Eowyn and the extra woman

[Meela]

Before I ask my question, I have to confirm this: was Eowyn's 'shield maiden' and... well, tomboy, I suppose, character due to her being brought up among only men? Or was it to do with her surroundings and the history of the Rohirrim, ie. natural warriors with a fierce and grave nature, or whatever? Or both? Or something else?

I heard it was due to her men-only upbringing, so my question is based on that idea.
Tolkien originally decided that Theoden should have a daughter as well as his son Theodred. Do you think this would have altered Eowyn's character in any way? Would it have prompted her to remain in the home and avoid a love of battle? Or would both women have longed for glory on the battlefield?

Also, would she still have been the object of Wormtongue's desires? I don't know if there was any 'value' or 'status' to women, ie. the king's daughter was more highly regarded than the king's niece. As in a suitable wife... Um... I can't explain very well today. I hope you know what I mean there.

Basically, would another woman in the Rohirric royal household have made any difference in any way, mainly to Eowyn and her character, behaviour, whatever. And how might it have affected any other characters, if at all?

I don't know why I didn't just say that in the beginning... sorry for dragging you through all that babble [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]