I read somewhere that Eowyn was created by Tolkien specifically to give his daughter, Priscilla, a character to identify with. Judging by the way female readers have been connecting with the Shield Maiden of the Rohirrim ever since he did a fine job.
Marnie Goodbody, (listmistress of The_Istari@yahoogroups.com) pointed out that Gandalf, (and so by extension Tolkien) shows a great deal of sensitivity to the problems of a spirited woman living in an patriarchal society, you remember that speech to Eomer about Eowyn having spirit and courage equal to his.
The Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales and Histories of Middle Earth most definitely prove Tolkien was capable of creating vivid female characters, nor were all idealized; Aredhel is a spoiled, willful brat and so is Tar-Ancalime; Erendis is at least as sinning as sinned against; and Galadriel doesn't come out smelling like a rose either in some versions!
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