Calling all women - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Lalaith · 11-12-2005, 01:03 PM

I've seen a few comments in these threads about the function of female characters in stories being to provide 'romantic interest' and sex.
If that's all female fictional characters are good for, frankly I'd rather they stayed out of books altogether.
So here's something to impress your students with Fordim, that the primary function of the two most important female characters in LotR, Galadriel and Eowyn, have nothing to do with love or romance. Galadriel's chief function is as a person of wisdom and power, Eowyn of military prowess and the despair that a state of war can bring.
(Yes, ok I know Eowyn has a crush on Aragorn and marries Faramir, but for anyone who has read the book, rather than just seen the film, what you remember about Eowyn, her big scene if you like, is that she slays the Witch King.)

Doesn't help with the Hobbit, I know, but at least it might get them into Tolkien...

11-12-2005, 01:03 PM	#17
Lalaith Blithe Spirit Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 2,779	A good feminist reason to like LotR (if not the Hobbit) I've seen a few comments in these threads about the function of female characters in stories being to provide 'romantic interest' and sex. If that's all female fictional characters are good for, frankly I'd rather they stayed out of books altogether. So here's something to impress your students with Fordim, that the primary function of the two most important female characters in LotR, Galadriel and Eowyn, have nothing to do with love or romance. Galadriel's chief function is as a person of wisdom and power, Eowyn of military prowess and the despair that a state of war can bring. (Yes, ok I know Eowyn has a crush on Aragorn and marries Faramir, but for anyone who has read the book, rather than just seen the film, what you remember about Eowyn, her big scene if you like, is that she slays the Witch King.) Doesn't help with the Hobbit, I know, but at least it might get them into Tolkien... __________________ Out went the candle, and we were left darkling Last edited by Lalaith; 11-12-2005 at 07:25 PM.