Happy Valentine’s Day! Romance can be discovered in many an epic fantasy novel, from Middle-earth to the Shattered Plains of Roshar.
In this article, I’ll be going over a few romantic couples in well-known epic fantasy stories. These aren’t romantasy or romantic fantasy couples; they are couples whose love stories aren’t the primary focus of the story. They manage to find love amidst the chaos of epic battles in magical, dangerous worlds.
Even though the focus of these stories is often on an epic struggle between good and evil, the romance plot lines bring an extra flavor to the narrative that gives it added dimension and realism.
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Aragorn and Arwen (The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien)
The father of modern fantasy, J.R.R. Tolkien, was a romantic to the core. He loved his wife dearly. The story of Beren and Luthien was somewhat inspired by his wife, and on her tomb when she died, he had the name “Luthien” inscribed on it, and on his grave he had “Beren” inscribed. But the love story we’re most familiar with is that of Aragorn and Arwen.
A bit of backstory: After the death of his father, Aragorn was fostered by Elrond of Rivendell. When he was 20 years old, Elrond told him of his lineage and his true name. The next day, Aragorn met and fell in love with Elrond’s daughter, Arwen. Later, Arwen pledged to renounce her immortality and marry Aragorn. It wasn’t until later after when Aragorn became King of Gondor that they did so.
Despite this being the main love story in The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien actually wrote most of it in the appendices. It’s a sweet love story between two people who weren’t supposed to be together because of their races.
My favorite part of this love story is how, while it seems like so many myths and legends are about the search for immortality, Arwen gives up her immortality to be with Aragorn, showing that love is far more important than living forever.
Their love symbolized the new hope for the future of Middle-earth.
Ron and Hermione (Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling)
I debated whether I should include this love story as it isn’t, in my mind, an epic love story. I considered putting Harry and Ginny’s love story in instead. But I ended up going with Ron and Hermione because while Harry’s romance with Ginny is full of cringy teen romance, Ron and Hermione’s is an honest story about the way a lot of us fall in love with our best friend (though hopefully not while battling evil wizards that are trying to kill us).
Ron and Hermione’s relationship starts out more like siblings, but as they get older and go through both puberty and countless trials while helping Harry in his fight against Voldemort, their friendship deepens into affection and then romance. It has many realistic difficulties, from their squabbles about pets to sniping at each other about boyfriends/girlfriends and crushes, and culminating in Ron’s leaving during the search for the horcruxes.
But it all works out in the end!
Not everyone was thrilled about this particular pairing, and I have to say that I was pretty lukewarm about it myself. Perhaps that’s because I’ve seen so many movies or read books where the main male protagonist and female sidekick end up together.
Adolin and Shallan (The Stormlight Archive series by Brandon Sanderson)
Adolin Kholin is the son of Highprince Dalinar Kholin. Shallan Davar is a minor lighteyes (noblewoman) from one of the neighboring kingdoms. Jasnah Kholin, Adolin’s cousin, arranged for Shallan’s betrothal to Adolin. However, it takes them a couple books for them to get married, and a third interested person, Kaladin, a darkeyes (commoner) catches the eye of one of Shallan’s alters. (Due to trauma in her past, Shallan exhibits symptoms of multiple personality disorder). However, Shallan eventually goes through with the marriage to Adolin.
It’s an interesting romance because of Shallan’s mental health struggles, but I absolutely love how Adolin is a kind, loving husband who lifts her up and reminds her of how strong she is and how far she’s come despite her difficulties. He really is perfect for her.
Perrin and Faile (The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan)
The Wheel of Time is chock full of romances. Rand al’Thor, the main character, gets married to several women. But one of my favorite couples is Perrin and Faile. I was very disappointed when the show writers killed off Perrin’s wife in the very first episode of The Wheel of Time series. I know that they’re trying to put their own spin on things, but as I loved their relationship, I still kind of hate it.
At the beginning of their relationship, they struggle because of their differences in personality and upbringing. Perrin is a blacksmith from Two Rivers and Faile is a fiery noblewoman of Saldaea. Eventually, they learn to trust and support each other. The capture of Faile by the Shaido Aiel and Perrin’s subsequent rescue of her mark a turning point in their relationship, revealing his unwavering love and devotion to her.
Geralt of Rivia and Yennefer of Vengerberg (The Witcher Saga by Andrzej Sapkowski)
The romance of Geralt of Rivia and Yennefer of Vengerberg often has me pulling out my hair because they often rub each other the wrong way. But in their strange way, they make an interesting couple and adoptive parents to Ciri.
Geralt and Yennefer’s story starts in The Last Wish with a wish that Geralt asks of a djinn: that their fates would forever be entwined. From then on, the two of them have a tumultuous relationship: joining and living together, separating and not seeing each other for years at a time, loving each other, being frustrated by each other, but always finding their way back to each other.
Conclusion
Epic fantasy romances bring a much-needed extra dimension to epic fantasy stories. Why do you think these couples catch our attention, for good or ill? Which is your favorite epic fantasy couple?
