Edith is to Luthien as JRRT is to... Beren?

[Galadriel]

Originally Posted by Galadriel55

I know that Tolkien dedicated the character Luthien to his wife, Edith. I also know that after they died, Edith had "Luthien" engraved on her grave, and JRRT had "Beren".

I understand how Edith could "be" Luthien - her character, cheerfulness, and of course Tolkien's love for her (also, Luthien=enchantress; Edith enchanted Tolkien?). But I just cannot connect JRRT with Beren. Does he really see himself as that character, or is it just a coincidence that he made Beren what he is, without any hints about himself? As far as I know, Luthien was the only character who "lived for real".

Your opinion?

I always thought JRRT based himself on Faramir?

I agree with Morthoron. I think JRRT idealized their relationship. He was rather the extravagant sort, wasn't he, when it came to drama?