Eowyn and Faramir: A Historic Marriage in Middle-earth

Eowyn's Marriage to Faramir

At the conclusion of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, Eowyn, the shieldmaiden of Rohan and sister of King Eomer, marries Faramir, the son of the last steward of Gondor. These two individuals, among the greatest heroes of the War of the Ring, each devoted themselves to the defense of the West. Their mutual commitment to their realms and their joint eligibility for sharing in the fruits of victory overshadowed the initial reasons for their marriage.

Throughout history, Eowyn and Faramir developed a fast and enduring friendship. This relationship further strengthened the ties between Gondor and Rohan, two of the great kingdoms of the Free Men of the West. For Eowyn and Faramir, the most cherished fruit of their union was the sheer happiness they shared after their handfasting.

Furthermore, the couple's physical beauty, comparable to that of Elves, added to their allure. However, despite their noble lineage, it seems plausible that they spent more time producing a large family to fulfill their responsibility as leading nobles. Their extended family would not only be for pleasure but also to encourage the repopulation of the West, as their realms stood at the cusp of the Age of Men, facing a largely unpopulated world.

With vast distances, endless wilderness, great mountains, rivers, plains, and steppes - most of it uninhabited - Men had a divine destiny to take over the leadership of Middle-earth from the Elves. The rulers of Gondor and Arnor, King Elessar and Queen Arwen Undómiel, had only one son, Eldarion, underlining the precariousness of the ruling lines.

While the survival of the ruling line of Isildur lasted approximately 3000 years, it was a challenging feat. Each generation had to yield at least one son who was fertile and able to continue the lineage. In times of battle, plague, and various hazards, this was a daunting task. It is noteworthy that Elves rarely had children, with only one-born every 800 years, a trait Arwen seemed to have retained.

However, it is possible that this trait was passed on to him, and the crown may one day pass to a descendant of Faramir's line. Eowyn's noble lineage, enhanced by her victory over the Witch-King of Angmar with Meriadoc Brandybuck, ensured her family's prominence and everlasting fame.

The Fourth Age of Middle-earth, with Eowyn, Faramir, and their descendants, will be a great era filled with hope and promise.