Did Aragorn Ever Consider Marrying Eowyn and Having Children with Her?

One of the most enduring questions about the characters in J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium is whether Aragorn considered marrying Eowyn and having children with her. While this idea may seem intriguing, the evidence within the story does not support this notion. Arwen, the daughter of Elrond, was engaged to Aragorn before he met Frodo at the Prancing Pony. Despite Aragorn initially wanting to marry Arwen and the opposition of her father, Tolkien clearly states that Eowyn was never a candidate for Aragorn. The reason behind this is twofold: Aragorn's deep affection for Arwen and the practical concerns about renouncing immortality.

Eowyn's romance and marriage was a different story. She was healed of the Morgul sickness by Aragorn, and during her convalescence in the Houses of Healing, Eowyn and Faramir fell in love and were married, becoming the rulers of Ithilien. This relationship was based on mutual respect and affection, clearly distinct from any notion of Aragorn and Eowyn sharing a romantic or marital bond.

Relationships and Lineage

Aragorn, a mortal man, was destined to marry Arwen, a Half-Elf. The marriage of Arwen and Aragorn was one of great significance. It restored the half-ELven heritage of the line of Elros Tar-Minyatur. This union was made possible only after Aragorn was recognized as the rightful King of Gondor and Arnor. Tolkien emphasized that Arwen was engaged to Aragorn long before he met Frodo, and their relationship was supported by Elrond, despite the personal cost to Arwen of giving up her immortality.

The character of Eowyn, while initially a single sister in Tolkien's early drafts, was later merged with Idis, Theoden’s daughter, to create a more compelling narrative. This meta-fictional detail highlights Tolkien's intricate world-building and his intention to create a rich tapestry of characters and events. However, there is no indication in the text that Eowyn had any romantic or sexual attraction to women, as Tolkien did not portray any of his characters as homosexual, viewing such relationships as a sin according to his Catholic beliefs.

Arthurian and Christian Influences

J.R.R. Tolkien was deeply influenced by Arthurian stories and Christian narratives. This is reflected in the themes and character arcs within his work. The love story between Aragorn and Arwen serves as a parallel to the love story between Beren and Luthien, a central source of inspiration for much of Tolkien's mythology. The idea that Tolkien did not discuss the sexual proclivities of his characters is consistent with his view of their world, where such relationships were not acceptable due to the importance of lineage and the need for heirs to carry on the sacred bloodlines.

It is important to note that Tolkien's works, particularly The Lord of the Rings, are rich with symbolism and subtext. The relationships between characters are not mere romantic impulses but deeply rooted in the world-building and moral frameworks of the legendarium. Eowyn and Aragorn's relationship, though deep and meaningful, was a product of their mutual affection and the broader narrative needs of the story.

Conclusion

Aragorn's romantic life is centered around Arwen, whose marriage helps restore the half-ELven heritage of Middle-earth. The relationship between Eowyn and Aragorn, on the other hand, was a deeply romantic and respectful bond, but not a marital one. Tolkien's profound Catholicism and hisArthurian influences shaped the complex and intricate world of Middle-earth, where relationships were often more than just personal affections but often defined by destiny, morality, and the needs of the legendarium.