TheLord of the Ringsmovies have Galadriel (Cate Blanchett) give Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) a much different gift than she did in the books. Peter Jackson’sLord of the Ringsmoviesare considered some of the best adaptations of J.R.R Tolkien’s work, largely staying true to the series' extensive world-building and characterization.Though some larger changes were made and noticed by audiences, such as removing the 17-year time jump between Bilbo’s (Ian Holm) disappearance and the beginning of the quest, others seem to have managed to slip by.
One particular example is the existence of the Elfstone. In theLord of the Ringsbooks,Galadriel gave Aragorn the Elfstone as the Fellowship departed Lothlórien rather than the dagger and warning of the Uruk hunting party that pursued them.The stone itself is never mentioned in the films. Rather, it is replaced by the Evenstar which acts as an easy device to make Aragorn and Arwen’s (Liv Tyler) romance more prominent during the course of theLord of the Ringsmovies.
I’m So Glad This Aragorn Moment Was Cut From The Lord Of The Rings Movies
Peter Jackson very nearly included a strange Aragorn moment in his version of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, and I’m glad he didn’t.
Lord Of The Rings' Elfstone Change Makes Aragorn & Arwen’s Romance More Prominent
The Evenstar Showcased Aragorn’s Devotion To Arwen
The change from the Elfstone to the Evenstar in theLord of the Ringsmovies made Aragorn and Arwen’s relationship more prominent, adding in a new device to symbolize their connection.Jackson’sLord of the Ringschanged Aragorn’s storyin several ways, including his relationship with Arwen.In the books, their romance was mentioned in the main story but was largely fleshed out in one of the Appendices, titled “The Tale of Aragorn And Arwen”.However, the film added in more scenes of the two together, including the gifting of the Evenstar.
Arwen gifts Aragorn the Evenstar before he departs with the Fellowship in Rivendellto remind him of her and her faith in him. Aragorn keeps it throughout the Fellowship’s journey, wearing it prominently untilReturn of the King.During that film, the Evenstar shatters after Aragorn challenges Sauron, who shows Aragorn a vision of Arwen dying to frighten him. Despite Arwen surviving at the end and the two getting a happy ending, the Evenstar is never mentioned again, creating just one more difference between it and the Elfstone of the originalLord of the Ringsbooks.
The Elfstone & Evenstar Mean Different Things In The Lord Of The Rings
Each Stone Represents A Key Facet Of Aragorn
Both the Elfstone and Evenstar mean different things in theLord Of The Rings,but also showcase key facets of Aragorn. The Evenstar representedAragorn and Arwen’s relationshipas well as their love for each other,a love that was showcased in their dream sequence and Arwen’s rescue of Aragorn from drowning.That love not only highlighted Arwen more as a distinct character, but also Aragorn’s good heart, as his devotion to her added to his devotion to aiding Middle Earth against Sauron. The Evenstar represented Aragorn the man, while the Elfstone represented Aragorn the King.
The Elfstone represents Aragorn’s heritage as the rightful King of Gondor and heir of Númenor, a role that theLord Of The Ringsfilms instead gave to his serpent ring, allowing both facets of the character to exist at the same time throughout the film franchise.
In the books, Arwen requested that Galadriel give Aragorn the Elfstone before his departure, making it a gift from her as well. That being said, the Elfstone is meant to be a sign the Valar have not abandoned them to Sauron, as they are bringing Aragorn, the fated King, back to rule Men. The Elfstone represents Aragorn’s heritage as the rightful King of Gondor and heir of Númenor, a role that theLord Of The Ringsfilms instead gave to his serpent ring, allowing both facets of the character to exist at the same time throughout the film franchise.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Cast
The final installment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Return of the King concludes the epic saga of the Fellowship’s quest to destroy the One Ring and put an end to Sauron’s reign of terror. As Frodo and Sam continue on their way to Mordor and Mount Doom, accompanied by Gollom, the rest of the Fellowship work to defend Minas Tirith from Sauron’s forces. The film’s ensemble cast includes Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Ian McKellen, Vigo Mortensen, Orlando Bloom, John Rhys-Davies, Billy Boyd, and Dominic Monaghan.
