Éowyn: The Misunderstood Heroine

This is the first of three installments where I will do a short study of the female characters in Tolkien's brilliant "Lord of the Rings" books.

The world, wow, that sounds so dramatic, the Tolkien world has come to view Éowyn as a woman that broke triumphantly away from men's confinements.

For example, read the picture on the left:

However, I think that those who place Éowyn in this kind of category have completely misunderstood her and have made her out to be very shallow.

It is true that Éowyn felt confined in her position in life. I would not say that she blamed men in her life as much as the movie would like you to believe. Another discrepancy in the movie would be the reason she 'loved' Aragorn. In the book, Éowyn didn't love Aragorn the man she loved Aragorn because he was the heir to Gondor. She did not love him for his person but rather for his position and the idea that as his wife she would be removed from her current state of living. I don't want this post to become focused on the faults in Peter Jackson's cinematic offerings. As I have said in my little bio, I am a go-to for a "Lord of the Rings Marathon".

Éowyn was under the impression that what efforts she offered were not appreciated and were not as important as other's tasks. She sought glory. She had a troubled and controlled uncle for some time which must have been a terrible trial to bear. Their people were dying and she, as a woman, thought she was powerless to aid them. She was in many ways alone. Without a confidant and without the power to act in accordance with her righteous intentions.

I think there is a good bit of Éowyn in all of us as women. We often feel that our accomplishments aren't acknowledged as they should be by society, our husbands, siblings, children, and even ourselves. How often do we belittle our own efforts no matter how substantial they might have been? And yet become embittered if our efforts are not notably mentioned?

What is overlooked in Éowyn's story is the same item that is overlooked in all of us when we take a self-inventory. Éowyn gained her glory and it was a glory that all could see and appreciate. What is not explained (in the films) is her feelings after the task had been accomplished. Éowyn felt restless and still did not find the fulfillment she expected after she defeated the witch-king in battle and gained the renown she had worked and hoped for. She was still incomplete after her task. She became restless and again she questioned her worth.

Do you really think we would be comfortable with the substantial attention that we think we 'deserve'? I am sure there are some of us that would love the attention but then there are some, like me, that while I would like the acknowledgment at times, I would rather they not be so publically noticed.

She met Faramir and it was through him ironically enough, a man, that Éowyn was finally able to know herself and her heart. Faramir saw her pains and sorrows and sought to heal her. She had many sorrows to face and yet she found that she did not need to face them alone. There was a man that valued her not for her position but as a woman. My favorite chapter in "Return of the King" is "The Steward and the King". Their relationship is beautiful.

Éowyn will always be quoted by saying "I am no man", which is a pity for she will only be seen as a warrior instead of the beautiful woman that she is. I would have you remember her as she was healed by Faramir. I am not undermining her courage because it cannot be doubted. I'm also not saying that we must never fight because that is also a false notion. However, I want it to be remembered that the battle did not complete or heal her. Éowyn found fulfillment with Faramir, not on a battlefield.

We don't have to become rough and tough to find happiness. It can be found within ourselves and it can be found in others. Particularly those whom we love the most. We must have the courage of course, but perhaps our courage will come in a less glorious way. You can make one more dinner, run one more load of laundry, clean up one more mess and comfort one more child.

Where would your family be without you?

Where would you be without your family?



Yours truly,
Cordy