The Untold Story of Arwen's Fate After the Lord of the Rings

Arwen Undómiel may have given her heart to Aragorn II Elessar in one of the most celebrated love stories in the Lord of the Rings, but there is more to her character than just being his love interest. Despite spending most of her life in Lothlórien with Lady Galadriel after her mother's passing, Arwen's story is largely intertwined with Aragorn's - their love, how they met, and their journey after Sauron's defeat. While it may seem like she is reduced to just being Aragorn's partner, both J.R.R. Tolkien's novels and Peter Jackson's film adaptations highlight the importance of love in defeating the Dark Lord. Arwen's determination to stand by Aragorn's side is what ultimately led him to the throne, and her love and support for him motivated him like nothing else. However, despite her sweet ending, there is a bitterness that often leaves fans confused.

Where was Arwen at the end of the story?

In the Lord of the Rings films, Arwen's connection to the One Ring leads to her death, which becomes increasingly imminent as Frodo and Sam approach Mount Doom. Elrond's visit to Aragorn in Rohan is a desperate attempt to save her life, and also a sign of his growing trust in the Man. While it is never explained how Arwen's life force is tied to the One Ring, director Peter Jackson's decision to include her more prominently in the films was far from trite. In fact, he allowed her to showcase her badass side, such as when she used Elven magic to save the Hobbits from the Nazgûl. Although Arwen's participation in the battle of Minas Tirith was cut from the film, it remains a fan favorite on YouTube. Elrond's revelation to Aragorn about the One Ring's impact on Arwen was a pivotal moment that inspired the Man to confront the spirits of Gondorian soldiers and lead his forces to the entrance of Mordor for the Battle of the Black Gates.

In the films, Arwen's death is portrayed as a direct result of her mysterious connection to the One Ring. However, in the Lord of the Rings, her situation is slightly different. Arwen has chosen mortality to remain with Aragorn in Middle Earth and is beginning to feel the effects of time passing. Elrond speaks of her fate while the scene frames Arwen in a weakened state back in Rivendell. The One Ring is not draining her life force as it approaches its own destruction.

What Happened to Arwen After The War of the One Ring?

Aragorn's decision to delay his marriage to Arwen until the war was over left her without a partner during a crucial time when darkness was spreading throughout the land. Some fans of the Lord of the Rings series were disappointed that Arwen was not able to fight alongside other beloved characters like Haldir, Legolas, and Elrond's twin sons. It seemed unfair that Arwen's own choices left her so weakened that she was unable to defend her own home. However, her decision to give up immortality and choose a mortal life was still a brave and significant choice in its own right.

Arwen's bold decision proved to be a success in the Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. Aragorn finally claimed his rightful place on the Gondorian throne, defeating Sauron and his dark forces with the help of the Free Peoples of Middle Earth. The beautiful wedding ceremony of King Elessar and Queen Arwen took place in Minas Tirith, where Elrond surprisingly gave his daughter's hand in marriage and looked happy (with a hint of tears). However, it remains unclear what became of Arwen after she traded places with Frodo so that he could go to Valinor with the Elves in her place.

Arwen’s life took a turn when she married Aragorn and later became a mother. She spent the rest of her days by her husband's side as he ruled over Gondor. However, her thoughts and emotions towards the country, its people, the war, and its aftermath are not explicitly stated in the films or novels. It can be assumed that as the daughter of a renowned healer, she played a vital role in Middle Earth's healing. Nevertheless, she was bound to the passage of time, which had its own set of challenges.

Arwen and Aragorn had the privilege of spending 122 blissful years together post the Lord of the Rings saga. Following the defeat of Sauron, they welcomed their son Eldarion into the world and later had two lovely daughters. Despite being immortal, the Elessary family aged like any other human. Aragorn passed away several years after the war, and Arwen soon followed suit. She eventually breathed her last in Lothlórien, where she was buried alongside her mother's people, succumbing to a broken heart.

Many fans of the Lord of the Rings franchise find it difficult to comprehend why Arwen didn't want to rest beside her beloved husband, with whom she had fought so hard to be with. It's especially hard to fathom when their children were still alive and grieving. By giving in to her own sorrow, Arwen left her children with another significant loss to mourn. Despite the tragic end to her long life, she lived it on her own terms, making choices that were true to her. Throughout the series, she played the roles of a daughter, a wife, and a mother, but more importantly, she was a woman who lived life on her own accord.