In this essay a conclusion about the way female characters are portrayed in fantasy novels will be attempted through an analysis of one selected female character from each selected novel. The works that have been chosen are; J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, Robert Jordan’s The Eye of the World and A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin. The analysis will be done with the help of examples and theories from both feministic criticism and gender studies. During the course of the discussion the background of the fantasy genre and goal of the scientific theories will be explained.The fantasy genre in itself allows its authors a chance to criticize the norms of our society, freed from the restraints of realism. The findings of this essay however, imply that some fantasy authors forsake this chance in order to more accurately emulate the medieval European society or in fact actively reinforce patriarchal norms.

1 score (viii, 129 p. ： music) / Age of Legends is an original orchestral composition in three movements, of approximately twenty minutes in duration. In the tradition of the literature-inspired symphonic poem, the piece is based on the celebrated fiction series The Wheel of Time , by acclaimed American author Robert Jordan (1948-2007). The title of the thesis refers to a particularly enchanting era described in the series, wherein the magical and miraculous are interwoven into everyday life. The piece's three movements portray a purely musical depiction of the breathtaking adventures that unfold throughout the fourteen-volume fantasy saga, evoking its richly imaginative scenes and thrilling, dramatic developments. Additionally, the music seeks to embody the intense emotional and psychological states experienced in the lives of The Wheel of Time 's fascinating literary characters, as they undergo defining moments of tremendous bravery, extreme peril, and exultant triumph. / Committee in charge: Dr. Robert Kyr, Chair; Dr. David Crumb, Member; Dr. Jack Boss, Member