| The Role of Women in Tortall |
| Tortallan woman, especially noble women, were seen as useless ornaments, good only to be married off for dowries and bearing childeren. Up until about 430 HE, any women who wanted an alternate life became at the lowest extreme, mages, healers and priestesses, or at the high extreme, theives, prostitutes, and Shang warriors. Over four hundred years ago, when immortals roamed the Mortal Realms, women were needed in the battle. They were accepted as warriors because every hand available to help kill off the immortal threat was needed. After the sealing of the Human and Divine realms, women were no longer needed and were forced back to their former roles as mothers and wives. This mentality slowly phased out at the discovery that Alan of Trebond, squire to the prince, was, in fact, a girl named Alanna. There was an initial storm in which people used excuses for Alanna's success, including her Gift, and outside help from fellow pages and squires. The idea that girls could become warriors was finally accepted by most when Kelardry of Mindelan passed standardised tests to become a squire. The proof of these tests, coupled with the facts that the Lioness, as Alanna was now called, and the fact that Kelardry was Giftless, forced most people in Tortall to accept the fact that some determined girls were able to fight. The role of women in magecraft has been practically the only one which has remained close to static since the start of the Human Era. Despite the fact that female warriors were no longer needed or encouraged, women continued to have Gifts that matched or outshone their male counterparts. Even though most Gifted women were relegated to becoming healers and hedgewitches, some bravely continued on as scholars and great mages. Of late, women in Tortall have become greatly liberated, earning a freedom and rights they had never dreamed of, not even four hundred years before. ~ Written by theladysong ~ |
| The role of women as warriors in 453 HE. Class and time does matter on a woman having a role as a warrior. For commoners, it was generally accepted for a woman to learn and know how to fight. They had to learn to do so for self defence and practicality. This could explain the favourable response to the Queen's Riders. For nobles, when the need arises, womenfolk do rise to the occassion, helping to keep off invaders in one way or another (as Neal had said in FT) For example, Marielle, Imrah's lady, went to arms when the immortals attacked Port Legann (In ROTG) . A weapon more acceptable for noble women would be the bow and arrow. This is made popular by Queen Thayet, when she started the Queen's Ladies. She has paved way for more noble women to learn how to fight. However, when times are more peaceful, it is generally frowned upon, for noble women to fight. For example, a very close to our heart example of Keladry. This discouragement of noble women to fight can be seen in the poor response to King Jonathon's declaration that girls could become knights compared to the response of the Queen's Riders. Noble women were expected to attract husbands of noble lineage and to form favourable alliances. I have no doubt, that once Keladry has gotten through the system, others would slowly, but surely follow. Gentle Readers may be wondering how about Thayet and Alanna? Well, this is because they are of the highest classes in the realm. The King's Champion and the Queen. Thus, do not receive as much public scorn as much as ordinary noble women. Probably because of their ranking and King Jonathon's obvious support. Perhaps the kingdom has attributed Alanna's peculiar inclination towards fighting to a childhood with no firm noble female influence. Thayet and Alanna do get some snide remarks, but they are, in the end, accepted as female warriors in their own right. ~ Cynical Reader ~ |