An Analysis of the Female Images in Tolkiens Works: Galadriel, owyn and Arwen

Abstract

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien is well recognized for his notable contributions to the genre of heroic romances, as shown by his renowned works, namely The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Consequently, he is widely regarded as the progenitor of contemporary fantasy literature. The study aims to examine the principal female characters in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, namely Galadriel, owyn, and Arwen, employing textual analysis and comparative study as the primary methods. The former two individuals serve as exemplars of female warriors, characterized by their courage, strength, unwavering convictions, and relentless pursuit of their aspirations. The latter represents a somewhat less favorable portrayal of the female image. Arwen, being designated as the "second sex", is shown with a dearth of individual narratives and distinct characteristics, primarily serving as a supporting figure to the male protagonists within the story. Nevertheless, despite the deficiencies in Tolkien's depiction of female representations, the merits of his work ultimately surpass the drawbacks.