Éowyn: Difference between revisions

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{{rohirrim infobox
{{Rohirrim infobox
| image=[[File:Ellaine - Eowyn.jpg|250px]]
| name=Éowyn
| name=Éowyn
| image=[[File:Donato Giancola - Eowyn Defender of Rohan.jpg|250px]]
| caption="Eowyn Defender of Rohan" by [[Donato Giancola]]
| pronun=[[Old English|OE]], {{IPA|['ɪəwüːn]}}<ref name="Umlaut">{{App|E1iv}}, p. 1117</ref>
| othernames=Dernhelm, White Lady of Rohan, Lady of the Shield-arm
| othernames=Dernhelm, White Lady of Rohan, Lady of the Shield-arm
| titles=
| titles=
Line 7: Line 9:
| location=[[Rohan]] and [[Ithilien]]
| location=[[Rohan]] and [[Ithilien]]
| affiliation=
| affiliation=
| language=[[Rohirric]] and [[Westron]]
| language=[[Rohanese]] and [[Westron]]
| birth={{TA|2995}}
| birth={{TA|2995}}
| birthlocation=
| birthlocation=
| rule=
| rule=
| death=Early [[Fourth Age]]
| death=Between {{FoA|11}} and {{FoA|63|n}} (aged 37-93)<ref group=note>The year of death of Éowyn is not recorded. She was still alive in F.A. 11 when she sents gifts to the Shire. Like her brother [[Éomer]] she also had Númenorean ancestors through her grandmother [[Morwen of Lossarnach]]. Her brother Éomer was 93 years old when he died in F.A. 63. It is possible that she lived as long as her brother.</ref>
| deathlocation=
| deathlocation=
| age=
| age=
| notablefor=Slaying the [[Witch-king]] of [[Angmar]]
| house=[[House of Eorl]]
| house=[[House of Eorl]]
| parentage=[[Éomund]] & [[Théodwyn]]
| parentage=[[Éomund]] & [[Théodwyn]]
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| clothing=
| clothing=
| weapons=Sword
| weapons=Sword
| steed=
| steed=[[Windfola]]
}}
}}
{{quote|Then, '''Éowyn of Rohan''', I say to you that you are beautiful. In the valleys of our hills there are flowers fair and bright, and maidens fairer still; but neither flower nor lady have I seen till now in Gondor so lovely, and so sorrowful. It may be that only a few days are left ere darkness falls upon our world, and when it comes I hope to face it steadily; but it would ease my heart, if while the Sun yet shines, I could see you still. For you and I have both passed under the wings of the Shadow, and the same hand drew us back.|[[Faramir]]<ref>{{RK|VI5}}</ref>}}
{{Quote|Then, Éowyn of Rohan, I say to you that you are beautiful. In the valleys of our hills there are flowers fair and bright, and maidens fairer still; but neither flower nor lady have I seen till now in Gondor so lovely, and so sorrowful.|[[Faramir]], ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Steward and the King]]"}}


'''Éowyn''' ({{TA|2995}} – [[Fourth Age]] ?), the '''Lady of Rohan''', was also known as the [[Lady of the Shield-arm]], the [[White Lady of Rohan]]<ref group="note">Éowyn was known as "Lady of Rohan" in Rohan, but as "White Lady of Rohan" in Ithilien (due to her pale complexion).</ref>, and Lady of Ithilien. She was a member of the [[House of Eorl]] and the niece of King [[Théoden]] of [[Rohan]]. She was the daughter of Théoden's sister, [[Théodwyn]], and [[Éomund]] of Eastfold. Her brother was [[Éomer|Éomer Éadig]]. Following the end of the [[War of the Ring]], she and Faramir were married and bore one son, Elboron. <ref name="Mark">{{App|Mark}}</ref>
{{Quote|Do what you will; but I will hinder it, if I may."<br>"Hinder me? Thou fool. No living man may hinder me!|Éowyn and the [[Witch-king]], ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Battle of the Pelennor Fields]]"}}
 
'''Éowyn''' was a member of the [[House of Eorl]] and the niece of King [[Théoden]] of [[Rohan]]. She was renowned for slaying the [[Witch-king of Angmar]]. She was the daughter of [[Théodwyn]], Théoden's sister, and [[Éomund]] of [[Eastfold]]; her brother was [[Éomer]]. Following the end of the [[War of the Ring]], she and [[Faramir]] were married, and she bore one son, [[Elboron]].<ref name="Mark">{{App|Mark}}</ref>
 
She was also known as the Lady of Rohan, Lady of the Shield-arm, the White Lady of Rohan<ref group="note">Éowyn was known as "Lady of Rohan" in Rohan, but as "White Lady of Rohan" in Ithilien (due to her pale complexion).</ref>, and Lady of [[Ithilien]].


==History==
==History==
Following the death of her parents in {{TA|3002}}, Éowyn and Éomer were brought into Théoden's house and there raised. Éowyn grew to be tall and slender, with a grace and pride that came from her mother.<ref name="Mark"/>
{{Quote|What do you fear, lady?"<br>"A cage. To stay behind bars, until use and old age accept them, and all chance of doing great deeds is gone beyond recall or desire.|[[Aragorn]] and Éowyn, ''[[The Return of the King]]'', "[[The Passing of the Grey Company]]"}}


Prior to the [[Battle of the Hornburg]], Éowyn was left to care for [[Meduseld]] when Théoden and Éomer led the remaining [[Rohirrim]] to the west.  King Théoden in fact named her ruler of [[Rohan]] in his and Éomer's absence when the Doorward [[Háma]] recommended that one of "The House of Eorl" should rule. At first, Théoden only thought of male members, and he and Éomer were the last males of the House, but Háma reminded them of Éowyn, who "is fearless" and that "all love her".<ref>{{TT|III6}}</ref>
Following the death of her parents in {{TA|3002}}, Éowyn and Éomer were brought into Théoden's house and raised there. Éowyn grew to be tall and slender, with a grace and pride that came from her mother.<ref name="Mark"/>


Éowyn revealed her temperament when [[Aragorn]] was about to ride into the mountains to attempt to take the [[Paths of the Dead]]. Unable to dissuade him, she offered to accompany him, declaring herself "weary of skulking in the hills, and wish to face peril and battle."  The only thing she feared was a cage.  However, Aragorn reminded her of her charge to govern the people until the king's return and left without her.<ref>{{RK|V2}}</ref>
Prior to the [[Battle of the Hornburg]], Éowyn was left to care for [[Meduseld]] when Théoden and Éomer led the remaining [[Rohirrim]] to the west. King Théoden named her ruler of Rohan in his and Éomer's absence when [[Háma]] recommended that one of "The House of Eorl" should rule. At first, Théoden only thought of the men of his house, of which he and Éomer were the last, but Háma reminded the King of Éowyn, who "is fearless," and that "all love her."<ref>{{TT|III6}}</ref>


Later, when the forces of Rohan were mustered to go to Gondor, Éowyn disguised herself as a man, and under the alias of '''Dernhelm''', traveled with the Riders of Rohan, carrying with her [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]], who was also ordered to remain behind.<ref>{{RK|V3}}</ref>
Éowyn revealed her temperament when [[Aragorn]] was to ride into the mountains and take the [[Paths of the Dead]]. Unable to dissuade him, she desired to accompany him, declaring herself "weary of skulking in the hills," with a "wish to face peril and battle." However, Aragorn reminded her of her charge to govern the people until the king's return and left without her.<ref>{{RK|V2}}</ref>


During the [[battle of the Pelennor Fields]], she fought by King Théoden, and when he was injured during combat with the [[Witch-king|Witch-king of Angmar]], she and Merry scrambled to help him. Confronting the Witch-king, who boasted that "no living man may hinder me," she removed her helmet, exposing her long blond hair and declaring,
[[File:Matt Stewart - Dernhelm.jpg|thumb|left|250px|[[:Category:Images by Matt Stewart|Matt Stewart]] - ''Dernhelm'']]
Later, when the forces of Rohan were mustered to go to Gondor, Éowyn disguised herself as a man, and under the alias of '''[[Dernhelm]]''', travelled with the Riders of Rohan, carrying with her [[Meriadoc Brandybuck|Merry]], who was also ordered to remain behind.<ref>{{RK|V3}}</ref>
 
During the [[Battle of the Pelennor Fields]], she fought by King Théoden, and when he was struck down by the Witch-king of Angmar, she took it upon herself to defend the King of Rohan. Confronting the Witch-king, who boasted that "no living man may hinder me", she removed her helmet, revealing her long golden hair and declaring:


<blockquote>''"No living man am I! You look upon a woman."''</blockquote>
<blockquote>''"No living man am I! You look upon a woman."''</blockquote>
[[File:Matt Stewart - Dernhelm.jpg|thumb|left|''Dernhelm'' by [[:Category:Images by Matt Stewart|Matt Stewart]].]]
Just as MacDuff disconcerted [http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Tragedy_of_Macbeth Macbeth] by revealing he was not "of woman born", Lady Éowyn found the loophole in the 1,000-year-old prophecy by [[Glorfindel of Rivendell|Glorfindel]], fulfilling that the Witch-king would not be slain by a man. However, the Witch-king actually recited the prophecy incorrectly: he said that "no living man may hinder me," though the prophecy actually said that "Not by the hand of Man ''will'' he fall."<ref>{{App|Gondor}}</ref> Glorfindel's prophesy, unlike his own version, implies that the Witch-king will eventually fall, and the Witch-king likely overestimated his own power and believed he would never be defeated.


Lady Éowyn slew the Witch-king after Merry stabbed him behind the knee. Strictly speaking, Merry is also "no man," being a [[Hobbits|Hobbit]]. However, the stab behind the knee likely wouldn't have been fatal, even if it did break the bonds that "bent his unseen sinews to his will."  The consensus seems to be that Merry's stab made the Witch-king vulnerable while Eowyn's slash actually resulted in death. She was granted the title "Lady of the Shield-arm" after the Battle in recognition of her triumph over the Witch-king.<ref name="Battle">{{RK|V6}}</ref>
Though he was filled with doubt at her unveiling, the Witch-king fought her, and broke her shield and arm with his mace. Yet before he could strike her down, Merry, who had not been heeded by the Witch-king, struck him behind the knee with a [[Daggers of Westernesse|Barrow-blade]], crippling the wraith, and giving Éowyn the chance to thrust her sword between the crown and mantle, which shattered the blade. Thus Éowyn slew the Witch-king with Merry's aid, and fell upon her fallen foe, seemingly dead.<ref name="Battle">{{RK|V6}}</ref>
 
She was granted the title "Lady of the Shield-arm" after the battle in recognition of her triumph, as her shield-arm had been broken in the fight.<ref name="Battle">{{RK|V6}}</ref>
 
Shortly afterwards, Éomer found Éowyn beside Théoden, and, believing that both his sister and the King were dead, was filled with grief and fury. Taking the kingship of Rohan, he ordered that Théoden and Éowyn be taken to the Citadel. Éowyn was borne away alongside Théoden in honour, as she had fallen into a death-like sleep from the [[Black Breath]], and was presumed dead. However, [[Imrahil|Prince Imrahil]] recognised then that she yet lived, and instead ordered that she be taken to the [[Houses of Healing]], where she would receive help.<ref name="Battle">{{RK|V6}}</ref>
 
[[File:Magdalena Olechny - Eowyn and Faramir.jpg|thumb|200px|''Eowyn and Faramir'' by [[:Category:Images by Magdalena Olechny|Magdalena Olechny]]]]
Éowyn was severely injured, and because of the Black Breath of the Nazgûl, she faced certain death; however, she was treated soon after by Aragorn during his brief sojourn into [[Minas Tirith]]. After a while she awakened, and since she had not yet recovered fully, she was not permitted to join the [[Army of the West|Host of the West]] that would march on [[Mordor]]. However, whilst recovering in the Houses of Healing, she met Faramir, with whom she later fell in love.<ref name="Steward"/>


Lady Éowyn was severely injured in this fight, and because of the poisonous effect of the Nazgûl, she faced near-certain death; however, she was treated in time by Aragorn during his brief rest in [[Minas Tirith]]. Since she didn't yet recover completely, she couldn't join Aragorn's army on their way to [[Mordor]]. However, while recuperating in the [[Houses of Healing]], she met [[Faramir]], with whom she fell in love. After the demise of [[Sauron]], the happily wed couple settled in [[Ithilien]], of which Faramir was made the ruling Prince. Éowyn was not known as the Princess of Ithilien, rather as the Lady of Ithilien.<ref>{{RK|VI5}}</ref> They had at least one son (likely [[Elboron]]),<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}</ref> and their grandson was [[Barahir (grandson of Faramir)|Barahir]], who wrote ''[[The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen]]'' in the Fourth Age.<ref>{{FR|Records}}</ref> The date of Éowyn's death is nowhere recorded.
After the defeat of [[Sauron]] and the celebrations, on [[8 May]] she followed her brother, now King of Rohan, back home to [[Edoras]].<ref>{{App|Chief}}</ref>


Éowyn's role in the stories challenges conventional stereotypes of the role of women. She succeeds where a man would have failed in slaying the [[Witch-king]] and throughout the books even when recovering from the wounds bought in that conflict rebels against being left behind while the men go off to win glory in war. Her role more than any other female within the mythology challenges accusations of sexism commonly leveled at [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] and in many ways (intentionally or not) displays attitudes ahead of his time in regards to social equality.
Later, Éowyn settled in [[Ithilien]], of which Faramir was made the ruling Prince. She was thereafter known as the ''Lady of Ithilien''.<ref name="Steward"/><ref group=note>This seems to imply that Éowyn was not a Princess, whereas her husband was a Prince.</ref> Éowyn and Faramir were married, and dwelt together in the hills of [[Emyn Arnen]] in Ithilien.<ref>{{RK|VI6}}</ref> She kept her friendship with Merry, and when he became [[Master of Buckland]] in {{FoA|11}}, she sent him great gifts, as did her brother from Rohan.<ref>{{App|Later}}, entry for the year S.R. 1432 (= F.A. 11)</ref>
 
They had at least one son (likely [[Elboron]]),<ref>{{PM|Elendil}}</ref> and their grandson was [[Barahir (grandson of Faramir)|Barahir]], who wrote ''[[The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen]]'' in the Fourth Age.<ref>{{FR|Records}}</ref>


==Etymology==
==Etymology==
''Éowyn'' means "Horse-joy" in [[Old English]] (being a combination of her parents' names: [[Éomund]] and [[Théodwyn]]),<ref name="Intro">{{HM|IE}}, "The Giving of Names", p. 216</ref> the language [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] adapted to represent [[Rohirric]].<ref name="L144">{{L|144}}</ref>
''Éowyn'' means "Horse-joy" or "lover of horses" in [[Old English]] (being a combination of her parents' names: [[Éomund]] and [[Théodwyn]]),<ref name="Intro">{{HM|IE}}, "The Giving of Names", p. 216</ref> the language [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]] adapted to represent [[Rohanese]].<ref name="L144">{{L|144}}</ref>
 
Éo- sounds like "eh-ah" with the "ah" just barely pronounced, while ''y'' is the modified ''u'',<ref name="Umlaut"/> which is more or less as ''u'' in French ''lune''.<ref>{{App|Vowels}}, p. 1115</ref>
 
==Other names==
The "White Lady of Rohan" title given by Faramir to Éowyn of Rohan when they were together looking out from the walls of Minas Tirith and saw the huge cloud that rose above Mordor at the fall of Sauron<ref name="Steward">{{RK|VI5}}</ref> on [[25 March]] {{TA|3019}}.<ref>{{App|Great}}</ref>
 
==Genealogy==
{{familytree/start}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | THE |y| MOR | | | | | | | | |THE=[[Thengel]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2905|n}} - {{TA|2980|n}}''</small>|MOR=[[Morwen Steelsheen]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2922|n}}''</small>}}
{{familytree | | | | | |,|-|-|-|+|-|-|-|.| | | | | | | |}}
{{familytree | ELF |y| THE | | DAU | | THW |y| EOM | | |ELF=[[Elfhild]]<br/><small>''d. {{TA|2978|n}}''</small>|THE=[[Théoden]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2948|n}} - {{TA|3019|n}}''†</small>|DAU=''three daughters''<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|THW=[[Théodwyn]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2963|n}} - {{TA|3002|n}}''</small>|EOM=[[Éomund]]<br/><small>''d. {{TA|3002|n}}''†</small>}}
{{familytree | | | |!| | | | | | | |,|-|-|-|(| | | | | |}}
{{familytree | | | THE | | LOT |y| EOM | | EOW |y| FAR |THE=[[Théodred]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2978|n}} - {{TA|3019|n}}''†</small>|LOT=[[Lothíriel]]<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2999|n}}''</small>|EOM=[[Éomer]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2991|n}} - {{FoA|63}}''</small>|EOW='''ÉOWYN'''<br/><small>''b. {{TA|2995|n}}''</small>|FAR=[[Faramir]]<br/><small>''{{TA|2983|n}} - {{FoA|82}}''</small>}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | |!| | | | | | | |!| | | |}}
{{familytree | | | | | | | | | ELF | | | | | | ELB | | |ELF=[[Elfwine]]<br/><small>''unknown''</small>|ELB=[[Elboron]]<br/><small>''unknown''</small>}}
{{familytree/end}}
 
== Other versions of the legendarium ==
In an early rough note, Éowyn was originally known as "''Eowyn Elfsheen daughter of Theoden''".<ref>{{TI|Riders}}, p. 390</ref> In the first drafts of her appearance, she was split into two characters: Éowyn, sister of Éomer, and [[Idis]], daughter of Théoden. Tolkien eventually discarded Idis as Éowyn overshadowed her, and planned to have Éowyn wed Aragorn when he became the King of Gondor. However, Tolkien cut out the love story, deciding to make Éowyn "''the twin-sister of Eomund, a stern amazon woman''", and possibly dying to save or avenge Théoden.<ref name=King>{{TI|King}}, pp. 447-448</ref>


==Pronunciation==
== Analysis ==
The first syllable of Lady Éowyn's name sounds like "eh-ah," with the "ah" just barely pronounced. As in Scandinavian, the ''y'' in the second syllable is the same sound as the German letter ''ü'' or the French ''u''. The actors in [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]] consistently pronounce her name as well as the names of [[Éomer]] and [[Théoden]] in a manner inconsistent with most reconstructions of Old English pronunciation.
Just as MacDuff disconcerted [http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Tragedy_of_Macbeth Macbeth] by revealing he was not "of woman born", Lady Éowyn found the loophole in the 1,000-year-old prophecy by [[Glorfindel]], fulfilling that the Witch-king would not be slain by a man. However, the Witch-king actually recited the prophecy incorrectly: he said that "no living man may hinder me," though the prophecy actually said that "not by the hand of ''man'' will he fall."<ref name="Gondor">{{App|Gondor}}</ref> Glorfindel's prophecy, unlike his own version, implies that the Witch-king will not fall to a man. In Tolkien's writing, man and woman applies simply to the gender of any Middle-earth race. Only when he capitalised Man did it denote the race of Men. The Witch-king may not have realised that the prophecy meant only a male, thus, his moment of doubt and hesitation when he faced Éowyn.<ref name="Battle"/>


==Portrayal in adaptations==
==Portrayal in adaptations==
<center><gallery>
{{Gallery
File:Eowyn from Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of the Rings.jpg|<center><small>[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]</center></small>
|title=Éowyn in adaptations
File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Éowyn.jpg|<center><small>[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]</center></small>
|height=150
File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Éowyn.jpg|<center><small>''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers]]</center></small>
|width=200
</gallery></center>
|lines=2
|File:The Lord of the Rings (1978 film) - Éowyn.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]
|File:The Return of the King (1980 film) - Éowyn.jpg|[[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy - Éowyn.jpg|[[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]
|File:The Lord of the Rings Online - Éowyn.jpg|''[[The Lord of the Rings Online: Riders of Rohan]]''
}}


'''1955-6: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
'''1955-6: [[The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1955 radio series)]]:'''
Line 69: Line 110:


'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
'''1978: [[The Lord of the Rings (1978 film)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1978 film)]]:'''
:Éowyn is briefly seen, but has no lines.  
:Éowyn is briefly seen, but has no lines.


'''1979: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|The Mind's Eye's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
'''1979: ''[[The Lord of the Rings (1979 radio series)|The Mind's Eye's The Lord of the Rings]]'':'''
Line 75: Line 116:


'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
'''1980: [[The Return of the King (1980 film)|''The Return of the King'' (1980 film)]]:'''
:Éowyn is voiced by actress [[Nellie Bellflower]]. She appears unintroduced, but Merry fills Pippin (and so the spectator) in on the details. She is not terribly wounded, and appears healthy besides Faramir at the coronation.  
:Éowyn is voiced by actress [[Nellie Bellflower]]. She appears unintroduced, but Merry fills Pippin (and so the spectator) in on the details. She is not terribly wounded, and appears healthy beside Faramir at the coronation.


'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
'''1981: [[The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (1981 radio series)]]:'''
:[[Elin Jenkins]] plays the part of Éowyn.
:[[Elin Jenkins]] plays the part of Éowyn. She is introduced much earlier than in the book when [[Gandalf]] escapes from Isengard and borrows a horse from Théoden. Unlike some adaptations her recovery in the Houses of Healing, and the blossoming of her relationship with Faramir are included. She is last encountered in the penultimate episode gifting Merry the horn he would blow later during the scouring of the Shire.
 
'''1992: [[Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series)|''Der Herr der Ringe'' (1992 German radio series)]]:'''
:Éowyn is played by Donata Höffer.


'''2002-3: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
'''2002-3: [[The Lord of the Rings (film series)|''The Lord of the Rings'' (film series)]]:'''
:Éowyn is portrayed by [[Miranda Otto]]. Jackson's adaptation shows two different explanations for Éowyn's injuries after fighting the Witch-king. In the Theatrical Release, her wounds are less severe than in the book; she is conscious but hurt, as opposed to unconscious. In the extended scenes of the Extended Edition, she is near death: her brother finds her and grieves, and later we see her being healed in the Houses of Healing, where she shares a tender moment with Faramir.
:Éowyn is portrayed by [[Miranda Otto]]. Jackson's adaptation shows two different explanations for Éowyn's injuries after fighting the Witch-king. In the Theatrical Release, her wounds are less severe than in the book; she is conscious but hurt, as opposed to unconscious. In the Extended Edition, she is near death; her brother finds her and grieves, and later she is healed in the Houses of Healing, where she meets Faramir.
 
'''2003: [[Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)|''Pán prsteňov'' (2001-2003 Slovak radio series)]]:'''
:The voice of Éowyn is provided by Diana Mórová. Éowyn is alluded to in ''The Two Towers'', but has no lines. She appears fully in ''The Return of the King''. Her role is identical to that in the books.
 
'''2013: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Éowyn is first met in Edoras, shortly before the arrival of Gandalf and the Three Hunters. After King Théoden departs with his host, the player stays behind and helps Éowyn with various preparations before moving the citizens to [[Dunharrow]]. As Dernhelm, she travels to Minas Tirith with permission of [[Elfhelm]], who kept her secret and gave her the sword of her late cousin [[Théodred]] taken the [[Fords of Isen]]. It was that very that Eowyn used to slay the [[Witch-King]] of [[Angmar]], though it broke in doing the deed. After healing from her wounds, she attends the coronation of King Elessar, but departs for Edoras prior to Aragorn and Arwen's wedding.


==See also==
==See also==
* [[:Category:Images of Éowyn|Images of Éowyn]]
* [[:Category:Images of Éowyn|Images of Éowyn]]
==External links==
*"[http://www.norsemyth.org/2013/02/tolkiens-heathen-feminist-part-one.html Tolkien's Heathen Feminist]" by Karl E.H. Seigfried


{{references|n}}
{{references|n}}
{{lordoftheringsfilms}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Eowyn}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Eowyn}}
[[Category:Rohirrim]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Characters in The Lord of the Rings]]
[[Category:Fourth Age characters]]
[[Category:Old English names]]
[[Category:Old English names]]
[[Category:Feminine names]]
[[Category:Rohirrim]]
 
[[Category:Third Age characters]]
[[fa:ائووین]]
[[fr:encyclo/personnages/hommes/3a/hommes_du_nord/rohirrim/eowyn]]
[[fi:Rohanin valkea neito]]

Latest revision as of 07:43, 2 January 2024

Éowyn
Rohir
Donato Giancola - Eowyn Defender of Rohan.jpg
"Eowyn Defender of Rohan" by Donato Giancola
Biographical Information
PronunciationOE, ['ɪəwüːn][1]
Other namesDernhelm, White Lady of Rohan, Lady of the Shield-arm
LocationRohan and Ithilien
LanguageRohanese and Westron
BirthT.A. 2995
DeathBetween Fo.A. 11 and 63 (aged 37-93)[note 1]
Notable forSlaying the Witch-king of Angmar
Family
HouseHouse of Eorl
ParentageÉomund & Théodwyn
SiblingsÉomer
SpouseFaramir
ChildrenElboron
Physical Description
GenderFemale
Hair colorPale gold, long[2]
Eye colorGrey[2]
WeaponrySword
SteedWindfola
GalleryImages of Éowyn
"Then, Éowyn of Rohan, I say to you that you are beautiful. In the valleys of our hills there are flowers fair and bright, and maidens fairer still; but neither flower nor lady have I seen till now in Gondor so lovely, and so sorrowful."
Faramir, The Return of the King, "The Steward and the King"
"Do what you will; but I will hinder it, if I may."
"Hinder me? Thou fool. No living man may hinder me!
"
― Éowyn and the Witch-king, The Return of the King, "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields"

Éowyn was a member of the House of Eorl and the niece of King Théoden of Rohan. She was renowned for slaying the Witch-king of Angmar. She was the daughter of Théodwyn, Théoden's sister, and Éomund of Eastfold; her brother was Éomer. Following the end of the War of the Ring, she and Faramir were married, and she bore one son, Elboron.[3]

She was also known as the Lady of Rohan, Lady of the Shield-arm, the White Lady of Rohan[note 2], and Lady of Ithilien.

History[edit | edit source]

"What do you fear, lady?"
"A cage. To stay behind bars, until use and old age accept them, and all chance of doing great deeds is gone beyond recall or desire.
"
Aragorn and Éowyn, The Return of the King, "The Passing of the Grey Company"

Following the death of her parents in T.A. 3002, Éowyn and Éomer were brought into Théoden's house and raised there. Éowyn grew to be tall and slender, with a grace and pride that came from her mother.[3]

Prior to the Battle of the Hornburg, Éowyn was left to care for Meduseld when Théoden and Éomer led the remaining Rohirrim to the west. King Théoden named her ruler of Rohan in his and Éomer's absence when Háma recommended that one of "The House of Eorl" should rule. At first, Théoden only thought of the men of his house, of which he and Éomer were the last, but Háma reminded the King of Éowyn, who "is fearless," and that "all love her."[4]

Éowyn revealed her temperament when Aragorn was to ride into the mountains and take the Paths of the Dead. Unable to dissuade him, she desired to accompany him, declaring herself "weary of skulking in the hills," with a "wish to face peril and battle." However, Aragorn reminded her of her charge to govern the people until the king's return and left without her.[5]

Matt Stewart - Dernhelm

Later, when the forces of Rohan were mustered to go to Gondor, Éowyn disguised herself as a man, and under the alias of Dernhelm, travelled with the Riders of Rohan, carrying with her Merry, who was also ordered to remain behind.[6]

During the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, she fought by King Théoden, and when he was struck down by the Witch-king of Angmar, she took it upon herself to defend the King of Rohan. Confronting the Witch-king, who boasted that "no living man may hinder me", she removed her helmet, revealing her long golden hair and declaring:

"No living man am I! You look upon a woman."

Though he was filled with doubt at her unveiling, the Witch-king fought her, and broke her shield and arm with his mace. Yet before he could strike her down, Merry, who had not been heeded by the Witch-king, struck him behind the knee with a Barrow-blade, crippling the wraith, and giving Éowyn the chance to thrust her sword between the crown and mantle, which shattered the blade. Thus Éowyn slew the Witch-king with Merry's aid, and fell upon her fallen foe, seemingly dead.[2]

She was granted the title "Lady of the Shield-arm" after the battle in recognition of her triumph, as her shield-arm had been broken in the fight.[2]

Shortly afterwards, Éomer found Éowyn beside Théoden, and, believing that both his sister and the King were dead, was filled with grief and fury. Taking the kingship of Rohan, he ordered that Théoden and Éowyn be taken to the Citadel. Éowyn was borne away alongside Théoden in honour, as she had fallen into a death-like sleep from the Black Breath, and was presumed dead. However, Prince Imrahil recognised then that she yet lived, and instead ordered that she be taken to the Houses of Healing, where she would receive help.[2]

Eowyn and Faramir by Magdalena Olechny

Éowyn was severely injured, and because of the Black Breath of the Nazgûl, she faced certain death; however, she was treated soon after by Aragorn during his brief sojourn into Minas Tirith. After a while she awakened, and since she had not yet recovered fully, she was not permitted to join the Host of the West that would march on Mordor. However, whilst recovering in the Houses of Healing, she met Faramir, with whom she later fell in love.[7]

After the defeat of Sauron and the celebrations, on 8 May she followed her brother, now King of Rohan, back home to Edoras.[8]

Later, Éowyn settled in Ithilien, of which Faramir was made the ruling Prince. She was thereafter known as the Lady of Ithilien.[7][note 3] Éowyn and Faramir were married, and dwelt together in the hills of Emyn Arnen in Ithilien.[9] She kept her friendship with Merry, and when he became Master of Buckland in Fo.A. 11, she sent him great gifts, as did her brother from Rohan.[10]

They had at least one son (likely Elboron),[11] and their grandson was Barahir, who wrote The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen in the Fourth Age.[12]

Etymology[edit | edit source]

Éowyn means "Horse-joy" or "lover of horses" in Old English (being a combination of her parents' names: Éomund and Théodwyn),[13] the language Tolkien adapted to represent Rohanese.[14]

Éo- sounds like "eh-ah" with the "ah" just barely pronounced, while y is the modified u,[1] which is more or less as u in French lune.[15]

Other names[edit | edit source]

The "White Lady of Rohan" title given by Faramir to Éowyn of Rohan when they were together looking out from the walls of Minas Tirith and saw the huge cloud that rose above Mordor at the fall of Sauron[7] on 25 March T.A. 3019.[16]

Genealogy[edit | edit source]

 
 
 
 
 
 
Thengel
2905 - 2980
 
Morwen Steelsheen
b. 2922
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Elfhild
d. 2978
 
Théoden
2948 - 3019
 
three daughters
unknown
 
Théodwyn
2963 - 3002
 
Éomund
d. 3002
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Théodred
2978 - 3019
 
Lothíriel
b. 2999
 
Éomer
2991 - Fo.A. 63
 
ÉOWYN
b. 2995
 
Faramir
2983 - Fo.A. 82
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Elfwine
unknown
 
 
 
 
 
Elboron
unknown
 
 


Other versions of the legendarium[edit | edit source]

In an early rough note, Éowyn was originally known as "Eowyn Elfsheen daughter of Theoden".[17] In the first drafts of her appearance, she was split into two characters: Éowyn, sister of Éomer, and Idis, daughter of Théoden. Tolkien eventually discarded Idis as Éowyn overshadowed her, and planned to have Éowyn wed Aragorn when he became the King of Gondor. However, Tolkien cut out the love story, deciding to make Éowyn "the twin-sister of Eomund, a stern amazon woman", and possibly dying to save or avenge Théoden.[18]

Analysis[edit | edit source]

Just as MacDuff disconcerted Macbeth by revealing he was not "of woman born", Lady Éowyn found the loophole in the 1,000-year-old prophecy by Glorfindel, fulfilling that the Witch-king would not be slain by a man. However, the Witch-king actually recited the prophecy incorrectly: he said that "no living man may hinder me," though the prophecy actually said that "not by the hand of man will he fall."[19] Glorfindel's prophecy, unlike his own version, implies that the Witch-king will not fall to a man. In Tolkien's writing, man and woman applies simply to the gender of any Middle-earth race. Only when he capitalised Man did it denote the race of Men. The Witch-king may not have realised that the prophecy meant only a male, thus, his moment of doubt and hesitation when he faced Éowyn.[2]

Portrayal in adaptations[edit | edit source]

Éowyn in adaptations

1955-6: The Lord of the Rings (1955 radio series):

Olive Gregg provides the voice of Éowyn.

1978: The Lord of the Rings (1978 film):

Éowyn is briefly seen, but has no lines.

1979: The Mind's Eye's The Lord of the Rings:

Éowyn is portrayed by Karen Hurley.

1980: The Return of the King (1980 film):

Éowyn is voiced by actress Nellie Bellflower. She appears unintroduced, but Merry fills Pippin (and so the spectator) in on the details. She is not terribly wounded, and appears healthy beside Faramir at the coronation.

1981: The Lord of the Rings (1981 radio series):

Elin Jenkins plays the part of Éowyn. She is introduced much earlier than in the book when Gandalf escapes from Isengard and borrows a horse from Théoden. Unlike some adaptations her recovery in the Houses of Healing, and the blossoming of her relationship with Faramir are included. She is last encountered in the penultimate episode gifting Merry the horn he would blow later during the scouring of the Shire.

1992: Der Herr der Ringe (1992 German radio series):

Éowyn is played by Donata Höffer.

2002-3: The Lord of the Rings (film series):

Éowyn is portrayed by Miranda Otto. Jackson's adaptation shows two different explanations for Éowyn's injuries after fighting the Witch-king. In the Theatrical Release, her wounds are less severe than in the book; she is conscious but hurt, as opposed to unconscious. In the Extended Edition, she is near death; her brother finds her and grieves, and later she is healed in the Houses of Healing, where she meets Faramir.

2003: Pán prsteňov (2001-2003 Slovak radio series):

The voice of Éowyn is provided by Diana Mórová. Éowyn is alluded to in The Two Towers, but has no lines. She appears fully in The Return of the King. Her role is identical to that in the books.

2013: The Lord of the Rings Online:

Éowyn is first met in Edoras, shortly before the arrival of Gandalf and the Three Hunters. After King Théoden departs with his host, the player stays behind and helps Éowyn with various preparations before moving the citizens to Dunharrow. As Dernhelm, she travels to Minas Tirith with permission of Elfhelm, who kept her secret and gave her the sword of her late cousin Théodred taken the Fords of Isen. It was that very that Eowyn used to slay the Witch-King of Angmar, though it broke in doing the deed. After healing from her wounds, she attends the coronation of King Elessar, but departs for Edoras prior to Aragorn and Arwen's wedding.

See also[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

Notes

  1. The year of death of Éowyn is not recorded. She was still alive in F.A. 11 when she sents gifts to the Shire. Like her brother Éomer she also had Númenorean ancestors through her grandmother Morwen of Lossarnach. Her brother Éomer was 93 years old when he died in F.A. 63. It is possible that she lived as long as her brother.
  2. Éowyn was known as "Lady of Rohan" in Rohan, but as "White Lady of Rohan" in Ithilien (due to her pale complexion).
  3. This seems to imply that Éowyn was not a Princess, whereas her husband was a Prince.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix E, "Pronunciation of Words and Names", "Note", p. 1117
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields"
  3. 3.0 3.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The House of Eorl", "The Kings of the Mark"
  4. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, "The King of the Golden Hall"
  5. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Passing of the Grey Company"
  6. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Muster of Rohan"
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Steward and the King"
  8. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Chief Days from the Fall of Barad-dûr to the End of the Third Age"
  9. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "Many Partings"
  10. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "Later Events Concerning the Members of the Fellowship of the Ring", entry for the year S.R. 1432 (= F.A. 11)
  11. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "VII. The Heirs of Elendil"
  12. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, "Prologue", "Note on the Shire Records"
  13. Jim Allan (1978), An Introduction to Elvish, "The Giving of Names", p. 216
  14. J.R.R. Tolkien; Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien (eds.), The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter 144, (dated 25 April 1954)
  15. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix E, "Pronunciation of Words and Names", "Vowels", p. 1115
  16. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Great Years"
  17. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Treason of Isengard, "XX. The Riders of Rohan", p. 390
  18. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Treason of Isengard, "XXVI. The King of the Golden Hall", pp. 447-448
  19. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion"
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