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FIGHTER WOMAN

Women in fantasy and fiction

The world is changing, and so is writing. Stories where women were limited to those stereotyped roles of a damsel in distress who needs a White Knight to save them have long gone away. And that is absolutely great news, it proves that being brave and fighting for what one feels is fair is no longer a matter of gender but attitude. Women in literature, and of course in fantasy and fiction,  fight on their own ⚔️

Many fantasy authors have been able to reflect this change. It’s no longer a fantasy to read about female main character or relevant sidekicks who are self-sufficient, fighters and capable of acting on their own behalf.

I am sure this is encouraging for a lot of people. So I wanted to show some examples of relevant female characters in some epic novels:

Eowyn

Undoubtedly one of the most important characters in The Lord of the Rings (if you like this series check these books like the Lord of The Rings) saga since she was the only one capable of defeating the fearsome Witch-king of Angmar (the leader of the Nazgûl or Ringwraiths), the one who could not be defeated by any man. Warrior of Rohan, was continuously protected by both his uncle and his brother, not allowing her to fight. She had to deceive both and disguise as a man in order to go to the battlefield. Not only she fought as bravely as anyone, defeated the leader of the Nazgûl was one the reasons their army took advantage over Mordor’s.

I couldn’t resist to include this quote:

“Hinder me? Thou fool. No living man may hinder me!”

Then Merry heard in all sounds of the hour the strangest. It seemed that Dernhelm laughed, and the clear voice was like the ring of steel.

“But no living man am I! You are looking upon a woman. Eowyn am I, Eomund’s daughter. You stand between me and my lord and kin. Begone, if you be not deathless! For living or dark undead, I will smite you, if you touch him.”

Epic, isn’t it?

Katniss Everdeen

The Hunger Games did not seem like a suitable place for a young lady, but Katniss was far beyond all that. From survivor to winner of the games defeating all those who looked like favorites. Proving that after her apparent fragility, there was a warrior spirit, capable of imposing on everyone and everything.

Yennefer

The love of Geralt of Rivia (The Witcher reading order) smelling like lilac and gooseberries. Not only smells good, But Yennefer is also a powerful sorceress who has cleverly and magically camouflaged both her real age and appearance. Aside from her magical abilities, she also played a very important role as King Demawend’s adviser, a position that until then seemed to be reserved only for men.

Funnily, the writer of the series, Andrzej Sapkowski, said the following:

When I created Yennefer’s character I wanted Geralt to fully grow, but then I decided to make things complicated. I created a female character who refuses to be a fantasy stereotype to please the reader.

Brienne of Tarth

Brienne of Tarth is a relevant character of A Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones) and, in my opinion, a really inspiring one. Daughter of the Lord of Tarth, being she his only heiress, she would behave more like a soldier. After a life of rejection due to both her unattractive appearance and her lack of feminine social graces, she will find her path, the path of the knights.

She started as King Renly’s personal bodyguard and ended up becoming a sword sworn by Catelyn Stark in the search for her daughters. She successfully carried out his mission and ended up protecting both Arya and Sansa. Earning the respect of both friends and enemies, as is seen with the treatment she has with Jaime Lannister. Throughout fiction, we see her as a figure capable of defeating any warrior, however fearsome they may be, as is the case with The Hound. In addition, Brienne goes to the battlefield without hesitation and is shown as a mortal and dangerous enemy.

So here you had some examples of some popular books for women to be inspired, I hope they are encouraging enough and hope these are cool good reads for you.

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