(Er - why didn't we bring in Galadriel into this thread and have a three-women discussion? )

*breathes a sigh of relief*

Good thing you're watching this thread, Arien, because this is one of the most heated topics around here.

Politely saying, I prefer Eowyn for the fact that she defies the traditional idea that men are the strong ones, and that women are good for nothing but bearing children and keeping the house in check. I've always liked this kind of attitude, and Eowyn is a good role model, as she personifies the idea that women can do anything and everything.

Arwen - she's okay, and I will not say that I like her only because she is beautiful, because I don't. I like her in a way that she's willing to make sacrifices - but I in the movies, I liked it much better when she was rescuing Frodo from the Wraiths in FotR - she seemed more out there - and then in TTT and RotK, it's like she changed in a way that she became more of a reserved kind of person.

Still, I do like Eowyn better. (Er - why didn't we bring in Galadriel into this thread and have a three-women discussion? )

And all of this is strictly my opinion only.

But I must say that Arwen also went against what a traditional elf woman would do-which is marry an elven man, but instead she goes against what her father has told her may happen and remains optimistic that Aragorn will come for her. I too am more of romantic so that is another reason I like Arwen more. Her story is based solely upon the fact that she is giving up her immortality for the man she loves which is something an elf would never do (except in beren and Luthiens case).

"I will be a shieldmaiden no longer, nor vie with the great Riders, nor take joy only in the songs of slaying. I will be a healer, and love all things that grow and are not barren"

I love the character of Eowyn for her own theme of redemption. She comes to realize that there's more to life than war and glory in battle, and that sometimes, valour without renown, as is often the woman's part, is harder and more noble than the glory and gore of battle.

So, I also love Arwen for the fact that she's a heroine who knows she doesn't have to go into battle to be strong. She is brave to the point of facing certian death, when she gives up her immortality for Aragorn's sake.

Torn between her Elvish immortality and the mortal man she loves, Arwen, Daughter of Elrond, wishes to forsake he immortality for Aragorn despite her father's urging to leave Middle-earth with her Elven kin forever. Even as she journeys to the West with her Elven kin, ever her thoughts are of Aragorn and the peril that he faces alone. Arwen's heart will not be swayed from this calling.

Forbidden to join the Men of Rohan in battle by King Theoden, Eowyn takes on the armor of a young soldier, hiding herself in battle gear. Garbed and armed, she secretly rides to war disguised as a man of Rohan to join the fight to protect Minas Tirith. Raised a lady, Eowyn's skill with a blade is no less imposing than that of her King's soldiers' and, when all others are dead or gone, it is she who comes bravely to his aid.

(though I appreciate the fact that this one is NOT a 'vs.' conversation!!), comparing the two of them is comparing apples to oranges.

lol Thanks. I want let anything go under my watch.

I highly agree on the Eowyn comment. I think that is what most people think who prefer, her but they don't know how to state it so it becomes an argument that goes around in circles with everyone trying to say what they really mean.

Yes, after seeing Arwen in Flight to the Ford, she sort of goes into hiding after that. I found it quite a change. I can see why Tolkien didn't put her in the book for that scene then.

The reason I didn't put Galadriel in this discussion is because in order to have a three woman discussion, each character would have had to have some sort of parallel and Galadriel and Eowyn don't were as Arwen and Eowyn have Aragorn. And Arwen and Galadriel are both elves and related. She seems too wise and older then both of them put together.



Very true. It goes right along with Elberethsq's point of Eowyn.



This part is very true, though it kind of cracked me up. Jsut a couple seconds ago she was all shieldmaiden and now it's all feminine and completely the opposite. It's as if someone put a spell on her all of a sudden.



Very true. Though sadly not everyone sees that.



That's an awesome reason and great support because it's entirely ture that the only strength is not physical strength but there are many other forms, yet some fail to see that.

So, I also love Arwen for the fact that she's a heroine who knows she doesn't have to go into battle to be strong. She is brave to the point of facing certian death, when she gives up her immortality for Aragorn's sake.