Aragorn At Your Wedding: A Dream Come True

The Lord of the Rings Online MMORPG game allows players to attend the wedding of Aragorn and Arwen, which is a symbolic event marking the death of Sauron's evil forces and welcoming the Fourth Age. In the game, players can travel to the Citadel of Minas Tirith to witness the marriage of the King of Gondor and the ethereal elf of Rivendell. The event is heavily influenced by Peter Jackson's film adaptation, with similar decorations and stylings. In J.R.R. Tolkien's original tale, Aragorn and Arwen's wedding is also a significant event, marking the triumph of their enduring love and the unification of Elves and Men.

Aragorn and Arwen's wedding in 'Lord of the Rings'

The wedding of Aragorn and Arwen is a story within the appendices of J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings'. It is considered by some to be an alternative ending to the series, with Aragorn and Arwen's love story providing a ray of hope in a bleak narrative.

Aragorn first meets Arwen in Rivendell when he is around twenty years old. He falls in love with her at first sight, mistaking her for Luthien, an ancient and beautiful elf. Arwen, on the other hand, is over 2700 years old. Aragorn leaves Rivendell and spends thirty years abroad, becoming a Ranger and a staunch opponent of Sauron.

Aragorn and Arwen meet again in Lothlórien, nearly thirty years later. Arwen reciprocates Aragorn's love, and they pledge themselves to each other on the hill of Cerin Amroth, with Arwen choosing to become mortal and stay in Middle-earth with Aragorn. However, Arwen's father, Elrond, will only permit them to marry once Aragorn has become King of both Gondor and Arnor.

Aragorn helps the Fellowship and the forces of the West to victory in the War of the Ring, and at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, he unfurls a standard made by Arwen and is hailed as King. After the war, Arwen arrives in Minas Tirith, and they marry on Midsummer's Day in the year TA 3019. They live together as King and Queen for 120 years, until Aragorn, feeling the onset of old age, chooses to lay down his life. Arwen, grief-stricken, leaves Minas Tirith and dies of a broken heart at Cerin Amroth in Lórien.

The wedding's significance

The wedding of Aragorn and Arwen is a significant event in J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings' and is considered by Tolkien himself as "really essential to the story". The tale of Aragorn and Arwen is a story within the appendices of the book, narrating the love between a mortal man, Aragorn, and an immortal elf-maiden, Arwen. It mirrors the "Tale of Beren and Lúthien", creating a sense of historical depth in Middle-earth.

The wedding symbolizes the death of the Dark Lord Sauron and his evil forces, as well as the beginning of the Fourth Age. It is a grand event hosted in the Citadel of Minas Tirith, marking the union of Elves and Men. The marriage is a triumph over obstacles and a uniting of differences, with Arwen choosing mortality to be with Aragorn. The wedding is also a public celebration, with foreign dignitaries in attendance and gifts exchanged.

The significance of the wedding lies in its representation of hope and the rekindling of life for all peoples of Middle-earth. It is a sign of a longed-for future where all that is divided will be made whole, and life will burst into a springtime of endless possibility and fruitfulness. The marriage of Aragorn and Arwen is not just a personal and private happiness but a public celebration of a community's hope and unity.

The wedding is also notable for its grandeur and the rewards it brings. In the video game 'The Lord of the Rings Online', players can attend the wedding and receive rewards such as titles, a kite, an emote, and wedding-themed gifts. The game's illustration of the event is heavily influenced by Peter Jackson's film trilogy, particularly the scene of Aragorn's coronation.

The couple's first meeting

Arwen, an ethereal elf from Rivendell, was betrothed to Aragorn, and their union would symbolise the death of the Dark Lord Sauron's evil forces and welcome the Fourth Age. Their paths were always meant to cross, and cross they did, in a whirlwind of adventure and romance.

Aragorn, with his quiet confidence and air of mystery, first encountered Arwen in the wild. His strong character and convictions immediately drew her in. He was a born leader, wise and valiant, yet he lacked self-confidence, especially when it came to his lineage and the idea of claiming the throne. Arwen saw the potential in him, and their connection was instant and profound.

Their initial meeting was a dance of intrigue and attraction. Aragorn, with his rugged stoicism, and Arwen, with her otherworldly grace, found themselves drawn to each other like moths to a flame. The chemistry between them was palpable, and they knew that their destinies were intertwined.

As they embarked on their journey together, they faced challenges and adventures that only strengthened their bond. Aragorn's compassion and unwavering will, coupled with Arwen's unwavering support, paved the way for their legendary love story. Their first meeting set into motion a chain of events that would shape the future of Middle-earth.

And so, their love blossomed amidst the chaos and grandeur of their world, a shining light in the darkness, a beacon of hope and unity.

Aragorn's coronation

The coronation of Aragorn II, also known as King Elessar, took place on May 1st, TA 3019, on the Pelennor Fields outside the Othram of Minas Tirith. The ceremony marked the inauguration of the Reunited Kingdom of Gondor and Arnor.

The ceremony began with the sound of a trumpet, followed by a hushed silence from the crowd. Faramir, the new Steward of Gondor, met Aragorn before the Great Gate of Minas Tirith and declared the return of the King. The crown, loftier and whiter than those of the citadel guard, with wings of pearl and silver in the likeness of a seabird, was held aloft by Aragorn. He declared in Sindarin:

> "Out of the Great Sea to Middle-earth I am come. In this place will I abide, and my heirs, unto the ending of the world."

These were the same words that Elendil, the ancient king of Arnor, had spoken upon his arrival from the Sea. Aragorn then passed the crown to the Ring-bearer, who carried it to Gandalf. Gandalf placed the crown upon Aragorn's head and pronounced a blessing. Faramir cried, "Behold the King!", and King Elessar entered his city to the sound of trumpets and the unfurling of the royal banner.

Several months later, a party of Elves arrived and Elrond surrendered to Aragorn the Sceptre of Annúminas, the symbol of royalty in Arnor. Shortly after that Aragorn and Arwen were married.

The ceremony's location

• The Citadel of Minas Tirith: This majestic citadel serves as the capital of Gondor and is a place of great significance to Aragorn. It is where he was crowned King of Gondor and Arnor, and later wed Arwen. Choosing this location would honour Aragorn's legacy and provide a grand backdrop for the wedding ceremony.
• Rivendell: This beautiful valley is nestled in the heart of the Misty Mountains and is known for its natural beauty and ethereal atmosphere. It is also the home of Elrond, Aragorn's foster father, and the place where Aragorn first met his future bride, Arwen. Selecting Rivendell as the wedding location would pay homage to Aragorn's foster family and the beginnings of his love story.
• The Halls of Edoras: Located in Rohan, the golden halls of Edoras are a majestic setting befitting a king. Aragorn spent time in Edoras, forging strong bonds with King Théoden and Éomer. Choosing this location would highlight the friendship and respect between Aragorn and the people of Rohan.
• The Gardens of Lothlórien: Lothlórien, also known as Lórien, is a magical forest realm ruled by Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn. It is a place of enchantment and natural splendour. Aragorn visited Lothlórien on multiple occasions and even received a gift from Galadriel, which later became his royal name, Elessar. Selecting this location would evoke a sense of wonder and connect with Aragorn's affinity for the natural world.
• Amon Hen: Known as the "Hill of Sight," Amon Hen is a sacred place located in Gondor, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It is a site of great significance in Middle-earth's history, providing a majestic backdrop for a wedding ceremony. Aragorn, being a wise and far-sighted leader, might appreciate the symbolic nature of this location.

When considering the ceremonys location for a wedding with Aragorn in attendance, it is essential to keep in mind the grandeur and majesty befitting a king. The chosen location should reflect his noble lineage, valour, and connection to Middle-earth's most revered places.

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