[narfforc]

I don't think the Rohirrim knew much at all about Lorien in a real sense, as for their tales they wrote next to nothing down, most tales were of the bardic tradition. I think most of what they knew would have been rumour and lies spread by both Sauron and Saruman. The words Witch and Sorceress were used to scare potential allies, this is how Galadriel was known to many, for the ring was with her not Celeborn, and the Enemy feared her. As for not knowing female rulers, I say again she was a co-ruler, Lorien was ruled by a Lord and Lady, and both Rohan and Gondors Kings had Queens all through their history.

However in saying all this, females rulers are pretty short on the ground in Tolkiens works, I am uncertain as to why he does not give more credence to them. I am sure he would of known of the figures of Boudicca and Medb of Connaught. Badb, Macha and Morrigan are the Irish Goddesses of War, there is also Nemain. Many mythologies/legends have female rulers/warriors.

Galadriel herself is said to be as good as any on a battlefield, yet Tolkien fails to give her to us, we are left with a calm, serene almost priestess figure staring in a bowl of water, she has been portrayed as The Oracle and not the Warrior (in LotR), what exactly is this power she is so powerful with.