Arwen Undómiel shall not diminish her life's grace for less cause. She shall not be the bride of any Man less than the King of both Gondor and Arnor. - Elrond to Aragorn - J.R.R. Tolkien
Arwen Evenstar is perhaps the most celebrated minor character in all of literary history. She plays really a very minor role in the famous JRR Tolkien series and yet thousands of people have fallen in love with her. Indeed, even Peter Jackson in his film adaption of the Lord of the Rings trilogy made some minor changes in order to give Arwen a more prominate role in the movies.
I think the reason that so many of us love her is that she represents a quiet beauty and regret that nearly all of us have. The idea that somehow we have given up a greater cause in order to live the life that we currently have. Or perhaps it is just the idea that love is not greater than death but greater than the promise of immortality.
When I first read that Liv Tyler had been choosen to play the part in the films, I was a bit skeptical. Certainly Ms. Tyler has the beauty for the role, but I had serious doubts as to her having the grace. Surprisingly, my doubts were unfounded. Ms. Tyler did an excellent job as the lovely and tranquil Arwen Evenstar.
Some Trivia Details about Arwen Evenstar:
Born: Early in the Third Age of Middle-earth - 241 T.A.
Father: Elrond Half-Elven
Mother: Lady Celebrian
Maternal Grandmother: Lady Galadriel
Maternal Grandfather: Celeborn
Paternal Grandmother: Elwing
Paternal Grandfather: Eärendil
Number of Brothers: 2 (Elrohir and Elladan - Identical twins)
Number of Sisters: 0
Husband: Aragorn, King Elessar
Married: 3019 T.A - Midsummer's Day
Number of sons: 1 (Eldarion)
Number of daughters: More than one, exact number and names unknown
Died: Early in the Fourth Age of Middle-earth - 121 F.A.
Other Tolkien Quotes about Arwen Evenstar:
Young she was and yet not so.The braids of her dark hair were touched by no frost; her white arms and clear face were flawless and smooth, and the light of stars was in her bright eyes, grey as a cloudless night; yet queenly she looked, and thought and knowledge were in her glance, as of one who has known many things that the years bring.
Such loveliness in a living thing Frodo had never seen before nor imagined in his mind.
Then suddenly it seemed to Frodo that Arwen turned towards him, and the light of her eyes fell on him from afar and pierced his heart.
And Aragorn answered: 'Lady, you know all my desire, and long held in keeping the only that I seek. Yet it is not yours to give me, even if you would; and only through darkness shall I come to it.'
Arwen Evenstar Fan quotes:
I loved reading about Arwen Evenstar in the Books. It was just so romantic reading about she and Aragorn.
-Becca Roberts, Freeport, MA
The LOTR movies did alot to bring Arwen Evenstar's character alive for
me. I loved how Liv Tyler portrayed her. She looked so ethreal.
-Marcy Sebson, Galvis, NC
Read More about Arwen's father - Elrond