Adapting J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic trilogy, The Lord of the Rings, has posed a significant challenge for filmmakers. However, in 2001, Peter Jackson successfully brought this monumental fantasy work to the screen, creating an ambitious and visually stunning trilogy. While each installment has earned its place in pop culture as one of the best adaptations in the genre, devoted fans of the original texts have noted a number of inconsistencies and creative choices that they believe do not honor Tolkien’s work. Even over two decades after the release of The Return of the King, fans continue to debate the most controversial decisions made by Peter Jackson.
#4 The Love Triangle: Aragorn, Arwen, and Éowyn
Aragorn and Arwen shared a deep, unconditional love long before the events of The Lord of the Rings (detailed here). The Elf chose to forsake her immortality to stay beside the mortal Aragorn. This romantic dynamic is central to the books. Meanwhile, the heir of Isildur and future king of Gondor hopes to ascend the throne with his beloved by his side, after fulfilling his oath to help Frodo. Éowyn, the noblewoman of Rohan, does not interfere in their relationship. While she harbors feelings for Aragorn when he arrives in Edoras, his affections do not extend in her direction.
However, Peter Jackson altered the original narrative by introducing a more ambiguous relationship between the two characters in The Two Towers. With Arwen almost absent from the film, Jackson emphasizes potential romantic tension through shy smiles and meaningful glances. Although Éowyn is genuinely infatuated with Aragorn, the portrayal suggests that he is not entirely immune to Éowyn’s charms, occasionally hesitating between the two. This romantic ambiguity serves to heighten emotional stakes, tailoring the story for a wider audience by embedding a love triangle in a trilogy primarily focused on epic adventures, which typically leaves little room for romance. Nevertheless, this choice impacts the core dynamic between Aragorn and Arwen.
#3 The Omission of Glorfindel
Glorfindel, a powerful and ancient Noldor Elf, is introduced in The Fall of Gondolin, The Silmarillion, and The Fellowship of the Ring. Residing in Rivendell during the Third Age, he plays a crucial role by rescuing Frodo from the Nazgûl at Amon Sûl. Severely wounded by the blade of the Witch-king of Angmar, Frodo is rushed to Rivendell by Glorfindel. As the Nazgûl close in, Glorfindel lends his horse to Frodo so he can escape while he delays Sauron’s minions by summoning a flood to wash them away.
In the film adaptation, it is Arwen who confronts the specters, joining Aragorn as they protect Frodo. When they too are pursued, Arwen conjures a massive flood (a modified scene compared to the book) to drive off the shadows. The decision to omit Glorfindel from the films was made to provide more screen time for Arwen and forge a stronger connection between her and the ring’s quest. By sacrificing Glorfindel, who only appears in this singular scene in the text, Jackson aimed to simplify the narrative and avoid introducing excessive secondary characters.
#2 The Missing Shire Reclamation
Fans who have seen the extended version of The Return of the King are aware of Saruman’s fate after he is ousted from Isengard by Gandalf, Théoden, and their armies. Stabbed by his former agent Gríma Wormtongue, Saruman falls from the tower and meets a gruesome end. Significantly, this death removes the entire plotline regarding the reclamation of the Shire. In the original text, the Hobbits return to find the Shire devastated, with trees cut down and factories established under a regime of terror. Saruman had fled to the Shire with a band of ruffians, imposing his rule, prompting Frodo, Sam, Pippin, and Merry to organize a resistance before Gríma ultimately stabs Saruman.
#1 The Army of the Dead Shortens the Final Battle
In Tolkien’s The Return of the King, the Army of the Dead fulfills their oath by crashing into the Corsair forces, providing crucial assistance to the Free Peoples as they face the dire situation on the Pelennor Fields.
On paper, the battle of the Pelennor Fields promised to be one of the most epic moments in the saga, with Gondor and Rohan’s armies uniting against Sauron’s monstrous forces. A chaotic clash teeming with thousands of soldiers. However, Peter Jackson opted for a different approach. In the film, the Dead rush into battle and dispatch their enemies with incredible speed, presenting what can be described as a pure deus ex machina: a miraculous solution materializing to resolve an otherwise insurmountable situation. This shortcut ultimately undermines the potential of a climactic battle.
Fans are encouraged to reflect on and discuss the most controversial narrative choices made by Peter Jackson throughout the trilogy.
Meet William, a proud Bethel University alumnus with a fervent passion for lifestyle and culture topics. His keen interest doesn’t stop there; he’s also deeply engrossed in current events of all kinds. William dedicates himself wholeheartedly to this site, thriving on the collaborative energy he shares with Suzanne, his long-standing partner in crime.
Having navigated their university courses side by side for years, their teamwork on the site is nothing short of dynamic. Together, they bring a unique blend of insights, proving that two heads are indeed better than one in delivering compelling content.
