What's the Worst Thing Characters had to Face in Middle Earth?

[Lalwendë]

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

DO you think she perhaps felt that her fate would mirror Luthien's in that regard also? One of the reasons I don't find Arwen interesting is that she is not so much a character as a cipher....

Arwen must have been as aware as anyone of Luthien's story and fate, so it may well have served as a lesson for her in not simply haring off to be with Aragorn; in many ways Luthien may have served as an example to all who followed her. But I do not think Arwen consciously chose to follow Luthien in falling for a Man, again because she would have been aware of the suffering in the relationship of Beren and Luthien. I think she clearly simply fell for Aragorn and could not help herself, but maybe chose to restrain herself from being impulsive.

This lack of impulsiveness is a character trait for Arwen, and I often think that the reason she may seem to pale in comparison to an active, passionate woman such as Eowyn is that Arwen was simply a much quieter person. I think Esty once posted about the possible significance in Arwen's weaving of the banner for Aragorn, and it is in acts like this that Arwen shines. She may be quiet and only seen in the story as Aragorn's 'love interest' but she also seems to be powerful in that she can imspire Aragorn to such great deeds. We can't forget too that at the end of the book she gives Frodo a significant gift, however we want to interpret that act.

Originally Posted by Farael

Lalwendë brings up a great point regarding the "inevitability of death" and I can't really add anything to what (are you a he or a she?) said, yet I just wanted to mention I agree with you.

Well, davem hopes I am a woman anyway.