Personally I'd love to see her remain the People's Princess. What's so lovely about Gwen is that, compared to the other three at least, she's "normal." She isn't a prince with amazing fighting skills (she's skilled, but not to the extent that Arthur is), and she doesn't have magic like Merlin and Morgana. Despite all of this, however, she has proved time and again that she can make a difference -- sometimes the biggest different -- just through taking a stand. It's very inspiring, and I think it makes her a terrific role model, especially for the younger viewers of the show. That's not to say that Gwen should never pick up a sword (I'm pretty sure Angel would cry if that happened, and crying Angel = DNW), but, for the most part, I hope she remains the woman strong enough to make her voice heard no matter what the occasion.
i really like your point about Gwen being the most normal, proving that you don't need nobility or magic on your side to be powerful. i do hope, this series, that she can be actively involved in some sort of adventure/mission ... not just as a critical "knower of information" (which is a step up already, and therefore excellent), but a necessary pair of hands. many people have prompted or written fic in which the tables are turned and one of the boys needs the rescuing, and i very much so dig that idea.
i do hope, this series, that she can be actively involved in some sort of adventure/mission ... not just as a critical "knower of information" (which is a step up already, and therefore excellent), but a necessary pair of hands.
Agreed, completely! Just because she's the normal one doesn't mean she can't get her piece of the action. After all, there's a difference between donning armor and taking part in adventures. Not to make another very overused comparison to Robin Hood, but giving her a more Marian-like roll would be nice (minus the Night Watchman, because that might be a bit too much on the side of warrior queen). I can imagine Gwen trying to talk sense into the boys, but heading out with them and saving their hides (or at least being a great help) when they refuse to see reason.
not to embarrass myself too terribly, but i've never seen Robin Hood ... beyond that 70s disney version with the foxes. WHICH I LOVED. ... but barely remember. ;D
and yes yes yes to your thought. ultimately, i hope that S3 bestows us with a strong OT3 vibe between gwen, arthur and merlin. i was not keen on gwen being left out of a lot of S1 stuff, but their dynamic in 2x02 and 2x07 was wonderful. ultimately, i hope the door is opened into Gwen's obvious skills and the necessity of their contribution. detective agency, FTW.
LOL. i do not have your gwen running icon. oh wells.
Re: LAAAAAAAAAA you have opened a subject that has many concerns for meeeeimiginationApril 25 2010, 21:32:04 UTC
Y. totally.
i agree with your assessment re: sci-fi tropes, though i'd neglected to recognize the trend until you made the point. Gwen as a quiet hero is a powerful image, and i totally get behind it.
the show. =/ Merlin (the show) does some really funny things in terms of grouping and trends. what you say about women being physically powerful is very true, and follows into the same trend as other weird "othering" things re: magical v. non-magical people, etc. ... so option "C" sounds nice. ;D
Like everyone else says, Gwen has something unique about her for not being a warrior or a sorcerer. Her voice and her convictions are her strongest weapons, and she uses them just as effectively as Merlin uses his magic or Arthur his sword. So, I'd personally prefer to see her remain the People's Princess, but that doesn't necessarily mean excluding all aspects of the Warrior Queen. Gwen's already proved that she's just as handy with a sword as she is with using her words to motivate and to speak for others.
In the legends, there are even instances where Guinevere was present in the midst of one battle or another with Arthur, sometimes even in dire circumstances. While the legends don't say that she was directly involved in the fighting, it wouldn't be that much of a stretch for the show to have Gwen stand up and fight with Arthur.
So, a little of both does make for a more rounded Gwen. And if a dash of the second makes Angel Coulby happy, then so much the better.
Comments 7
Reply
i really like your point about Gwen being the most normal, proving that you don't need nobility or magic on your side to be powerful. i do hope, this series, that she can be actively involved in some sort of adventure/mission ... not just as a critical "knower of information" (which is a step up already, and therefore excellent), but a necessary pair of hands. many people have prompted or written fic in which the tables are turned and one of the boys needs the rescuing, and i very much so dig that idea.
Reply
i do hope, this series, that she can be actively involved in some sort of adventure/mission ... not just as a critical "knower of information" (which is a step up already, and therefore excellent), but a necessary pair of hands.
Agreed, completely! Just because she's the normal one doesn't mean she can't get her piece of the action. After all, there's a difference between donning armor and taking part in adventures. Not to make another very overused comparison to Robin Hood, but giving her a more Marian-like roll would be nice (minus the Night Watchman, because that might be a bit too much on the side of warrior queen). I can imagine Gwen trying to talk sense into the boys, but heading out with them and saving their hides (or at least being a great help) when they refuse to see reason.
Reply
and yes yes yes to your thought. ultimately, i hope that S3 bestows us with a strong OT3 vibe between gwen, arthur and merlin. i was not keen on gwen being left out of a lot of S1 stuff, but their dynamic in 2x02 and 2x07 was wonderful. ultimately, i hope the door is opened into Gwen's obvious skills and the necessity of their contribution. detective agency, FTW.
LOL. i do not have your gwen running icon. oh wells.
Reply
(The comment has been removed)
i agree with your assessment re: sci-fi tropes, though i'd neglected to recognize the trend until you made the point. Gwen as a quiet hero is a powerful image, and i totally get behind it.
the show. =/ Merlin (the show) does some really funny things in terms of grouping and trends. what you say about women being physically powerful is very true, and follows into the same trend as other weird "othering" things re: magical v. non-magical people, etc. ... so option "C" sounds nice. ;D
Reply
In the legends, there are even instances where Guinevere was present in the midst of one battle or another with Arthur, sometimes even in dire circumstances. While the legends don't say that she was directly involved in the fighting, it wouldn't be that much of a stretch for the show to have Gwen stand up and fight with Arthur.
So, a little of both does make for a more rounded Gwen. And if a dash of the second makes Angel Coulby happy, then so much the better.
Reply
Leave a comment