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Finwe · 10-07-2003, 08:13 PM

Looking at Galadriel's life is an excellent way to discover the change in the role of women in Middle-earth. Initially, in the First Age, she was one of the active heroes, but as time went on, she assumed a more "motherly" role, if I may be so bold. She began to nurture her surroundings rather than try to actively change them, although that could have also had to do with the changing role of the Elves.

In the same way, goddesses changed in the mythologies that Tolkien got his ideas from. Some goddesses had three-fold aspects where that change is apparent. For example, the great Mother Goddess is depicted as having three aspects: The Maiden, The Mother, and The Crone. As the Maiden, she takes on an active role, as the Mother, she takes on a nurturing role, and as the Crone, she takes on a destructive role. In that sense, female figures do change.

10-07-2003, 08:13 PM	#10
Finwe Deathless Sun Join Date: May 2003 Location: The Royal Suite in the Halls of Mandos Posts: 2,609	Looking at Galadriel's life is an excellent way to discover the change in the role of women in Middle-earth. Initially, in the First Age, she was one of the active heroes, but as time went on, she assumed a more "motherly" role, if I may be so bold. She began to nurture her surroundings rather than try to actively change them, although that could have also had to do with the changing role of the Elves. In the same way, goddesses changed in the mythologies that Tolkien got his ideas from. Some goddesses had three-fold aspects where that change is apparent. For example, the great Mother Goddess is depicted as having three aspects: The Maiden, The Mother, and The Crone. As the Maiden, she takes on an active role, as the Mother, she takes on a nurturing role, and as the Crone, she takes on a destructive role. In that sense, female figures do change. __________________ But Melkor also was there, and he came to the house of Fëanor, and there he slew Finwë King of the Noldor before his doors, and spilled the first blood in the Blessed Realm; for Finwë alone had not fled from the horror of the Dark.