Why Entwives? Must trees be bound in matrimony? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Laurinquë · 04-02-2010, 03:53 PM

I may be grievously ignorant, but it seems odd to me that female Ents should be distinctly referred to as Entwives. Could there be no independent female Ents that did not feel the need to be seen as a 'wife'? What were Tolkien's reasons for their naming? It certainly seems evident from the Ent-lore in the trilogy that female Ents were independent, capable, individuals who were more than happy to do as they pleased without help from male Ents. So why the all the emphasis on matrimony in their name?

Thoughts?

04-02-2010, 03:53 PM	#1
Laurinquë Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 347	Why Entwives? Must trees be bound in matrimony? I may be grievously ignorant, but it seems odd to me that female Ents should be distinctly referred to as Entwives. Could there be no independent female Ents that did not feel the need to be seen as a 'wife'? What were Tolkien's reasons for their naming? It certainly seems evident from the Ent-lore in the trilogy that female Ents were independent, capable, individuals who were more than happy to do as they pleased without help from male Ents. So why the all the emphasis on matrimony in their name? Thoughts?