Typological motifs are a prominent feature of Tolkien's legendarium, including the motif of marriage and romance. Marital relationships appear among the Ainur (both Valar and Maiar) and the Children of Ilúvatar (both Elves and Men): some happy, some tragic, and some in-between. Tolkien's stories of marriage and romance represent a kind of "wisdom tradition" with relevant applicability to modern society and modern relationships. Most notably, men are always the ones who "marry up" in Tolkien's world, demonstrating a profound respect for women and femininity in society.

Course Outline:

Week One
• Introduction to Marriage & Romance in Tolkien
• Typological motifs –– Manwë, Varda, & Melkor (The Silmarillion)
• Ainur Marriage and Non-Marriage (The Silmarillion)
Week Two
• Introduction to Marriage & Romance in Tolkien
• Elf=Maia Marriage –– Thingol & Melian (The Silmarillion)
• Man=Elf Marriage –– Beren & Lúthien (The Silmarillion)
• Tragic Marriage –– Túrin & Finduilas Nienor (The Silmarillion)
Week Three
• Heroic Marriage –– Tuor & Idril (The Silmarillion)
• Elf=Maia Marriage –– Thingol & Melian (The Silmarillion)
• Half-Elven Marriage –– Eärendil & Elwing (The Silmarillion)
• Human Marriage –– Aldarion & Erendis (Unfinished Tales)
Week Four
• Man=Elf Marriage –– Aragorn & Arwen (The Lord of the Rings)
• Elf=Maia Marriage –– Thingol & Melian (The Silmarillion)
• Man=Woman Marriage –– Faramir & Éowyn (The Lord of the Rings)
• Human Marriage –– Aldarion & Erendis (Unfinished Tales)