[akhtene]

Thanks everyone, it was a pleasure to read this fascinating thread. Not to repeat, I'll give just my impression. As for me, I love practically all ladies in the books, especially I love Eowyn, both the way she is described,and her personality as well. I think I have some of her features (though I'm not that outspoken)
While reading the book I was not really comfortable with Arwen. I simply didn't see her as someone alive, rather like an admirable statue, distant and rather cold. And I somehow couldn't understand why Aragorn had chosen her, not until I got to Appendix .
And so I quite enjoyed Arwen's part being enlarged inthe film.

Well, an idea has just got to my mind. As has been posted, women in the books play differnt social roles, but there is no MOTHER figure. Of course you may say that the roles of Tolkien's heroines are much wider - Galadriel rules her PEOPLE, Goldberry cares for NATURE, Eowyn fights for her LAND... But why is it that alongside with so varying FATHER types we can't trace any mother-child realtion? Of course, some mums are named (like Gilraen - Aragorn's mother or Celebrian) but not muchdetail is given. Is it because Tolkien himself lost his parents early?

Hope it all makes some sense. Next time I promise to make a rough copy! [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img]