Matriarchal or Patriarchal societies in ME ???

[Lalwendë]

Originally Posted by lmp

I find it very interesting and gratifying how Tolkien consistently included wise women as powerful influences for good within patriarchal societies.

Yes, Tolkien certainly did not display any dislike of women as leaders, but his societies are broadly patriarchal - which is not noteworthy of him making any 'point' really, as Western society today remains broadly patriarchal yet women can ascend to the top with a lot of luck and superhuman effort (must insert a here). Tolkien recognised that women too were capable of being inspiring leaders - and inspired capable leaders!

I wonder does he make a 'point' where he shows societies that cannot accept women as their leaders, as in the schemers and plotters of Numenor?

Anyway, thinking about it there could be one fully matriarchal society in Middle earth, if it can be viewed as a 'society', that of the spiders. If we are going to look at that as a society then its not the most pleasant one, is it? Maybe this again shows that Tolkien disliked the idea of either a complete patriarchy or matriarchy? Hmmm...