Why Aragorn Chose Arwen Over Other Potential Partners

Many fans of The Lord of the Rings are intrigued by the discussions surrounding Aragorn's choice of marital partner. A common question is whether Aragorn chose Arwen or Galadriel, but the truth is much clearer and more interesting when examined through a lens of the literature and characters involved.

Misconceptions and Clarifications

First, it is important to clarify that Aragorn did not choose Arwen over Galadriel for a long-debated or hypothetical scenario. Here are the reasons why:

Aragorn’s Heir was His Son Eldarion: Aragorn’s heir, as mentioned in the Chronicles of the Disciplined and Unfinished Tales, was his son Eldarion. This fact alone makes the choice scenario irrelevant. Theodred and Faramir: Theodred, a son of Theoden, was indeed a Rohirrim and not eligible to rule Gondor. Faramir, a notable character, was not of the royal line of Gondor and inherited the role of steward from his father Denethor. These details further solidify Aragorn’s heir being Eldarion.

Why Arwen Was the Choice

Several key reasons explain why Aragorn chose Arwen, which include:

1. His True Love for Arwen

Aragorn was deeply in love with Arwen. Their relationship was strong and genuine. The bond between Aragorn and Arwen was one of true love, and it is highlighted in several instances throughout the Lord of the Rings literature.

2. Galadriel’s Marriage to Celeborn

It is crucial to understand that Galadriel was already married to Celeborn. This fact eliminates the possibility of Aragorn making a choice between these two characters.

3. Elven Marriage Customs

Elvish culture, as depicted in J.R.R. Tolkien's works, dictates that Elves marry only once. This unique aspect of Elven lore reinforces the fact that Aragorn would not have been in a position to choose Galadriel as a partner beyond the confines of her existing marriage.

Backgroud and Destiny of Aragorn

Aragorn’s destiny as the rightful King of Gondor was not assigned by external beings like the Valar or Eru Illuvatar, but by his own lineage and the role he was born into. The Valar, who were concerned with the physical world and the well-being of Arda, had no control over human births or deaths. They were, at least initially, surprised by the arrival of the Elves on their shores and even more so by the emergence of humans. The Valar’s role was certainly not to control who was born into the roles of kings and stewards; rather, the decisions regarding the physical world were left to the natural course of events and the will of the individuals involved.

Is it Divinity’s Choice?

If one were to attempt to determine the ultimate choice of Aragorn, it would be more fitting to attribute his birth and role to Eru Illuvatar. Eru has been described as the creator and sustainer of Arda, and He actively participates in the creation of the world during the Silmarillion. While Eru does get credit for everything in the creation of Arda, any specific choices made by characters, such as Aragorn’s role, would be a reflection of Eru's broader plan rather than a direct intervention.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Aragorn did not choose Arwen over Galadriel because of a hypothetical scenario. Rather, his choice was a reflection of his deep love for Arwen, influenced by the customs of Elven marriage, and destined by the lineage he was born into. Understanding Aragorn’s choice in this context enriches the narrative and provides a clearer picture of the complex world and relationships portrayed in the Lord of the Rings.