And another SF thing: Galactic Empires and Gender

[roseembolism]

So, I've always been a bit bemused by the fascination that SF writers have with Galactic Empires. But just now, something new grabbed my attention. We all know that in history, there's been a number of empires -- some of the more famous and powerful ones in fact -- have been headed by women: Elizabeth, Victoria, Catherine the Great, and so on. But here's the question: in SF literature, story, can one name an interstellar empire run by an Empress?

(note: planetary empires, of the sort headed by the beautiful queen just waiting to be impressed by a strapping Earthman don't count)

Hmm...I honestly can't think of any. And what does this say about Science Fiction and gender?

edit: My beautiful wife did point out a female GE empress: the Ahb empire in the anime/novels Banner of the Stars.

Comments

[mindstalk.livejournal.com]

Though she's not a Galactic Empress, unless the later books have gotten really far-ranging.

[deirdremoon.livejournal.com]

No, you're right... only Empress of one world, even though it's basically two civilizations. That probably doesn't count for the original question.

[mindstalk.livejournal.com]

She's more like T'Pau, planetary governor of Vulcan. Planetary empress-like.

Better example might be Pyanfar Chanur, who stumbles from "space freighter trading captain" to something like an Augustan ruler of the oxygen-breathing part of Compact space. President of the hani amphictiony, mekt-hakkikt of the kif, Personage of Personages of the mahen (why?), maybe something of the sstsho I think. Oh, President of Compact Space according to Wikipedia -- really?

Of course, she's clearly alien. So's Ilisidi.