Why Peter Jackson Chose Arwen Over Glorfindel in The Lord of the Rings Films

In the Lord of the Rings books, Arwen and Glorfindel both appear only a couple of timesat the feast in Rivendell and Arwen's wedding in Gondor. However, their roles were significantly expanded in the films. Why this choice was made brings us to an interesting discussion about character development, narrative focus, and the challenges of adapting literature for cinema.

Character Development vs. Narrative Focus

According to the commentary and interviews with Peter Jackson, the filmmakers were more interested in narrative focus. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings is a history of Middle-earth, where many characters are thinly described and underdeveloped. In contrast, Glorfindel and Arwen, both appearing briefly as plot devices, don't add meaningful development. Tolkien's monumental love story between Aragon and Arwen is a callback to Beren and Luthien, characters from his earlier Elvish history.

Why These Characters Were Necessary

While Glorfindel's and Arwen's roles are significant in the original story, they become less crucial in the film adaptation. In the books, Glorfindel is a renowned warrior-elf who fought off a Balrog in the days of old. However, in the film, his inclusion seems redundant. After saving everyone in Gondor, he disappears, adding little to the overall plot. A similar issue applies to Arwen, whose role is a poignant cameo rather than a substantial subplot.

The Importance of Depth in Adaptations

To make sense as a standalone trilogy, the films needed characters that could carry substance and depth. Arwen's internal conflict and her deep personal connection to Aragorn, who is living both for kingship and saving Middle-earth, required more screen time. On the other hand, Glorfindel's heroic but brief appearance felt incongruous without the historical context of The Silmarillion, the earlier Elvish tales.

The Ralph Bakshi Version as a Reference

The 1978 animated adaptation by Ralph Bakshi, The Lord of the Rings, provides a useful reference point. In that version, both Arwen and Glorfindel were either excised entirely or had diminished roles. This contrast clearly demonstrates that, while these characters are integral in the original narrative, their removal doesn't significantly disrupt the story's flow or its deeper themes.

Character Choices in Jackson's Adaptations

Correspondingly, in Jackson's trilogy, the filmmakers chose which characters required development or could be eliminated to enhance the overall narrative. For example:

Anaconda helps Aragorn Legolas replaces Glorfindel in significance Frodo and Sam's development benefits from Gildor's reduction Eomer is a marginalised character who gains prominence through Imrahil and Ghan Buri Ghan's eliminations Pippin and Merry become more essential characters when Bergerond is cut Central characters like Arwen and Aragorn's relationship become more significant through these narrative decisions

By expanding Arwen's role, the team made sure that her love for Aragorn and her contribution to his development as a leader were properly reflected, giving her a more substantial impact on the story.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Peter Jackson's decision to expand Arwen's role in his The Lord of the Rings films was a strategic choice aimed at adding depth and nuance to the narrative. By making Arwen more than just a cameo, the filmmakers ensured that her character's internal conflict and deep personal connection were brought to the forefront, enhancing the emotional and thematic richness of the story. This editorial decision allowed the films to stand on their own, providing a cohesive and engaging cinematic experience for the audience.