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For those of you who’ve seen the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, I think Astrid is another good example of an Eowyn-arc. In the first film she’s an independent, rough-em-tough-em fighter girl who takes care of herself and doesn’t need anyone else’s help, but her so-called “strength” and determination to succeed above everyone else comes across as insecurity, not empowerment. Over the course of the next two films, she finds peace with who she is and the sharp edges of her character slowly disappear. Not that she stops being tough, but the toughness doesn’t define her; she isn’t afraid to admit that if it weren’t for the strength of others (particularly Hiccup), her own strength would be obsolete — and instead of going off and winning battles by herself (which, to be fair, she probably could do), she encourages and supports Hiccup, and pushes him to become the leader he needs to be.

Moral of the story: Helping others find their own strength doesn’t diminish your own. In fact, it might just prove you’re stronger.