Why Arwen’s Presence in The Hobbit Movies Contradicts the Lord of the Rings Books
Peter Jackson's Depiction of Arwen in The Hobbit Movies
Contrary to popular belief, Arwen is not removed from the The Hobbit movies by Peter Jackson but rather, she plays a more prominent role than she does in the Lord of the Rings books. This article explores why Arwen’s significant presence in the hfilmmob differs from the narrative in the books and the reasons behind these discrepancies.
Proper Sequence of Events
According to J.R.R. Tolkien, Arwen first appears in the Fellowship of the Ring and not in The Hobbit. In the books, Glorfindel, not Arwen, initially rescues Aragorn and the hobbits from the Nazg?l during their escape to Rivendell. This sequence in the book is pivotal, as it establishes Glorfindel as a powerful figure in Middle-earth mythology, a role that Arwen does not fulfill in the narrative.
Screen Adaptations of Arwen
In the Peter Jackson film trilogy, Arwen plays a more substantial role, first appearing in The Fellowship of the Ring. Here, Arwen rescues Frodo Baggins from the Nazg?l during their escape from Dol Guldur. Moreover, in the films, Arwen journeys to the Undying Lands at her father's request, an event that does not occur in the books. This adaptation is reflective of the film's desire to provide a more rounded and engaging story for its audience.
Arwen's Physical Description and Iconography
Although Tolkien does not provide clear physical descriptions of Arwen, her appearance is described as being one of the most beautiful, with dark hair. Legend has it that Luthien, one of the most beautiful Elenar, was second only to her in beauty. Interestingly, when Aragorn first encounters Arwen, he is reminded of Luthien, with whom Beren fell in love thanks to her enchanting singing. In the film, Liv Tyler, with her striking features, brought this character to life with a strong visual appeal.
Chronological Implications
It's important to note that the story of The Hobbit spans some 60 years before the events of The Lord of the Rings. During this time, Arwen would not be in Rivendell, but rather with her father, Elrond, in Lothlórien. Given the timeline, Arwen is not directly involved in the The Hobbit storyline. Instead, she plays an important role in establishing the backstory that leads to the events in the Lord of the Rings.
In conclusion, Peter Jackson's The Hobbit movies expand on and modify certain elements to create a more engaging narrative. While these changes may contradict the original Lord of the Rings books, they serve to enrich the audience's understanding and appreciation of these beloved characters and their roles in Middle-earth's history.