The Steward and the King

Summary

Back in Gondor, Eowyn is restless. She is still recuperating from her wounds and she is restless for Aragorn to return. Meanwhile Faramir, also recuperating, takes an interest in Eowyn. For days, he spends time with her, talking and waiting for the news from the great battles. And they grow close and comfort one another, the Eagles come carrying news of the victory and of the coming of the king.

Faramir knows that Eowyn had loved Aragorn, but he also knows that Aragorn did not return this love. He confesses that he is in love with her and asks her to be his wife. She consents.

All is ready and the New King arrives in a procession through the city. Gandalf crowns Aragorn the King of Gondor and a new age begins.

Beregond is forgiven of the treachery that FaramirÂ’s father accused him of, and is named Guard of Faramir. Aragorn asks Gandalf to be his counselor, but Gandalf says that now that Sauron is defeated, Aragorn must rule alone.

Arwen, the daughter of Galadriel, is brought to Minas Tirith. She confesses her love for Aragorn, though their union would render her mortal and therefore subject to death (though she had been immortal).

The romance of the novel is neatly wrapped up as Eowyn finds new love with Faramir and Aragorn is pursued by Arwen, who had sent him gifts when he was at battle. ArwenÂ’s sacrifice of her own immortality is testament to her passion and loyalty; like others in the novel, she will give up important things for a cause she truly believes in.

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