[Child of the 7th Age]

Bethberry -- On the possible loss of female voice at the end of the Third Age vis a vis Goldberry.

I don't think that the female voice is less at the end of the Third Age. In fact, I actually think that it is highlighted, but the nature of that voice has changed. There are three significant marriages at the end of the book--Arwen and Aragorn, Faramir and Eowyn, and Rose and Sam. The emphasis then is on fruitful unions--in all three cases, I believe, leading to the general revitalization of Middle-earth. Indeed, except for the Shire, one gets the impression in the late Third Age that a lot of cities and areas are underpopulated and are due for lots of marriage and babies, especially since the Elves seem to have been winding down in preparation for their departure.

Goldberry is really in a different category. Her "fruitfullness" is associated with nature and the earth rather than with the traditional childbearing role. So her role becomes less signifcant. The same with Galadriel who departs Middle-earth since her "childbearing role" is long over.

Helen -- Yes, you've got the right letter. There is much that is interesting in this letter. I find myself in agreement with many of the ideas in here, especially his words about the choice of a mate in a fallen world and how "the 'real soul mate' is the one you are actually married to." p. 51

I don't agree, however, with Tolkien's contention that "the 'friendship' that should be possible between all human beings, is virtually impossible between man and woman" in a "fallen" world. p. 49 Difficult perhaps, but not impossible, I would say. The whole question of Tolkien's depiction of such friendships in the legendarium would make an interesting thread, I think.

sharon, the 7th age hobbit