Many have criticized J.R.R. Tolkien's timeless masterpiece The Lord of the Rings, along with the film adaptations directed by Peter Jackson, for featuring few female characters. While this critique is definitely valid, the small number of women who do exist prominently in the narrative are extremely powerful in a multitude of unique ways. Every one of these fictional ladies is memorable and iconic, and each represents a different part of the vibrant world of Middle-earth.

Let's talk about the fierce female characters of The Lord of the Rings, what makes each of them special and why it's a shame they didn't get more time in the spotlight.

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Lady Galadriel Is Both Angelic & Terrifying in The Lord of the Rings

Cate Blanchett as Galadriel from The Lord of the Rings.

By far the most powerful of all the characters on this list, the Lady of Light is also one of the most ancient beings in Middle-earth, having emigrated from the divine land of Valinor in the First Age. The ruler of the great Elven stronghold Lothlórien and wielder of Nenya, one of the Three Rings of Power, Galadriel's age, wisdom and strength are unmatched.

Part of what makes Galadriel such a fascinating figure is her duality. Though she is angelic and goddess-like, she also possesses dark depths and terrifying power, which famously burst forth when Frodo tempts her with the One Ring. Faced with the chance to hold this most powerful and dangerous of magical items, she transforms for a moment into a dark queen, capable of subduing the will of all beings. "All shall love me and despair," she thunders, to Frodo's terror. Even more impressive, though, is that this moment quickly ends, her inner strength and sagacity allowing her to conquer her dark side and pass the test.

Galadriel plays a critical role in the Fellowship's quest, providing safe haven and useful gifts after their ordeal in Moria, and acting as a spiritual guide throughout their journeys. Her part in the War of the Ring is even more substantial in the books; her actions are behind many important events, such as Gandalf's rehabilitation after his battle with the Balrog and the destruction of the dark fortress of Dol Guldur. Some of the latter material was used in the Hobbit film trilogy, allowing audiences another chance to enjoy Cate Blanchett's tour de force portrayal of the character. Still, the story of Galadriel's life is a long, epic one that practically deserves an entire film series of its own. Viewers can at least look forward to seeing some of her earlier days adapted to screen in the upcoming Amazon-produced Lord of the Rings series.

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Arwen Is Better Served by the Movies Than by Tolkien's Books

In some respects, the movies arguably did better by Arwen than Tolkien's text. A gorgeous and perfect being, she's often said to be the reincarnation of Lúthien, the most revered of Elven ladies. Despite her remarkable beauty and intimate ties to Aragorn, one of the story's most important characters, Arwen's appearance in the books is short, with most of her tale being told in the Appendices.

Peter Jackson's films dramatically expand her role, especially in The Fellowship of the Ring, in which she heroically bears a mortally injured Frodo to Rivendell, a task originally carried out in the book by a male Elf named Glorfindel. This warrior-princess aspect of Arwen remains somewhat divisive in the fandom, though many fans love the extra dimension it gives her character.

After her heroic turn in Fellowship, Arwen's part in the films dwindles to that of a fading damsel in distress, her health waning as Sauron's power grows. It's not entirely clear how the writers justified tying her life to the fate of Middle-earth, aside from giving Aragorn a more personal stake in the war. Tragically, footage of Arwen fighting at Helm's Deep was filmed, but ultimately went unused. It would have been thrilling to see her contribute her combat skills in this famed battle, and it's saddening that her Two Towers screentime was cut back, leaving an arc that starts strong but trails off limply.

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Shelob the Great Spider Is Ancient and Mysterious

This infamous and terrifying arachnid is much more than some random monster. Shelob is an ancient being spawned from Ungoliant, who was a primordial demon of darkness and one of the chief antagonists in Tolkien's creation epic The Silmarillion. She settled in the mountains near Mordor long before Sauron ever laid claim to that land. Like her fearsome mother before her, she gave birth to many fell spider beasts, who plague the forests of Mirkwood and give Bilbo's company no small amount of trouble in The Hobbit.

Shelob and Sauron share an unspoken alliance; she acts as a sort of unofficial watchdog, holding dominion over the pass of Cirith Ungol uncontested for hundreds of years and never letting any prey escape. However, after her unprecedented defeat at the hands of Samwise Gamgee, Shelob retreats into the tunnels and is never heard from again. It's an ignominious end for such a unique and powerful entity, and one can't help but wonder what her eventual fate might have been.

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Éowyn Gets Just One Moment in the Spotlight, But It's Iconic

eowyn-vs-witchking

A beloved heroine to generations of female fantasy fans, Éowyn's legendary status cannot be understated. Hailing from Rohan, a kingdom of men renowned for their horsemanship and battle prowess, she is the niece of King Théoden and one of Tolkien's most popular characters.

Éowyn claims the title of shieldmaiden, having thoroughly trained in the arts of war. As she curtly informs Aragorn in the films, "women of this country learned long ago that those without swords can still die upon them." However, this doesn't mean Éowyn is entirely free of the shackles of medieval womanhood, and she chafes against expectations of domesticity and quiet leadership, desiring instead to win glory on the battlefield. She eventually seizes her chance in the climactic Battle of the Pelennor Fields, when she utters her iconic "I am no man!" line as she slays the fearsome Witch-king of Angmar, leader of the Nazgûl.

Sadly, this moment of triumph, though highly impressive, turns out to be her last. After recovering from the battle, she marries Faramir and devotes herself to the arts of healing. While it's valid for her ambitions to change, it's a shame that the one female warrior who's given a real opportunity to display her might in the main story still only gets one moment of heroism before abruptly retiring forever.

Éowyn was a seminal creation, and her importance in our culture remains. Many hold her in their hearts as the foundation upon which countless strong female characters have been built. Her struggle against society's expectations and fear of missing her chance at valor are timeless themes that will always hold resonance for young people trying to find their paths in life.

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