Thank you so much for this: Firstly, because I absolutely agree and you wrote the rant I've been keeping back for a long time, and now I can just go and link people to your entry. Second, because when I get around to continue my "Tolkien's strong women" series, I can just conveniently check here if I forgot anyone. So... Thank you. And in case that wasn't clear, total agreement.
I'd add Elwing to your list, though. I find it fascinating how the same people who complain about the lack of non-stereotypical women in Tolkien's works will at the same time complain that Elwing abandons her children. So she's not reduced to a "typically female" role and happens to choose the fate of the world (well, ok, dramatising a bit here) over playing mother-hen, and the same people who whine about a lack of strong female characters blame her for... being a strong female character?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2010-01-30 10:43 pm (UTC)I'd add Elwing to your list, though. I find it fascinating how the same people who complain about the lack of non-stereotypical women in Tolkien's works will at the same time complain that Elwing abandons her children. So she's not reduced to a "typically female" role and happens to choose the fate of the world (well, ok, dramatising a bit here) over playing mother-hen, and the same people who whine about a lack of strong female characters blame her for... being a strong female character?