Tolkien's view on women

[Bêthberry]

Greetings Elendur,

*curtsies a first hello*

Although I, too, have some reservations about Tolkien's female characters, I think that this statement you made can be disproven:

I just meant to say that what they do in the stories is not considered to be something heroic or some very notable act.

Galadriel has a very active role in The Silm, doesn't she? And what about Eowyn in LOTR?

Also, it is the old woman, Ioreth, the healer, who recalls that the hands of the king are the hands of a healer. She is given the character of a talkative old gossip, but her words remind Gandalf to bring Aragorn to the House of Healing to save Faramir, Eowyn, and Merry.

And even Lobelia stands up to Sharkey's men, suffering imprisonment for her pains. She doesn't run away.

I think I would agree with Child that I wish there was a greater variety of female characters, but, as Birdie said on another thread, given the role of women in traditional warrior and mythological epics, Tolkien has actually expanded the roles and importance of women in his work.

Thanks for the opportunity to discuss this!

Respectfully,
Bethberry

[ July 13, 2002: Message edited by: Bethberry ]