An Examination of the Extent to which the Figure of Éowyn Amalgamates the Two Traditional and Contrasting Feminine Archetypes, as Depicted by Eve and the Virgin Mary

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2022-05-16

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en

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This thesis seeks to analyze whether Tolkien’s female character Éowyn in the Lord of the Rings can amalgamate the two traditional and contrasting feminine archetypes of the biblical figures: Eve and the Virgin Mary. It is important to note that the exploration of this phenomena is the first study of its kind. The thesis covers areas such as Mariology, Spirituality and Literary Studies. It is traditionally perceived that the Virgin Mary and Eve are opposing and polarized feminine archetypes. Society has often portrayed them as rivals that can never be amalgamated. These archetypes have contributed towards the way in which society views women, as a result to the patriarchal ideals throughout history. Modern feminism is keen to eradicate this archaic notion and strives towards complex and layered representations of woman. Modern feminism also challenges the validity and oppositionality of the archetypes of Eve and Mary. The figure of Éowyn demonstrates this successfully.

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Faculteit der Filosofie, Theologie en Religiewetenschappen

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