Fair Lady Goldberry, Daughter of the River
2008; Mythopoeic Society; Volume: 27; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês
ISSN
0146-9339
Autores Tópico(s)Folklore, Mythology, and Literature Studies
ResumoCome, dear folk! she said, taking Frodo by Laugh and be merry! I am Goldberry, daughter of River. (Tolkien, Lord of [LotR] I:7, 121) CRITICS HAVE TAKEN J.R.R. TOLKIEN TO TASK for paucity of female characters in Lord of Rings, with some analysts even going so far as to charge him with misogyny. Catherine Stimpson asserts that Tolkien's women are built upon the most hackneyed of stereotypes (18), and Edith L. Crowe maintains, The most problematic aspect of Tolkien is indeed disappointingly low percentage of females that appear in his best-known and best-loved works, Hobbit and Lord of Rings (272). Close analysis of text, however, reveals a roster of women whose characters are rich and diverse, well drawn, and worthy of respect. In fact, as Lisa Hopkins notes, very scarcity seems to invest them with an air of uniqueness and of almost talismanic (365). Tolkien creates two kinds of women: noble woman of elevated stature--Galadriel, Arwen, Eowyn--and rustic, down-to-earth women, typified by female hobbits, such as Rosie Cotton. All of female characters in novel can be neatly divided between these two categories, with one exception: Goldberry, Tom Bombadil's lady, daughter of river. Although appears only briefly in novel, both her character and her actions are thematically significant, providing symmetry with later events and characters, bridging gap between Anglo-Saxon, noble women and rustic women of Shire, and providing an Eve figure who parallels Mary figure Galadriel. We as readers are aware of Goldberry's existence even before we meet her. Tom sings of her as he walks home: Down along under Hill, shining in sunlight, Waiting on doorstep for cold starlight, There my pretty lady is, River-woman's daughter, Slender as willow-wand, clearer than water. (LotR I:6, 117) After rescuing hobbits from Old Man Willow, Tom invites them to his home, but insists that Frodo postpone his tale until they are seated at dinner table, for Goldberry is waiting (I:6, 116), and Tom, considerate spouse who brings flowers to his wife, does not want to be late. appears to be a good husband, and he and seem to enjoy a happy marriage. Although Lord of does not specifically state that and Tom are married, Tolkien's Adventures of Tom Bombadil gives us history and marital status of this couple: Old Tom had a merry wedding, crowned all with buttercups, hat and feather shedding; his bride with forgetmenots and flag-lilies for garland was robed all in silver-green. (Adventures 16) Tolkien had very specific ideas on marriage for his hobbit characters: As far as I know Hobbits were universally monogamous (indeed they very seldom married a second time, even if wife or husband died very young); and I should say that their family arrangements were 'patrilinear' rather than patriarchal. [...] But government of a 'family', as of real unit: 'household', was not a monarchy (except by accident). It was a 'dyarchy', in which master and mistress had equal status, if different functions. (Tolkien, Letters 293) This formula seems to have extended beyond borders of Shire into Old Forest as well, for Tom and his wife exhibit mutual consideration and respect. Bombadil's song focuses on Goldberry's appearance, but we soon learn that she is wise and perceptive as well. As Frodo and his friends enter home of Tom Bombadil, his wife jumps up to greet them, instinctively going directly to Frodo, who, as Ringbearer, represents most important individual in group: 'Come dear folk!' she said, taking Frodo by hand. Moreover, recognizes him as an elf-friend, telling Frodo the light in your eyes and ring in your voice tells it (LotR I:7, 121-22). …
Referência(s)