Biography
Eowyn was the niece of King Theoden and the sister of King Eomer, both of whom ruled Rohan. Though a woman, Eowyn was skilled with a blade. She was also quite a beautiful maiden of Rohan with long blonde hair and grey eyes. Eowyn was able to slip into the armies of Rohan because of her courageous traits which she shared with her uncle Theoden. Once in battle, Eowyn managed to bring out her courage and slay one of the greatest foes that the free peoples had ever combated.
Eowyn was born in 2995 of the Third Age to Theodwyn, sister of Theoden, and Eomund. Eowyn's brother Eomer was four years older than she. The family lived near Edoras and Eomund was chief Marshal of the Mark. He was killed in an orc pursuit in 3002, which led to the death of Theodwyn several months later. The children were only seven and eleven years of age, so Theoden gladly volunteered to take his young niece and nephew in to live with him in Edoras.
As Eowyn grew from a girl to a woman, she became well-respected by her people. This was not just because of her beauty, but also because of her battle skills such as horseback riding and sword fighting, her kindness and generosity, and her fearlessness.
When Eowyn turned eighteen in 3014, her uncle became quite ill. He began withering away, though only sixty-six years old. He could not walk or write and could barely speak. His vision was clouded and his hearing was weak. He could no longer make good decisions on behalf of his people, so his counsellor Grima Wormtongue did so for him.
Eowyn became the King's caretaker who attempted to nurse him back to health. She distrusted Grima and feared that he was poisoning the King's mind - which indeed he was. She began tending to her blessed uncle day and night. She became less active as she infrequently left Meduseld.
Though Grima often attempted to poison Eowyn through his words, he grew quite fond of her. This greatly disturbed her and she believed that he was evil. Eowyn also feared that the people of Rohan had lost all of their honor, which they had once held so greatly.
On March 2, 3019, after the Rohirrim had lost the First Battle of the Fords of Isen against Saruman, Gandalf arrived at Edoras. Despite warning from Eowyn, Gandalf released Theoden from his spell. She was overjoyed to see her uncle looking the way he should have at age seventy. His face lit up and he was able to stand and walk and, more importantly, wield his sword Herugrim again.
Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli all stood alongside Gandalf. Eowyn grew fond of them all, but she grew to love Aragorn with all of her heart. He could not give her what she sought because of his love for another.
Theoden made a final decision to ride to war against Saruman. Eowyn dutifully brought him wine and wished him luck. She trembled and shivered when passing the wine glass to Aragorn, which gave him evidence that Eowyn truly loved him.
Theoden decided that Eowyn would tend to the city while the men were at war. She was armed with a sword and a suit of mail, and she stood staring at the army as they left, one of very few remaining in Edoras.
Eowyn soon led the women and children to Dunharrow to stay safe from the Orcs. There was some tension amongst the people because they did not wish to leave their homeland, but Eowyn managed to convince them that this was for their own safety.
Aragorn did not arrive until March 7 to report the battle's fair news. Theoden had led his people to victory over Isengard, and Saruman was defeated. Eowyn felt proud that she was important enough for Aragorn to report to. He then informed her of the fact that he intended to take the Paths of the Dead to summon an army to war to help Gondor. She advised him that he may die, but he was willing to take that risk.
The next morning, she dressed as a Rider of Rohan and wished Aragorn luck. She then gave him wine and dropped to her knees, pleading for him to stay. He wanted to give in, but decided that he could not because it was his duty.
One day later, Theoden and Eomer arrived at Dunharrow. Eowyn greeted them in her armor before telling them the news of where Aragorn had gone. Theoden saw that she was sad, and the Hobbit called Merry Brandybuck, who was Theoden's new esquire, noticed that she had been crying. Theoden attempted to soothe her by saying that Aragorn could possibly be the one to survive the paths.
Theoden soon mustered the Rohirrim and readied them for war. He prepared six thousand riders. Eowyn was to stay behind with Merry and clean up Dunharrow after the men left. But Eowyn was determined to serve her country, so she hatched a plan unimaginable to the rest of the people of Rohan.
Eowyn prepared herself for battle. She would ride with Merry, who she immediately dressed in a suite of mail after the men began preparing. She then placed a helm on her head and called herself Dernhelm, as if she herself were a man. They rode to war on a horse called Windfola. Eowyn disguised Merry in her cloak.
A great eored was lead by Elfhelm and he was told by Eowyn not to mention anything of her to the King. He may have recognized her, but he did not object. Eowyn did not speak to anyone.
They reached Gondor on March 15. Eowyn switched to Theoden's eored and the armies of Rohan charged onto the Pelennor to fight the Orcs. Just minutes into battle, Sauron's deadliest servant the Witch-King confronted Theoden and attempted to slay him. Windfola dropped Eowyn and Merry in front of the Witch-King and ran off in terror. Eowyn came between the Witch-King's Fell Beast and Theoden. She threatened the its life, and the Witch-King then stated that she would be captured and tortured by the lidless eye of Sauron. He warned that he was so strong that no living man could kill him. This was when Eowyn removed her helm and revealed to the Witch-King that she was in fact a woman. She then lunged forward and stabbed the Witch-King between his helm and armor, while Merry did the same from behind. He began struggling, and his evil spirit began fading away. Together, Merry and Eowyn slew the strongest servant of Sauron.
Eowyn then turned to her dying uncle. She promised him that she would save him, but it was too late. His body was broken. It is said that the King's last word was his niece's name. Eowyn then wept before her uncle's body prior to collapsing herself. However, she was not dead.
After the battle was won with few survivors, Eomer found Eowyn and assumed that she had died. Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth identified her as alive, and she was brought to the Houses of Healing in Minas Tirith. She was extremely sick because she touched the evil spirit of the Nazgul. Additionally, she was somewhat depressed that Aragorn could not return her feelings for him.
Aragorn treated her with athelas leaves and washed her face and armes. Eomer held her hand and called her name after Aragorn advised him, for Eowyn had a strong love for her brother.
Meanwhile, Eowyn dreamed that Eomer had died. She awoke to find his hand in hers, which she was overjoyed to see. Eowyn was, however, disappointed to learn that her uncle had died at war, but she would rather that than having him die in the hands of Grima and Saruman.
Eowyn remembered Merry and how he had assisted her. She requested that Eomer make him a rider of the Riddermark and an official knight of Rohan. Eomer honored her request by answering it.
Eowyn recovered from her illness quickly, but she was very upset. Not only was her uncle now dead, but the love of her life could not come to love her as she did he. However, another man whom Eowyn came to greatly admire was also in the Houses of Healing.
The Steward of Gondor was now Faramir at the death of his father. As Eowyn watched Aragorn lead the Host of the West to the Black Gate, he approached her as she grieved. Faramir admired this, and it became tradition for them to walk in the gardens everyday as they did then.
Eowyn adored Faramir. Though he was truly a great warrior, she saw in his eyes that he was also gentle and kind. As they sat together in the quiet gardens of early spring, Faramir gifted Eowyn with a blue mantle with silver stars that had belonged to his mother.
On March 25, Eowyn and Faramir stood looking towards Mordor. Though Eowyn had lost all hope, Faramir still had hope for the West. He understood that Eowyn came to hope that Aragorn would be a glorious death in battle because he had not loved her. Faramir kissed Eowyn's brow just as a large cloud of darkness emerged from Mordor, as though it was readying itself to swallow the earth. The darkness soon disappeared as Mordor collapsed on into itself and Sauron was destroyed.
Eomer invited Eowyn to the celebration of the West's victory on the Field of Cormallen, but she turned down this offer. She was still uncertain whether to love Aragorn or Faramir, and in the end she realized her heart truly loved Faramir.
On May 1, Eowyn attended the crowning of Aragorn in Minas Tirith before returning to Rohan to help Eomer clean the country of its damage during the war. She attended her uncle's funeral and burial on August 10 and at the feast, it was announced that she and Faramir were engaged to be married. Eowyn then gifted Merry with the Horn of the Mark.
Eowyn married Faramir in 3020. They moved to the hills of Emyn Arnen in Ithilien. Eowyn's duty was to garden the hills back to green country. They became a beautiful place once more with help from Legolas and other Elves of Mirkwood.
Eowyn and Faramir had a son named Elboron. Eowyn died at an unknown time, likely after Faramir's death in year 83 of the Fourth Age. Eowyn had at least one grandson named Barahir.
Eowyn was born in 2995 of the Third Age to Theodwyn, sister of Theoden, and Eomund. Eowyn's brother Eomer was four years older than she. The family lived near Edoras and Eomund was chief Marshal of the Mark. He was killed in an orc pursuit in 3002, which led to the death of Theodwyn several months later. The children were only seven and eleven years of age, so Theoden gladly volunteered to take his young niece and nephew in to live with him in Edoras.
As Eowyn grew from a girl to a woman, she became well-respected by her people. This was not just because of her beauty, but also because of her battle skills such as horseback riding and sword fighting, her kindness and generosity, and her fearlessness.
When Eowyn turned eighteen in 3014, her uncle became quite ill. He began withering away, though only sixty-six years old. He could not walk or write and could barely speak. His vision was clouded and his hearing was weak. He could no longer make good decisions on behalf of his people, so his counsellor Grima Wormtongue did so for him.
Eowyn became the King's caretaker who attempted to nurse him back to health. She distrusted Grima and feared that he was poisoning the King's mind - which indeed he was. She began tending to her blessed uncle day and night. She became less active as she infrequently left Meduseld.
Though Grima often attempted to poison Eowyn through his words, he grew quite fond of her. This greatly disturbed her and she believed that he was evil. Eowyn also feared that the people of Rohan had lost all of their honor, which they had once held so greatly.
On March 2, 3019, after the Rohirrim had lost the First Battle of the Fords of Isen against Saruman, Gandalf arrived at Edoras. Despite warning from Eowyn, Gandalf released Theoden from his spell. She was overjoyed to see her uncle looking the way he should have at age seventy. His face lit up and he was able to stand and walk and, more importantly, wield his sword Herugrim again.
Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli all stood alongside Gandalf. Eowyn grew fond of them all, but she grew to love Aragorn with all of her heart. He could not give her what she sought because of his love for another.
Theoden made a final decision to ride to war against Saruman. Eowyn dutifully brought him wine and wished him luck. She trembled and shivered when passing the wine glass to Aragorn, which gave him evidence that Eowyn truly loved him.
Theoden decided that Eowyn would tend to the city while the men were at war. She was armed with a sword and a suit of mail, and she stood staring at the army as they left, one of very few remaining in Edoras.
Eowyn soon led the women and children to Dunharrow to stay safe from the Orcs. There was some tension amongst the people because they did not wish to leave their homeland, but Eowyn managed to convince them that this was for their own safety.
Aragorn did not arrive until March 7 to report the battle's fair news. Theoden had led his people to victory over Isengard, and Saruman was defeated. Eowyn felt proud that she was important enough for Aragorn to report to. He then informed her of the fact that he intended to take the Paths of the Dead to summon an army to war to help Gondor. She advised him that he may die, but he was willing to take that risk.
The next morning, she dressed as a Rider of Rohan and wished Aragorn luck. She then gave him wine and dropped to her knees, pleading for him to stay. He wanted to give in, but decided that he could not because it was his duty.
One day later, Theoden and Eomer arrived at Dunharrow. Eowyn greeted them in her armor before telling them the news of where Aragorn had gone. Theoden saw that she was sad, and the Hobbit called Merry Brandybuck, who was Theoden's new esquire, noticed that she had been crying. Theoden attempted to soothe her by saying that Aragorn could possibly be the one to survive the paths.
Theoden soon mustered the Rohirrim and readied them for war. He prepared six thousand riders. Eowyn was to stay behind with Merry and clean up Dunharrow after the men left. But Eowyn was determined to serve her country, so she hatched a plan unimaginable to the rest of the people of Rohan.
Eowyn prepared herself for battle. She would ride with Merry, who she immediately dressed in a suite of mail after the men began preparing. She then placed a helm on her head and called herself Dernhelm, as if she herself were a man. They rode to war on a horse called Windfola. Eowyn disguised Merry in her cloak.
A great eored was lead by Elfhelm and he was told by Eowyn not to mention anything of her to the King. He may have recognized her, but he did not object. Eowyn did not speak to anyone.
They reached Gondor on March 15. Eowyn switched to Theoden's eored and the armies of Rohan charged onto the Pelennor to fight the Orcs. Just minutes into battle, Sauron's deadliest servant the Witch-King confronted Theoden and attempted to slay him. Windfola dropped Eowyn and Merry in front of the Witch-King and ran off in terror. Eowyn came between the Witch-King's Fell Beast and Theoden. She threatened the its life, and the Witch-King then stated that she would be captured and tortured by the lidless eye of Sauron. He warned that he was so strong that no living man could kill him. This was when Eowyn removed her helm and revealed to the Witch-King that she was in fact a woman. She then lunged forward and stabbed the Witch-King between his helm and armor, while Merry did the same from behind. He began struggling, and his evil spirit began fading away. Together, Merry and Eowyn slew the strongest servant of Sauron.
Eowyn then turned to her dying uncle. She promised him that she would save him, but it was too late. His body was broken. It is said that the King's last word was his niece's name. Eowyn then wept before her uncle's body prior to collapsing herself. However, she was not dead.
After the battle was won with few survivors, Eomer found Eowyn and assumed that she had died. Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth identified her as alive, and she was brought to the Houses of Healing in Minas Tirith. She was extremely sick because she touched the evil spirit of the Nazgul. Additionally, she was somewhat depressed that Aragorn could not return her feelings for him.
Aragorn treated her with athelas leaves and washed her face and armes. Eomer held her hand and called her name after Aragorn advised him, for Eowyn had a strong love for her brother.
Meanwhile, Eowyn dreamed that Eomer had died. She awoke to find his hand in hers, which she was overjoyed to see. Eowyn was, however, disappointed to learn that her uncle had died at war, but she would rather that than having him die in the hands of Grima and Saruman.
Eowyn remembered Merry and how he had assisted her. She requested that Eomer make him a rider of the Riddermark and an official knight of Rohan. Eomer honored her request by answering it.
Eowyn recovered from her illness quickly, but she was very upset. Not only was her uncle now dead, but the love of her life could not come to love her as she did he. However, another man whom Eowyn came to greatly admire was also in the Houses of Healing.
The Steward of Gondor was now Faramir at the death of his father. As Eowyn watched Aragorn lead the Host of the West to the Black Gate, he approached her as she grieved. Faramir admired this, and it became tradition for them to walk in the gardens everyday as they did then.
Eowyn adored Faramir. Though he was truly a great warrior, she saw in his eyes that he was also gentle and kind. As they sat together in the quiet gardens of early spring, Faramir gifted Eowyn with a blue mantle with silver stars that had belonged to his mother.
On March 25, Eowyn and Faramir stood looking towards Mordor. Though Eowyn had lost all hope, Faramir still had hope for the West. He understood that Eowyn came to hope that Aragorn would be a glorious death in battle because he had not loved her. Faramir kissed Eowyn's brow just as a large cloud of darkness emerged from Mordor, as though it was readying itself to swallow the earth. The darkness soon disappeared as Mordor collapsed on into itself and Sauron was destroyed.
Eomer invited Eowyn to the celebration of the West's victory on the Field of Cormallen, but she turned down this offer. She was still uncertain whether to love Aragorn or Faramir, and in the end she realized her heart truly loved Faramir.
On May 1, Eowyn attended the crowning of Aragorn in Minas Tirith before returning to Rohan to help Eomer clean the country of its damage during the war. She attended her uncle's funeral and burial on August 10 and at the feast, it was announced that she and Faramir were engaged to be married. Eowyn then gifted Merry with the Horn of the Mark.
Eowyn married Faramir in 3020. They moved to the hills of Emyn Arnen in Ithilien. Eowyn's duty was to garden the hills back to green country. They became a beautiful place once more with help from Legolas and other Elves of Mirkwood.
Eowyn and Faramir had a son named Elboron. Eowyn died at an unknown time, likely after Faramir's death in year 83 of the Fourth Age. Eowyn had at least one grandson named Barahir.
References
The Lord of the Rings:
The Two Towers: "The King of the Golden Hall," pages 119 and passim
The Return of the King: "The Passing of the Grey Company," page 58; "The Muster of Rohan," passim; "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields," pages 116 and passim; "The Steward and the King," pages 241-243
The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A: "The House of Eorl," pages 351, 377; "The Kings of the Mark;" "The Numenorean Kings;" "Gondor and the Heirs of Anarion"
The History of Middle-earth, Volume XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs of Elendil"
The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter # 144
The Two Towers: "The King of the Golden Hall," pages 119 and passim
The Return of the King: "The Passing of the Grey Company," page 58; "The Muster of Rohan," passim; "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields," pages 116 and passim; "The Steward and the King," pages 241-243
The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A: "The House of Eorl," pages 351, 377; "The Kings of the Mark;" "The Numenorean Kings;" "Gondor and the Heirs of Anarion"
The History of Middle-earth, Volume XII, The Peoples of Middle-earth: "The Heirs of Elendil"
The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, Letter # 144
Timeline
2995
Eowyn was born in Rohan to Eomund and Theodwyn. She had one brother named Eomer.
3002
Eowyn and Eomer were orphaned. Theoden took them in to live with him in Edoras.
3014
Theoden became ill. It was up to Eowyn to nurse him as he prematurely withered.
3018
March 2: Gandalf, Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli arrived at Edoras. Gandalf let Theoden out of the spell of Saruman. Eowyn grew to love Aragorn. She was left responsible for leading the women and children to the safety of Dunharrow while the men rode to war.
March 7: Aragorn reached Dunharrow and told Eowyn that the Rohirrim achieved victory. He then informed her that he was going to take the Paths of the Dead, which she tried to encourage him not to do.
March 8: Aragorn left for the Paths of the Dead.
March 9: Theoden reached Dunharrow with Eomer.
March 10: Rohirrim began preparing for Battle. Eowyn dressed as a man called Dernhelm and rode with Merry on Windfola.
March 15: During the Battle of Pelennor Fileds, Eowyn and Merry killed the Witch-King but were badly wounded after Theoden died. Eowyn was brought to the Houses of Healing.
March 20: Eowyn met Faramir.
March 25: Faramir and Eowyn saw the fall of Sauron.
May 1: Crowning of Aragorn in Minas Tirith which Eowyn attended.
May 8: Eowyn and Eomer returned to Rohan to clean up after the war.
August 10: After the funeral of King Theoden, it was announced that Eowyn and Faramir were engaged to be married.
August 14: When Merry left Edoras, Eowyn gifted him with the Horn of the Mark.
3020
Eowyn was married to Faramir. Sometime soon, they had a son named Elboron when living in Emyn Arnen in Ithilien.
Year 83 of the Fourth Age
Faramir died. It is unknown if Eowyn outlived him or not.
Names & Meanings
Éowyn:
Éowyn means "horse of joy" or "joyful horse" in Old English. It is derived from eoh meaning "horse" and wyn meaning "joy" or "cheer."
Dernhelm:
Eowyn called herself Dernhelm when dressing as a man to fight in the Battle of Pelennor Fields. It translates as the "helm of secret."
Lady:
Eowyn was the Lady of Rohan as the niece of Theoden and the Lady of Ithilien as the wife of Faramir.
Sister-daughter:
As the daughter of Theoden's sister Theodwyn, Eowyn was called sister-daughter.
Gallery:
Image Credits:
Eowyn was played by Miranda Otto in the New Line Cinema film Trilogy of The Lord of the Rings directed by Peter Jackson.
On the bottom of the gallery is a paining of Eowyn by artist Alan Lee.
On the bottom of the gallery is a paining of Eowyn by artist Alan Lee.
Family Tree:
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