Arwen Undomiel (also called the Evenstar) is an elf of Rivendell in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. She is the daughter of Elrond and Celebrian and the granddaughter of Galadriel. She is approximately 2,700 years old during the events of the War of the Ring. She chooses to give up her elven immortality to marry Aragorn, a mortal man, echoing the choice of her ancestor Luthien Tinuviel. In Peter Jackson's film trilogy, she is portrayed by Liv Tyler.

Why Does Arwen Give Up Immortality?

Arwen chooses mortality out of love for Aragorn. As a Half-elven (descended from both elves and men), she has the choice — like her ancestor Elros — between immortal life with the elves or mortal life with men. She chooses mortality, meaning she will age and die like a human and will not pass to the Undying Lands with her father and her people. Her father Elrond opposes the choice and initially sets a condition: Aragorn must become King before Arwen will marry him.

Who Is Luthien Tinuviel?

Luthien is an elf maiden from Tolkien's The Silmarillion who falls in love with the mortal man Beren. She gives up her immortality to be with him — the first elf to do so. Their story is the central love story of Tolkien's mythology. Tolkien considered it his most important tale and based it on his relationship with his wife Edith. Arwen is Luthien's direct descendant, and her choice to become mortal for Aragorn parallels Luthien's choice for Beren.

Is Arwen's Role Different in the Books and Films?

Yes, significantly. In the books, Arwen appears relatively briefly — her story is told primarily in the Appendices rather than in the main narrative. In Peter Jackson's film trilogy, her role is greatly expanded: she rescues Frodo at the Ford of Bruinen (a role given to Glorfindel in the books), she confronts the Ringwraiths directly, and her relationship with Aragorn is shown throughout the trilogy. The expansion was made to give the films a stronger female presence.

What Happens to Arwen After Aragorn Dies?

After Aragorn dies at age 210, Arwen travels to Lorien, which is now abandoned, and dies there of grief. She is buried on the hill of Cerin Amroth, where she and Aragorn had pledged their love. Her death is described in the Appendices as the passing of the Evenstar — the end of the elven presence in Middle-earth.

Can You Talk to Arwen?

Arwen is available as an AI companion on HoloDream. She chose mortality. She chose love. She would make the same choice again.