Éowyn
Shield-maiden of Rohan, slayer of the Witch-king
Éowyn of Rohan is one of the most iconic female characters in fantasy literature, appearing prominently in "The Lord of the Rings." Born as the daughter of Éomund and sister to Éomer, she was raised in a warrior culture that traditionally excluded women from battle. Defying her uncle King Théoden's commands to remain behind, she disguised herself as a man and rode to the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, where she achieved one of the tale's most celebrated moments: slaying the Witch-king of Angmar, a feat no man could accomplish. Her journey represents a powerful arc of self-discovery and agency, as she moves from feeling trapped and invisible to embracing her own strength and choosing her own path. After the war, she found happiness with Faramir of Gondor. Éowyn embodies themes of courage, independence, and the rejection of limiting societal roles, making her a symbol of female empowerment in speculative fiction.
Fictional Character
Fictional
The Lord of the Rings
Thinking about the name
Eowyn
English origin
“A name popularized by J.R.R. Tolkien's character in The Lord of the Rings, meaning 'horse joy' in Old English (from 'eo' for horse and 'wyn' for joy). Though fictional in origin, Eowyn draws from authentic Old English elements, giving it linguistic legitimacy beyond fantasy. Parents choosing this name often embrace both its literary resonance and its connection to genuine Anglo-Saxon language.”