Does Arwen’s Willingness to Forego Immortality for Aragorn Have Less Impact and Meaning in the Modern Age?

Many readers of The Lord of the Rings might argue that Arwen Undomiel’s decision to forego immortality and be with Aragorn is less impactful and even foolish, especially in the modern context. However, this view requires careful consideration of the historical and cultural contexts in which Tolkien crafted the tales of Middle-earth.

Immutability in Race and Immortality

Elves in Middle-earth are perpetual and serene beings who are destined for a life of unimaginable length. An elf Gifted with immortality gets the chance to be reunited with their family in Aman, the Undying Lands, where they are promised eternal life. On the other hand, Men are noted for their temporary spirits that do not share this eternal promise. The Wise claimed that this was a different sort of gift, one that made the spirits of Men separate for eternity.

The Imbalance of Sacrifice

Therefore, Arwen’s choice to forego her immortality for the love of Aragorn appears as much of a sacrifice as it does an act of love. She is renouncing thousands of years of life for a form of love that does not include the eternal companionship of her family and people in Aman. This choice implies a significant emotional and spiritual sacrifice, as she is also guaranteeing that she will live long after Aragorn, a man with a much shorter lifespan.

Modern Perspectives on Immortality

The question arises: has something changed about how we perceive immortality in a modern context? Arwen’s sacrifice in this story is often seen as romantic; however, it is certainly less so by the standards of 2023. If Arwen could have kept her immortality and continued to watch over her children and grandchildren, numerous readers might have applauded her choice. It would certainly seem less sensible to maintain a romantic relationship with a mortal when it comes at the cost of a potentially long and fulfilling life with one's progeny.

The Romantic versus the Realistic

Is it more than a romantic gesture? Surprisingly, Tolkien questioned the value of immortality directly within the work itself. Yet, Arwen’s love for Aragorn remains a precious gift that their union underscores. Tolkien deliberately put this question into dialogue, but ultimately, it is still a sacrifice.

Contextualizing Arwen’s Choice

When we read The Lord of the Rings today, it is crucial to remind ourselves that the story was not written for modern, cynical postmodern readers. J.R.R. Tolkien was a product of a much older generation, writing from a perspective significantly different from our contemporary one. He translated an ancient text, which means the cultural context of the story’s setting is considerably different from today’s.

Gender and Sacrifice in Ancient Times

In ancient times, women were often expected to make more significant sacrifices than men. The societal norms of love and relationships during Tolkien’s era might have been starkly different from today’s. Arwen’s choice to forego immortality and be with Aragorn would have been in keeping with ancient customs where women were more likely to show devotion and sacrifice.

Elven Monogamy and the Long Farewell

Additionally, the nature of Elven love is monogamous, eternal, and exclusive. Arwen’s life as an elf spanned over 3000 years before she fell in love with Aragorn. She lived through untold centuries of solitude, without once feeling the stirrings of romantic love. This unprecedented journey of celibacy followed by eternal love without physical union is a lonely and sad existence. The hope at the end of her journey is that she and Aragorn would be reunited in Aman, thus mitigating the loneliness.

Tolkien’s Personal Love Story

Finally, it is important to recognize that this love story is very much Tolkien’s own, inspired by his wife’s own decision to leave her religion and her family to marry him. This act of devotion, much like Arwen’s, is a sacrifice made for love. We cannot judge a story written 60 years ago based on today’s cultural views. Rather, we must understand the setting and the context in which it was written.

While Arwen’s sacrifice may seem less impactful today, it is enriched by the historical and cultural context of the time. Tolkien’s work reflects the values and traditions of the ancient world, making Arwen’s choice a nuanced and moving aspect of the narrative. Understanding these underlying themes can enhance our appreciation of the story and its timeless appeal.