I just finished watching the Lord of the Rings series for what feels like the hundredth time, and it still resonates deeply with me. One aspect that stands out is the immense sacrifice Arwen made to be with Aragorn.
This moment is captured beautifully in “The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen,” illustrating her choice to forsake Elvish immortality for love. Aragorn first met Arwen at the age of twenty while living under the protection of Elrond in Rivendell.
Arwen, at that time already over 2700 years old, had just returned from a stay with her grandmother, Lady Galadriel, in Lórien. Their love blossomed at first sight, and thirty years later, they reunited in Lórien, ultimately pledging themselves to one another on the mound of Cerin Amroth.
By choosing Aragorn, Arwen decided to remain in Middle-earth and abandon the path to the Undying Lands. Reflecting on the “Return of the King,” I am often moved by the profound story composition.
While I admit I sometimes skip the Frodo-Gollum arcs, I can never fast forward through key scenes like Samwise rescuing Frodo or Eowyn’s heartfelt journey of unrequited love for Aragorn. The moments of tension and triumph, from the lighting of the beacons to Aragorn’s rallying cry for Gondor, always bring spontaneous tears to my eyes.
Imagery from the film is etched into my mind—the stunning battle sequences, the thrill of Eowyn taking down the Witch-king, and Legolas single-handedly defeating an Oliphant. These epic scenes, underscored by themes of friendship, love, and sacrifice, solidify the series as a timeless masterpiece.
It’s an unforgettable journey that continues to inspire.
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