The Fate of Eldarion: Aragorn and Arwen’s Son as King of the Reunited Kingdom

The question of what befell the son of Aragorn and Arwen, Eldarion, has long been a topic of intrigue for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth saga. In this article, we delve into the history and legacy of Eldarion, examining his role as the second King of the Reunited Kingdom and dispelling common misconceptions about his rule and reign.

Ruling the Reunited Kingdom

According to The Lord of the Rings Appendices, Eldarion, the son of Aragorn and Arwen, succeeded his father as the second King of the Reunited Kingdom. Upon his father’s death in 4А 120, Eldarion became the ruler of Gondor. Aragorn, the first of the line, had described Eldarion as “a man full-ripe for kingship.” This insightful characterization suggests that Eldarion was probably in his late 30s at the time, indicating a level of maturity and preparedness for leadership.

Mixed Heritage and the Path to Kingship

One common misconception is that Eldarion’s elvish heritage played a significant role in his ascension to the throne. While it is true that Eldarion had the blood of both Men and Elves coursing through his veins, his rulership was not influenced by any special elvish qualities. Instead, he was chosen as king due to his lineage as a direct descendant of Elendil and Isildur, the original founders of Gondor and Arnor.

Eldarion, a third-generation half-elf through his mother Arwen, daughter of Elrond and Celebrian, faced no choice regarding his mortality. Despite his elvish ancestry, he was bound to the fate of mortals, meaning he would not have the immortal nature of his elven relatives.

Wars and Governance

As High King of the Reunited Kingdom, Eldarion faced a variety of challenges, including wartime conflicts. Historical records suggest that he fought wars against the Easterlings and the Haradrim, as well as any remaining Orcs from Mordor. These were significant threats to the stability of the kingdom, and Eldarion undoubtedly played a crucial role in maintaining the peace and prosperity of the realms.

The concept of Eldarion’s role as a high king was further explored by J.R.R. Tolkien in his unfinished works, such as The Peoples of Middle-earth. In an extended version of The New Shadow, Tolkien envisioned Eldarion facing a cult of Melkor, but ultimately abandoned this idea. Nevertheless, it is clear that Eldarion was a central figure in the continued governance of the Reunited Kingdom, even if the specific details of his reign remain a matter of scholarly debate and imagination.

Legacy and Aftermath

While Eldarion’s rule is well-documented as the second King of the Reunited Kingdom, the exact details of his life after the throne is quite speculative. The last published content about Eldarion as High King comes from these historical records and appendices, providing a glimpse into the challenges and responsibilities of leading a united realm under his reign.

His reign marked a period of stability and growth for Gondor and Arnor, further solidifying the impact of both his father and his own leadership. As a third-generation half-elf, Eldarion’s unique heritage served as a bridge between the mortal and immortal realms, embodying the legacy of his parentage while fulfilling his destiny as a human king.

In conclusion, Eldarion the son of Aragorn and Arwen, was a significant figure in the history of the Reunited Kingdom, becoming the second king and ruling effectively for many years. His reign, marked by both successes and challenges, represented a continuation of the line of Elendil and Isildur, while also reflecting the broader cultural and political landscape of Middle-earth.