Many of J.R.R. Tolkien’s major works, such as The Silmarillion and The Lord of the Rings have been criticized for their absence of major female characters, in addition to the stereotypical nature of those females. This essay discusses that these assumptions are erroneous, the female characters in Tolkien’s works are independent, resilient, and imperative to the central plots of each novel. J.R.R. Tolkien’s characters Lúthien, Galadriel, Arwen, and Éowyn are good examples of strong females. Tolkien heavily influenced his characters with old Germanic and Norse mythology, and Catholicism backgrounds. If one takes into account these mythologies and Tolkien’s background, his women characters embody qualities of resilience, wisdom, independence, and knowledge. These women have made sacrifices to the fate of Middle-earth, just because
…show more content…
Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion. However, it is true that there are not as many major female characters than men. Nevertheless, all the major female characters, are important and critical to the stories. Some people criticize that Tolkien used women inadequately and gave them stereotypical female roles. Other people argue that Tolkien’s female characters display morality, gallantry, and nobility. Tolkien created his female characters with strength, wisdom, and power and they are more important to the plot of the story than one believes. In The Silmarillion, there are seven male Valar and seven female Valar who assist in the creation of Arda. There are also several women who help to guide the destiny of the Silmarils. Most of Tolkien’s famous female characters are held within The Lord of the Rings books. Galadriel and Arwen are the two main elvish woman, and Éowyn is the only human heroine in the books. It is true that there are more male characters than female characters, but this allows the reader to give attention to each woman’s individuality and
Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion. However, it is true that there are not as many major female characters than men. Nevertheless, all the major female characters, are important and critical to the stories. Some people criticize that Tolkien used women inadequately and gave them stereotypical female roles. Other people argue that Tolkien’s female characters display morality, gallantry, and nobility. Tolkien created his female characters with strength, wisdom, and power and they are more important to the plot of the story than one believes. In The Silmarillion, there are seven male Valar and seven female Valar who assist in the creation of Arda. There are also several women who help to guide the destiny of the Silmarils. Most of Tolkien’s famous female characters are held within The Lord of the Rings books. Galadriel and Arwen are the two main elvish woman, and Éowyn is the only human heroine in the books. It is true that there are more male characters than female characters, but this allows the reader to give attention to each woman’s individuality and