The Symbolic Meaning of Arwen’s Necklace in ‘The Lord of the Rings’

Although dangerous adventures and strong wizards are frequently the main emphases of ‘The Lord of the Rings’, Arwen’s Evenstar, a little but important piece of jewellery, is a major plot point. In contrast to the One Ring, which serves as the plot’s central theme, the Evenstar was made especially for the Peter Jackson film adaptations and is absent from J.R.R. Tolkien’s original works. Despite the difficulties in their relationship—particularly the consequences of Arwen giving up her immortality—her necklace represents her unwavering love and devotion to Aragorn, a mortal man.

Arwen’s role is expanded in the movie by substituting her for Glorfindel in a number of pivotal sequences, such as when she saves Frodo from the Nazgûl. 

Before Aragorn embarks on his adventure with the Fellowship, Arwen presents him with the Evenstar necklace as a sign of their love and her promise to support him despite her father Elrond’s opposition to the marriage because he knows it will break her heart. Arwen’s choice to wed the mortal Aragorn portends the grief she would experience upon his death.

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Although the Elfstone, a jewel that also represents Aragorn’s kingship, is mentioned in Tolkien’s original works, Jackson’s adoption of the Evenstar was an inventive method to give Arwen’s character and their romance more nuance. Compared to the Elfstone, the Evenstar has a greater thematic impact because it symbolizes not just monarchy but also the sacrifices made for love. 

Even if other magical items, such as the Silmarils, have greater historical significance within Tolkien’s larger mythos, the significance of these gems and the One Ring reflects the themes of sacrifice and power that permeate ‘The Lord of the Rings’.

–Farheen Ali