In FOTR the females are Arwen, Eowyn, Galadriel, Rosie Cotton, Ioreth, Goldberry, lobelia Sackville Baggins, Mrs. Cotton, Mrs. Maggott. And you can count Shelob, Finduilas, Lothiriel of Dol Amroth.

Tolkien’s life was in a time period in which men predominated the job market. Tolkien’s wife, his “Luthien” was the source of inspiration for him. He had to win her back after she was engaged to another. She supported him emotionally and nurtured his creativity, providing his source of inspiration. Edith was his muse. That is very high praise.

This is how I see how Tolkien views women- they are the source for inspiration. They are what prompt men to go out and perform heroic deeds. Tolkien, like most authors utilized personal experience and circumstances for his creativity, so he would naturally depict women as treasures- they were gifts to be earned, admired, and respected.

Arwen- she sustained Aragorn by being the flame in his heart. He desired her and thought of her more than claiming the throne. His interior battle was to prove his own worthiness of having her. She willingly gave up her entire way of life for him. (and you can’t use the argument that he didn’t give up equally- he didn’t have that choice to begin with). And regardless of how you view Arwen and Stryder’s relationship- it works for them. Arwen was his inspiration to get his ddes done.

Galadriel- (a personal fav.) She is one of the single most powerful women in ME. It does not need to be overtly stated, because it is subtly illustrated through her actions. She ‘dwelt’ with Celeborn. She was not married to him, she was an independent woman. And it is obvious when she leaves ME that she does not define her identity by him alone. Also notice than when the fellowship arrives in Caras Galadon Galadriel speaks after Celeborn and always seems to ‘know’ a bit more than him. When Celeborn says he only sees 8, Galadriel ‘knows’ there is no change. When Celeborn postulates that Gandalf ‘chose’ this path, Galadriel contradicts him. She inspires Legolas and becomes an almost mythical figure for Gimli. He is despondent when he thinks she has sent no message to him, but when he does receive words from her he has the heart and courage to continue the adventure.

Rose and Mrs. Cotton, Mrs. Maggot, Golberry and Ioreth (the healer of Gondor) may play the traditional female roles of healing, nurturing, homemaking, and breeding but just because they participate in traditional activities is no reason to dismiss their efforts. They are not lesser beings for holding the home together. They provide stability, peace and respite from the perils of the world. They represent what is worth fighting for and thhe comfort that coming home means.

Eowyn- stands out from all the others. She is ‘slender and fair as a lily, yet sterner than steel.’ She has a duty to perform in the grand scheme of things. Her calling is to be on the front lines. She also has some of the most moving speeches in the book. She demands recognition and will not fade into the background. She wants to know why she cannot prove her skills as a riyal and as a warrior.

Now the contrast between Eowyn and someone like Rosie is clear- it is what type of female role one admires. Rosie is content to be at home, to provide a home that is nurturing and supportive. Eowyn is not. Tolkien’s portrayal of these women illustrates different choices that all people have- male or female. Each of the women that Tolkien does portray are so unique that they stand out. They are treasures. People may have to look up which elf said this or which dwarf did that, but each person knows who Mrs. Cotton is and can tell you the difference between Galadriel and Rosie. Women are cherished by Tolkien’s perspective. They are gifts.