The Patriarchal Understanding of Women in Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings

Abstract

Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings presents patriarchal norms and a patriarchal understanding of women through the portrayed differences of the sexes in terms of decision-making, rationality, authority and separated spheres, but also through Éowyn’s uniqueness compared to the limited agency of other women. It presents female authority as an exception to the norm when Éowyn is left to manage Rohan. Additionally, the interaction of her and Aragorn demonstrates a patriarchal understanding of decision-making and rationality, presenting an emotional and irrational woman in contrast to the logical Aragorn. Through Éowyn’s transformation and return to a patriarchal understanding of women, Tolkien’s work portrays a society where the breaking of patriarchal gender norms is not only a rare event but also one that will be undone. Moreover, Éowyn embodies the beautiful female that men can gaze upon. That being said, she is presented as a unique female character. However, this marginalizes women and further strengthens a patriarchal understanding of them instead of representing them in general.