Rowan Empire
You might have just stumbled upon the biggest Prince Rowan Whitethorn (‘Throne of Glass’ by SJM) stan there is – and to answer why I have such a special, partly delulu, connection to him, I put together my most important thoughts in two parts.
Welcome to the Rowan Empire.
➀ Rowan is part of my healing journey
This is quite personal, but I’m convinced it’s important we talk about healing. 🖤 We need more vulnerability. And I’m happy to start, so here’s my/our story:
I suffer from excessive toxic masculine energy and have started to replace my old, overprotective warrioress with Rowan in my mental team. What does that mean?
My comfort zone is more – never rest, always forward, five steps ahead, responsible for everyone, prepared with shield and sword held high. The masculine energy of emergency cases… But I live like that all the time.
I picture it as a fierce warrioress in my head, because personification helps me. A true yet blind fighter, who burns up all resources before they’re even needed. She leaves no room for the creative, playful, passionate feminine energy, afraid it leads to weakness.
And then I met Rowan.
He showed me that I don’t only wish for someone like him by my side, but to become someone like him for myself. Replacing my old warrioress. A steady, unfaltering presence. Capable of bringing the whole world down – but only if it’s needed. Giving space to my feminine energy to finally feel safe and flourish. Eye to eye. Shielding, soothing. Ease.
➁ Rowan is the embodiment of healthy masculinity
⚠️ Although I tried not to give away major plot points, the following paragraph contains hints regarding the entire Throne of Glass series. Proceed with caution!
There’s the obvious: he’s said to be the most powerful Fae male alive, is strongly built, has beautiful green eyes and smells like home.
But that’s not what’s most important here. Let’s look further:
To me, Rowan is the embodiment of healthy masculinity.
He sees eye to eye beyond status or age. He protects without forcing. He constantly reflects before reacting. He respects, even honors!, Aelin’s past – especially Sam – and is the only one truly seeing her. He’s a steady, calming, supportive, reliable presence (always there but only stepping in when really necessary without the need to boast).
Rowan is hundreds of years old and endured so much sh!t, falling into depression – still, he decided to give life another chance when he found Aelin and a purpose. He works on his own healing without bleeding on others. He’s the only one not afraid of Aelin, literally stepping through her fire. He accepts her fears and works with her to heal her distrust of the world. He gives her space and is still available.
Our Prince gives his all for the ones important to him – Aelin, the cadre, their friends and family, for Terrasen. He never puts himself first.
Despite him being a freaking warrior, he knows how to be gentle and patient. He’s able to control and focus his crazy powers and the temper that comes with them. I can’t remember that he ever failed someone (except for this one stupid line in ‘Heir of Fire’ maybe, but no one’s perfect). He did never ever give up once on Aelin – or a good outcome for their world.
© 2025 – Untamed Letters