I know your face.

[Boromir88]

In the FOTR movies, we get a lot of comparisons between a father-child relationship. And each one in a way is different. There's Theoden-Eowyn, Elrond-Arwen, Denethor-his sons, Bilbo-Frodo, and Gandalf-Pippin. Now I know some of these really aren't parent-child's to one another, but all of their relationships are in some ways like a parent and childs.

What's even more interesting is the "real" parent-child relationships (Denethor and his sons, Elrond and Arwen) seem to be more controlling and domineering. They want to steer the lives of their children, and they expect to be listened to. Elrond softens up in the end, but in the beginning he was strong anti-Aragorn, and strong "you're coming with me, you belong with your people!"

But the one's that aren't "really" parent-child, seem to be the strongest. I think Theoden-Eowyn relationship shows this the best. Though Theoden is Eowyn's Uncle, their relationship is like that of a parent to a child.

Theoden is unlike Denethor in the way he treats Eowyn, and it shows a close bond between them. Lines like "I am happy for you, he (Aragorn) is a good man." Theoden is willing to set aside the fact that Aragorn basically took control of the commanding of Helm's Deep, and knows, he can see, that Eowyn is in love with him. Though we all know that Eowyn goes after Aragorn for the wrong reasons (and in the end she realizes this), but Theoden does not go as far as to control Eowyn and say "No, stay away from him!" He simply realizes she's "in love" and he respects her choice.

Theoden believes that they love eachother, and he's willing to give his daughter up for that, but he does not want her bound to him, if the love's not "true"..."I would not have you mourn for who's time has come."

And it's no surprise in the end that Eowyn is willing to die for Theoden. She gives up her "focus" on Aragorn, she let's go and she becomes who she was supposed to be. A shieldmaiden, ready to die for her people if the time comes..."Courage for our friends Merry."

Where Denethor from the beginning to the very end has to be that controlling father. He has to have things his way, he even takes it as far as having control over whether Faramir dies or not.

That's basically an overview of how I think a parent-child relationship works the strongest, and in some ways they really aren't parents to childs. Compare and Contrast the several parent-child relationships we see in the LOTR movies, and your opinions (because everyone may disagree) on these relationships, and how one should be.