Male characters being heroic, in whatever way one chose to define that term, were Elena Tiriel's request.
"All tales remember how they never ceased to war with us."
"We've hostages still from Helm's Deep," Éowyn reminds him.
"For a time; then it's war again."
"What think you, Éomer?"
"I think," the king says slowly, "'tis time we remembered ourselves of Cirion and Eorl—how we once were strangers here."
Éowyn considers. Finally: "The court shall howl."
"So be it. If they love peace, as they say, then let them live it!"