The Untold Connection Between Arwen and Galadriel in The Lord of the Rings
Discover the intriguing bloodline connecting Arwen and Lady Galadriel in the Lord of the Rings universe Uncover their familial ties and explore the wider network of relatives that shape Arwen's lineage
Arwen Undómiel's relation to Lady Galadriel is often overlooked by many Lord of the Rings fans. While it is widely known that Arwen is the daughter of Lord Elrond, her connection to Galadriel is not well-known. In both the novels and film adaptations, there is only one scene that features Arwen and Galadriel together, and it was ultimately cut from The Two Towers. As a result, many fans were unaware of the blood connection between these two characters. This lack of awareness is not uncommon for supporting characters like Arwen and Galadriel, who only receive attention when it is relevant to the main plot of the story. Consequently, fans often perceive them as mere acquaintances who happen to share a familial tie through Elrond.
Who are Arwen and Galadriel?
Arwen and Galadriel are two of the most significant female characters in the Lord of the Rings. Galadriel's extensive history is difficult to summarize, as it varies between the movies, novels, and the Rings of Power series. Born in the Undying Lands of Valinor before the First Age, her initial desire to explore Middle Earth was eventually dampened by tragedy and the struggle against a great evil. Galadriel went through a restless period of anger and bitterness towards the world due to her suffering. However, by the time she became the Lady of Lothlórien, she had largely made peace with her past and was preparing for her final journey back to Valinor.
Meanwhile, Arwen was born in Rivendell during the Third Age in the year 241, to Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrían. She could be considered the epitome of beauty to their eyes. When she first encountered Aragorn, at the age of 2,700, she instantly fell in love, though it took them thirty years to confess their feelings for each other. While Arwen may have had a lesser role in the novels, the Lord of the Rings films provided her with the opportunity to be more than just Aragorn's love interest. She fought alongside her future husband in the Battle of Helm's Deep and, much like Galadriel, played a crucial role in aiding Frodo when he needed it most.
How is Arwen related to Galadriel?
In a deleted scene from the film "Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers," Elrond (played by Hugo Weaving) accompanies Arwen on a journey to Lothlórien. Their mission is to persuade Galadriel to send forces to Helm's Deep in order to prevent the outnumbering of humans by the dark forces of Saruman (portrayed by Christopher Lee). This represents a significant change of heart for Elrond, who had previously rejected any faith or hope in humanity. One can understand his reluctance, as he had witnessed Isildur's failure to destroy the One Ring and witnessed him fleeing with it instead of disposing of it in the fires of Mordor. Centuries later, Elrond stood before his deceased wife's mother and argued that doubting "the strength of men [would contribute to] Sauron's victory."
Elrond must have been persuasive, as the film later depicts troops from Lothlórien arriving at Helm's Deep just in time. Meanwhile, in the same deleted scene, Arwen simply needed some reassurance. She was frightened for her lover, anxious about choosing a mortal life over an immortal one, and in need of support. She found solace in a tender gesture from Galadriel – her grandmother – who placed her hand on Arwen's shoulder. Although viewers are unaware of the events leading up to this moment or the words spoken during it, one can easily envision Galadriel finding comforting words for her granddaughter.
Who are Arwen's other relatives?
The Elves in the Lord of the Rings series have a rather reserved nature, but Galadriel's display of physical affection towards Arwen is evidence of the close bond they share from spending so much time together in Lórien. It is even rumored that Galadriel played a quiet role in bringing Arwen and Aragorn together. This is amusing to consider, given Galadriel's prestigious status, yet she still prioritized her granddaughter's happiness. It is unclear how Arwen's older twin brothers, Elladan and Elrohir, felt about this situation.
Regardless, the fact that they fight in the Battle of Helm's Deep, both in the novels and briefly depicted in the films, suggests that they were not entirely opposed to their sister's romance. It should be noted that Arwen comes from a family lineage that is known for their willingness to challenge the status quo. Her great-uncles, Finrod and Fëanor, both had a fascination for precious jewels that greatly influenced the history of Middle Earth. Arwen's cousin, Celebrimbor, shared this passion and went on to become the master smith behind the creation of the three rings of power: Narya, Nenya, and Vilya.
On Elrond’s side, Eärendil stood as a legendary figure in Arwen's ancestry, reflecting her own determination to risk everything for her loved ones. Another intriguing connection was through Elros, Arwen's paternal uncle, who happened to be a predecessor of Aragorn. This may seem complicated, just like the age difference that might give some Lord of the Rings fans pause. However, it did not hinder their marriage or their children, including a son named Eldarion and several daughters.
Arwen and Galadriel fearlessly pursued their dreams, despite the hardships they faced. Arwen embraced love, even in the face of great loss, while Galadriel carved her own path and became a respected leader. Their bond mirrored that of a grandmother and granddaughter. Although the film adaptations of the Lord of the Rings didn't capture the Elves' compassion, Galadriel still showed it to Arwen and the members of the Fellowship by giving them precious gifts to aid them on their dangerous journey.
To Arwen, Galadriel bestowed unwavering love and an unspoken promise of eternal support. The intricacies of Elven lineage are difficult to decipher, as they age slowly and reach adulthood after centuries. Despite being over a thousand years old when she married Aragorn, Arwen was still considered young. In contrast, Galadriel had experienced numerous lifetimes before Arwen was even born. Although fans may have missed out on seeing Arwen learn from or converse with Galadriel, it is heartening to know that they shared a deep love and connection as family.
