As fans of the Twilight saga know, the relationship between Rosalie Hale and Edward Cullen is complex. Though they are both vampires and members of the Olympic coven, their personalities and perspectives often clash. This has led some fans to wonder – does Rosalie have secret romantic feelings for Edward?
Quick Answers
In short, no, there is no definitive evidence that Rosalie has a crush on Edward in the Twilight books or movies. While there are moments of jealousy and tension between them, this stems more from their personality differences than hidden romantic feelings on Rosalie’s part. Their relationship is ultimately that of loyal siblings within the Cullen family.
Rosalie’s Backstory
To fully understand Rosalie and Edward’s relationship, it helps to know some key details about Rosalie’s backstory. As a human in the early 20th century, Rosalie was regarded as extremely beautiful but also haughty and vain. She was engaged to a wealthy man named Royce King, though she did not love him. One night, Rosalie was brutally assaulted and left for dead by Royce and his friends. Carlisle Cullen found her and transformed her into a vampire to save her life.
As a vampire, Rosalie’s greatest wish was to have a husband, children, and a normal human life. But this dream was lost to her when she became immortal. This fuels much of Rosalie’s jealousy and resentment toward other characters later on.
Rosalie and Edward’s First Meeting
Rosalie first encountered Edward in 1935 when he was brought into the Cullen family. As described in the Twilight illustrated guide, Rosalie was initially intrigued by the handsome young vampire. But Edward could hear Rosalie’s self-absorbed thoughts and was quickly put off by her vain personality. In turn, this made Rosalie dislike Edward.
There was also likely some jealousy on Rosalie’s part. Though Edward was eternally frozen at 17 years old, he was treated as the eldest Cullen sibling and Carlisle’s second-in-command. Rosalie did not appreciate being outranked by someone she saw as less mature.
Rosalie’s Jealousy Toward Bella
When Edward first became infatuated with human Bella Swan in Twilight, Rosalie was immediately jealous. As she tells Bella in Eclipse, she was unhappy that Edward would give up Bella’s chance to have a normal human life to be with him. But Rosalie likely also envied Bella for earning Edward’s adoration so effortlessly when she herself struggled to find love.
This jealousy fueled Rosalie’s initial hostility toward Bella in the books. She threatened to kill Bella if she exposed the Cullens’ vampire identities or refused to join their family. This caused several tense confrontations between Rosalie and Edward as he protected Bella.
Does Rosalie Have Romantic Feelings for Edward?
Despite these conflicts, there are no solid clues that Rosalie secretly harbors romantic love for Edward. Her animosity stems from feeling replaced by Bella in Edward’s attentions. She also resented that Bella was eagerly sacrificing her humanity and fertility to become a vampire – things Rosalie mourned losing. Rosalie even admits in Eclipse that she is jealous of the love Edward and Bella share.
If Rosalie did have genuine hidden feelings for Edward, she likely would have acted on them much sooner. As an alluring vampire, she could have easily tempted Edward in their decades together before Bella’s arrival. Instead, her lifelong dream was always to find a human mate and bear children – something Edward could not give her.
Signs Point to Sibling Rivalry, Not Crush
There are a few momentary hints of attraction between Rosalie and Edward in Twilight, but these are sparse and subtle. Overall, their relationship dynamic aligns more with sibling rivalry than secret crushes.
Edward and Rosalie bicker constantly, criticizing each other’s choices and personality flaws. But they still maintain fierce loyalty to one another as Cullen family members. Their relationship arc in the books centers on learning to accept each other and respect their differences – not pursuing hidden romance.
Examples of Sibling Rivalry
- Rosalie resents Edward’s superior status as Carlisle’s right-hand man
- Edward is critical of Rosalie’s vanity and superficiality
- Rosalie disapproves of Edward’s relationship with Bella
- Edward mocks Rosalie’s narcissism and exaggerates her thoughts
This combative dynamic is much more characteristic of irritable siblings than secret admirers hiding their love. While Rosalie may occasionally envy the intimacy Edward shares with Bella, she does not seem to truly harbor romantic feelings for him herself.
Rosalie Finds Happiness with Emmett
Another strong piece of evidence comes from Rosalie’s devotion to Emmett Cullen. After Carlisle transformed Emmett into a vampire in 1935, Rosalie quickly fell in love with him. Unlike with Royce King and Edward, Rosalie’s bond with Emmett is genuine, deep romantic love.
This reinforces that Edward was never really her romantic interest, even when Emmett was not yet on the scene. Once Rosalie found true love with Emmett, any lingering jealousy toward Edward and Bella mostly faded. Her happiness with Emmett is wholly consuming, proving he is her one true vampire mate.
Rosalie and Emmett’s Romance
- Rosalie saved Emmett’s life out of loneliness and desire for a mate
- They instantly bonded when Emmett woke up transformed into a vampire
- They are inseparable companions within the Cullen coven
- Their passion is fiery and intensely physical
- Emmett affectionately calls Rosalie his “angel” and bristles when Edward mocks her
Clearly, Emmett is and always has been Rosalie’s one and only romantic focus as a vampire. Her happily ever after love story lies with him, not Edward.
Moments of Understanding with Edward
In later books, Rosalie and Edward develop more mutual understanding and compassion. During Bella’s traumatic pregnancy in Breaking Dawn, Rosalie emerges as her fiercest protector while Edward struggles with guilt. This shared concern for Bella brings Rosalie and Edward closer together.
By the end, they are able to sympathize with each other’s perspectives. Rosalie even helps Edward thrive in the final confrontation against the Volturi. This character arc confirms again that what lay beneath their rivalry was a powerful sibling bond, not secret romantic tension.
Improved Relationship in Breaking Dawn
- Rosalie deeply empathizes with Bella’s pregnancy plight as a human woman robbed of motherhood
- Edward understands Rosalie’s motivations better after watching her care for Bella
- Rosalie uses her diplomatic skill to help Edward escape punishment from the Volturi
- They cooperate as true loyal siblings for the sake of their shared family
Conclusion
In summary, there is minimal evidence throughout the Twilight saga to suggest Rosalie harbors secret romantic feelings for Edward. Her resentment stems from sibling rivalry, jealousy of Bella, and Edward’s superior status in the Cullen family. While their tense dynamic occasionally implies mutual underlying attraction, this stems more from vampire allure than genuine emotion.
Rosalie remains wholly devoted to Emmett as her soulmate. And by the end, she and Edward resolve their differences, cementing their relationship as caring vampire siblings. So no, Rosalie does not seem to have a true crush on Edward in the Twilight book and movie universe.
