Just how fierce WAS Éowyn on the Pelennor?

[Dáin Ironfoot I]

We all know she slayed the Witch-King with the aid of Merry. We all know her role in the Pelennor Fields was vital to the victory that day. But, did she do anything else?

Nowhere in the book does it describe the young Dernhelm cleaving Orcs, or where her position was in the cavalry charge. What did she do the whole time while Theoden and her brother rode out to meet the forces of Sauron, did she just trail behind her uncle, waiting to defend him if needed? Or did she know right away she would go defeat this Witch-King?

So my chief question is: What was she doing the whole time during the Pelennor, before she did the feat she is known so well for? Did she take place in any combat? Any thoughts, or is this a subject that cant be discussed due to the lack of information?

 

[BlackCaptain]

Actualy I never can remember her doing anything but cheating me out of my life. She sort of just showed up then came right into battle with me as far as I know

 

[Mr. Underhill]

The Riders of Rohan probably rode directly into combat, and when the Witch-King became aware of this attack, I'm sure he went straight for Theoden to destroy him and the will of his attackers. I doubt that much time evolved in which Eowyn might have had the opportunity to do much else. Regrding her "fierceness" ... she followed Theoden to die with her King (as at the time the odds were well stacked against them). When you fear no loss, then great will be your wrath ...

 

[Inderjit S]

Well she is mentioned as being as being close to the King from the start of the battle and Merry gets a detailed description of Theoden's actions in the Battle so she would have been at the forefront. But the majority of the time when she was in battle was when they were routing the Northern part of the army that was assailing Minas Tirith therefore she wouldn't really be able to 'distinguish' herself very much.

 

[Elka]

Well I think that she was really fierce and courageous, because she did what she could!!!!and she wasn't forced to go to fight, she chose to go herself.

 

[Rhiannon]

Before the ruin of the north-gate in the Rammas the king halted again. The first eored drew up behind him and abotu him on either side. Dernhelm kept close to the king, though Elfhelm's company was away on the right.

Suddenly the king cried to Snowmane and the horse sprang away [...] For morning came, morning and a wind from the sea; and darkness was removed, and the hosts of Mordor wailed, and terror took them, and they fled, and died, and the hoof of wrath rode over them. And then all the host of Rohan burst into song, and they sang as they slew, for the joy of battle was on them, and the sound of their singing that was fair and terrible came even to the City.

Theoden King of the Mark had reached the road from the Gate to the River, and he turned towards the city that was now less than a mile distant. He sllackened his speed a little, seeking new goes, and his knights came about him, and Dernhelm was with them.[...] Southward beyond the road lay the main force of the Haradrim, and there their horsemen were gathered about the standard of their chieftain. And he looked out, and in the glowing light he saw the banner of the king, and that it was far ahead of the battle with few men about it. [...] Great was the clash of their meeting. But the white fury of the North-men burned the hotter, and more skilled was their knighthood with long spears and bitter. Fewer were they but they clove through the Southrons like a fire-bolt in a forest.

Theoden is on the war-path and blazing through the enemy, and we know that Dernhelm is near at hand for all of this, and therefore probably knocking off her fair share of orcs and men. The charge is swift, though, and it isn't long before the Witch King descends on Theoden...and we all know what happens then...

 

[Flammifer]

Hear all ye people!

Let none attempt to dis' Eowyn!

For Rhi is mighty in her defence, and we'll lose every time!

Hmm OK let's all ignore that it's very poor........

Anyway, Rhi has laid out the evidence before us.......she evidently was in the battle and slew her fair share of orcs and men.

 

[Rhiannon]

Hear all ye people!

Let none attempt to dis' Eowyn!

For Rhi is mighty in her defence, and we'll lose every time!

Hmm OK let's all ignore that it's very poor........

I like it! I just like to quote the book...Does anyone else think that ' they sang as they slew' is just a great line?

Note: the [...] in my quotes are where I skipped things because my hands were tired, but nothing that would change the meaning of the quote.

 

[Flammifer]

Hahaha yes it's a great line! Slightly morbid, but a good line just the same!