Middle-earth Journeys

I have no problem with a Mirkwood female warrior elf being presented in the film, as long as she isn't romantically linked to Legolas or Thranduil. It makes perfect sense that Thranduil would have female warriors in his army. His kingdom is under siege and has been under siege by the Necromancer and his minions for hundreds and hundreds of years. An embattled King, seeking to preserve his people and the forests they love, is going to accept the participation of skilled warriors regardless of their gender if he has any sense at all, and Thranduil certainly is no fool. In fact, I would find it very unrealistic if ALL Mirkwood warriors were male. I hope we see other female elven warriors in the background, kicking butt and taking names!

As Sage mentioned, there is a great tradition of female warriors and heroines in early Northern European sagas and legends -- Boudicca comes immediately to mind, as well as Eleanor of Aquitaine and the Amazons of Greek legend. Why shouldn't a female be allowed to defend her homeland and family if she so desires -- ESPECIALLY if she's really good at it?

Merry, like you, I reserve judgment until I see what PJ & Co. actually DO with the character. If she comes across true to The Professor's vision of Middle-earth, then I will have no problem with Tauriel.

If not, GRRRRRRRrrrrrrrr!