A cage.

Aragorn
You have some skill with a blade.

[With a swift move, Éowyn swings her sword and renders Aragorn vulnerable, gaining the upper hand.]

Éowyn [Stepping back and sheathing her sword.]
Women of this country learned long ago: Those without swords may still die upon them. I fear neither death nor pain.

Aragorn
What do you fear, my lady?

Éowyn
A cage. To stay behind bars until use and old age accept them and all chance of valor has gone beyond recall or desire.

in the lord of the rings: the two towers.