mylady

Hello again!<P>Unfortunately, I do not have the time or opportunity to contribute to this forum on a regular basis, but now I do. First of all I thought it very nice that so many have replied to my post, and that a very interesting discussion has emerged. Looong post coming up ... There were other aspects of the discussion I would also like to comment on, but that will have to wait. I think I have sufficiently challenged your patience already.<P>Bekah: That is the reason I wrote <I>that I have read</I>. That is LotR, The Hobbit, parts of the Silmarillion and parts of the Lays of Beleriand. I have not in my reading encountered any other woman who is desired in such a way as Wormtongue desires Éowyn. Nor did I intend to imply that sex is the only important part of a relationship, but I am certain that sexual tension can exist without romantic feelings accompanying it.<P>With regards to my previous post, allow me to emphasise: I think Aragorn is in love with Arwen. I think Éowyn falls truly in love with Faramir. I did not intent do question the nature of those feelings. But I think the relationship between Aragorn and Éowyn contains more than comeradeship, infatuation on her part and pity on his.<P>Did you know that Éowyn and Aragorn originally were coupled? In the last but one draft of LotR Arwen did not exist, and Éowyn and Aragorn fell in love. <P>Then Tolkien conceived the idea of reuniting the houses of Isildur and Earendil, and so he created Arwen as Aragorn's love interest and future queen, and wrote the romance between Faramir and Éowyn. This draft can, I have been told, be found in Chr. Tolkien's the History of Middle Earth. I have not read it, but Tolkienheads in three forums or so have referred to it. They also claim that Tolkien only changed what was necessary to make this ending work, but that large and vital parts, such as the initial meeting of Éowyn and Aragorn, remained unchanged. This may be the reason that many readers (I have to count myself among them) experience Arwen as a rather boring, undeveloped character, and that some (also including myself, but there are others too) see great tension between Éowyn and Aragorn.<P>I also think the film makers have interpreted the novel in this way, as they focus so much upon the exchange of looks and touches between the two, but never let them say anything that will make a well-read audience think he is unfaithful to Arwen. <P>I have my own interpretation of this. I know there are several others that may be more obvious, but from what I have read and seen I think it is at least valid.<P>There is a striking duality in Aragorn's character. He has been brought up by the elves, and is in love with an Elven lady. In a world where Men are portrayed as weak and passionate, Aragorn stands out as sensible, brave and just, a likely figure to make a realm of Men work when the elves have left.<P>At the same time he is undoubtedly a man, and their weakness, as he states very directly in the film, is also a part of him. He also confesses that he also feels the power and the temptation of the ring.<P>The Elves represent, as I look upon it, reason, self-command, and insight. In everything they do they are wise and noble; they seem to be above selfish desires and tantrums. Also, they are rather androgynous in their appearances; with their long hair and long robes. I associate them with only positive words, but sensuality is not one of them. In contrast, Men are, as mentioned, conflicted, passionate, intense, and more easily tempted. They are much more "physical", material, and there is, as I regard it, much more of the tension and confusion and spark between them that are normally associated with sexuality.<P>It has been mentioned that Éowyn does not really love Aragorn, as she does not know him, not in the same way she learns to love Faramir. This makes sense. I believe there is admiration and affection between them, but not love. But I do not think we are necessarily talking about feelings that require soulmating. <P>While Arwen is Aragorn's soulmate, and connects with him in a special way; one might say in the very typical Elvish, spiritual manner. But I think Éowyn appeals to him in a very human way. Her despair and passion touches him. On lordoftherings.net the put it like this: <I>Aragorn is drawn to her (Éowyn), but reminded of his undying love for the elf Arwen</I>. I think this is very well put. His love for Arwen is constant, but Éowyn, I still believe, awakes something in him. The tension is, however, very ambiguous, and I think the vague formulation <I>drawn to</I> is perfect, as it is as could mean attraction as well as compassion and pity. <P>As for sexual attraction between Aragorn and Arwen: It may very well be there, but we do not get the feeling of it, do we? They only look into each others eyes and speak long, grave sentences about their love for one another. Meanwhile, Aragorn and Éowyn interact with an unconsommated physicality that has been remarked by several critics; only look at the external reviews section on the IMDb TTT page. I am sure you have all experienced how a wordless tension can arise between you and someone you are not in love with, nor do really know; it is simply there. While I am quite certain this is not what Tolkien intended, this is what the Éowyn-Aragorn relationship comes across as to me. <P>To conclude: I think Arwen and Éowyn in a way represents the Elvish and the Human sides of Aragorn, that are battling inside him. By chosing Arwen, Aragorn lets the Elvish, unselfish, wise and rational side win and proves that he is a worthy king, instead of yielding to the Human, emotional and passionate storms that Éowyn represents.<P>Puh! Are you still hanging on? I only have to add that my interpretation is based largely on the films, but I think it also can be applied to the novel. I am looking forward to reading you replies.