Tolkien's Women Trivia Quiz

Answer: Arwen

This was Frodo's obervation on his first sighting of Arwen, during her father Elrond's great feast in Rivendell. Tolkien has sometimes been criticised for his portrayal of his female characters. However, though there are not many of them, I believe they are strong, and well written.

Answer: Dernhelm

Merry was desperate to follow King Theoden to battle, and Dernhelm offered to carry him in secret. Merry saw "the face of one without hope, who goes in search of death." Eowyn of course won a heroic victory, when, together with Merry, she defeated the Lord of the Nazgul.

Answer: radiantly crowned maiden

Radiantly crowned (or garlanded) maiden, Galadriel was one of the most royal princesses of the Noldor. She married Celeborn, one of the Grey-elves. She was a principal player during the history of Middle Earth, and was the bearer of Nenya, the Ring of Adamant.

Answer: remain in Rohan and keep the women, children and old men safe

Eowyn wanted desperately to ride with Aragorn to the Paths of the Dead, as her love for him meant that she could not bear to be parted from him. She was unable to follow him, so rode to battle in search of death. She does have a happy ending eventually though, when she finds love with Faramir, in Gondor.

Answer: Luthien

Luthien Tinuviel was the most beautiful of the elf kindred. Her story mirrors that of Arwen and Aragorn. She met and fell in love with a mortal man, Beren. Their story was tragic, and when he died in her arms she chose to accept mortality as well, and die with him.

Answer: Mabel

Mabel Tolkien tragically died from a diabetic coma when Tolkien was only eleven years old. The boys were sent to live with an aunt, and then later to other relatives.

Answer: Edith

Edith Bratt was three years older than JRR Tolkien. They were happily married, and remained devoted to each other until her death in 1971. Tolkien's place in the English class system, and his upbringing, meant that he did not know many women, and idolised the few women in his life.

This is demonstrated over and over again in the way he writes for female characters: strong, beautiful, and to be worshipped as well as loved.

Answer: Luthien and Beren

Beren and Luthien were perhaps the most romantic and tragic couple created by Tolkien. He called Edith by the name Luthien, because he worshipped her as Beren worshipped Luthien. Their joint grave is very simple, and very moving.

Answer: Arwen left it with Galadriel to give to him

The green gem was originally given by Galadriel to her daughter Celebrian, who passed it to Arwen. She left the stone with her grandmother to give to Aragorn when he passed through Lothlorien. He wore the stone from then on, and the title foretold for him years previosly, "Elfstone", became clear.

Answer: elbereth

Elbereth, or Elbereth Gilthoniel was one of the most highly regarded by the elves, and many of their songs and prayers were addressed to her.