Luthien & Galadriel

[Bêthberry]

Originally Posted by davem

More interesting, I think, is the fact that in the end, both Luthien & Galadriel reject power: Luthien chooses mortality, Galadriel to 'diminish'. Power is clearly not the be all & end all for either of them. Luthien chooses love (& mortality) over power & Galadriel to 'diminish' & go into the West, where rather than an absolute monarch she will become merely a returning penitent seeking forgiveness.

I just have to say that I think davem has put the question in a most appropriate way, to consider what definition of power is best applicable. If we consider the context of LotR and its attitude towards power, then I think we see that its is moral authority that is validated. Even amongst the warriors themselves, it is Aragorn's growth towards wisdom which gives him authority, just as it is Boromir's contrition which gives him his stature, even as he lays dying. Power in this context is the power over one's self, a personal control of the will, rather than the ability to dominate or control others.