Eowyn or Arwen?

[Christiana]

who thinks faramir is more pretty than aragorn?

[Jador]

It's the cross dressing that really turns me on to Eowyn...DOhhh! I shouldn't have said that,..

[Eruviel Greenleaf]

Originally posted by Jador
It's the cross dressing that really turns me on to Eowyn...DOhhh! I shouldn't have said that,..

LOL :D

Perhaps you should have said something like, "I admire her bravery in dressing as a man so as to march into battle," eh? ;)

[Jador]

YEAH>>> What can I say I'm out of my mind,..I do dream about her more than Arwen tho'...

[Olegson]

o'coz I can't change what Tolkien's written & I don't want to, but see, Eowyn to Eomer made great difference for Teoden. He could be strict with'im but not with'er. And who asks to murder Grima just in front o'Teoden's eyes??? Who'd know ? For example, ask one of the riders to do it.
as fer perfect people, Stalker in the Starlight, you're completely right. but not in LOTR. Aragorn, for example,'s perfect. made no mistakes throughout all the book. Arwen, Elrond etc/
Aren't they perfect???????

who thinks faramir is more pretty than aragorn

I do! I don't know what's there with'is face, but I like hi more. Pure, he wasn't lucky with the lass to fall in love with. was'e:rolleyes:

[cassiopeia]

Moreover, I'd say, Faramir's much more attractive Fellow, isn't he???

I don't think that Faramir is more attractive than Aragorn and NO I am not talking about the movie or looks. As for husband/ boyfriend material Aragorn is way more attractive. He is going to be king for starters. He is descended from a great line of Men. He is going to live longer than Faramir. He is good friends with Elrond, Gandalf etc. He is strong and courageous and brave.

As for Eowyn/Faramir, maybe their relationship was just a happy ending for Eowyn and Faramir. I'm not sure, but did Tolkien write that on the spur of the moment or something like that? It just seems a bit lazy to me. (Just a thought thats all, don't get angry :) )

[Christiana]

Its a good thought.

[Eruviel Greenleaf]

Originally posted by cassiopeia

As for Eowyn/Faramir, maybe their relationship was just a happy ending for Eowyn and Faramir. I'm not sure, but did Tolkien write that on the spur of the moment or something like that? It just seems a bit lazy to me. (Just a thought thats all, don't get angry :) )

Angry? I agree!!!

[Stalker in the Starlight]

My friend told me that when Tolkien originally wrote the books, Aragorn was supposed to end up with Eowyn, which is why Arwen has such a small part-she was added in at the last minute.
Though, this same friend also tells me that her 14 cats speak to her and tell her what to do, so I seriously doubt any and all things she ever says to me-including that.

[Olegson]

I don't think that Faramir is more attractive than Aragorn and NO I am not talking about the movie or looks. As for husband/ boyfriend material Aragorn is way more attractive. He is going to be king for starters. He is descended from a great line of Men. He is going to live longer than Faramir. He is good friends with Elrond, Gandalf etc. He is strong and courageous and brave.

As for Faramir's pedigree, he's very much aristocratic too. And, according to his behaviour, even more. Aragorn's welcomed everywhere, he hasn't any problems with his family, he takes anything done by the others.
And what about the lenght of life? Does this really metter? And also, I think it's the real nobleness to stay in shadow.
And remember what he'd done for Frodo and Sam! Wpnderful will!

Though, I really think you all disagree with me.
Before argoind, try to understand one.

[Sicirus]

I like Eowyn better than Arwen. Eowyn is brave and pure hearted enough to fight for her country.

[Mirahzi]

Originally posted by Sicirus
Eowyn is brave and pure hearted enough to fight for her country.
You say that as if Arwen isn't..

[Sicirus]

Would Arwen go out into battle?
I mean by that is Eowyn went out to battle and took the chance. Arwen (I think)did not attempt to go out. I think she is pure hearted and would protect her country in anyway her father aloud her.

[Mirahzi]

You're right.. but I guess I wouldn't phrase it that way..
I'm not trying to take away from her glory, but it wasn't bravery that drew her to battle, more like a broken heart that shoved her towards war.
And also, when you say "took the chance" (I'm assuming you're referring to death).. it seems as if she feared for her life.. which she did not.

[Khamûl]

I agree with you Mirahzi. I think Eowyn was slightly suicidal when she went into battle. She would have welcomed death.

[Mirahzi]

Hehe.. "slightly" is a bit of an understatement :)
One has to be a bit more than 'slightly suicidal' to openly defy the Nazgul Lord :D (Except, of course, in rare cases)

[Khamûl]

the face of one who goes seeking death, having no hope. You know, saying she was slightly suicidal was a bit of an understatement.;) Full-blown suicidal and criminally insane is more like it.:D

[hama1]

Eowyn clearly sought death in battle due to her unrequited love of Aragorn. So yes she was "suicidal." She also remarks to Faramir in the House of Healing that she "will be a shieldmaiden no more" when she realizes that she has fallen in love with him (Faramir). But criminally insane I think not. Also, I think her facing down the Lord of the Nazgul was motivated by her love of Theoden more than her desire for death. That desire drove her to take on the persona of Dernhelm but it was a more noble instinct that led her to defend Theoden. IMHO...

[Khamûl]

I said that last part as an exaggeration, and didn't really expect anyone to take it seriously. Sorry if I didn't make that clear.

[Olegson]

In me country people often say:
" the other's soul is darkness"

As for me, I think than Eowyn's behaviour can be called suicidal.
Though, she didn' want to comiete a suicide as itself, she just supposed it the best way for herself.
That's the result of brainless, nothing to do with this case.:cool:

[Sicirus]

i don't blame her for suicide. many people think about it. But she really did not like to be left back during war.

[Celandine]

I like Eowyn better. Arwen seems, too perfect. I think Arwen sems more of the sit at home sewing kind of person. Eowyn seems kind of the oppisite of that. :)

[Christiana]

Arwen wanted to help Aragorn,so she helped him in the only way she could.

[Eruviel Greenleaf]

Originally posted by Christiana
Arwen wanted to help Aragorn,so she helped him in the only way she could.

Er, she tried to help him. . .

[Olegson]

See.
Eowyn is some kind of typical Rider, their face.
And Arwen's thee same for Elves.
D'you all mean that you like Riders more then Elves???????

And if you're arguing about what kind of woman do you like more,
the point is that there are a lot of ways to show bravery! It's a stupid thing to think it was bravery - the reason why Eowyn left home. She was afraid of her fate, and she chose the most simple way to end it. It wasn't bravery.

[Radagast The Brown]

originally posted by OlegsonSee.
Eowyn is some kind of typical Rider, their face.
And Arwen's thee same for Elves.
D'you all mean that you like Riders more then Elves???????I disagree. Eowyn does not a reguler Rider (and not a hero too). She had a personalty, and she was different, and a fighter, not like all the other women. Arwen is like a reguler elf.

[Olegson]

Dear Radagast!
I am sure that any rider in Eowyn's shoes would do the same!
Wonder if Eomer would stay at home, or Hama.
They'd ALL do like this!

[Christiana]

Not all,mabye only the House of Eorl.

[Olegson]

o'coz I mean this, but does it change the sence????
Any nation has different people:o

[olsonm]

I think people are being a little harsh on Arwen given that we know so little about her. Everybody fawns over Glorfindel but he stayed in Rivendell. I don't think we know enough about Arwen to say that she was this way or that (though I find it hard to believe that any elf, regardless of gender, would be a wilting flower).
It's perfectly understandable why people tend to prefer Eowyn; she's a more fully developed character in the narrative.

[Sicirus]

yeh I liket Arwen in the little parts of the story she was in. In a way I think she gave Aragorn courage to overcome hard times in his journies. Plus she was wise and loving to her father as well as a good queen as far as I know.

[samwiselvr2008]

Eowyn is ALOT better, i hate arwen, kill arwen, dround arwen, throw arwen of a kliff ect., i have this thing against Arwen, she always gets all of this credit, whene all she dose is marry aragorn, if i am rong then correct me, i only read THE HOBBIT, and THE LORD OF THE RINGS seriese, i also read the apendix part on arwen and aragorn, but still, she dose NOTHING! fill free to corect me on that!

arwen=:(

sorry for getting a little off the subject!

[Aragorns Dimple]

I agree, Tolkien should have written more about Arwen, but I guess he was tied up telling the guy's POV story. But he certainly created an AMAZING character in Eowyn, and even had that understanding of women where they get a crush on one guy, but end up falling for the other guy! How cool is that?

[Christiana]

pov?

[olsonm]

pov=point of veiw

[olsonm]

Tolkien didn't invent Arwen until he was almost done with the book. Consequently he didn't want to rewrite a large section of the story just to fit her in, so he found a way to place her unobtrusively in the story and put much of her story in the appendices.
Aragorn's Dimple has a point. We aren't told much about Arwen outside her relationship with Aragorn.

[BeardofPants]

Is this thread *still* going?! Geez, let all the hate go... It's not healthy! :rolleyes:

[arawn]

Eowyn, definitely. She's got more character. I hope Faramir doesn't kill me :D

[Eruviel Greenleaf]

I don't think Faramir would kill you. . .he'd just be very smug that he was married to her :D

[Erendis]

If I had to choose, I would say Arwen. I don't really know why....I guess it's because I "met" her first.
It annoys me a little when people say they hate Arwen because she "stole" Glorfindel's part in the movie and she doesn't do anything. (*cough*ff.n authors *cough*) IMO, Arwen is a more developed character and actually does something worthwhile because of this.

[Eruviel Greenleaf]

Originally posted by Erendis
IMO, Arwen is a more developed character and actually does something worthwhile because of this.

Um. . .how is she a more developed character? And how is her part more worthwile?

[Mirahzi]

She's more developed than she would have been if she hadn't rescued him. Similarly, she's more worthwhile.

[Eruviel Greenleaf]

Originally posted by Mirahzi
She's more developed than she would have been if she hadn't rescued him. Similarly, she's more worthwhile.

She rescues him in the movie. This is the book forum.

[cassiopeia]

I'm getting a bit confused about who people are talking about.:(

What does Arwen do in the book anyway, 'cept make a banner and marry the King? Eowyn kills the witch king! You can't say Arwen is a more developed character.

[Erendis]

I gave my opinion on who I liked better and then I went a little bit off topic...what I meant was it annoys me when people bash Arwen because she took Glorfindel's part in the movie and doesn't do much. But by taking Glorfindel out, they gave her something to do. *shrugs* Did that sound confusing? Sorry, if it is.

[Eruviel Greenleaf]

Thanks for clearing that up. . .but this is the book forum. Which means books, not movie. Which is why it's especially annoying when people say they hate Arwen. :rolleyes:

[Stalker in the Starlight]

Personally, I'm more mad at the movie script writers than Arwen for stealing Glorfindel's part...but I digress...

I don't like Arwen because, even though she's an incredibly important character (Let's face it: she WAS Aragorn's motivation to become King of the Reunited Kingdoms), she doesn't get to do or say much. I don't mean 'do' much in the sense of 'go-out-there-with-a-sword-and-kick-some-tail', more along the lines of 'get mentioned'. She has a tiny non-speaking part in FOTR, and then she marries Aragorn and gives Frodo a necklace in ROTK...ehem. Whereas Eowyn's story is sad and beautiful in so many ways...every time I think about her, especially when she just wakes in the Houses of Healing and realizes that she has to continue to live with all her pain, I cry.

Considering Eowyn's part in LOTR is just one big angst fic, does it seem ironic to anyone else that her name means 'Horse-Joy'?

Translation of Eowyn's name can be found under her entry at the Encyclopedia of Arda, at:
http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/default.htm

[Radagast The Brown]

Eowyn more developed in the book, that's obvies. Arwen doesn't developed in the book but I liked her more. Eowyn annoyed me (as I wrote before).

[Sicirus]

) they are both good characters. They each have their difer parts to play to complete the story. Imagine if Arwen did stuff that Eowyn did. Then the story would be weird(I think:rolleyes: ).
Anyway arwen & Eowyn both are great characters, but eowyn played a bigger part.
(plus Elrond would slice you if he existed)

[Nurvingiel]

Strictly speaking of the book here...

Eowyn has more character development, as well as killing the Nazgul Captain. This is not to say that Arwen isn't important. Aragorn's love for her makes him more human, instead of a lean, mean Ranger machine. (Not that he doesn't care about his friends too, but I digress.)

Also, Arwen deeply inspires Aragorn which is inferred from Aragorn's actions. Not a lot about her is described in the book and the reader has to assume a lot of things. But she is definately a kick ass Half-elf.

I love Arwen because she's mysterious and cool.

I love Eowyn because she kick major butt.
(Faramir also rocks, so the fact that they get together is a plus for both of them.)

Beard of Pants has a good point though. I'm not sure how long this thread has been going on, but we should leave movie-Arwen out of the thread altogether. Just because Liv Tyler had moments of lameness in the movie is no reason to dump on the beautiful and mysterious book-Arwen.

(In my mind, they are seperate entities unlike most other characters.)

[TinuvielChild]

You know what? All my previous posts on this thread were made under the influence of defiance of a certain person at whom I was extremely annoyed, who was in favor of Eowyn. Naturally, I had to pick Arwen, just to be contrary. Guess what? I take all those back. I'm strongly in favor of Eowyn, Warrior Princess! ;)

[TinuvielChild]

Yeah! I just passed FrodoFriend's post count! I am now 3rd from the bottom of the 2nd page of "Top 10 Posters" on the "Members" page!!! Go me! :p :D :D

[durin's bane]

i like eowyn. she's got a sword and pretty golden hair like mine! plus her name starts with E which is my favourite letter and she killed the witch king, who sounds pretty scary. she's really brave.

[Radagast The Brown]

originally posted by TC
Yeah! I just passed FrodoFriend's post count! I am now 3rd from the bottom of the 2nd page of "Top 10 Posters" on the "Members" page!!! Go me! What Are You Talking About???? :confused:

[Nurvingiel]

This thread kind of sucks now... what were we talking about?

;)

Arwen and Eowyn are very different but both cool in their own respective ways. I forget what I said the first time, I believe I gave Arwen a slight edge. I still do, she's so mysterious and cool!

Plus I hated the scene where Eowyn breaks down and cries and begs Aragorn not to go through Dunharrow. But that's because I thought Eowyn was tougher than that.

Overall it is pretty even.

[Nurvingiel]

An amazing pic! Click here!

http://www.via.ecp.fr/~jm/musee/howe/eow.jpg

This is the website where it's from...

http://www.via.ecp.fr/~jm/musee/howe.html

There's a lot of great pictures here! Hope you speak French

Le Francais est excéllent!

[Sicirus]

Those are beautiful paintings!
Thats a freat site!;)

[Linarryl]

I'd say Eowyn. Eowyn is very brave and she is very noble. Arwen is just too prissy like.

Arwen: Good bye Aragorn my love! *weeps*
Eowyn: I will fight to my death if I must!
*everyone shouts 'how brave!'*

[Nurvingiel]

I agree Eowyn is brave and noble, but Arwen is not prissy!

Eliminate movie-Arwen (who's really not that bad) from your mind, as she does not belong in this forum.

Name one quote, action, incident from the book where Arwen is prissy!

Ha! You can't because she's hardly in the book at all!

It's not Arwen's fault Tolkein thought of her later and added her after he wrote the main plot!

Arwen rules.

Cheers! :)

[Nurvingiel]

Originally posted by Linarryl

Arwen: Good bye Aragorn my love! *weeps*
Eowyn: I will fight to my death if I must!
*everyone shouts 'how brave!'* [/B]

These aren't quotes from the book, as far as I know.

And Eowyn cried in the book when Aragorn went through the Paths of the Dead, but that doesn't make her prissy.

[BeardofPants]

We must remember that Arwen didn't go rampaging around the countryside for a very good reason -- remember what happened to her mother. Also: remember Arwen's lineage... she comes from very powerful stock. I doubt that she would be 'prissy'.

[Nurvingiel]

I don't think Arwen is better than Eowyn, I like them both for different reasons.

Arwen is misunderstood for two reasons.
[list=1]
Movie-Arwen really doesn't exist in the book.
Her character is mysterious and doesn't have a lot of dialogue.
[/list=1]

Eowyn and Arwen are compared to each other, or pitted against each other, because they both loved Aragorn.

Eowyn moved on, and ended up marrying Faramir ;) so we should move on too.

[durin's bane]

Arwen didn't slay the Witch-king. Eowyn did. Arwen became Queen of Gondor. Eowyn didn't. Two points of what makes Arwen great, and Eowyn great. But personally, I still prefer Eowyn.

[BeardofPants]

But it is doubtful that Eowyn would have been able to if it hadn't been for Merry's unknitting of the spells that bound him, and made him impervious to normal blades.

[durin's bane]

Yeah, but she still slayed him.

I've got to read more carefully... :p

[BeardofPants]

Not really. She may have dealt the death blow, but it was certainly with the help of Merry, who not only broke the spells, but also distracted the witchking so that Eowyn COULD deal the death blow. She had help; they both contributed to his death.

[durin's bane]

Though she had help, she slayed him. Eowyn and Merry both killed it together. I'll read more carefully next time.

[Nurvingiel]

Are we pretty much agreed that Eowyn dealt the death blow, but that wouldn't have been possible without the help of Merry's knee stabbing action?

[Arathorn]

It was a team effort really. I was there. Then I woke up. :p

[Elessar]

well... everyone's going to beat me up over this one- but i'm am going to say arwen!!!

She is brave, dutifull, kind- forsaking the chance to live with her people in the havens- she willingly lives with her husband- and stands with him to his death.

Yes, Eowyn is brave- but in a different way- i consider her manner to be a bit suicidal!!! Though- she is a feminist- and that is everything that i am. Arwen's character seems to have more depth, more knowledge and understanding.

I am sorry- i do just love arwen (though not in a lesbian way).

[Lefty Scaevola]

Well, being a 2532 year old hero of the city of Rome, I would have to pick the immortal Arwen. She also bring more power to a romantic and polictical alliance than just sword play, being one of the great soceresses of Middle Earth. And Elves do not suffer routine headaches or other incomvinient illnesses at bedtime.

[Cirdan]

Aragorn had first pick and picked correctly.:)

[elvendrummer87]

Eowyn! She's my favorite character besides Pippin. She's couragous and has a go-get-'em kinda attitude.

[Sicirus]

How come everyone considers Aowyns escision suicide. if you say that about her choice of going to war then you kinda say that all the people who went to war made suicidel descisions.

[Sicirus]

Sorry about all the mistakes. I was typing to fast.:D

[Nurvingiel]

No one should beat you up over liking Arwen (except maybe Eowyn ;))

Arwen is extremely cool, and so is Eowyn. They both rule in different ways. Even though they have different qualities to admire, and some similar qualities, I maintain that they're equally cool.

Some days I say I like Arwen more, other days I say Eowyn. Overall I love them both the same. And if I was a lesbian, I'd ask them both out. :D Faramir and Aragorn would be after me... anyway...

Choosing your favourite character is nothing to have angst about.

[durin's bane]

Well said, Nurvingiel! That's what I was trying to say, but BoP came and kind of befuddled me out! ;)

[Eowyn of Rohan]

Cirdan, Elf Lord of the Grey Havens, said, "Aragorn had first pick and picked correctly."

Accctually,...

Tolkien first wrote Eowyn as a the love interest for Aragorn. Eowyn was created when Tolkien's daughter offered, proclaimed, suggested (??) that there be a girl character in the book. Eowyn was invisioned far before Arwen was even a twinkling in Tolkien's eye. This was later changed, obviously, which may account for why there is so little of Arwen in the books.

So you see,... if we are going by who Aragorn "picked first" technically,... that's Eowyn. Sorry Cirdan. :p

((BTW - if you couldn't guess,... my vote is for Eowyn.))

Re: Eowyn's riding to battle: bravery or deathwish?
At first I was going to agree with a previous comment from someone else and say that I thought it a combination.
Now I see it as all bravery.

The Rohirrim are rough, battle hungry/ready people and she is a proven shieldmaiden, so... a given that she has bravery and knowledge of combat instilled in her.
Deathwish? - No... if you read closely it is not TRULY a desire to die. What she desires is a reason to live. Subtle, of course, but there is a difference.
She wants a CHANGE. She doesn't want her life or her kingdom to continue as it has, nor does she want to feel like she is powerless by not having anything to say on the matter (ignored because of her sex and her fair looks).
Eowyn says, "And it is not always good to be healed in body. Nor is it always eveil to die in battle, even in bitter pain. Were I permitted, in this dark hour I would choose the latter."
The phrase "in this dark hour" is very important. There was no indication that at that point in the story there was any hope in winning the WOTR,... therefore, almost all believed that they were as good as dead anyway. Eowyn's opinion seemed to me to be, "Okay,.. if I'm going to die anyway, I'm going to take out as many evils bastards as I can so that I die with some honor (the only thing she believes she has left to give - to live for). For it seemed to her, even if she were to be healed in body, what was the good that could come of that? She wanted to make a difference, to contribute, to be part of something grand and better than herself. If contributing meant giving her life.... then she was ready to do that. That's bravery! Not a deathwish.
True - she is lost and restless and broken when Aragorn does not return her affections, but then,.. if she can't have his affections can she at least ride with him and take part in what will no doubt be a glorious and honorable battle?? No,... you can't do that either. So,... she goes against what she has been brought up to do. She disobeys the wishes of her uncle, her brother, and her love, and she takes off in secret to fight. To disobey is bravery too! The only thing she has left is a desire to fight and restore glory and honor back to her beloved kingdom - and if that means dying? so be it,... what is left to live for anyway? No lover. No kingdom. Evil running Middle-earth. "Not if I can help it" she says.

((Continued in next posting...))

[Eowyn of Rohan]

((continued from previous))

Re: The argument that people don't like Eowyn because she is "too fickle" ,... that she falls in love who Faramir too quickly. Well, geez... aren't any of you people considering what the girl has just been through? She has ridden to battle in secret, having to keep up the disguise for DAYS after being told to "Stay at home and play nice!" by the man she loves,.. who, in her mind, is as good as dead having gone off to the Paths for seemingly no good reason. All this after years and years of being trained for battles that she would never be allowed to participate in, or for people to appreciate her skill or ability. The same as the kingdom of Rohan has fallen into weakness and no one has seen for years it's strength and might, so too have Eowyn's skills been hidden. The fact that they resurrect/display themselves together (the Ride of the Rohirrim / the Battle of the Pelennor Fields) is a genius move that Tolkien has taken with this character.
Then,... the battle with the Witch King. (So very cool!)
But with that done,... what does she still have in her life to struggle for? She has attained honour, but is still troubled and has no peace. Eowyn says, "I wish to ride to war... like Theoden the king, for he died and has both honour and peace." Because she is still troubled the only thing she knows to do is to keep fighting and keep trying to push back the evil perhaps at the cost of her life (which she is happy to give for such a worthy cause - which is the sign of a warrior not of a deathwish). On TOP of it all, she's come close to death under the black breath. This would wipe out the fight in most people, but she is up and kickin' in hardly anytime. Yet, she is changed now. She is the most vulnerable and open and exposed at this point than at any other, and what does she get for it? Another man telling her she cannot go out.
But this man is different. He sees her and she sees him. They share a very similar past and are both searching (although they are not consciously aware of it) for the same things: acceptance and love, and in those two things - their healing.
I believe Faramir and Eowyn are naturally and unnaturally drawn to each other - and therefore, meant for each other. Naturally because they come from homes where they are under appreciated and go about unnoticed and uncared for and unnaturally, because they have both been poisoned and weakened by the same dark malady. Who knows the lengths to how being exposed to this evil effects and consequently connects them. She meets him as a stranger who is uncommonly familiar to her - a warrior who "no Rider of the Mark would outmatch in battle" but who still has such a "grave tenderness" to his eyes that it causes "her heart to falter" and for her "to doubt herself for the first time". Suddenly she has a new reason,.. a new focus,... something else or, you might argue, someONE else to consider. That someONE else is not another person so much as it is another side of her own self. That side of her that also desires to do great things, but through being loved and loving (and consequently "healing") in return. If she can so suddenly run to war and be passionate and stubborn and desiring to do great things in battle, why is it so hard for people to see how she could just as capably and just as suddenly be focused on devoting herself thoroughly to her love for Faramir and the awareness of the "softer" side of herself?

It is through her bravery, and love, and suffering, and stubbornness, and growth, and change that prove that she is the best female character in the series!

Heck... even Aragorn kills himself off before it is even his time to die. My theory is that he is just trying to get away from the one demensional, constantly the same, never aging, a different species entirely, She-Elf. :)

Arwen is nice.... but Eowyn ROCKS!

[Nurvingiel]

Wow, that was a great post Eowyn of Rohan. I maintain that Arwen and Eowyn are equal, but much of Arwen's coolness is inferred.
I identify with Eowyn better than Arwen though, faced with the same situation, I would follow Eowyn's choices more (I hope :) )

[Cirdan]

Well I'm convinced. I'll switch my vote to Eowyn. EOR's post and her thrashing of BB has won me over.:)

[Bard]

Yup, great post Eowyn. Me myself do also more identify with Eowyn than with Arwen (although of course I`m a guy). Yet I could well immagine Eowyn`s actions and acting, she makes something loose in me that I recognise, something very human. Best I liked the part wherein Eowyn and Faramir meet and, though unspoken there love for each other grows. I always have to pink away a tear when reading that part. Eowyn is I gues, the best worked out character in the book.

[Varda Oiolosseo]

I like them both!

[Eowyn of Rohan]

To Nurvingiel & Cirdan:
::Bowing::
Thank you for your compliments of my post.
Couldn't tell that I'd put alot of thought into it, could ya?
As a continued thought, ... I don't DISLIKE Arwen just because I am such an enthusiastic Eowyn fan. Should Arwen have been given more time and depth throughout LOTR, I am sure that I would have developed an even deeper appretiation of her and the importance her existence made.
But Tolkien didn't intend on that,... or else it would have been so.
I (arguably) agree with prior comments that Eowy

[Eowyn of Rohan]

((hmmm... part of my post was cut off))

"agree that Eowy..."

That Eowyn is the most hightly developed of Tolkien's LOTR characters (at least in terms of (and I use the term loosely) "emotional development").
Sam could give her a run for her money though.
... and I would have like to have seen more of Aragorn's thoughts and feelings on situations.
Darn it!! (or... "oh goody"??) ..... now I'll have to go back and read it again!
;)

[Eowyn of Rohan]

Oh! oops...
and thank you too Bard!

[Nurvingiel]

::returns bow:: You obviously did put a lot of effort into your posts. :)

I can see that it is easy to seem like you dislike Arwen when vehenemently supporting Eowyn, without actually disliking her.

I agree with you totally that Eowyn is one of the most developped characters! Sam would give her a run, and I think Frodo would as well. You see a harder side of him as he progresses on his quest. But anyway...

Do Eowyn and Arwen have any similarities? When I think about them, they're like night and day. They do have Aragorn in common, but their love for him is as different as can be, so maybe it really isn't a similarity.

Points to ponder. ;)

[Eowyn of Rohan]

Originally posted by Nurvingiel
Do Eowyn and Arwen have any similarities? When I think about them, they're like night and day. They do have Aragorn in common, but their love for him is as different as can be, so maybe it really isn't a similarity.

Hmmmm.... yes, and "ponder" them I will. My initial reaction is to jump to the "love" they feel (as you said) as the first and most prominent similarity, but... I'm sure I can think of some others and offer up some supportive reasoning.

Let me think on it....

[Aralyn]

Well the title says it all but who did you think was better? Eowyn or Arwen and why?

Once again I think Ewoyn was better. I mean destroying a Nazgul? And going against set rules placed by men. You gotta admire that even if you like Arwen better.

Now your turn:)

[Lady of Rohan]

I agree with you Aralyn. I think that Eowyn is a very strong female character. I like Arwen as well, but I admire Eowyn more (even though she is only a character from a book, I think she sets a good example. Plus, she gets to live in the home of the horse lords!!:))

[Elvellyn]

Arwen and Eowyn were different. Neither was better, they just did different things.
Eowyn was the strong indepentent warrior woman.
Arwen, on the other hand, was beauty and grace personified.

[Lady_of_the_Golden_Wood]

Eowyn... Just under Galadriel. *snickers*
mwhahahahaha!

[azalea]

Here is the Eowyn v. Arwen thread. (I merged yours so you wouldn't have to repost).

[Eowyn, Lady of Rohan]

I like Eowyn, but, Arwen's nice in da book

[Lalaith]

Of course Eowyn. She is stronger than Arwen plays really an imortant part in the War of the Ring.

[Gwaimir Windgem]

Originally posted by Lady_of_the_Golden_Wood
Eowyn... Just under Galadriel. *snickers*
mwhahahahaha!

Um...yeah. :rolleyes:

[annunerin]

i like both of them actually. :D

[gollum9630]

Eowyn, she does so much more than Arwen does

[gimli7410]

eowyn hands down

[Ornelírë Mistë]

Eowyn.

[Ragnarok]

Eowyn

[Elf Girl]

Arwen. She's an Elf, so I suppose that's why I'm partial to her.

[Linaewen]

I don't know if I have already posted this but:

Eowyn. For her strength and bravery. And various other reasons. Oh, and she was worthy of Faramir. Enough said.

[Lalaith]

Originally posted by Linaewen

Eowyn. For her strength and bravery. And various other reasons. Oh, and she was worthy of Faramir. Enough said.
Picking up the topic:
I think Lin is right. Arwen wasn't really a person worth mentioning. I mean, yes she did give up immortality for Aragorn, but what else?

[cassiopeia]

Arwen rescued Frodo and took him to Rivendell. :D

Well, Arwen gave her place on the ship to the Undying Lands to Frodo. She gave Frodo a pretty pendent to ease his mind. She made a banner. Umm, can't think of any more.

[Anglorfin]

Eowyn, her character is more complex. You feel sorry for her too. Even though Arwen gives up her mortality for Aragorn I can't really feel sorry for her like I did for Eowyn.

[Gwaimir Windgem]

I don't know if I've said this before, but Eowyn is cooler. :D That doesn't mean I want her to get Aragorn...

[Lalaith]

Originally posted by Gwaimir Windgem
I don't know if I've said this before, but Eowyn is cooler. :D That doesn't mean I want her to get Aragorn...
nah, Aragorn and Eowyn together? I think that would be the worst combination ever.
One thing that is an important part of Eowny being impressive is that she finally chose Faramir.

[Jonathan]

Originally posted by cassiopeia
Arwen rescued Frodo and took him to Rivendell. :D No, she didn't. Not in the books.
If you go by the books (after all, this thread's in the Book forum), then there's no question about it. Éowyn is better than Arwen. Éowyn did some quite impressive things in the books, Arwen hardly did anything.

[Lalaith]

Originally posted by Jonathan
No, she didn't. Not in the books.
If you go by the books (after all, this thread's in the Book forum), then there's no question about it. Éowyn is better than Arwen. Éowyn did some quite impressive things in the books, Arwen hardly did anything.
I take the sentence as pure sarcasm.

[cassiopeia]

Originally posted by Jonathan
No, she didn't. Not in the books.
If you go by the books (after all, this thread's in the Book forum), then there's no question about it. Éowyn is better than Arwen. Éowyn did some quite impressive things in the books, Arwen hardly did anything.
Yeah, I was joking (see the big smilie? :) ) Just another thing in the movie I dislike. But no more movie here, this is the blessed book forum. :)

[Lalaith]

Originally posted by cassiopeia
Yeah, I was joking (see the big smilie? :) ) Just another thing in the movie I dislike. But no more movie here, this is the blessed book forum. :)
And in the book Eowyn is of course the more impressive, stronger, better character. No question.

[Jonathan]

Originally posted by cassiopeia
Yeah, I was joking (see the big smilie? :) ) Just another thing in the movie I dislike. But no more movie here, this is the blessed book forum. :) Oops, missed that smile :D. Sorry. Anyway, there's still hope that Éowyn will become more impressive in the RotK film than Arwen was in the previous films. But I wouldn't trust PJ letting any other female character be better than his belowed Arwen.
Ok, I should have followed cassiopeia's advice and not talk about the movies in this blessed forum :)

[cassiopeia]

Originally posted by Jonathan
Oops, missed that smile :D. Sorry. Anyway, there's still hope that Éowyn will become more impressive in the RotK film than Arwen was in the previous films. But I wouldn't trust PJ letting any other female character be better than his belowed Arwen.
Ok, I should have followed cassiopeia's advice and not talk about the movies in this blessed forum :)
That's all right, I forgive you. *Gazes at calender on wall* :D
To be OT, I like Eowyn more than Arwen. I wonder if Arwen did anything interesting before the War of the Ring (apart from meeting Aragorn and journying to Lothlorien). Maybe she could kick orc butt if she needed to.

[Snowdog]

I was looking through the book and saw ALOT about Eowyn, and I think I saw Arwen mentioned twice, the last time being after the war was over and she was going to get married to Aragorn. There is the lovely story of their betrothal in the Appendix though.

Eowyn, she along with Merry, slew the Witch King.. thats pretty kick-butt1

(Books people books! Forget the movies for a moment.

[Linaewen]

Originally posted by Snowdog
I was looking through the book and saw ALOT about Eowyn, and I think I saw Arwen mentioned twice, the last time being after the war was over and she was going to get married to Aragorn. There is the lovely story of their betrothal in the Appendix though.


Yes, I think she is mentioned not at all in FotR or TT by name; she is just alluded to. So when I found out she was a protagonist in the movie...well...

Sorry, back to books.

Definitely Eowyn. Arwen does not seem to do a great deal that is impressive.

[Tahquamenon]

Eowyn of course!!! Arwen only gets a sentence of mention in the whole series

Begone foul dwimmerlaik lord of carion leave the dead in peace ..... Eowyn rocks woo :)

[LutraMage]

Originally posted by Tahquamenon
Eowyn of course!!! Arwen only gets a sentence of mention in the whole series

Begone foul dwimmerlaik lord of carion leave the dead in peace ..... Eowyn rocks woo :) Cool quote Tahquamenon :cool: Éowyn definitely out performs Arwen.:)

[Ruinel]

Eowyn is a better character than Arwen.

Let's make a comparison...
Eowyn...
1) is a shieldmaiden for the Rohirim.
2) is honorable and noble
3) is strong enough to lead her people
4) can ride into battle on a noble steed of the Rohirim
5) can weild a sword in battle and fight with her people
6) killed the powerful Nazgul witch king (with a little help)

Arwen..
1) is a bit of fluf in Imladris
2) is noble and might be honorable, but who knows
3) sits back and looks pretty at daddy's dinner table.
4) can probably ride a gentle mare
5) has never been in battle, has never witnessed a battle
6) as far as we know, has never killed anything.

So... we see our comparison... and the winner is... [drum roll]....
.... EOWYN!!!

[Ararax]

AH yes but as a character frodo baggins out lasts them all, but he wasnt a warrior, and he didnt kill anyone great, yet he was a much more well developed character, although not overtly powerful, i think that it was tolkin's desire to show the strength that lies hidden and is not of a type seen. so though i agree with ruineil, i think my reasons for selecting eowyn is more that she overcame what she shouldnt have, and to destroy somethign greater seemingly takes a great person jsut to stand u to the challenge aka beren.

[Linaewen]

Originally posted by Ararax
AH yes but as a character frodo baggins out lasts them all, but he wasnt a warrior, and he didnt kill anyone great, yet he was a much more well developed character, although not overtly powerful, i think that it was tolkin's desire to show the strength that lies hidden and is not of a type seen.
That's all very well and true, but have we seen any evidence that Arwen may have that 'hidden strength'? (There may be, but I can't remember). Other than being worthy of the Heir of Isildur (But were there any Elf females who may not have been? :confused: ). IMO, Arwen does nothing but 'sits back and looks pretty at daddy's dinner table.' (Good one, Rui!)

so though i agree with ruineil, i think my reasons for selecting eowyn is more that she overcame what she shouldnt have, and to destroy somethign greater seemingly takes a great person jsut to stand u to the challenge aka beren.
I agree with that. Eowyn fought against the odds and prevailed.

[olsonm]

Arwen was a far wiser and more powerful character than Eowyn, but Arwen is barely in the book whereas Eowyn has much to say and do. Eowyn wins by default.

[Radagast The Brown]

I don't like Eowyn. I didn't like her all over the book, the second and the third. I do like Arwen... from some reason. (no, not becuase of Liz Taylor. BoP already accused me of that, long time ago...) Probably becuase she was pictured as a beautiful high elf... (not as Lin/eric, the half evil elf)

[Ruinel]

There was the issue of Eowyn wanting Aragorn, but she redeemed herself later.

[Linaewen]

Originally posted by Radagast The Brown
I don't like Eowyn. I didn't like her all over the book, the second and the third. I do like Arwen... from some reason. (no, not becuase of Liz Taylor. BoP already accused me of that, long time ago...) Probably becuase she was pictured as a beautiful high elf...
So you like Arwen solely based on her beauty? Eowyn was also very fair, though she doesn't really compete with Arwen, an Elf who was said to be reminiscent of Lúthien.
Just curious- why don't you like Eowyn? :)

Originally posted by Ruinel
There was the issue of Eowyn wanting Aragorn, but she redeemed herself later.
Yeah, I suppose that's a weakness on her part, but it wasn't really her fault. You can't control your feelings.

[Sheeana]

Originally posted by Radagast The Brown
I don't like Eowyn. I didn't like her all over the book, the second and the third. I do like Arwen... from some reason. (no, not becuase of Liz Taylor. BoP already accused me of that, long time ago...) Probably becuase she was pictured as a beautiful high elf... (not as Lin/eric, the half evil elf)

Liv Tyler, you dopey little boy. :p And you have the memory of an elephant. When did I accuse you of THAT? :confused:

[Varda Oiolosseo]

I like Arwen best.

[Aewionen]

I like Eowyn more. They are both cool but I guess I like humans more than elves. Besides, she does more fighting and seems more like me then Arwen.

[elixir]

I like Arwen more. How can you say she didn't do anything? She gave up her immortality to be with her loved one. And that's why I admire her, not just because she was an elf...

[legolialis]

Eowyn's pretty and a fighter, she's got it goin on in both area's GO EOWYN!!!! sheildmaiden of the rohirim!!!!!

[Leah]

I like Eowyn. She's a strong female, a good fighter, and slayed (slew?) the witch king.

[Elrond the Wise]

I like ARwen more...but only becouse she is an elf.:D I love elfs and they are my favorite characters, but if they would both be humans I`d take Eowyn

[melianmaia]

i think i like arwen more. perhaps because she is an elf, with strong mental powers and intelligence. but i also like eowyn a lot- she strong and brave

[Varda Oiolosseo]

I agree, Arwen is my favourite deffinately but maybe it's only because she's an Elf, i don't know but she's my favourite. She gave up her immortality for her true love.
I do like Eowyn though she's a strong woman and a fighter and from Rohan.
Overall i think that they are both strong amazing women but Arwen is my favourite.

[Melonethriel]

Ok, definetely Eowyn. Arwen doesn't do anything important in the books, that's why they exchanged Glorfindel for Arwen, so that people don't say "Why in the world would Aragorn Marry her?" She is only Aragorn's love, she doesn't do much else. Eowyn is cool, because she actually fights. She can go out in battle, and beat the witch king, while Arwen high-tails it with her dad.

[jellyfishannah]

This is like the 'Padme or Leia' thread. :rolleyes: Eowyn!! Arwen is stupid in the movie and boring in the books. Eowyn is always cool.

Ok, definetely Eowyn. Arwen doesn't do anything important in the books, that's why they exchanged Glorfindel for Arwen, so that people don't say "Why in the world would Aragorn Marry her?" She is only Aragorn's love, she doesn't do much else. Eowyn is cool, because she actually fights. She can go out in battle, and beat the witch king, while Arwen high-tails it with her dad.

:p Exactly my point.....

[Nerdanel]

Oh no! You can't do this!:) It's impossible to compare them. They're both wonderful in their own way. It breakes my heart when u compare them!

[Anadriewen]

I'm not sure. I took a quiz and I have the most in common with Eowyn but I still can't decide

[luinilwen]

lol they both have their virtues, beauty and intelligence for Arwen, spirit and strength for Eowyn, and passion for both, although neither of the two lack any of these qualities.

if seeking a favourite, how about Luthien? she embodies all the valued characteristics of Eowyn and Arwen. She is a lover and a fighter, and her perils and sacrifices were greater than Eowyn's or Arwen's. Plus, she's not only an elf, but half Maiar, and she's described as being the most beautiful creature ever to walk the lands of Middle Earth. Luthien is cool... :D

however, between Eowyn and Arwen I choose Eowyn. Hands down. :)

[Lalaith_Elf]

It's a close call. I don't know who I'd pick. They are both great characters (talking about the books only!). I mean, yes Eowyn gets to do all the fighting and she has great determination. But Arwen is an ELF!!! The Elves are my favorite creatures and that contributes alot too. And I'd have to agree with elixir on this one. Arwen chose mortality to be with the man that she loved. Now that takes guts too. Okay, so I'm not usually the one for these love stories, but this is one exception.
In my eyes they are both as good as each other and I don't think that you can compare them.

[Thorin II]

Tough call because they're so different, but I'll vote for Arwen. I appreciate Eowyn's valor, but I prefer Arwen's consistency and strength. The fact that she's the most beautiful female in Middle-earch doesn't hurt, either...

[Beor]

I like them both quite a bit, but I am a sucker for dark hair. Arwen.

In Eowyn's defense, I do like a woman that can kick my ass :D .

[ethuiliel]

I like both, and don't have anything against Arwen, but Eowyn is definetly my favorite.

She is more interesting, and has more depth. I also like that she doesn't let herself be forced to what is expected of women, instead of what she wants to do.

[Lady Ravyn]

Originally posted by Beor
I am a sucker for dark hair

:D

Eowyn definetly; she's not wimpy like Arwen, and takes controll of her destiny- I always like those sort of characters in books. Actually, she's my favorite character besides Faramir; when I read that they got married, I was glad- my two fav characters- together :)

[ethuiliel]

Actually, she's my favorite character besides Faramir; when I read that they got married, I was glad- my two fav characters- together I agree completely. I think a lot of Faramir fans like Eowyn, and did so before they realized that they got together. And we're all happy that they get eachother.

[Aldhelm]

Out of those two I would prefer Eowyn. Arwen isn't bad but she barely does anything. Eowyn is far more developed as a character.


Personally I prefer Luthien anyway.