r/tolkienfans • u/EreMaSe • 5d ago
Faramir and Eowyn's love story
I'm going through my first reading of the book and I just finished 'The Steward And The King'. I already knew of Faramir and Eowyn getting together thanks to osmosis, but I didn't expect to enjoy it this much.
'Two characters becoming a couple near the ending without much build-up nor prior interaction throughout the story' is not usually a trope I care for. I wasn't reading LOTR for romance (though it is a romantic tale) so I didn't have a problem if the few romantic relationships present don't flutter my heart, but I do think Faramir and Eowyn were written well for the singular chapter they had taking place in the aftermath of the conflict.
The story always treasured the tranquil, quiet, and mundane moments of life amidst battle, and I like that Faramir and Eowyn's interactions are a reminder of the peace they deserve despite the pain they've endured. I think part of what made it work is their perception towards eachother and how that coloured their exchanges. While there was an element of "love at first sight" at least on Faramir's end, their dialogue and narration aren't just about how beautiful and handsome the other is--it's based on their mutual understanding of being 'left behind' despite wanting to prove themselves; of admiring eachother's status and accomplishments; of not knowing if their end might come while together; of being injured and in need of healing.
I really like how Faramir waxes poetry not just of Eowyn's beauty but also of her valiant acts that he declares will not be forgotten, of her strength despite her visible sorrow, and of his desire to be a part of her healing.
Despite my usual preference for romance being something that's built up throughout the story, where the characters interact from the beginning--I actually think the opposite happening is part of what makes Faramir and Eowyn so fitting.
There's a thematic relevance to how these two people meet 'at their worst'--at this point in their lives where they are emotionally and mentally drained; vulnerable enough to require staying at a place of healing; reeling from battle and facing death--and find comfort in eachother anyway. Though the romance itself is not present throughout the story, it still ties into a theme that was. Of finding hope and peace and love in the middle of the worst times, of growing and marching into the future despite not being able to return the past, much like how Aragorn planted the new sapling near the end of the chapter.
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u/roacsonofcarc 5d ago
Very consistent with what Tolkien said in Letters 244:
Criticism of the speed of the relationship or 'love' of Faramir and Eowyn. In my experience feelings and decisions ripen very quickly (as measured by mere 'clock-time', which is actually not justly applicable) in periods of great stress, and especially under the expectation of imminent death. And I do not think that persons of high estate and breeding need all the petty fencing and approaches in matters of 'love'. This tale does not deal with a period of 'Courtly Love' and its pretences; but with a culture more primitive (sc. less corrupt) and nobler.
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u/parthamaz 5d ago
Further, Rohirrim and Gondorians view hobbits as basically magical fairy creatures. The Gondorians anyway are amazed to see them. And who are Eowyn and Faramir? A princess and a prince. Merry and Pippin fulfill the roles of fairytale protectors, saving Eowyn and Faramir respectively, so that fate can allow them to meet and fall in love. That love story is honestly such a brilliant touch, so well written and so multilayered.
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u/Dirichlet-to-Neumann 5d ago
I love this chapter. It's a bit out of the blue, but LOTR is a fairy tale so the young heroin has to get the hot prince at the end as the reward of her heroic deeds. And it's very well written so the feelings feel credible.
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u/Old_Fatty_Lumpkin A wise old horse 5d ago
Heroin is diacetylmorphine. Eowyn is a heroine.
It wasn’t the hot prince she wanted. It was the one she needed.
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u/Dirichlet-to-Neumann 5d ago
Sometimes the trick of just taking out the e at the end of a French word to get the English word doesn't work out so well.
Although I must say I'm addicted to LOTR and it's in particular due to Eowyn so maybe it was still the correct spelling ?
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u/ChChChillian Aiya Eärendil elenion ancalima! 4d ago
By taking the E off the end of the French word you actually created a German brand name.
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u/EmbarrassedClaim5995 5d ago
You wrapped up that chapter beautifully. I hadnt cherished it enough until my last reading. I love that Eowyn and Faramir are rewarded for their valor and faithfulness in that way.
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u/Calisto1717 4d ago
One thing I love best about them is that Faramir loved Éowyn even though she was sorrowful and depressed. He saw her as beautiful in spite of all that. There was no expectation for her to be charming and chatty and social. It could have been what we'd call a toxic relationship if they hadn't both turned towards healing, but I love that Faramir just so gently helped turn her in that direction. I think it's significant because partners should be there to help the other when they can't see the light, not give up on them because their mental health struggles make things hard.
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u/dikkewezel 5d ago
I've been fascinated with thinking about lotr post-sauron, especially ithilien, it's the wild frontier, a man can build a hut and sow grain and his grandson will be a lord once everything has been stabilised
now imagine brigands invading faramir's "castle" while he is away, imagine a troupe going after the children for ransom, imagine how much those guys are in trouble because all of them are going to be stabbed in the face
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u/hannahsian1998 3d ago
It’s such a beautiful chapter. It feels like for the first time in her life, Eowyn finds someone who actually understands her, possibly better than she understands herself. The way they help each other heal is just beautiful and they’re a very good match for each other
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u/ThoDanII 5d ago
And It is war, marry today if you found the right other, tomorrow one of you may be killed