[akhtene]

After reading “Aldarion and Erendis” I still can’t make up my mind whether to despise her or pity. Of course, she made hell out of her own life and of others’ around her (see DAVEM’s post). On the other hand, what of her own expectations and the promises she had got? Wasn’t her man supposed to be true to his word? Anyway, the criticism seems to me reasonably justified, but then, weren’t some people here blaming Eowyn for quite the opposite? (nothing personal meant). Let’s see: Eowyn speaks of her feelings to Aragorn (too outspoken); Erendis doesn’t pursue Aldarion (but she’s shrewd and knowing full well what she does)
Eowyn wishes to break out of her cage (uncaring for her people, social role etc); Erendis hates the idea of leaving the Island (over-domesticated)
Eowyn wishes to go to battle – for no matter what reasons (unwomanly); Erendis doesn’t care for the problems of the outside world (unwise)
Eowyn eventually finds her true love (perhaps too soon and too easily); Erendis looked on no man with favour and later set up a female household (again too shrewd and a man-hater) etc

Well, the comparison is very shallow of course, but I just feel one can criticize people for quite the opposite reasons. Still, I love Eowyn and sympathise with Erenis (at least a bit)
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There is one more thing I noticed while reading A&E. Is theirs the only couple in which a husband is superior to a wife? (I mean descent and life-span) And the union proves a real disaster. Any comments to that?