The Choices of Lady Éowyn by Zdenka  

The Choices of Lady Éowyn

Long have I waited, lingering silent,
my stride shortened to steps that faltered,
in bitter silence biting back words,
sought by a craven with crooked mind.

In grief I saw greatness wither,
the House of Eorl dishonored, failing.
Death and danger to dear ones came;
deedless I sat, sunk in mourning.

Shall I always, till old age claim me,
be left behind, the hearth keeping?
Left behind and love denied me,
the love I sought and life with glory?

Where will wants not, a way opens;
in Rider’s garb I go to battle.
With helm and hauberk, swift horse and sword,
I stand arrayed—stay me who dares.

Gladly I greet the grim swordplay;
pain and danger daunt not my heart.
Here is my choice: a hero’s deed,
a hero’s death if doom calls me.

Faithful-faithless, I follow unsought;
Éomund’s daughter with Éomund’s son,
Théodwyn’s daughter with Théodwyn’s brother
rides to Mundburg—red flare the beacons.

The night deepens, darkness falls round us,
men like phantoms fade in shadow.
Let hooves thunder and horns resound,
though silence take all songs hereafter.

Chapter End Notes

“Where will wants not, a way opens” - a proverb quoted by Éowyn in The Return of the King

Éomund’s daughter, Théodwyn’s daughter - Éowyn

Éomund’s son - Éomer

Théodwyn’s brother - Théoden

Mundburg - the Rohirrim’s name for Minas Tirith