The Most Romantic Couples from The Lord of the Rings

By Shannon O'Toole

The tales of Middle-earth are beloved by their fans for the heroic deeds of beloved characters. Amidst the rich landscapes and battles, audiences can also find some of the best love stories in the fantasy genre.

Between The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit trilogy, and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power television series, Middle-earth there are many romantic storylines ran Here are our top ten love stories in Middle-earth put to screen.

10. Tauriel and Legolas – The Hobbit Trilogy

As a love story that does not really go anywhere, Legolas and Tauriel take the bottom spot on the list. Their relationship is fraught with awkwardness thanks to Tauriel’s solely platonic feelings toward Legolas. Despite the unrequited interest, the two Mirkwood Elves have a great deal of respect for one another and have each other’s backs. Legolas also comes to accept that Tauriel does not see him the way he sees her.

9. Arondir and Bronwyn – The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

The doomed love between the races of Elves and Men comes up from time to time in the history of Middle-earth. Given the popularity of such storylines, it is no surprise that Amazon’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power features such a romance between the Elf Arondir and the human woman Bronwyn. Assigned to watch the Men in the Southlands, Arondir strikes up a friendship with the healer, Bronwyn. The bond between the two as they lean on one another for the good of Middle-earth is palpable. Only time will tell what their fate as a couple will be.

8. Galadriel and Celeborn – The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

The relationship between Galadriel and Celeborn is admittedly not a focal point of The Lord of the Rings. Although they do not have much screen time together, the strength of the union between the Lady and Lord of Lothlórien is undeniable as they rule over the peaceful, magical woodland realm together, protecting it from the evils growing in Middle-earth.

In most lands in Middle-earth, the male is the primary leader. Galadriel’s remarkable powers as the bearer of the Elvish ring Nenya, however, make her the primary leader of Lothlórien. Celeborn clearly respects this and follows the Lady of Light’s lead.

7. Aragorn and Éowyn – The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Although many potential love stories do not lead to everlasting relationships, many of them have a profound effect on the people involved nonetheless. The relationship between Aragorn and Éowyn is no exception. These two humans meet in Edoras, and Éowyn is immediately captivated by Aragorn’s nobility and kindness.

Aragorn has the utmost respect for Éowyn, treating her as an equal and seeing the strength in her that so many others overlook. She confesses her feelings to him, but he is already in love with Arwen. Aragorn however still clearly cares for Éowyn, telling her, “I have wished you joy since first I saw you,” before departing.

6. Tauriel and Kili – The Hobbit Trilogy

The original character Tauriel finds herself in a love triangle with both the Elf prince Legolas and the Dwarf Kili pining for her affection. She remains uninterested in Legolas, but begins to feel a bond to Kili as the two speak in the dungeons of Mirkwood. She saves Kili from an infected wound in Lake-town only to eventually witness him struck down by the fearsome Orc, Azog. Overcome by grief, she says to Thranduil, “If this is love, I don’t want it. Take it away, please! Why does it hurt so much?” He solemnly replies, “Because it was real.”

5. Beren and Lúthien – The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

As two historical figures from whom both Aragorn and Arwen descend, it would be remiss to not include the blueprint for love between a Human and an Elf on this list. Beren and Lúthien are not featured characters in any part of Middle-earth put to film. Their story is featured, however, in the extended edition of The Fellowship of the Ring when Frodo overhears Aragorn singing about them in Elvish. Beren and Lúthein fall in love, facing great perils and death itself to be together. Lúthein sacrifices her immortality to be with Beren, foreshadowing the choice of her descendent Arwen.

4. Disa and Durin – The Rings of Power

Fans collectively agree that one of the highlights of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is Khazad-dûm and the loving relationship between Durin and Disa. Their love and trust in one another is apparent from the moments they share on screen. Where Durin greets Elrond gruffly due to old hurts, Disa welcomes the future Elf lord into their home with warmth and excitement. In doing so, she reminds her husband of his fonder memories of Elrond. Durin and Disa are strong leaders on their own and are even stronger together.

3. Faramir and Éowyn – The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

The son of the Steward of Gondor and niece of the King of Rohan only share a brief moment in the theatrical edition of The Return of the King, but share a tender scene in the extended version of the movie. The two warriors recover from their respective wounds in the Houses of Healing in Minas Tirith. Éowyn despairs, saying, “The city has fallen silent. There is no warmth left in the sun. It grows so cold.” Faramir offers her reassurance, taking her hand and saying, “It’s just the damp of the first spring rain. I do not believe this darkness will endure.” She places her head on his shoulder, and their love story begins in earnest.

2. Rosie Cotton and Samwise Gamgee – The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Sam’s feelings for Rosie are first revealed at Bilbo’s birthday party. He hesitates to ask her for a dance so Frodo, as his best friend, takes it upon himself to get the two Hobbits dancing with one another. Before Sam can follow up further with his feelings for Rosie, he embarks on his journey with Frodo.

After the Ring is destroyed, Frodo imagines the things he loves about the Shire that he can see in his mind. Sam does as well, and his mind goes right to Rosie. He tells Frodo, “Rosie Cotton dancing. She had ribbons in her hair. If ever I was to marry someone, it would’ve been her. It would’ve been her.” Upon their triumphant return to the Shire, Sam does just that. They are seen with two of their many children at the end of The Return of the King, enjoying a well-earned life of tranquility.

1. Aragorn and Arwen – The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Among all the love stories put to screen in Middle-earth, Aragorn and Arwen’s story easily takes the top spot. As an Elf, Arwen makes the same choice that her forebearer Lúthein did, forsaking her immortality to be with Aragorn. She tells him, “I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone.”

Despite great distances, war, and understandable doubt on both their parts, the two remain bound to one another. When the Ring is destroyed, Aragorn and Arwen are lovingly reunited at Aragorn’s coronation to spend the rest of their days together.

From the caverns of Khazad-dûm to the halls of Minas Tirith, the love stories of Middle-earth enrich the already powerful tales found in The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. With relationships that feature mutual respect, selflessness, and courage at their cores, the pairings in Middle-earth give their fans something to strive toward.

Who are your favorite LOTR couples? Share your ships with other fans at side.show/geekgroup, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!