Aragorn and Eowyn

Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, the sons of Elrond, and the Dúnedain Rangers rode with all speed through Rohan reaching Dunharrow at dusk (about the same time Frodo and Sam reached Henneth Annun). It was to Dunharrow that many of the people of Rohan had fled as Saruman's forces began to invade. Eowyn was leading the people and she greeted Aragorn and his company with joy. Her eyes were fixed on Aragorn. The company took supper with her and told her of the events that unfolded at Helm's Deep. Hearing the courage of Theoden and the defeat of their enemies made her eyes shine. She set to make preparations for their stay and Aragorn informed her they would be leaving in haste the next morning. "She smiled on him and said: 'Then it was kindly done, lord, to ride so many miles out of your way to bring tidings to Eowyn, and to speak with her in her exile'" (p. 56, The Return of the King).

She had misread Aragorn's intentions assuming he would be rejoining Theoden and had come to her for a special visit. Aragorn informed her that this was his road for he was journeying to the Paths of the Dead. This made Eowyn distraught and she tried to warn him from going that way to his death; for the dead do not suffer the living to pass. "'They may suffer me to pass,' said Aragorn; 'but at the least I will adventure it. No other road will serve'" (p. 56, The Return of the King). I realize that Aragorn had no choice given his vision of Gondor's defeat but that being said I respect that he has no hesitation even when those around him counsel against his plan. There are times in a man's life when he must lead whether those around him agree or not. Eowyn finished her meal in silence, in torment, eyes ever fixed on Aragorn.

After his companions had gone Aragorn made his way to the tent he would share with Legolas and Gimli when Eowyn came to him again. She again questioned why he would go this way. "'Because I must,' he said...'I do not choose paths of peril, Eowyn. Were I to go where my heart dwells, far in the North I would no be wandering the fair valley of Rivendell.' For a while she pondered what this might mean. Then suddenly she laid her hand on his arm. 'You are a stern lord and resolute,' she said; 'and thus do men win renown'" (p. 57, The Return of the King). I quote this for two reasons: 1) Eowyn's last comment says better what I was trying to say about Aragorn above. 2) In the books Aragorn never considered Eowyn as an alternative to Arwen as is implied in the movies; too much honor for that. Eowyn requested to travel with Aragon on his journey. Aragorn reminded Eowyn of her duty to her people but this seemed only to upset her more.

She declared that she was an able horse rider and sword wielder of the House of Eorl fearing neither pain or death. Her fear was: "'A cage,' she said. 'To stay behind bars, until use and old age accept them, and all chance of doing great deeds is gone beyond recall or desire'" (p. 58, The Return of the King). There is something in that line that resonates with me. Aragorn again reminded her that she must stay with her people and her fate had no part in his path. "'Neither have those others who go with thee. They go only because they would not be parted from thee--because they love thee.' Then she turned and vanished into the night" (p. 58, The Return of the King). This was a pretty intense interaction. Again I love the way Tolkien portrays it. A strong male leader who attracts a woman who is willing to follow his leadership to whatever end. And yet that's not to say Eowyn, the woman, is not strong or a leader. No, she is one of the strongest and most courageous characters in Middle-earth. Indeed, it's a picture of submission: where her respect for Aragorn allows her to set aside her strong leadership for his and a picture of love as Aragorn treats her with tremendous tenderness and genuinely encourages her in her role for the people of Rohan. The main problem for Eowyn is it's not the kind of love she wants from him.

Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, March 7th, 3019
Today's reading comes from: The Return of the King, pages 56-58