Difference between Tolkien and the 'modern Fantasy' authors?

[Mirannan]

I agree. Some characters do fall into type. Galadriel does a lot, but off-stage, so to speak (casting down Dol Guldur), but she is literally the oldest and wisest of elves we know of (outside of what we guess or is confirmed outside of LOTR) that understands the mind of Sauron the best - without being corrupted. Arwyn is the 'prize' princess in context, yet I think that's just fine given she's likely the greatest motivator for Aragorn - her story I feel would be a distraction, but I would imagine that she'd be an extremely interesting character without having to be on the battlefield. I find the story of Eowyn among the most moving and triumphant in LOTR.

Let me toss out a follow up to this. All of our nine walkers are male. If one or more were female, which would have had the least impact on the story line (meaning, changing the story line the least)?

That last question is easy, IMHO. There are only three candidates; Legolas, Pippin and Merry. LOTR is essentially an early mediaeval society; thus Gandalf or Aragorn being female is right out, ditto Boromir. Dwarves have very few females and it's at least implied that they never leave the caves. And Sam being female would introduce complications that would derail the story - unless Frodo was also female, but lady hobbits are portrayed as being homebodies even more than the male ones usually are.

However, I can't see Legolas and Gimli being more than friends; elves and dwarves are too different. And Pippin and Merry might easily be female, with the previous caveat about female hobbits - and either or both of them becoming knights might be problematic.

Which being female would change the story least? IMHO, Legolas. Admittedly, Legolas's attraction for Arwen might be a little odd for a story written in the 1930s. But that's a minor theme in any case.