Ladies of Middle Earth (and Valinor)

There is a common belief that Tolkien failed to adequately write women into his works. He is thought of as depicting women as unimportant side-characters whose only purpose is to look beautiful, where Eowyn, Galadriel, and Luthien are the few exceptions. However, this is a false misconception based on out-of context assumptions and adaptations. The ladies of Middle Earth and Valinor are warriors, scholars, and artists… just like the gentlemen. Many of them are also mothers who would do anything for their children. So without further ado, let’s hear it for the awesome unspoken girl bosses of LOTR!

(All of the images are from Tolkien Gateway) 

Aredhel, the White Lady of the Noldor was known for her great strength and adventurous spirit —hunting and horse-back riding in the forests of Valinor and Middle Earth.  She was exceedingly brave and sacrificed herself to save her son, Maeglin, a feat that often gets overlooked because of his eventual actions. 

Nerdanel the Wise was the most renowned sculptor in Arda, creating statues so lifelike that many thought they were real people. She also deserves a Nobel Peace prize for restraining Fëanor’s lunacy, something she did not through beauty, but through wisdom and strength of character. 

Haleth was the chief of the Haladin, fighting bravely against the Orcs and bringing her people to safety in the Forest of Brethil. She had a team of all-women warriors as her bodyguard, and rejected Caranthir’s offer of land to ensure her people’s independence. 

Idril Celebrindal was wise and foresighted, building a secret exit from Gondolin that saved many lives during its fall. She was the only one who saw that Maeglin might be a problem, and when the time came she defended her son Eärendil against him. 

 

Melian the Wise ruled and protected the hidden kingdom Doriath for thousands of years with her magic and wisdom, an accomplishment impressive even for a Maia. She was the mother of Luthien and mentor of Galadriel, teaching them many of her fine skills.