Ruling Chicks in GB and ME

[doug*platypus]

Strange, Rumil, Blackadder was also the first thing I thought of when Elizabeth I was mentioned! TV is such a great place to learn history! Imagine if Galadriel had turned up all pouty like Miranda Richardson and started playing mean tricks on Frodo.

I don't know anything much about Elizabeth I, but she was supposed to be one tough gal, wasn't she? Perhaps Galadriel is in some way modelled on her, but if so that doesn't say much for JRRT's top female character. Tolkien might subconsciously be saying, that a woman can make a good ruler, BUT only if she has strong, masculine traits.

Here in New Zealand our own Prime Minister, Helen Clark, is in many peoples' opinions one of the best leaders we have ever had. Mainly due to her toughness and resilience. Whenever she and her husband are seen on TV, it's pretty obvious who wears the pants, as well.

I've never really considered it a possibility until now, but I think it would be a great shame if we admired Galadriel and Éowyn mainly when they engage in what in Middle Earth are male activities - ruling and warfare.