There are many good beheadings in Peter Jackson’s first-rate interpretation of “The Lord of The Rings” (2001 – 2003). But the one most worth study – because it is the most iconic, as well as one of the most significant in the history of Middle Earth’s Third Age – is the beheading of the Witch-king’s Fell Beast by the young warrior-maiden Éowyn (AKA Lady of the Shield-arm, AKA White Lady of Rohan; later titled Lady of Ithilien, AKA Lady of Emyn Arnen).
Since first reading Tolkien’s books as a child, this has been one of my favorite moments in the story, and I’m sure that the heroic lone figure of Éowyn on the battlefield helped inspire me to write the stories of my own beloved Battle-Maidens – Boudicca, Penny Morehouse, et al. It’s an archetype which inspires to this day.
Also I’m married to one, so that’s good.
