Eowyn and Aragorns Relationship in Lord of the Rings, Explained

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Eowyn and Aragorns Relationship in Lord of the Rings, Explained

Summary

  • Despite teasing in the movies, Aragorn and Éowyn don’t end up together due to Aragorn’s long-standing love for Arwen.
  • Initially, J.R.R. Tolkien considered having Éowyn and Aragorn be a couple, but the age difference led to their separation.
  • Aragorn’s love for Arwen since he was 20 ultimately determines his romantic fate, leaving Éowyn with Faramir in the end.

As a long-time fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic saga, The Lord of the Rings, I have always been intrigued by the complex romantic relationships woven into the narrative. Among these, the potential romance between Aragorn and Éowyn has always captured my imagination. Although they share a deep connection in Peter Jackson’s film adaptation, their relationship ultimately does not materialize due to Aragorn’s long-standing love for Arwen.

As a devoted fan, I’d put it this way: In J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic Lord of the Rings trilogy, romance isn’t exactly the main focus. The story is deeply engrossed in the ongoing battle against the One Ring and its corrupting influence. Most characters barely give romance a thought. However, there are exceptions to this rule: Aragorn, Arwen, and Éowyn all experience profound romantic connections that significantly impact their journeys.

In Hollywood films, a love triangle exists between these three characters: Éowyn, Aragorn, and Arwen. When Éowyn enters the scene in “The Two Towers,” there is mutual attraction between her and Aragorn. However, Aragorn harbors longstanding feelings for Arwen, as revealed in the appendices of “The Lord of the Rings” novels. So, how did a relationship between Éowyn and Aragorn come about? Let’s examine the situation further.

Éowyn and Aragorn Are Heavily Teased in the Movies

In the books, Éowyn and Aragorn don’t have a romantic relationship, but their connection is hinted at in the films. Although not many scenes focus on them, it becomes clear in “The Two Towers” and “The Return of the King” that they have affection for each other. With Arwen’s departure to the West with the elves uncertain, there’s a brief possibility in the movies that Éowyn and Aragorn could become a couple.

Several devoted fans argue that Éowyn from Rohan would have made a more suitable match for Aragorn. The reasons being, they share numerous similarities. Éowyn is a skilled warrior, as evident from her status as a shieldmaiden. Her eagerness to engage in combat is undeniable, as she openly declares this in both the novels and films. In the climax of “The Return of the King,” she even disguises herself as a man and participates in the battle outside Minas Tirith in Gondor. Ultimately, it’s Éowyn who slays the Nazgûl’s leader after her uncle, King Theoden, is gravely injured. Despite being a woman, she was able to accomplish what no man could – kill this foe.

Eowyn and Aragorns Relationship in Lord of the Rings, Explained

In simpler terms, Éowyn and Aragorn not only have a shared passion for fighting, but they’re both human, which means Aragorn wouldn’t have to worry about being with someone who is immortal like Arwen. Furthermore, their royal status makes their union advantageous for the realms of Rohan and Gondor.

In the end, Éowyn and Aragorn don’t end up as a couple. Instead, Arwen chooses not to leave for the East with her people, and later develops feelings for Aragorn, who becomes the new King of Gondor. Meanwhile, after the Battle of Pelennor Fields, Éowyn discovers her own affection for Faramir, the former regent’s son.

Eowyn and Aragorn Ultimately Aren’t Meant to Be

Eowyn and Aragorns Relationship in Lord of the Rings, Explained

If J.R.R. Tolkien had stuck to his initial ideas for “The Lord of the Rings,” as shared in The History of Middle-Earth, Éowyn would have married Aragorn. However, Tolkien changed his mind, finding Aragorn too old for Éowyn. This significant difference in age prevented their relationship. Although Éowyn is a young maiden in her 20s, Aragorn is in his 80s during the Battle of the Pelennor Fields. As the heir of Isildur, Aragorn has a long lifespan for a human, but their age gap remains substantial.

Tolkien also considered having Éowyn perish on the battlefield to save Theoden, only to have Aragorn realize he loved her after she died. But these plans also amounted to nothing. Instead, Éowyn is said to have an infatuation with Aragorn. “It is but a shadow and a thought that you love,” says Aragorn, politely turning her down in the movie The Return of the King. “I cannot give you what you seek.” Though she thinks she loves him, her idealized view of him is not reality, and she eventually realizes that she cannot get what she wants from him.

Eowyn and Aragorns Relationship in Lord of the Rings, Explained

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but retell the captivating tale of Aragorn and Arwen’s enduring love story. In the books, it’s mentioned that Aragorn fell in love with Arwen when he was just twenty years old, as recounted in “The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen.” The movies beautifully portray this deep connection between them.

In the end, Aragorn’s deep-rooted love for Arwen since his youth prevailed, making it unlikely that Éowyn stood a chance in their relationship. Given Aragorn’s commitment to marry Arwen and his strong feelings for her, their union seemed more natural and inevitable than one between Aragorn and Éowyn. According to the “Lord of the Rings” narrative as we have come to understand it, these two characters were never meant to be together.

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2024-07-25 02:01