The Meeting of Aragorn and Arwen

Even as Sauron revealed himself Aragorn met Arwen for the first time. He was 20 years old and returning to Rivendell after performing great deeds with Elrond's sons. Elrond was pleased with Estel and revealed to him his true name, Aragorn, and his true lineage. He gave Aragorn the Ring of Barahir and the shards of Narsil."'With these you may yet do great deeds; for I foretell that the span of your life shall be greater than the measure of Men, unless evil befalls you or you fail the test. But the test will be hard and long'" (p. 338, The Return of the King). Even with these somber words Aragorn's heart was high.

In this state he walked through the woods of Rivendell and to his amazement he saw a beautiful Elf-maiden walking along. He thought perhaps he was seeing a vision of Luthien for he had been singing the Lay of Lethien at that very moment. Behold! She walked before him with dark hair clad in a mantle of blue and silver. "For a moment Aragorn gazed in silence, but fearing that she would pass away and never be seen again, he called to her crying, 'Tinuviel, Tinuviel!' even as Beren had done in the Elder Days long ago. Arwen smiled and turned asking who called her by such a name.

Aragorn declared himself and she in turn declared she was Arwen, Elrond's daughter, also known as Undomiel. Aragorn was even more amazed, for living 20 years in the house of Elrond he had not heard the Elf lord or his sons even mention her. He wondered aloud if Elrond had kept her locked away as men often do with treasures. "'I have dwelt a long time in the land of my mother's kin, in far Lothlorien. I have but lately returned to visit my father again. It is many years since I walked in Imladris'" (p. 339, The Return of the King). Aragorn loved her from that time on.

Still, Aragorn was distraught knowing that she was Elven and he a man. His mother, Gilraen, confirmed this saying: "'And it is not fit that mortal should wed with the Elf-kin'" (p. 339, The Return of the King). Aragorn resolved to spend his days walking alone in the wild. Elrond perceived what was eating away at Aragorn and one day called him into his chamber. "'Aragorn, Arathorn's son, Lord of the Dunedain, listen to me! A great doom awaits you, either to rise above the height of all your fathers since the days of Elendil, or to fall into darkness with all that is left of your kin. Many years of trial lie before you. You shall have neither wife, nor bind any woman to you in troth, until your time comes and you are found worthy of it'" (p. 340, The Return of the King). Strong words from Master Elrond but good words.

Aragorn read what Elrond was saying. Elrond explained he did not mean just Arwen but if that was who Aragorn was thinking of she was too far above him. Plus he added that a doom lay upon them: that one day they, as all Elves, she would be leaving Middle-earth. Aragorn felt his plight was nearly identical to Beren's but he also had some measure of foresight. "'Master Elrond, the years of your abiding run short at last, and the choice must soon be laid on your children, to part either with you or with Middle-earth'" (p. 340, The Return of the King).

Elrond was certain there was no choice for Arwen unless Aragorn came between them resulting in a bitter parting. Aragorn had no inkling of what he desired of Elrond. Even still, Elrond loved Aragorn and would not withdraw that love. He only said many years would pass before they discussed this again and much evil would befall in that time.

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 2951

Today's reading comes from: The Return of the King, pages 338-340