused to marry anyone but Beren, Arwen willingly chose Aragorn. She did so because she loved him deeply and believed that their love was truly meant to be.

Moral and Legal Perspectives

Some argue that it would be immoral and illegal for Arwen to marry her father, Elrond. Indeed, in real life, such a relationship would certainly be labeled as incest and illegal. However, Tolkien's work is a work of fiction, where the laws and moral codes differ from our own. Marrying one’s father or uncle is portrayed as an extremely taboo topic in Middle-earth.

Elrond, being her mentor and father figure, likely objected to the idea of his daughter marrying his brother or nephew. But the point is, Arwen chose to marry Aragorn, not Elros, who had been dead for a very long time. The idea of marrying her own father was never a consideration in the storyline.

Comparing Arwen and Aragorn to Beren and Luthien

Let's look at the example of Beren and Luthien. They faced numerous challenges and their love was pure and passionate. In contrast, Arwen got to make her decision only after Aragorn’s successes, and she largely remained confined in Rivendell. Her choice to support her father's wishes and not venture beyond Rivendell was not the same as Luthien's defiance.

When Aragorn died, Arwen called the gift of Men a “bitter” choice, which reflects her regret. This is far from the grateful and passionate spirit of Luthien, who is grateful to be with Beren for every second.

Conclusion

Arwen's choice to marry Aragorn is nuanced, driven by love and destiny. While some may argue that her path lacks the heroic elements of Luthien and Beren, it is important to understand the context and the themes Tolkien was exploring. The story of Arwen and Aragorn offers a different kind of heroism, one that is rooted in love, sacrifice, and the acceptance of destiny.

Keywords:

Arwen Elrond The Lord of the Rings Marriage Choices Fictional Relationships