Great stuff! Loved this whole essay but the piece that spoke to me most was the part about being seen and then flourishing. It is amazing how impactful it is when we are truly seen by someone. It enables us to BECOME. Thank you for this.
Fantastic essay! Thank you for sharing this, John. I always enjoyed the similarities of her journey with Samwise, another individual constrained by their station. Yet, both found ways to work together in pairs to overcome a great evil and spend their days repairing the land and people.
Interesting take. I have always found Eowyn the most relatable character in the bokks. As a healer myself - a nurse - I would argue that Eowyn's valour is an asset to her new role in life. I would also say that slaying the deadly Witch King is very much in keeping with the role of being a healer - consider the role of nurses in the recent pandemic. In the unending debate over traditional vs. modern role of women, the significance of the traditionally female dominated profession of nurse (we do appreciate our minority male colleagues) is always ignored. Women have always fought against the forces of death.
Of course Eowyn's valour is still very much a part of her character. In embracing her softer side, it doesn't diminish her fierce nature, which is something Faramir also acknowledges and loves about her. Rather, she becomes more whole and more fully herself.
A great illustration of looking beneath the "headline" and turning something that could be seen as simplistic into something rich, nuanced, and textured, i.e., literature.
This was excellent, Tiffany. A wonderful close read of Éowyn's character, desires and motivations, and character arc. Lots of good stuff to chew on here, especially about Faramir seeing her being transformative for her and the contrast of how he viewed the sword versus how she did.
Tiffany, I just recently watched the extended versions of the LOTR trilogy. And I always appreciated Aragon’s gentle rebuke of Eowyn and I think you hit it on the head, she loved the vision more than the man. Which is understandable. Love the detail and understanding of motivations. Great character analysis! 🤩👏🏽👏🏽
Yes. I read the books when I was a boy. I do remember getting lost in the names and history. What a world he built. So glad they are still timeless classics. I relate most with Samwise and Faramir as a second son with a larger than life older brother.
I've loved all these recent pieces on LOTR because they bring to the fore what many readers sense — but cannot articulate — when reading great books. Great books require a great reader to unpack them, and you are certainly a great reader, so thank you for this :)
This is fantastic. I have yet to find another fantasy writer whose character arcs are as deep and well-written as Tolkien’s, particularly in the way characters’ deepest beliefs play into their strengths, as well as their errors and flaws.
It’s devastating to me when people criticize Eowyn and the domestic end of her story. But you depict Eowyn and her character arc so well; it makes my heart happy!
Great stuff! Loved this whole essay but the piece that spoke to me most was the part about being seen and then flourishing. It is amazing how impactful it is when we are truly seen by someone. It enables us to BECOME. Thank you for this.
Thanks, Matthew! Yes, I think that's so true of human nature, so I've always loved that about the relationship between Eowyn and Faramir too.
Fantastic essay! Thank you for sharing this, John. I always enjoyed the similarities of her journey with Samwise, another individual constrained by their station. Yet, both found ways to work together in pairs to overcome a great evil and spend their days repairing the land and people.
Oh Sam, such a great character who also rises above his station and accomplishes so much good.
Interesting take. I have always found Eowyn the most relatable character in the bokks. As a healer myself - a nurse - I would argue that Eowyn's valour is an asset to her new role in life. I would also say that slaying the deadly Witch King is very much in keeping with the role of being a healer - consider the role of nurses in the recent pandemic. In the unending debate over traditional vs. modern role of women, the significance of the traditionally female dominated profession of nurse (we do appreciate our minority male colleagues) is always ignored. Women have always fought against the forces of death.
Of course Eowyn's valour is still very much a part of her character. In embracing her softer side, it doesn't diminish her fierce nature, which is something Faramir also acknowledges and loves about her. Rather, she becomes more whole and more fully herself.
Tiffany,
A great illustration of looking beneath the "headline" and turning something that could be seen as simplistic into something rich, nuanced, and textured, i.e., literature.
Thanks so much, David!
This was excellent, Tiffany. A wonderful close read of Éowyn's character, desires and motivations, and character arc. Lots of good stuff to chew on here, especially about Faramir seeing her being transformative for her and the contrast of how he viewed the sword versus how she did.
Thanks, Josh!
Okay, okay. I think you may have convinced me.
YAY!
When I was much younger, I read LotRs many times. Now, after reading your very interesting essay on Eowyn, I feel a strong desire to read it again.
In that case, I consider this a victory.
Tiffany, I just recently watched the extended versions of the LOTR trilogy. And I always appreciated Aragon’s gentle rebuke of Eowyn and I think you hit it on the head, she loved the vision more than the man. Which is understandable. Love the detail and understanding of motivations. Great character analysis! 🤩👏🏽👏🏽
Thank you, Chris. Glad you got the chance to watch the extended versions! I love the films although they are quite different from the books.
Yes. I read the books when I was a boy. I do remember getting lost in the names and history. What a world he built. So glad they are still timeless classics. I relate most with Samwise and Faramir as a second son with a larger than life older brother.
Excellent insights on men and women; and a most appropriate offering on Mother's Day.
I've loved all these recent pieces on LOTR because they bring to the fore what many readers sense — but cannot articulate — when reading great books. Great books require a great reader to unpack them, and you are certainly a great reader, so thank you for this :)
This is fantastic. I have yet to find another fantasy writer whose character arcs are as deep and well-written as Tolkien’s, particularly in the way characters’ deepest beliefs play into their strengths, as well as their errors and flaws.
It’s devastating to me when people criticize Eowyn and the domestic end of her story. But you depict Eowyn and her character arc so well; it makes my heart happy!
The subtlety in the way he layers things is beautiful. I love when an author trusts their reader enough.
Glad you enjoyed this post, Bridget. ^-^
I loved this so much. What a wonderfully written essay.
Thank you, Jasmine.
Wonderful, Tiffany. Eowyn is one of my favorite characters and your careful look at her gives me a new perspective.
Thanks, Leslie!
Good analysis. I too was struck by the dynamics at work in the chapter "Houses of Healing". You have aptly captured it here...
Thank you, Jason!
Wonderful Tiffany. I appreciate how you tie so many threads together under the overarching theme of Tolkien’s vision.
Thank you so much.
Wonderful. Thank you for this deep dive on Eowyn, and the themes she represents.