Elrond’s Legacy: The Fate of His Children After the War of the Ring

Elrond, the renowned elf Lord of Rivendell, fathered three children who played significant roles in the histories of Middle-earth. His son Elros established the royal line of Numenor, while Elrond himself fathered twins, Elladan and Elrohir, and a daughter, Arwen, who would later become central to the future of the Reunited Kingdom of Arnor and Gondor. This article explores the lives and fates of Elrond’s children after the conclusion of the War of the Ring and their roles in the subsequent events of The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion.

Marrige and Children of Elrond

Elrond married Celebrían, daughter of Galadriel, at the beginning of the Third Age. Together, they had three children: twin sons, Elladan and Elrohir, and a daughter named Arwen. Elladan and Elrohir, famous for their valor and skill in battle, were born in Rivendell and joined the fellowship of Boromir and Aragorn in their quest against the dark forces.

Arwen and Aragorn: The Reunited Lines

Arwen, Elrond’s daughter, chose to marry Aragorn, a descendant of Isildur and Aulev. This union reunited the lines of Númenor and Arnor, symbolizing the blending of the Númenórean and Elven bloodlines. Together, they became the rulers of the Reunited Kingdom of Arnor and Gondor, symbolizing peace and unity. Their legacy continued through their descendants, as evidenced by their son Eldarion, who succeeded Aragorn on the throne.

Elladan and Elrohir: Their Fate in Middle-earth

Elladan and Elrohir, unlike their sister, did not choose to sail to the Undying Lands. According to Tolkien's works, the Valar's decree required the Half-Elven children to choose between Elven servitude or mortality. While most Half-Elven children, including Arwen, chose to sail, Elladan and Elrohir elected to remain in Middle-earth. This choice significantly affected their longevity, as they passed away long before Elrond and Celebrian, their parents, who eventually sailed to the Undying Lands.

Lord Celeborn's Dilemma

The decision of Elladan and Elrohir to remain in Middle-earth also influenced the actions of Celeborn, Elrond’s spouse. On the other hand, according to Tolkien’s writings, Celeborn chose to stay in Rivendell rather than accompany his wife to the Grey Havens through the Elven river. This decision allowed Celeborn to stay with his grandsons for the remainder of their mortal lives, which were tragically short compared to his own. Celeborn ultimately set sail to the Grey Havens to be reunited with his wife, Galadriel, ensuring that his choice was driven by love and familial ties.

Conclusion

Elrond’s children, Elladan, Elrohir, and Arwen, each played a vital role in the histories of Middle-earth. Their choices and actions reflected the complex nature of the Half-Elven line, shaped by the complex destinies set by the Valar and their own free will. Arwen and Aragorn’s union symbolized a merging of cultures, leading to the Reunited Kingdom, while Elladan and Elrohir made the choice to stay in Middle-earth, thereby becoming mortal men of great renown. The story of Elrond's children continues to captivate readers, offering a rich tapestry of legend and adventure.

Keywords: Elrond, Arwen, Elladan, Elrohir