Andreth and Adanel

[Bêthberry]

Because the brief reference to Malbeth does not come close to creating this kind of readerly response, which Child has described for Andreth and Adanel:

"...' Andreth was in full vigour, being not yet 50 (48). She was unwed as was not uncommon for Wise-women of Men.'

Another example is this:

' Of the Wise some were women, and they were greatly esteemed among Men, especially for their knowledge of the legends of ancient days.'

We know about Adanel through her Tale which reflects on the origins of evil or the fall of mankind. Our knowledge of Andreth comes from the Athrabeth Finrod ah Andreth where the two debated many points on the different paths of Elves and Men, the nature of the shadow, and the fact that the final destiny of Man lay beyond Arda. We also know of her deep love for Finrod's brother, and how that love could never be, to the everlasting grief of both parties. Andreth and her love is, to my mind, one of the most poignant unwritten tales of the Legendarium. It is impossible to read the Athrabeth without being struck both by her wisdom and depths of sorrow.

The allusion is a plot device rather than an exploration of character. A qualitative as well as quantitative difference, IMHO.

Respectfully,
Bethberry

[ October 08, 2003: Message edited by: Bêthberry ]