She Is No Manl!

You could say we are living in an age where fictional world is finally in support of strong, female characters. The 2010s saw a massive push for producing women who could empower girls - from Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games book series to the Disney-Pixar creations of Merida, Elsa and Moana -   and prove they don't have to remain passive within a lesser role. The importance of this movement stems from the fact that, historically, such figures have been virtually non-existent. Well...there are a couple of exceptions, and we are going to celebrate one such lady now.

Eowyn appears in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Two Towers and The Return of the King, two of the three Lord of the Rings books. The daughter of deceased parents, living with her uncle, King Theoden of Rohan, and is expected to live the life of the noblewoman she was born to be as her brother leaves their home to fight in defence of Rohan against the barbaric Orcs. Unlike other noblewomen who may have been resigned to such a fate, in defeat or relief, Eowyn fought such a charge from the beginning. Let's look at just a few aspects of her character Tolkien's pages reveal that make her so special.

A Meaningful Reputation

Rohan was in an anxious state: with the great Battle of Hornburg approaching, King Theoden prepared to lead his army out to the battlefield yet was faced with the prospect of leaving control of his land to someone he trusted. At the recommendation of the doorward Hama, he agreed that someone from his own house should be in charge. Yet, all the male members of his family were going to be fighting and, to him, that meant there was no one. That is until Hama reminded him of his niece - Eowyn - who was known for being 'fearless' with the love of all around her. As a result, Eowyn was named ruler of Rohan and was entrusted with caring for Meduseld Hall in their absence. Considering how little power even noblewomen had in most of Middle Earth, it is a testament to her reputation that such a responsibility would be put on her shoulders. The more Tolkien reveals of her personality, the less surprising it is: she is said to have inherited her mother's grace and pride along with a determination which remained resolved even when relentlessly challenged. She demonstrated a care for her family and people that seemed to resonate in return. It takes a lot for a woman to have such respect in a man's world, even if that world also only exists in fantasy.

Her strength and care if further demonstrated when Rohan finds its King's mind poisoned by an ill-intentioned adviser, Grima. Despite it paining her, Eowyn stays by her uncle's side, caring for his deteriorating mind and body whilst standing up to Grima and fighting against his unwanted lustful advances. Though this would have put her own safety at risk, she knows Theoden would be lost if she were to run. This type of self-sacrificing spirit doesn't seek reward, and she isn't given one in return.