I don't mean to be beating my opinion into the ground on this one, but I wanted to make another clarification regarding the relationship between pityer and pityee. in the three cases mentioned before, the pity was given in peace time or post-resolution, the situation was well in the hand of the pityer.
In the case of Luthien and Sauron, the situation was one of wartime and agression, and although the immediate situation was in the hand (or mouth) of Huan, the greater situation was most definately not. All this is to say, I think it must have been some other reason than pity that Luthien let Sauron go.
Bonus follow up for those in the pity party: If you believe Sauron was released out of pity, what do you think Luthien would have done if it was a balrog in that situation?
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War Eagle.
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