The world of Middle-earth offers an extensive landscape, with characters who possess intricate personalities and backgrounds. Sometimes, delving into their post-The Lord of the Rings experiences can be just as captivating as their adventures in the main narrative. Tolkien delves into the futures of many characters beyond the conclusion of LOTR, which provides readers with insight into the fates of these beloved figures.
One such pair that Tolkien follows until the very end is Aragorn and Arwen. Aragorn embarks on a journey to assume the throne of Gondor, cementing his status as one of the story's heroes. However, his love story with Arwen is equally integral. Initially faced with the challenges of a star-crossed romance due to their divergent worlds and lifespans, their ultimate decision to be together and build a life with one another is incredibly fulfilling. But what unfolds for them after the events depicted in The Lord of the Rings?
What Happened To Arwen and Aragorn After Lord of the Rings?
Following the main story's conclusion and the downfall of Sauron, Aragorn embarked on a decisive campaign against the remaining Orcs in Middle-earth. With great leadership, he spearheaded an army that effectively eradicated the Orcs and liberated the enslaved people of Núrn, previously under Sauron's yoke. This pivotal accomplishment granted Aragorn a moment of respite, during which he underwent his coronation, ascending to the throne as King of Gondor. Solidifying their love, Aragorn and Arwen also sealed their bond in marriage, having endured arduous trials throughout their journey. Nonetheless, Middle-earth's journey to a fully joyous conclusion was yet to be fulfilled.
The ravages of war had left the land devastated, compelling Aragorn and Arwen to serve as diligent sovereigns in the arduous task of restoring it to its former splendor. Aragorn's reign in Gondor ushered in a period of prosperity, as he initiated extensive post-war reconstruction endeavors. He actively fostered improved communication among the diverse inhabitants of Middle-earth, bridging the gaps between Men, Dwarves, and Elves, thereby forging stronger interethnic bonds. Collaboratively, Aragorn and Arwen dedicated themselves to revitalizing Gondor and ultimately rejuvenating the entirety of Middle-earth, surpassing even the previous era prior to Sauron's rule. Creating lasting peace became an utmost priority for a realm that had grappled with war for an extended period.
How Many Children Did Arwen And Aragorn Have?
Arwen and Aragorn welcomed their son, Eldarion, just a year after Sauron's defeat. Eldarion, their only male child, held the position of the heir to the throne of Gondor. Being born to an Elf and a Man, who belonged to the long-lived Dúnedain lineage, Eldarion inherited traits akin to Elves, appearing youthful until his sixtieth year. His name, Eldarion, derived from the Elven language Quenya, meaning "Son of the Eldar," accurately reflected his powerful Elven ancestry. Following his father's demise, Eldarion ascended to the throne of Gondor, ruling steadfastly for approximately a century.
Although Eldarion held significance in Middle-earth's history, Arwen and Aragorn also had unnamed daughters, their exact number unspecified. While Tolkien solely mentioned Eldarion by name due to his notable role, it is worth noting that Arwen had a vision of this future child whom she saw vividly as Eldarion, further confirming the fulfillment of her prophetic vision.
How Old Were Arwen and Aragorn When They Died?
Arwen and Aragorn spent 121 years together, benefiting from their extended lifespans due to their lineage. In the 120th year of the Fourth Age, Aragorn realized his impending demise and relinquished the throne to Eldarion. He then ascended to his ultimate resting place in the House of the Kings located in the Silent Street of Minas Tirith, at the age of 210. Following shortly thereafter, Arwen joined him in the afterlife. After making a journey to Lothlórien, she succumbed to a broken heart just one year after Aragorn's passing, at the age of 2,901. Their bond remained unbroken until the very end, as they departed from this world together.