The Lady Eowyn, sheildmaiden of the Mark

Eowyn was a fair woman and proud like a warrior. Indeed, she was troubled for her heart she gave to one who would not have it, Aragon son of Arathorn, the Elfstone and heir of Isildur. His heart belonged to another - an Elf-Maiden and fairest among her people, and, though he spoke gentle words to the Lady Eowyn and labored to call her even from the Shadow of Fear, still she was cut by a love unrequited. And as such wounds are long to mend, she desired death in battle, a release of her living pain.

But there was another man, Faramir, Steward of Gondor, who looked upon Eowyn, and his heart was moved with pity, and that pity kindled a deep love. And though Eowyn also felt such a love for him, she resisted it, and when all people of the White City rejoiced - for a Great Shadow had left the world - she only was filled with sorrow. At length, Faramir spoke to her.

"You looked upon the greatest among men and desired his glory. And you loved him for it. And when he could not return such love, you despaired. But even then did you ride into battle to win renown greater than most men know. Yet, you still despair!
Look at me, Eowyn!
For you are a lady high and valiant; and you are a lady beautiful.
And I love you. Once I pitied your sorrow. But now, were you sorrowless,
still I would love you. Eowyn, do you not love me?"*

And as sudden as a long, cold winter changes to spring, she also changed, and she saw her love for Faramir and did not fear it. Then did she renounce the glory of battle:

I will be a healer, and love all things that grow and are not barren.*



*So Tolkien writes in his epic novel, The Lord of the Rings.

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