They’re not necessarily at the centre of many of the stories, but they can be found - and of course, being a strong woman doesn’t necessarily involve fighting with sword and shield (take Lúthien or Galadriel for example… and I feel there are other excellent examples as well, but that’s a subject for another post and another time!). Some people complain of a perceived lack of strong women in Tolkien’s writing, but I disagree. Turning back to face the Echoriath and ruined Dorthonion beyond, she raises her spear both in defiance of Morgoth and as a loving salute to her son and husband, left behind to fight.
She has arrayed herself in tough leather armour reinforced with steel plating, knowing that the hosts of Morgoth lay all about - and that though she did not have her wish to do battle in defense of Dorthonion, she may well have to fight to protect her followers in exile. A deep woolen hood shields her from the weather of the high passes, and she carries a large pack upon her back, laden with provisions for the difficult crossing. Here we see Emeldir against the backdrop of the mountains of the Echoriath, having led her people over their passes at last. For these deeds, and for her courageous disposition, she was given the epithet “the Man-hearted.” She gathered them and gave arms to those that would bear them, then she led them into the mountains and, after great hardship, to safety in the Forest of Brethil. Nevertheless, she was commanded to bring the women and children of Dorthonion to safety. Barahir, Beren, and the surviving Men of Dorthonion remained to defend it, and Emeldir’s desire was to remain and fight by her husband’s side.
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The land of Dorthonion was destroyed, its forests twisted and ruined, and it became known as Taur-nu-Fuin, the Forest Under Nightshade. Morgoth’s forces broke the long Siege of Angband and poured forth, routing the Elves and Men that opposed them.
In IA 455 Dagor Bragollach, the Battle of Sudden Flame, erupted to disastrous results. She was of the House of Bëor and was wed to Barahir son of Bregor. Emeldir bore Barahir a son destined for great deeds: Beren. In the First Age of Middle-earth, there lived in the land of Dorthonion a woman named Emeldir.
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