The essay aims to analyze how the two female characters Éowyn and Galadriel in the novel The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien exercise female authority through literary features. The essay was conducted through a close reading of the novel and an application of the term female authority, which mainly took place in accordance with its application in other literary analyses of The Lord of the Rings. The term “female authority” is defined here primarily as the ability to validate one’s own thoughts and actions, having a strong influence on others and possessing physical or magical powers.

The analysis verifies and contrasts the conclusions of previous research by analyzing female authority through literary features. In conclusion, Éowyn and Galadriel show female authority by staying true to their convictions, sharing their thoughts and ideas, ordering and disciplining people around them and not caring about disagreements with others. The ways in which this takes place are illustrated through application of the literary features conflict, dialogue, metaphor, imagery and theme.